INFO Warehouse Page 7

4/16 FAA Issues Grounding Order for New York Helicopter Charter Inc. - HERE    4/15 FAA's Air Traffic Controller "Hiring Supercharge" Sees 10,000 Applicants - HERE    FAA Wants To Drop FSS Radio Network -HERE    4/08 F-16 Intercepts Plane With 'Headbutt' Move Near Trump's Mar-a-Lago Resort - HERE    4/5 FAA Increasing Support for Air Traffic Control at DCA - HERE    4/5 Trump’s Pick to Lead NASA Set for Confirmation Hearing Next Week - Here    4/5 Amazon resumes drone deliveries after two-month pause - HERE    4/4 PERRIS AIRPORT 9l65) - NEW PAGE ADDED Under So Cal Airports with Issues - HERE     4/2 NTSB Smooths Accident Data Reporting - HERE    4/2 Controller On Leave After Reagan Tower Fisticuffs - HERE    3/31 Sentencing Due for Drone Flying Man Who Flew Over Vandenberg - HERE    3/29 Acting FAA Administrator Takes Questions - HERE     3/28 Aviation Coalition Urges GA Pilots To Prioritize Safety - HERE    3/028 FBO Fuel Sales Steady But Stagnant In 2024 - HERE    3/24 Montana Bill Limits Use Of ADS-B Data For Landing Fees - HERE    3/22 EAGLE - Clearing the Air - Part 3 - HERE    3/20 NATA RECOMMENDATION FOR FLIGHT SCHOOL MODERNIZATION - HERE    3/20 Cape Cod Airport Faces Pushback From Neighbors - HERE

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Here is our Website's Shelf Space - Page 7

A Vast Amount of Data on this Page

Important Safety Messages can be found here!  Featured and Important Stories from SCAUWG.ORG that remain valuable sources of pertinent content can now be accessed here!

Our INFO Warehouse is designed to be a living reference area where certain previously published HOTNEWS articles and previously published aviation data can be memorialized and referred to, so that the message conveyed can continue to benefit site users.

Do you have comments/suggestions/submissions/opposing positions for this page?  They are   welcomed.  Just drop a message for us at SCAUWG@Earthlink.net

 

Preface:           (New Posts begin after Preface)

VECTORS FOR SAFETY LOGOVectors for Safety - a wonderful source for Aviation News, Professional Commentary and Accident Analysis is published monthly by Gene Benson and is now a permanent "Top of the Page" feature of our INFO WAREHOUSE.

To View the Mar. '24 Vectors for Safety CLICK HERE

 

Selected CHARTING NOTICES              FAA Safety Alerts and Charting Notice List Here.

01/10/2023  - Non-Public Airports Charted on VFR Aeronautical Charts - Effective November 3, 2022 Visual Flight Rules (VFR) aeronautical charts will remove all references to emergency use at private airports. The words “emergency or” shall be deleted from VFR aeronautical chart legends in reference to private airports. Beyond the December 29, 2022 effective date private airports with landmark value will be determined using the criteria below.
-Airport operational status
-Airspace determination
-Length and surface of runway(s)
-Owner’s charting preference
-Satellite imagery
-National Airspace System Resource (NASR) remarks specific to the airport
-Airport significance relative to surrounding chart features
For aeronautical data or charting inquiries visit the Aeronautical Information Portal at https://nfdc.faa.gov/nfdcApps/controllers/PublicSecurity/nfdcLogin.

02/22/2023  - Airport Diagrams - Addition of Lighting and Navigational Aids - Starting with the October 5, 2023 publication cycle, AIS will begin phasing in the addition of lighting and NAVAID information beginning with airports already being revised for information currently published on an airport diagram. As each airport diagram receives the lighting and NAVAID information, the airport’s corresponding Chart Supplement sketch will be removed from the Chart Supplement airport entry. The described aeronautical information previously shown on the sketch will be now available on the diagram instead in greater detail.  More info HERE.

03/09/2023 - Foreign Data on Enroute IFR Aeronautical Charts - This notice advises of aeronautical content changes in foreign areas on Enroute IFR Charts anticipated with the June 15, 2023 (or later) effective date. See the notice Here.

07/19/2023 - Changes to Wind Turbine Farms on the VFR Sectional Chart - Effective on or about August 10, 2023, the FAA’s Aeronautical Information Services (AIS) Visual Charting Team will begin implementing charting enhancements to Sectional Aeronautical Charts, VFR Terminal Area Charts, and Helicopter Route Charts to more clearly depict the location of wind turbine farms. This change will also be published in the Aeronautical Chart User’s Guide at bit.ly/FAAChartGuide.

The VFR charting changes will:

  1. Replace the current dashed line border with a zipper border (aviation blue) for easier identification of the boundaries of the wind turbine farm.
  2. Add 45-degree (diagonal) cross-hatching lines within all wind turbine farms for increased conspicuity.
  3. Revise the masked elevation box to include a white background and include the mean sea level (MSL) elevation figure of the highest obstruction (wind turbine rotating blade tip at the 12 o’clock position) within the wind turbine farm. The letters UC are added to depict a wind turbine farm Under Construction.       -  MORE  HERE

NEW!

12/06/2023 - The Arrival Alert Notice (AAN) will become part of the FAA Chart Supplement beginning with the January 25, 2024 effective date publications. These Arrival Alert Notices are graphics visually depicting the approach to a particular airport with a history of misalignment risk, and language describing the misalignment risk. When an AAN exists for an airport, it will be indicated in the Airport/Facility Directory section at the end of the AIRPORT REMARKS field for the specific airport. The AAN graphic will appear in the Special Notices section.    See a further explanation and examples of the new plan HERE.

Aeronautical Charting Meeting  (Charting Group)

  • The Aeronautical Charting Meeting (ACM) is a public meeting held two times every year. The purpose of the ACM is three-fold:
    • Identify issues concerning safety and usefulness of aeronautical charts and flight information products/services.
    • Discuss and evaluate proposals concerning aeronautical charts and flight information publications, digital aeronautical products, database coding, instrument flight procedures, and instrument flight procedure development, policy, and design.
    • Provide an opportunity for government and interested participants to brief and/or discuss new navigation concepts, terminal instrument procedures (TERPS) policy/criteria changes, and charting specifications and methodologies.

    The Aeronautical Charting Meeting is divided into two groups — the Instrument Procedures Group (IPG) and the Charting Group (CG) See Order 7910.5.

    The CG portion of the ACM includes briefings and discussions on recommendations regarding aeronautical charts and flight information products/services. Please visit the ACM Instrument Procedures Group Web Site for information regarding Instrument Procedure issues.

    The meeting is a facilitated discussion of new and outstanding topics. The status of an open issue will be reported from meeting to meeting until a resolution is reached, at which point the issue will be closed.

  • Aeronautical Charting Meeting (ACM) — Charting Group

    October 2023 Mtg.:

    Next Meeting:

    • The next meeting will be held on April 22-25, 2024, as a virtual meeting. Details will be provided at a later date.
    • To be added to the ACM email distribution list, send a message with your contact information to: 9-amc-avs-acm-info@faa.gov

    New Recommendation Documents for Upcoming ACM (CG)

    Future Dates

    • Meeting 24-01 – April 22-25, 2024

MANUALS You May Need:

MANUALS You May Need:

 

NEWEST AERONAUTICAL CHART USRS GUIDE

The Chart Users' Guide is updated when there is new chart symbology or when there are changes in the depiction of information and/or symbols on the charts. It will be published in accordance with the 56-day AIRAC schedule.

Effective Date: 06/15/2023

INTRODUCTION

This Chart Users' Guide is an introduction to the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) aeronautical charts and publications. It is useful to new pilots as a learning aid, and to experienced pilots as a quick reference guide

 

AVIATION MX HUMAN FACTORS QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER

The Aviation MX Human Factors Quarterly is no longer published but was written by maintenance human factors professionals dedicated to identifying and optimizing the factors that affect human performance in maintenance and inspection and is still relevant.

2021

  • September (PDF), Volume 9, Issue 3
  • June (PDF), Volume 9, Issue 2
  • March (PDF), Volume 9, Issue 1

For a COMPLETE LIST of  MX HUMAN FACTORS QUARTERLY NEWSLETTERS 2021-2013 and ARTICLES on TOPICS that Include, Past Issues of the MX Fatigue FOCUS NEWSLETTERS,  GENERAL FATIQUE, MAINTENANCE FATIQUE, & FATIQUE RISK MANAGEMENT -  CLICK HERE.

 

FATIQUE RISK MANAGEMENT

Publications and Articles - View publications and articles about human fatigue, shift work, maintenance personnel fatigue, and fatigue risk management.

      General Fatigue and Maintenance Fatigue Papers   Collection of Important Information from FAA.GOV.  CLICK HERE

Also, see FAASAFETY.GOV Human Factors Training Courses:  ALC-731

 

IFP Announcements and Reports

The ILS Procedures and Components List (below) is a full list of ILS procedures and related components within the NAS. This list includes all Category I, II, III approaches as well as Special Authorization Category I and II. The sortable list can be downloaded and is updated with the normal instrument procedure charting cycle. The information contained in the ILS Procedures and Components List is extracted from Aeronautical Information Services databases. It should not be used for navigation or flight planning. Information on GPS/WAAS approaches.

The table below provides announcements and reports related to new Instrument Approach Procedure (IAP) development in the National Airspace System (NAS).  ILS Procedures and Components List Eff:Nov 30 2023 (MS Excel)

 

Proposed Instrument Flight Procedures - Care to Comment?

 

This Page [latest] was added on 08/20/23  -  See Pages  IW 1-6 for Previous Posts  -  Thank You! 

Let's Begin: 

03/30/2024   Pilots Have Questions When It Comes to MOSAIC - From FLYING - "Here’s an overview of the proposed regulations and some opinions provided during the comment period. - MOSAIC (Modernization of Special Airworthiness Certification) is a regulation that affects all aircraft with special airworthiness certificates. Aircraft built by Cessna, Piper, Cirrus, Diamond, and others instead have standard certificates, and their new models remain untouched by this proposed regulation.

In contrast, all light sport aircraft (LSA), experimental amateur-built airplanes, and warbirds are issued special certificates. In my view, the rule can be divided into two main parts: airplane descriptions and capabilities, and pilot certificates, technician privileges, and operating limitations. In short, airplanes or people."  Much More on the Topic Here.

03/30/2024   DoT Inspector General To Audit FAA Efforts On Drone Integration - From AVweb - "Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operation of unmanned and autonomous systems (UAS) operations took a big step forward today (March 13). The Office of the Inspector General (OIG) for the Department of Transportation (DoT) filed a memorandum on the FAA’s efforts to establish a regulatory framework for such operations."  Finish reading Here.

03/30/2024   EAA's Magazine SportAviation April 2024 edition available here as a way to direct your interest toward the EAA.  View it Here.

03/30/2024   Satellite Navigation — GPS/WAAS Approaches - Get up to date Info Here.

03/29/2024   FAA Challenges Students To Innovate Data Usage In The NAS - From AVweb - "The FAA announced today (March 27) it has launched the “2024 FAA Data Challenge.” The object of the program is to invite university students to explore possibilities for innovating the information and data associated with the U.S. National Airspace System (NAS). The competition will be implemented by HeroX, self-described as an “open marketplace for crowdsourcing innovation and human ingenuity.” HeroX was founded in 2013 by entrepreneur Christian Cotichini and XPrize founder Peter Diamandis."  More Here.

03/27/2024    STAYING ALIVE? - Health Info - From AOPA - "Doctors are privileged to see people in their darkest hour, help many, cure some, and always reassure. But nothing beats resuscitating someone who, without attention, will die 100% of the time. And you can do this too. - Cardiac arrest is the sudden cessation of heartbeats; gas exchange in the lungs stops, organs do not receive required nutrients, and one by one, they die. For etymologists out there, “arrest” originates from Latin, re-stare; to remain, or stop. Stopped hearts kill 300,000–450,000 Americans yearly, more commonly men and older folk. - Risk factor awareness and action, as well as more people learning CPR, can dramatically reduce these deaths. Around 5–10% suffering CA outside the hospital survive; whereas among hospital in-patients, that number climbs to 20 -25%. According to a meta-analysis of 38 studies including 16,933 patients, around 2/3 were still alive after ten years, so CPR has long-term benefits!  -  When learning to fly, understanding electrical system misbehaviors is always taken seriously by..."   Read More Here.

03/27/2024   AOPA Rusty Pilots Online Course - "Get Back In The Left Seat" - Stay current and confident with this free online course for AOPA members. - Spring is here! Whether you’re gearing up for more time in the air or returning to the cockpit after a flying hiatus, AOPA has you covered. Members can take advantage of a fun, interactive course—Rusty Pilots Online —designed to refresh your aviation knowledge and polish your flying skills. - Here's what you can expect:

  • Real-World Scenarios: Immerse yourself in the scenario of a cross-country flight as we cover critical topics such as medical reform, weather briefings, preflight planning, regulations, airspace, and more.
  • Access to Flight Schools: We'll assist you in locating flight schools in your area, making it easy to transition from the virtual cockpit to the real one.
  • Additional Benefits: This course qualifies for the AOPA Accident Forgiveness and FAA WINGS programs.

Here's a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

  • Pilot and aircraft requirements
  • Flight planning and briefings
  • Understanding airspace and sectional charts
  • Operating in/around special use airspace
  • Embracing technology in the cockpit
Shake off that rust and get started now with Rusty Pilots Online! We’re here to support you every step of the way!  Learn More Here.

03/25/2024    Cal Fire uses new tech to train helicopter crews to fight fires at night - VIDEO - From CBS Sacramento - "SACRAMENTO – Cal Fire is in its first few years of using a new device that enables the agency to train helicopter pilots and crews to battle flames from the sky at night. - It marks a significant shift in fighting wildfires as nighttime helicopter suppression used to be impossible. - Cal Fire's S70 Hawk helicopters mobilized Wednesday in a unique training operation."  Read and See the data Here.

03/25/2024   GNS 430 Hysteria-25 Years Later - From AVweb - "The forums and news threads went berserk when Garmin sounded the warning horn last year that the parts bins stocked with major components to maintain the world-conquering GNS-series navigators are thinning, and that owners should start planning an upgrade. Garmin Service Advisory (23018 Rev. B) makes it official, saying in part that display repairs for the WAAS and non-WAAS GPS 400, GNC 420 and GNS 430 are no longer available and have been discontinued after 25 years of support. - It’s easy to understand the hysteria because for the masses, it’s tough to imagine flying..."  Continue Here.

03/25/2024   Video Of The Week: Garmin GNS 430: Throwaway Or Keeper? - VIDEO - From AVweb - "Despite false rumors and misinformation that the hugely popular Garmin GNS-series navigators are at the end of their service life, Garmin says that 99 percent of GNS users can keep using their units. Moreover, the Garmin factory will still continue to support common repairs and refurbishments as it has for..."  Continue Here.

03/25/2024   Understanding aircraft systems - From AOPA - "In this Safety Spotlight, the AOPA Air Safety Institute teamed up with California Aeronautical University to explore piston engines, propellers, and pneumatic systems."

03/25/2024   Combating spatial disorientation - From AOPA - "This video from the AOPA Air Safety Institute archives examines the hazards of spatial disorientation and offers strategies to avoid them."

03/19/0224   FAA Introduces New Technology To Enhance Airport Surface Safety Nationwide - From AVweb - "On Thursday, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced the implementation of a new surface safety tool that warns air traffic controllers when an approaching aircraft is not lined up on its assigned runway. - The FAA outlined plans to deploy Approach Runway Verification (ARV) technology at several airports across the U.S. this year through 2025, with Austin Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) the latest to adopt the solution. - “A safe National Airspace System begins and..."   Continue Here.

03/15/2024    Update to KLGB General Aviation Operations - From City of Long Beach - "This update addresses the status of the seven recommendations identified in the GA Report and provides updated data on GA operations and runway usage for Runways 26L and 26R. Additional questions received from the community are also answered and included as an attachment. The Airport remains committed to and engaged in finding meaningful opportunities to improve quality of life within our authority to address community concerns. Recommendation 1: Pursue Voluntary Agreements with LGB Flight Schools As voluntary agreements are typically the best and fastest remedy to noise mitigation, LGB continues to meet with its GA tenants to discuss community concerns regarding GA operations."  Read Full Document Here.

03/15/2024    FAA slow to install radar at booming SBD International Airport - (from 3/2023 - reprieve from 3/2023) From Community Forward  - "A look at why the delay has local pilots concerned. "SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY, Calif. - Air traffic at San Bernardino International Airport (SBD) has boomed in recent years. From meeting the growing demand of the logistics industry to welcoming a new passenger airline, SBD Airport has experienced a 133% increase in air traffic in the last decade.

Despite this rapid growth, there is one thing that has not changed. The San Bernardino Control Tower is yet to be updated with a radar system. That means the local control tower directs all planes landing at SBD Airport using radio and visual observation."  Finish Reading Here

03/09/2024   Latest GA Activity Survey Now Underway - The FAA’s 46th annual General Aviation and Part 135 Activity Survey (GA Survey), reporting on the calendar year 2023, is now underway. The GA Survey is the only source of information on the GA fleet, the number of hours flown, and the ways people use GA aircraft. -  ata from this survey are used by governmental agencies and industry to compute safety metrics such as fatal accidents rates; understand the impact of the GA industry on jobs, economic output, and investments in aviation infrastructure; track the success of safety initiatives, including avionics recommendations; determine funding for infrastructure and service needs; and assess the impact of regulatory changes. -  The FAA and industry need accurate data on a broad range of aircraft. Your participation is voluntary, but we need your help. We encourage everyone who is contacted to respond to the survey so that all aviation activity is represented. If you have questions, call 800-826-1797 or email infoaviationsurvey@tetratech.com.

03/09/2024   Schools Nationwide Receive $13.5 Million in FAA Grants to Develop the Next Generation of Aviation Professionals - Thirty-two schools will receive $13.5 million in grants from the FAA to help attract and train students for careers as pilots and aviation maintenance technicians.  -  Twelve of the schools will receive $4.5 million from the FAA’s Aircraft Pilots Aviation Workforce Development Grants (www.faa.gov/about/office_org/headquarters_offices/ang/grants/awd/pilots) program that they can use to prepare high school students to become pilots, aerospace engineers or drone operators. Grants may also be used to support the professional development of teachers. The other $9 million will go to 20 schools as part of the FAA’s Aviation Maintenance Technical Workers Workforce Development (www.faa.gov/about/office_org/headquarters_offices/ang/grants/awd/technical) program. These grants will help build back the pipeline of maintenance professionals. -  Recipients can use the funding to establish new educational programs; provide scholarships or apprenticeships; conduct outreach about careers in the aviation maintenance industry; and support educational opportunities related to aviation maintenance in economically disadvantaged areas.  -  Visit www.faa.gov/about/office_org/headquarters_offices/ang/grants/awd/awards for additional details.

03/04/2024  FAA Introduces More Airport Arrival Alert Notices - FAA RWY SAFETY NEWS - From AIN - "Arrival Alerts Notices are designed to help avoid pilots from landing on the wrong runway.-The FAA has updated and increased the availability of Arrival Alert Notices (AAN) at specific U.S. airports as a preflight tool to help pilots avoid lining up to land on the wrong runway, taxiway, or incorrect airport. According to the agency, general aviation pilots (including those crewing business aircraft) account for 83 percent of wrong-surface landings. - In testing, the agency said AANs have been “found to..."   Read More Here.

03/04/2024   Drones and Helicopters - Share Low Altitude Airspace - VIDEO - Midair collisions between drones and traditional aircraft are on the rise. Since 2017, there have been at least six confirmed and another six probable drone collisions with airplanes, helicopters, and hot air balloons, causing significant damage. - Most of these incidents happened to helicopters. These collisions have occurred mainly below 500 feet and some even in controlled airspace. Traditional aircraft always have the right of way over drones, but drone operators don’t always see and avoid in time.- In this video, we discuss these critical issues to flight safety and provide some best practices for rotorcraft pilots.  View the Video Here.

03/04/2024   FAA SAFETY BRIEFING: The March/April 2024 issue of FAA Safety Briefing magazine focuses on aviation weather and its critical effect on safe GA flying. - Articles review some of the many resources and tools pilots use to gather weather information as well as explore some of the trends revealed from weather-related accident data. We also sit down with the new FAA Administrator, Michael Whitaker, to discuss his take on general aviation safety. You can download the magazine HERE.

03/02/2024   Respect the Darkness of the Black Hole Departure - SAFETY - From FLYING - The conditions can make takeoffs challenging and sometimes downright deadly. - "Oddly enough, the other side of the black hole approach—the black hole departure—that can make takeoffs challenging and sometimes downright deadly does not receive the same amount of attention." Perhaps it’s time that it did.  Read about it Here.

02/29/2024   Podcast: Enhancing Privacy for Business Aircraft Operators - ADS-B - From NBAA/AOPA - "ADS-B has increased the safety and efficiency of our national airspace system, but it’s also raised significant privacy concerns since anyone with an ADS-B receiver has access to an aircraft’s registration information. The FAA has addressed those concerns with the Privacy International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Address program (PIA), which recently was expanded beyond the contiguous U.S. to include overwater routes. “There are many reasons why folks want to anonymize their movements, and many of those folks have a genuine security need,” notes NBAA’s Heidi Williams. “[That] is why the FAA moved to implement PIA as ADS-B Out was mandated.”

In this episode of NBAA’s “Flight Plan,” host Rob Finfrock speaks with:
  • Jens Hennig, vice president, operations for the General Aviation Manufacturers Association
  • Jim McClay, director for airspace, air traffic and security with the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association
  • Heidi Williams, NBAA senior director for air traffic services and infrastructure
  • Jamal Wilson, FAA surveillance services and the agency’s project lead on PIA

Listen to the Podcast on this Page.

02/28/2024    Russia Steps Up GPS Jamming In Nordic Countries - "Finland, Norway and Poland have all reported Russian jamming of GPS is affecting not just military units but airlines and air ambulance services. According to the Barents Observer, GPS jamming is practically a daily occurrence near the Russian border where Russia is stepping up “hybrid warfare.” It said the number of jamming incidents has more than doubled since Russia invaded Ukraine two years ago. Russia uses GPS jamming to thwart Ukrainian drone attacks.- The report makes no mention of GPS spoofing, in which receivers are..."    Continue Here.

02/27/2024   Flight Training Getting Safer - NEWS - From AVweb - "A new report conducted by the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association Air Safety Institute and Liberty University School of Aeronautics indicates flight training is getting safer with a near 50% decrease in fatal accidents over the last two decades. - Examining data from 2000-2019, the study showed 287 fatal flight training accidents. Parameters were focused on fatal accidents in the United States in fixed-wing piston singles and light twins with reciprocating engines under 500 horsepower per engine. Foreign accidents."  Continue.

02/27/2024   InFO 24003, Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) Part 135 Passenger Seating Configuration and Flight Data Recorder (FDR) Requirements, is now published. - This InFO reminds certificate holders operating under part 135 of the FDR equipage requirements specific to passenger seating configuration. - The InFO can be viewed by downloading the attached .pdf files or by clicking on the following link,https://www.faa.gov/other_visit/aviation_industry/airline_operators/airline_safety/info/all_infos/                       InFO24003.pdf

02/27/2024   Protecting Your Pilot Certificate - The FAA and Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) discuss protecting your pilot certificate in the new WINGS-credit course ALC-1093, Cost Sharing, Time Building, and Posting on Social Media.

The first chapter of the course covers important information that pilots and aircraft owners need to know and understand regarding flying passengers and property safely and legally.

The second chapter is about time building, which is not as intuitive as cost sharing and pertains to flying to build time and experience. It explores topics like whether you can fly your airplane and be reimbursed by your company.

The third chapter covers important information that pilots and aircraft owners need to know and understand when it comes to posting on social media, holding out for compensation or hire, and what may be used as evidence should safety regulations be compromised.

Take the course at https://bit.ly/alc-1093 and get WINGS pilot proficiency credit! Make sure to leave us feedback after taking the exam.

02/27/2024   SECURING AN AIRPLANE ON THE RAMP - KEEP YOUR AIRPLANE PROTECTED WHEN IT’S OUTSIDE - VIDEO - SAFTEY INFO - From AOPA - "Whether your airplane is parked on the ramp year-round, or you are on a trip away from the comforts of your hangar, properly securing your airplane when it’s parked outside is essential."  Read the Story - See the Video Here.

02/25/2024   Something Happened: Windshear takes down a Grumman Trainer - SAFETY - From FLYING -  "On a cloudless April afternoon a Grumman AA-1B Trainer lined up on Runway 16 at Dodge Center, Minnesota (KTOB), for takeoff. The wind, 27 knots gusting to 34, was coming from the right, 50 degrees off the little airplane’s nose. Three people had seen the pilot board the airplane and taxi out. One of them watched as it took off. -  When the airplane was, he thought, 500 feet above the ground and three-quarters of the way down the 4,500-foot runway, he returned to his work. A few minutes later, one of the others, who had not watched the takeoff but perhaps heard an impact, alerted him to what turned out to be the wreckage of the Trainer in a farm field not far from the end of the runway."  Full Article (and Safety Lesson) Here.

02/25/2024   Helicopters buzzing around Anaheim are part of the world’s biggest ‘vertical aviation’ expo - NEWS - From OC Register - "Residents between Fullerton and Anaheim may have noticed a variety of helicopters buzzing overhead Friday and will see several more over the weekend. They are in town for an expo at the Anaheim Convention Center, the largest gathering in the world of the vertical aviation industry.

The Helicopter Association International has brought its annual HAI HELI-EXPO to Anaheim for the first time since 2020 when it was one of the last large gatherings at the convention center before the coronavirus pandemic shut things down. The convention moves around the country each year; in recent years, it’s been hosted in..."  Continue Here.   Expo dates 2/27-29/2024

02/24/2024    FAA Urges Pilots to Rely on Traditional Navigation Amid Rising GPS Spoofing Threats - SAFETY INFO - From AIRGUIDE  -  "The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is cautioning pilots about the increasing threat of GPS spoofing, advising them to familiarize themselves with traditional navigational tools. GPS spoofing, a sophisticated form of interference, involves broadcasting false navigation signals to disrupt aircraft’s navigation systems, leading to potential off-course flights and endangering safety.

With the frequency of such incidents on the rise, the FAA’s recent Safety Alert for Operators emphasizes the importance for flight crews to vigilantly monitor their equipment, report any anomalies to air traffic control, and be prepared to navigate without reliance on digital satellite systems. The alert highlights the crucial..."  Continue Here.       To read more on GPS interference and spoofing including this SAFO refer to SCAUWG.ORG's GPS Interference page Here.

02/24/2024   NTSB Challenges FAA’s Cost Estimate, Urges 25-Hour Cockpit Voice Recorder Mandate for All Aircraft - NEWS - From AIRGUIDE -  "The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is advocating for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to require all aircraft equipped with a cockpit voice recorder (CVR) and flight data recorder (FDR) to have the capability to record 25 hours of cockpit audio. -  This push comes in contrast to the current standard, which allows for only two hours of recording before being overwritten. The NTSB’s recommendation aims to preserve critical flight information, highlighted by the recent investigation challenges faced during the Alaska Airlines 737-9 MAX incident. - While the FAA has proposed mandating..."  Continue Here.

02/23/2024   NBAA Questions Sweeping IRS Plan to Audit Business Aircraft Use - NEWS - From NBAA - "Washington, DC, Feb. 22, 2024 – The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) is questioning the Internal Revenue Service’s plan, announced this week, to “begin dozens of audits” of business aircraft use by American companies and entrepreneurs.

“Today’s announcement by the IRS amounts to nothing more than an audit in search of a problem, and an attempt to broadly paint with a negative brush the thousands of U.S. companies of all sizes that rely on business aircraft to effectively compete in a global marketplace,” said NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen."  Read the complete response HERE.

02/23/2024   FAA Response: April 18 letter to Acting Administrator Nolen and the Jefferson County Commissioners requesting that Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport (BJC) make unleaded aviation gasoline ( avgas ) available and phase out leaded avgas from BJC as expeditiously as possible.  This letter makes clear the FAA's position with regard to airports that have accepted improvement grants, explains the EAGLE program, and provides contact information.  You can read the May 2023 official FAA letter Here.

02/23/2024   How Voluntary Reporting Programs Benefit Everyone -  FAA - Voluntary reporting programs recognize the value of a transparent exchange of safety-related information and make the general benefits available to all participants in the National Airspace System (NAS). Familiarize yourself with these programs and learn how they protect you and benefit the NAS in the article “Sharing is Caring” at medium.com/faa/sharing-is-caring-f609d107df0e in the Jan/Feb 2024 issue of the FAA Safety Briefing. See the entire Compliance Program-themed issue at www.faa.gov/safety_briefing.

02/22/2024   Near-Historic Jet Streams Lead To Record Groundspeeds For Airliners - INFO - From AVweb - "Near-historically-strong winds over the mid-Atlantic Saturday night caused a Virgin Atlantic Boeing 787 Dreamliner flight from Washington, D.C., to reach London 45 minutes early. As reported by multiple news outlets, the National Weather Service (NWS) calculated the peak jet stream winds at approximately 265 mph for a maximum measured groundspeed of 802 mph. According to a National Public Radio report , the highest wind speed ever recorded by the NWS in the area was 267 mph on December 6, 2002. - The reports led to confusion among..."  Finish Reading Here.

02/21/2024   Flight Training Fatal Accidents Drop 50 Percent - INFO - From AIN - "Study shows 20-year reduction in flight training fatal accidents - The fatal flight training accident rate improved by nearly 50 percent between 2000 and 2019, according to a study released by the AOPA Air Safety Institute and Liberty University’s School of Aeronautics. The accident rate per 100,000 flight hours dropped from 0.49 in the 2000 to 2004 period to 0.26 for the aggregate years of 2015 to 2019. The total number of fatal accidents over the period from 2000 to 2019 was 287. - The study partially credited the progress to..." Read Further Here.

02/21/2024   Environmental Group Says California FBOs Will Be Able To Continue Selling 100LL - NEWS - From AVweb - "The lawyer for a California environmental group says a court settlement that will mandate the sale of G100UL avgas will not necessarily prevent FBOs from also selling 100LL. Mark Todzo, who represents the Center for Environmental Health, clarified part of his December 2023 letter to FBOs and fuel distributors informing of the imminent commercial availability of G100UL. In that letter Todzo said G100UL..."  Continue Here.

02/20/2024   Avgas Issue Comes To A Head And It’s About Time - INFO - From AVweb - "Looking back on it, I believe the uncomfortable ramblings of the EAGLE representatives and their curiously defensive posture was their anticipation of what happened this weekend. George Braly, the brilliant, enigmatic small-town Oklahoma engineer and lawyer who created what could be a viable unleaded replacement for 100LL, is poised to seriously disrupt EAGLE’s deliberate plan to ease general aviation into a lead-free future and even Braly himself didn’t see..." Read the Full Story Here.

02/18/2024   COLORADO LEAD STUDIES FAILED TO DETECT MEASURABLE AVIATION POLLUTION -  From AOPA - "STATE LAWMAKERS PROPOSE EXPEDITED AVGAS ELIMINATION NONETHELESS - Notwithstanding the lack of detectable lead in air and surface samples taken in three Colorado communities near Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport in 2023 (findings that came to light only after pilots obtained the reports via freedom of information requests), the legislature is now considering a nakedly anti-aviation bill that AOPA will vigorously oppose. - The legislation introduced February 12 seeks to penalize airports that do not adopt a plan to phase out avgas sales by January 1, 2026, restricting the use of "state aviation grant program" funds for such airports, and would add two members to the Colorado Aeronautical Board, expressly excluding pilots and requiring the governor to "give priority to individuals who are not trained pilots and who reside directly in the predominant flight path of a high-traffic general aviation airport or commercial airport at which there is significant general aviation activity" when appointing the new voting members, according to the bill's summary. - This is not the first manifestation of anti-airport, anti-GA sentiment in Colorado, nor likely the last. Homeowners in the vicinity of..."    Read this important article Here.

02/18/2024   Turboprops: Power Up - INFO - From FLYING - "Incredible capability and efficiency make the category shine. - "The turboprop market cruises along, still propelled by the surge in demand as the world worked its way through the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021 and 2022—though numbers have drawn back slightly. That’s a scenario that’s OK for most OEMs that have struggled with lingering supply chain pain points.

In 2022, a total of 505 single-engine turboprops (SETs) were delivered, according to the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA), besting the 2021 and 2020 totals of 455 and 381, respectively. That’s a healthy market that should continue, even as pressure from the war in Ukraine continues in Europe with aftershocks globally. On the multiengine side, a total of 77 units went out the door in 2022, up from 72 in 2021, and 62 in 2020. - More Here.

02/18/2024   Flying Along on a Cushion of Grease - INFO - From FLYING - "For airplanes, ground effect comes into play only during certain brief parts of a flight. Not so for wingships. - The nomenclature is unsettled. Some call them WIG ships, wingships, GEVs (ground effect vehicles), or surface skimmers. Their defining feature is a cruising altitude measured in fractions of a wingspan. Their reason for existing is that a wing flying very close to the surface enjoys a large reduction in drag. - Despite considerable government support, the Russian ekranoplan program came to..." Entire Article Here.

02/14/2024    Drone Industry Visionaries Interview: Exploring the importance of transparency and situational awareness for public safety agencies with Vern Sallee - DRONE NEWS - From Commercial UAV News - "While we’ve explored what it means to build a drone program, success with doing so always depends on the approach and industry. How drones can be utilized in agriculture is very different from the way they can create value in construction, but those distinctions are especially evident in the public safety sector, where success isn’t just about a given task or project, but also about policy, process and the general public. - The barriers to drone adoption in public safety & emergency services are real but aren’t insurmountable, which is..."  Read it Here.

02/13/2024   New ATC Curriculum Rolled Out - NEWS - From AVweb - "The FAA has rolled out its new Enhanced Air Traffic-Collegiate Training Initiative (AT-CTI) designed to allow graduates of college ATC courses to go directly to on-the-job training instead of stopping first at the FAA academy in Oklahoma City. “After graduating from one of the eligible schools, new hires can immediately begin localized training at an air traffic facility,” the agency said in a news release. “These graduates still must pass the Air Traffic Skills Assessment (ATSA) exam and..."  Continue Here.

02/1/2024   Six Killed In California Helicopter Crash - SAFETY - From AVweb - "...also died along with the two pilots of the Airbus EC130 when the helicopter went down in the Mojave Desert near the California/Nevada border..."  Read More Here.   Microsoft Co-Pilot Comment: "

Rain and snow can significantly impact helicopter flight safety. Let’s delve into the specifics:

  1. Reduced Visibility: Rain and snow impede visual perception for helicopter pilots. Although the helicopter itself can still function normally, precipitation makes navigation harder. Reduced visibility due to rain or snow can disorient pilots, leading to accidents. The likelihood of crashing into structures increases, and obscured ground makes landing much more difficult1.
  2. Slippery Surfaces: Rain and snow not only affect visibility but also make surfaces slippery. This slipperiness can hinder safe takeoffs and landings. Pilots must exercise caution when operating in wet conditions to prevent accidents12.
  3. Wind: Strong winds significantly impact helicopter flight. Wind can push and pull on the helicopter, causing it to move off course. Depending on wind direction, it can either slow down or speed up the rotorcraft. Pilots must compensate for wind effects without losing control. Wind can occur even on clear days, and when combined with precipitation, it creates highly treacherous circumstances1.
  4. Freezing Temperatures: While not directly weather-related, freezing temperatures pose risks. If water vapor condenses onto the helicopter and forms ice, it can compromise rotor function and add weight to the fuselage. This compromises the helicopter’s ability to rise into the sky or remain airborne safely1.

In summary, weather conditions significantly impact helicopter safety, and pilots must be trained to recognize and navigate adverse weather situations. Safety is paramount, and proper training ensures pilots can handle various weather challenges effectively1.

02/12/2024   FAA Memorandum - Date: 1/26/2024 - To: Instrument Flight Procedures Service Providers   From : Douglas F. Rodzon, Acting Manager, Flight Technologies and Procedures Division  -  Subject: Waiver to Instrument Procedure Design Initial Departure Fix Criteria

This memorandum waives FAA Order 8260.58C, United States Standard for Performance Based Navigation (PBN) Instrument Procedure Design, Chapter 5, Section 5-7, Helicopter Departure, (Flat Surface Area and Visual Segment for Proceed Visually Departures) construction. Paragraph 5-7-3, Flat Surface Area, is waived to allow a 1 x along-track tolerance (ATT) radius around the initial departure fix (IDF) for flat surface area construction. Paragraph 5-7-4, Visual Segment for Proceed Visually Departures, is waived to allow the visual segment to end at the plotted position of the IDF instead of the point of earliest reception.

Implementation of this waiver requires instructions for conducting a visual flight rules (VFR) climb to the IDF for a departure with a VFR segment to specify a direction and an altitude for crossing the IDF. See FAA Order 8260.46J, Departure Procedures (DP) Program, Appendix F, Helicopter Area Navigation (RNAV) Departure Procedures, paragraph 3.b(2).

Example:
VFR Segment: VFR Climb to (IDF WPT), cross (IDF WPT) at or above (IDF Altitude) on track
(outbound track).

This memorandum remains in effect until rescinded. Please direct all inquiries to the Flight Procedures and Airspace Group, Standards Section at 9-AWA-AVS-AFS420@faa.gov.

02/11/2024   Loss of Thrust on Takeoff - 
Always expect it and be prepared to respond safely. SAFETY - From FLYING - "“We have a problem, and we’re returning to the airport.”

These were the words of Richard McSpadden Jr., who was aboard the Cessna 177RG Cardinal belonging to former NFL tight end turned FBO owner Russ Francis. The pair launched from the airport in Lake Placid, New York, on October 1 for a photo flight for the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association. McSpadden, the senior vice president of the AOPA Air Safety Institute, was a commercially rated pilot who had flown with the Air Force Thunderbirds. - Per protocol on these flights, Read it Here.

02/10/2024   New Arrival Alert Notices Published - NEWS - FAA - Last month, the FAA took another proactive step to address wrong surface events by publishing new Arrival Alert Notices (AAN). AANs provide a graphic visually depicting the approach to a particular airport with a history of misalignment risk as well as language describing the misalignment risk area.

Wrong surface events continue to be a focus area for the FAA as they can present a significant safety risk. The FAA has taken several steps to address wrong surface events but there is still a need to provide a more permanent awareness of these events, especially to GA pilots, who comprise 83 percent of wrong surface events. Many wrong surface events occur during the daytime and in visual meteorological conditions, and the majority of the time, the pilot has read back the correct landing clearance. AANs can serve as an additional planning and awareness tool for pilots.

The AAN effort started in 2022 by evaluating the top 40 airports for wrong surface arrival risk. AANs were developed for 12 facilities and released in the May 19, 2022, charting cycle, which were then tested for a one-year period. AANs were determined to be successful in mitigating wrong surface landing risk and the agency recently published 28 new AANs, expanding the total AAN library to 40. Learn more about AANs and view a map of available locations at www.faa.gov/airports/runway_safety/hotspots/aan.

02/10/2024   New Pilot Minute Video Covers BasicMed Requirements - NEWS - FAA - In the latest episode of the Pilot Minute video series, Federal Air Surgeon Dr. Susan Northrup reviews the requirements for BasicMed and the mental health, neurologic, or cardiac conditions that would require a pilot by law, to be reexamined by an aviation medical examiner (AME). See this and past Pilot Minute videos here: https://bit.ly/PilotMinute.

02/10/2024   Measuring Success with the Compliance Program - NEWS - FAA - The Compliance Program has changed the way the FAA approaches regulatory oversight. Since 2015, the Compliance Program has helped the FAA take over 44,000 compliance actions to address safety concerns. In addition, since fiscal year 2020, FAA’s Flight Standards took compliance actions over 80% of the time when addressing regulatory noncompliance. Dive into the data and learn more about how this program is making an impact in the article “Measuring Success” at https://medium.com/faa/measuring-success-89d08c4665e3 in the Jan/Feb 2024 issue of FAA Safety Briefing. See the entire Compliance Program-themed issue at www.faa.gov/safety_briefing.

02/10/2024  InFO 24002, Alaska Guide Pilots, is now published. - This InFO provides information to operators and pilots engaged in Alaska Guide Pilot operations by discussing the statutory limitations of Title 49, Public Law section 732 and providing guidance on how to comply with regulatory requirements if operators choose to continue operating in a non-qualifying manner. - The InFO can be viewed by downloading the attached .pdf files or by clicking on the following link,https://www.faa.gov/other_visit/aviation_industry/airline_operators/airline_safety/info/all_infos/ - InFO24002.pdf

02/10/2024   Perfecting Your Preflight Inspection - SAFETY - FAA -  "Maintenance-related problems are one of the deadliest causes of accidents in general aviation (GA). Contributing to this is a pilot’s failure to identify maintenance discrepancies because of a lack of knowledge or improper techniques used during the preflight inspection of the aircraft — red flags that could have been easily discovered and mitigated with more rigorous scrutiny. Enhancing your relationship with your aircraft’s history and your mechanic are both critical components of an advanced preflight and can make the difference between a safe flight and your last flight." Webmaster: To my knowledge, the three aircraft off-field landings that have inspired the poor PR at KWHP were maintenance related. This may be a good article to review.  Read it Here.

02/07/2024    Whitaker Describes Boeing Clampdown - NEWS - From AVweb -"FAA Administrator Mike Whitaker Tuesday quantified the agency’s plan to increase surveillance of Boeing and Spirit Aerosystems’ production lines. Whitaker told a House Aviation Subcommittee that about 25 inspectors will be on the 737 MAX production line in Renton, Washington, and about six will be at Spirit’s Wichita plant. Spirit makes MAX fuselages, which are shipped by train to Renton for final assembly of the aircraft. - Those inspectors will try to..."  Finish reading Here.

02/06/2024    FAA Advises Using Analog NAVAIDS In Spoofing Areas - SAFETY - From AVweb - Webmaster: For those interested in GPS disruptions and the SAFO mentioned in this upcoming link, I recommend that you refer to our GPS Testing Page here at SCAUWG.ORG located under AIRSPACE. "The FAA is telling pilots to brush up on their old-school instrument procedures and use analog NAVAIDs where possible if they’re headed to areas where GPS spoofing is going on. In a Jan. 25 Safety Alert for Operators, the agency said GPS and GNSS disruptions are on the rise, particularly around war zones but also near military operations areas and places where countermeasures against drones are being used. “When available, operators should plan to use conventional Navigational Aids (NAVAIDs) in these locations,” the SAFO says. “The FAA recommends that each operator follow the detailed guidance from their respective OEM.” - The agency also wants pilots who..."  Continue Here.

02/05/2024   Reno International Airport Concerns -  Number: NOTC3420 - Pilots often misinterpret the FMG 9 Departure Procedure. Please view this link for help in understanding the correct profile:   https://youtu.be/R8xtl4OW9eg?si=RuFDx5ETPFe8U6C3

RNO is a high-risk airport for Wrong Runway Landing.  Please view this updated Flight Deck Video:    https://youtu.be/fBoNrXT6cq8   POC: FPM Larry.D.Cheek@faa.gov 775-560-5919

02/04/2024   A Check-up on Checklist Customization - Notice Number: NOTC3401 - FAA - Using a checklist is a fundamental part of any safe flight. During preflight, a checklist ensures pilots inspect an aircraft’s components and systems for proper operation and structural integrity and allows them to verify airworthiness. On taxi and during flight, they help ensure the airplane and engine are functioning properly and are configured appropriately for each phase of flight. Checklists provide important structure to the things we check often, usually in a prescribed order of priority. Bottom line: checklist usage is a sound and proven way to reduce errors and improve flight safety.

But just like airplanes change with upgrades or modifications, so too should checklists to include those new items and procedures or omit those that are obsolete. Maybe you’ve added some new avionics equipment or installed a new fire extinguisher. Or perhaps you’d like to reorder your instrument and gauge checks in a more logical manner. Or maybe you’d prefer to use a more specific term to verify a desired state than the sometimes vague “check and set” response. The question for some might be - how exactly do I modify a checklist?

While there is no approval required from the FAA to modify or customize a checklist, pilots and aircraft owners should start by consulting their aircraft’s Pilot Operating Handbook (POH) or Airplane Flight Manual (AFM), or panel placards with some older aircraft. These steps should constitute the baseline for your checklist. If there is a manufacturer-prescribed task or procedure you wish to omit -- perhaps due to concerns about mechanical wear and tear on a particular component – you should consult directly with the manufacturer to ensure safety is not compromised.

The FAA issued a Safety Alert for Operators (SAFO 17006) in 2017 that addresses safety concerns with using commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) or personally developed checklists. The notice was prompted by an accident involving a landing gear failure in which the pilot used a COTS checklist that lacked key steps regarding manual gear extension. The SAFO urges pilots to ensure any COTS or personal checklist is consistent with what the manufacturer states.

Another important reason for this consistency is apparent during practical exams for a pilot certificate or rating. Designated pilot examiners may require an aircraft manufacturer’s procedure is demonstrated when testing applicants. Those who use a checklist that differs from the manufacturer may omit or incorrectly perform an important step, impacting their ability to successfully pass the exam. If you are providing flight instruction it is essential that you show, demonstrate, and explain any omitted items to students to avoid this potential pitfall. The student should be able to demonstrate the procedure and be able to explain why it has been omitted from the modified checklist and is not performed routinely.

Having checklists that are efficient, logical, and that account for changes to an aircraft’s systems can greatly improve safety and even increase the likelihood of them being used. Just be sure the information you use for those revised checks is correct, complete, and consistent with the manufacturer’s safety standards.

Bonus Tip: Want to take your preflight checklist to the next level? Check out the FAA Safety Team’s Advanced Preflight M-Pamphlet here. This pamphlet helps pilots obtain valuable maintenance history on their aircraft like ADs, ACs, and any manufacturer service-related information, and then develop an Additional Items Checklist that can be used in conjunction with your aircraft’s preflight checklist.

02/04/2024   Satellite Navigation — GPS/WAAS Approaches - The availability of Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS)-capable approach procedures is a significant enabler of WAAS benefits in the United States. View the latest status of U.S.WAAS approach procedures. HERE.

02/04/2024   ForeFlight Announces Voyager, An Intriguing App For Apple Vision Pro - From AVweb - "ForeFlight announced today (Feb. 1) it has designed Voyager, an advanced 3D airport application developed exclusively for Apple’s $3,499 Vision Pro virtual reality goggle platform. Targeting what ForeFlight refers to as aviation enthusiasts, Voyager “combines satellite imagery, high-resolution terrain and live traffic data to bring each airport to life in 3D on top of a floating disk that users can view from any angle.” - Company CEO Tim Schuetze said, “ForeFlight is excited to deliver this unique 3D airport exploration experience to aviation enthusiasts with Apple Vision Pro. This exciting new spatial computing platform enables us to deliver all-new experiences that were never before possible, and the new Voyager app is a great example of our continued innovation.”  Read Complete Report Here.

02/04/2024    "The Airman Testing Community Advisory (ATCA) is produced by the Airman Testing Standards Branch, the FAA office responsible for practical test and airman certification standards, certification testing programs, and supporting reference materials. This advisory intends to provide an additional method of change
management communication to our stakeholders and support efforts to ensure training and testing remain correlated for an effective certification process." Should you like to stay informed of Testing Updates Click or Tap Here.

02/04/2024   MightyFly Unveils Autonomous Cargo Aircraft with 600-Mile Range - "From the loading and unloading of packages to flight itself, almost everything about the 2024 Cento is fully automated. - San Francisco Bay Area-based MightyFly on Friday unveiled the 2024 Cento: its autonomous, third-generation, electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) cargo aircraft for same-day delivery. The announcement comes almost one calendar year after the company revealed its second-generation design. - MightyFly also announced that it received a special airworthiness certificate and certificate of authorization from the FAA to establish an air corridor between California’s Byron Airport (C83) and New Jerusalem Airport (1Q4), up to 5,000 feet agl. It expects to begin flight testing along the route in the coming months." Read More Here.

01/31/2024   Regulators Address GPS Spoofing - NEWS - From AVweb - "The acting executive director of the European Aviation Safety Agency says aviation regulators need to be involved in the design of satellite navigation systems to counter the growing problem of GPS spoofing. But Luc Tytgat told a forum on the issue in Europe last week that for now civilian victims will have to be vigilant. “We immediately need to ensure that pilots and crews can identify the risks and know how to react and land safely,” Tytgat said in a statement. “In the medium term, we will need to adapt the certification requirements of the navigation and landing systems. For the longer term, we need to ensure we are..."  More Here.

01/31/2024    Austin Airport is First in Nation to Get Advanced Tower Simulator, Boosting Controller Training and Safety -  FAA - The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced that Austin-Bergstrom International Airport is the first air traffic control tower in the nation to receive the new modernized Tower Simulation System, which is used for controller training on airport operations.   "Safety is our priority, and we are investing in new technologies that provide enhanced training for our air traffic controllers," FAA Administrator Mike Whitaker said. "The new simulators will help us achieve that by providing real scenarios to train controllers throughout the National Airspace System."

The system is now operational at Austin and includes a visual database to simulate air traffic scenarios on an airport’s layout, operations and airspace, enhancing safety. Controllers at Austin handled over 250,000 flights in 2023.

The FAA plans to install the new tower simulator systems in 95 facilities across the country by the end of 2025.

Modernizing the simulator system will also speed up the time it takes for controllers to fully certify at air traffic facilities. This is one of the many actions the FAA is taking to increase the number of controllers and improve training following the release of the National Airspace System Safety Review Team Report.

More actions include:

  • Filling every seat at the Academy by conducting advanced training at regional facilities, hiring more experienced controllers from the military and industry year-round, and expediting the onboarding process for new hires.
  • Working with colleges and universities to enhance the Air Traffic-Collegiate Training Initiative (AT-CTI) Program to ensure graduates have the skills to immediately begin on-the-job training at a facility.  Upon graduation, graduates can be placed directly into air traffic facilities.

01/27/2024   New Human Factors Courses on FAASafety.gov - Human error is both universal and inevitable. Everyone will make a mistake sooner or later and many aviation accidents are directly linked to human error, so what can you do to minimize the risk? Try the nine new Human Factors courses that are available on FAASafety.gov (bit.ly/HFcourses) and help us better understand human capabilities and limitations. The course modules focus on safety culture, human performance, communication, teamwork, situational awareness, decision making, threat and error management, human information processing, and design and automation and are eligible for credit in the WINGS Pilot Proficiency Program.

01/27/2024   New Year, New (Safer) Operations - It’s a common myth that SMS is only for large, complex operators who have abundant resources to support and maintain a complicated safety system. The fact is that an SMS by its nature is scalable and can be applied to any size operation, from a major airline to a single pilot. To find out how an SMS works and how adopting a personal system can help improve your flight safety, see the article “New Year, New (Safer) Operations, A Closer Look at Personal SMS” at medium.com/faa/new-year-new-safer-operations-32d5e5554e43 in the Jan/Feb 2024 issue of FAA Safety Briefing. See the entire compliance program-themed issue at www.faa.gov/safety_briefing.

1/26/2024   Torrance formally bans touch-and-go, restricts other maneuvers at city airport -  AIRPORT NEWS - From Daily Breeze - "The City Council this week officially amended Torrance’s municipal code to ban touch-and-go flight operations at Zamperini Field and to impose restrictions on the hours during which pilots can perform taxi backs and low approaches. - The new regulations, part of a continuing saga over what to do about noise emanating from Zamperini Field, are even more severe than..." Continue.

1/24/2024   Risk Management Handbook  (FAA-H-8083-2A} - PDF - - This handbook is a tool designed to help recognize and manage risk. It provides a higher level of training to the pilot in command (PIC) who wishes to aspire to a greater understanding of the aviation environment and become a better pilot. This handbook is for pilots of all aircraft from weight-shift control (WSC) to a Piper Cub, a Twin Beechcraft, or a Boeing 747. A pilot's continued interest in building skills is paramount for safe flight and can assist in rising above the challenges which pilots of all backgrounds and experience levels face. Some basic tools are provided in this handbook for developing a competent evaluation of one’s surroundings that allows for assessing risk and thereby managing it in a positive manner. Risk management is applied by identifying, monitoring, and managing potential components that affect risk thereby allowing the pilot to be better prepared to mitigate risk.  Read it Here.

1/24/2024   AH-64A Apache maneuverability demonstration (loop, barrel roll) - Heli Performance - VIDEO - 2018 - AH-64A Apache maneuverability demonstration (loop, barrel roll) From: "Sky Wars: Ultimate Top Guns" documentary - Spectacular Footage - View it Here.

1/24/2024   Alaska CEO Says ‘Many’ Loose Bolts Found In MAX 9 Door Plugs - SAFETY - From AVweb - "The Wall Street Journal is reporting that Alaska Airlines CEO Ben Minucci told NBC News Tuesday technicians have found “many” loose bolts on door plugs in Boeing 737 MAX 9 aircraft since the planes were grounded more than two weeks ago. The NBC interview was scheduled to run on the NBC Evening News. The FAA ordered the grounding of 171 MAX 9s after a door plug separated from an Alaska flight on Jan. 5. The grounding affected only MAX 9s equipped with panels filling an opening in the fuselage where an emergency exit would be if the plane had more seats. Minucci did not say exactly how..."  Continue Here.

1/23/2024   FAA Space Updates: Record Year in 2023, How to Complete a Launch/Reentry Application, 2024 Conference Registration and Keeping the Airspace Safe During Space Operations  - FAA License Approvals Support a Record Year for Commercial Space in 2023

In 2023, commercial space had another record year with 124 FAA-licensed operations, including 117 launches and seven reentries. “These record numbers are possible due to the growing capabilities of industry and the FAA working to meet the demand for launch and reentry license approvals,” said FAA Associate Administrator for Commercial Space Transportation Kelvin Coleman.  Watch his full remarks and search the FAA commercial space database. 

Guidance on Completing Commercial Space Launch or Reentry License Applications

The FAA recently issued guidance on complying with requirements for commercial space launch or reentry license applications. It describes what constitutes a “complete enough” application for the FAA to begin its review. The guidance also clarifies what makes an application “complete” so that an approval or denial determination can be made. It applies to applications for new licenses and for the renewal or modification of current licenses. Read the full advisory circular. 

It's Time to Register for the FAA Commercial Space Conference Feb. 21-22, 2024

Register now to secure your place for two days of panels, speakers and networking opportunities on all things commercial space. This year’s theme is “All Systems Go: Safely Launching Commercial Space Transportation to Greater Heights.” The conference is hosted in partnership with the Commercial Spaceflight Federation. Watch Axiom Space chief astronaut Michael Lopez-Alegria recommend why you should attend.

Integrating Space Operations into the U.S. National Airspace System

The FAA is responsible for the safe and efficient integration of space operations into the U.S. airspace system. This includes space operations for FAA-licensed commercial space operators and for NASA, the U.S. military and other federal government agencies. Watch and learn how the FAA accomplishes this in the busiest and most complex airspace in the world.

1/23/2024   Aviation Groups Post Joint MOSAIC Comments - NEWS - From AVWEB - "Four major aviation groups have signed on to comments to the FAA that would tweak the Modernization of Special Airworthiness Certification (MOSAIC) Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) to expand its benefits to recreational aviation. Monday was the comment deadline and EAA submitted the comments that were co-signed by AOPA, NBAA and the National Air Transportation Association (NATA)." More Here.

1/22/2024    Airport Advocacy - AOPA and NBAA both have an “Advocacy” link on their pages, and can offer their help with these issues. - So many residents don’t realize Airports are what make the US special, and they do in fact have an economic benefit. -NB AA.org has more on their Advocacy page. - Here is a file that allows you to submit the economic benefit you contribute to your airport.  "AOPA-Guide-to-Economic-Impact-of-General-Aviation-Airports"  - See the file Here.

1/22/2024   GNSS Library - SatNav News - The SatNav News, the Federal Aviation Administration's satellite navigation newsletter, provides the latest information on FAA satellite navigation initiatives that support the aviation community and the general public. The SatNav News includes articles on the Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS) and the Ground Based Augmentation System (GBAS) program status, operational issues, research and development activities, FAA's international satellite navigation initiatives, and other topics related to the ever expanding applications and benefits of GPS and its augmentations. - SatNews Winter 2024 - CURRENT ISSUE HERE.

1/20/2024   Contrail-Mapping Could Reduce Harmful Effects By Half - INFO - From AVweb - "The virtual explosion of applications for using artificial intelligence (AI) could soon include minimizing aircraft condensation trails, the cloud-like results of high-altitude moisture meeting the disruptive churning of jet engines and/or aircraft wake turbulence. “Contrails” (not to be confused with the controversial concept known as “chemtrails”) have been shown to contribute as much as 35% of aviation’s climate impact by creating clouds that trap greenhouse gases that otherwise would dissipate into space. According to Britannica, “A contrail forms when..."  Find out More Here.

1/19/2024  Ditching an Airplane by Barry Schiff - VIDEO - DITCHING - "Ditching is a precautionary or forced landing of a landplane in water. Learn the principles and techniques as only Capt. Schiff can demonstrate. Originally published in 1992 by Aviation Media, Inc. on Wide World of Flying." See the Video Here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R8Y_E44g1p0

1/19/2024   Alphabet’s Wing supersizes delivery drones to tow big orders - From TechCrunch - "Wing, the drone-powered delivery company operated by Alphabet, intends to introduce a larger craft capable of towing heavier packages to customers. - The news comes on the heels of Walmart’s decision to expand its drone deliveries in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, so it’s no wonder Wing is working to upgrade its stock; the outfit is one of the two firms facilitating Walmart’s drone delivery effort, alongside Zipline."  Continue Here.

1/18/2024   FAA Moves to Address Air Traffic Controller Fatigue - Continuing its work to improve aviation safety, the FAA tasked a panel of fatigue experts to identify new ways to address air traffic controller fatigue. The three-member panel will examine how the latest science on sleep needs and fatigue considerations could be applied to controller work requirements and scheduling. The panel will identify potential ways the FAA could better address controller fatigue and will review previous controller-fatigue research. The panel will begin its work in early January and provide a final report to the FAA about six weeks later.

Mark Rosekind, a safety and sleep/fatigue professional and former National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) member, will chair the panel. Other members are:

  • Charles Czeisler, chief and senior physician, Division of Sleep and Circadian Disorders, Departments of Medicine and Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital
  • Dr. Erin Flynn-Evans, head of the NASA Ames Research Center Fatigue Countermeasures Laboratory

Read more about the FAA’s safety initiatives at faa.gov/aviation-safety-call-to-action.

01/18/2024   Recent Podcast Shares Airplane Facts - Did you know that airplanes have two black boxes, and they are actually orange? And that one of the tools used to fix an airplane’s auxiliary power unit is referred to as a fishing rod? This recent podcast from the FAA’s The Air Up There presents some fascinating airplane facts from Max, an aircraft mechanic who hosts social media videos that cleverly blends airplane facts with fantasy fiction. Max also shares what it takes to be an aircraft mechanic, a trade skill career that offer unique hands-on experiences, excellent compensation, and plenty of job prospects. - Check out this episode, “Airplane Facts with Max” and previous podcasts here: https://www.faa.gov/podcasts/the_air_up_there/airplane-facts-max.

01/18/2024   Understanding the Compliance Program - Nearly 10 years after its initiation, the FAA is continuing to advance the Compliance Program to improve the GA safety record. This vital program has aided in mitigating safety hazards, operational risks, and systemic issues, but there are still some in the GA community who are unfamiliar with it. Learn more about the important elements of the Compliance Program, including what a just culture is, the different types of compliance actions, and the decision process the FAA uses for implementing those actions in the article “Understanding the Compliance Program…One Bite at a Time!” at medium.com/faa/understanding-the-compliance-program-1499557046b6 in the Jan/Feb 2024 issue of the FAA Safety Briefing. See the entire Compliance Program themed issue at www.faa.gov/safety_briefing.

1/17/2024   FAA UPDATES AC ON ENGINE POWER-LOSS ACCIDENTS -  SAFETY - From AOPA - "The FAA has released an updated advisory circular that focuses on the circumstances surrounding engine power-loss accidents and recommendations on how to prevent them. The document also provides charts and advice for engine trend monitoring. - The AC highlights and discusses several operational causes of engine failure that include inadequate preflight inspections, fuel contamination and misfueling, collapsed fuel bladders, exceeding time between overhauls, poor engine operating technique, and maintenance mishandling. Lack of pilot training and mismanagement of the engine control systems by the pilot remains the leading cause of engine failure." Full article Here.

1/15/2024  Joby to install SoCal’s first electric air taxi charger - "The eVTOL manufacturer will work with Clay Lacy Aviation to install the technology at John Wayne Airport in Orange County. - S-based air taxi manufacturer Joby Aviation has signed an agreement with business aviation company Clay Lacy Aviation to upgrade Southern California’s urban air mobility infrastructure with the first electric air taxi charger for the region. - The new Global Electric Aviation Charging System (GEACS) will be installed at the John Wayne Airport in Orange County as part of Clay Lacy’s $100m redevelopment of its fixed-based operator terminal. - It is one of the first deals for Joby to install the GEACS technology, which is already in use at the company’s flight test centre and Edwards Air Force Base, at an airport as it plans for the launch of an air taxi network in the state, hoped to be one of the first in the US.  - JoeBen Bevirt, founder and CEO of Joby, said: “We’re taking concrete steps to ensure the right..." Continue Here.

1/15/2024   NASA, Lockheed Martin Unveil Finished X-59 - AVIATION NEWS - From AVweb - "On Friday, NASA and Lockheed Martin displayed the X-59 QueSST (Quiet SuperSonic Technology), the agency’s latest X aircraft designed to break the sound barrier without generating a sonic boom. The aircraft was shown off at a ceremony hosted by Lockheed Martin Skunk Works at its Palmdale, California, research facility. According to NASA, the X-59 QueSST is integral to its Low Boom Flight Demonstration project, which gathers data for..."  More Here.

1/13/2024   The Rotorcraft Collective: Don’t Forget to See and Avoid Other Aircraft - SAFETY - VIDEO - Most collisions between two aircraft are preventable. However, with the skies becoming crowded with more aircraft and the cockpit becoming crowded with new technologies, using your eyes to look outside is critical for a safe flight. It is the responsibility of all pilots to maintain vigilance to see and avoid other aircraft. This video covers some of our recommendations to prevent a mid-air collision. SEE IT HERE.

1/13/2024  The Rotorcraft Collective: Deviating from Maintenance Procedures Can Be Deadly - SAFETY - VIDEO - "Pilots should never assume that work completed on the helicopter they fly has been done according to the manufacturer's instructions. The aircraft accident discussed in this video was caused by using an alternative procedure to replace a part — the fuel tank was removed to access the “dog bone” (bi-directional suspension crossbar) instead of removing the transmission/gearbox. This led to a loose B-nut and missing safety wire, causing a loss of fuel flow and an unintended forced landing from 200 feet.  SEE it HERE.

1/13/2024   Introduction to Human Factors and Safety Culture - Break the Accident Chain - Do you know the five main ingredients to a robust safety culture? Effectively understanding risk requires a greater understanding of human capabilities and limitations. Learn more in our latest #FlySafe topic. Read More about it Here.

1/11/2024   Boeing Subcontractor Subject Of Lawsuit Over QC Deficiencies - From AVweb - "Weeks before a catastrophic incident involving a Boeing 737 MAX 9, workers had raised warnings about defective production procedures. Reporters at Jacobin.com posted a story yesterday (Jan. 9) citing documents filed in federal court from workers at Spirit AeroSystems, the Boeing subcontractor that reportedly manufactured the door plug that departed a Boeing 737 MAX 9 on Jan. 5 over Portland, Oregon.- As part of the federal securities lawsuit, a Spirit employee allegedly told higher-ups about an “excessive amount of defects,” later telling a colleague he “believed it was just a matter of time until a major defect escaped to a customer.” According to the court filing, the company ignored the warnings.  Continue Here.

1/09/2024   Diamond Factory Maintenance Mis-Rigged DA42 Rudder - SAFETY - From AVweb -"Examination of the aircraft revealed that rudder cables had been installed incorrectly after some worn control cable guide tubes were replaced during heavy maintenance of the aircraft. The plane was undergoing a 2,000-hour inspection and ,,,"   Read the full story Here.

1/07/2024   A Just Culture for Safety - FAA SAFETY BRIEFING - The January/February 2024 issue of FAA Safety Briefing magazine focuses on the FAA’s Compliance Program and how its foundational concepts have helped advance a “just culture” within the general aviation community. -  You can download the January/February Issue Here.

1/07/2024   NASA AND JOBY COMPLETE AIR TAXI SIMULATION EXERCISE AROUND DALLAS-FORT WORTH - "Joby Aviation and NASA have completed a series of air traffic simulations to assess how eVTOL air taxi operations can be integrated into public airspace. The exercises were conducted at NASA’s Ames Research Center, including simulated flights at busy airports using existing air traffic control tools and procedures. - The partners developed the simulations based on learnings from an extended study, and these involved scenarios involving dozens of eVTOL aircraft per hour flying in and out of the airspace around the Dallas-Forth Worth (DFW) area. The exercise made use of NASA’s Future Flight Central facility, which is a..."  Continue Here.

1/07/2024   What sustainable aviation fuel means for the future of airline emissions - "Increasing production of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and decreasing its cost is the best avenue for reducing emissions associated with aviation until alternative propulsion technologies come online, says the Washington Post's climate reporter. "The main thing is they're not made from petroleum, but they might be made from crops like corn and soybean, they might be made from used cooking oil, they could be made from sewage or municipal waste," said Nicolas Rivero. - Full Story: PBS

1/07/2024   Major Developments for Air Taxi Expected in 2024 - AIRSPACE - From Vertical Magazine - "The upcoming Paris Olympics is anticipated to be a significant milestone for electric vertical take-off and landing aviation, with the event expected to greatly enhance public awareness and demonstrate the role of eVTOLs in the broader transportation ecosystem. Joby, meanwhile, is likely to achieve type certification in the US first, while Volocopter is expected to lead in Europe. - Full Story:Vertical Magazine online (Ontario) 

1/07/2024   Microlearning for Aviation Medical Examiners - HEALTH - From FAA - For this edition of the AME Minute, Dr. Warren Silberman, DO, MPH outlines the acceptance of selected diabetes medications for weight loss management. (Running time: 01:28)  View it Here

1/5/2024   Carbon Fiber Airframe Likely Played A Role In JAL 516 Evacuation - SAFETY - From AVweb - "The Financial Times reports from London that the composite structure of the Airbus A350 likely played a role in the survival of all 379 on board Japan Airlines Flight 516. The incident marks the first hull loss involving the 53% composite airframe A350-900 and preliminary evidence suggests the material performed to expectations, providing fire protection similar to that of aluminum. - Certification standards require..."  Finish reading Here.

1/02/2024   Congressmen Call for Floating Flight Recorders - From AVweb - "Tennessee Congressmen Steve Cohen and Tim Burchett are calling on the FAA to require cockpit data and voice recorders be made to jettison from aircraft on impact with water and to float to the surface. In comments on the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking that would require recorders to retain the previous 25 hours of data and voice communications. The current rules call for only two hours of data. In their comments, Cohen and Burchett said..."  Continue Here.

1/02/2024   AINsight: Deadly Distractions on the Flight Deck - It's a myth that humans can multitask, warns the NTSB - "In 2021, a 23-year-old pilot flying on a low-level pipeline patrol was killed seconds after his aircraft hit the guy wire of a radio tower. Upon striking the wire, the left wing of the Cessna 182 was sheared off, sending the aircraft tumbling onto the ground, where it then burst into flames. In its final report on the fatal crash, the NTSB noted that, 35 seconds before hitting the guy wire, the pilot made a post on social media app Snapchat. That was his final post. -  According to the accident report, “Based on known information, it is likely the pilot was distracted while using his mobile device in the minutes before the accident and did not maintain adequate lookout to ensure a safe flight path to avoid the radio tower and its guy wires. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's unnecessary..."  Learn More and Continue Here.

1/02/2024   FAA-Backed Project Trials Cybersecurity System for Uncrewed Traffic Management - AIRSPACE - From FLYING - "Just as air traffic control is essential for commercial and general aviation, so too will uncrewed traffic management be for drones. - America’s air traffic control system is experiencing a prolonged shortage, one that may be addressed by the pending House FAA reauthorization bill. But that legislation may also throw a new air traffic-related curveball at regulators. - The House bill includes several provisions intended to..."  Finish reading Here.

12/30/2023   New Pilot Minute Covers Prostate Cancer Diagnosis - In the latest episode of the Pilot Minute video series, Federal Air Surgeon Dr. Susan Northrup explains how pilots with non-metastatic prostate cancer may be issued a medical certificate by their AME. The video also mentions special issuance considerations for metastatic disease or cancer recurrence. See this and past Pilot Minute videos here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TPzQfJtzxoc&list=PL5vHkqHi51DQvRjGJo1SuXyZpKl5HbzOI

12/30/2023Understanding Aircraft Performance - When it comes to aircraft performance, we usually think about variables like weight and balance, and takeoff and landing distance. But do you know what the most important variable is for determining aircraft performance? Learn more in this month’s #FlySafe message here https://medium.com/faa/aircraft-performance-and-calculations-b24a10fe2401.

12/30/2023 Putting Your Aircraft to Bed - Storing your aircraft for the winter is no small feat. It is far from just parking your plane for a few months until you are ready to fly again. But, if you are thoughtful and careful about the “before” and “after” of winter storage, you’ll be ready for another year of flying safely. Learn more by reading the article “Putting Your Aircraft to Bed” at https://medium.com/faa/putting-your-aircraft-to-bed-7c8b196fcb37 in the Nov/Dec 2023 issue of FAA Safety Briefing. See the entire winter-themed issue at www.faa.gov/safety_briefing.

12/29/2023   The ILS Procedures and Components List (below) is a full list of ILS procedures and related components within the NAS. This list includes all Category I, II, III approaches as well as Special Authorization Category I and II. The sortable list can be downloaded and is updated with the normal instrument procedure charting cycle. The information contained in the ILS Procedures and Components List is extracted from Aeronautical Information Services databases. It should not be used for navigation or flight planning. Information on GPS/WAAS approaches.

The table below provides announcements and reports related to new Instrument Approach Procedure (IAP) development in the National Airspace System (NAS).  - ILS Procedures and Components List Eff:Dec 28 2023 (MS Excel)

12/22/2023   NASA, Joby Research Provide Glimpse of Air Taxi Operations at US Airports - A series of simulations focused on potential operations in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, using tools and procedures already available to air traffic controllers. - From FLYING - "Recently, hundreds of electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) air taxis took flight over the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Missed it? That’s because the flights took place virtually at a NASA research hub.

The space regulator and eVTOL manufacturer Joby Aviation recently teamed up to recruit active and retired air traffic controllers for a series of simulations, which explored how current ATC tools and procedures could help introduce the first wave of air taxis at U.S. airports. The partners tested how hundreds of eVOL flights per hour would impact operations in complex airspace—and gleaned a few key insights. - Read it Here.

12/19/2023    Archer eyes autonomy - From Vertical Magazine - "Former eVTOL rivals Archer Aviation and Wisk Aero have settled a longstanding trade secrets dispute, and the companies are now collaborating on autonomous flight."  Read a history and about future plans Here.

12/19/2023   Drone Delivery Service Wing Gets More Flight Freedom - From AVweb - "Another incremental increase in delivery drone autonomy is being hailed as big improvement in efficiency for the fledgling services. Wing Delivery, which is owned by Google parent company Alphabet, says the FAA is now allowing its drones to operate beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) without human observers. According to DroneLife, the FAA has given Wing a summary grant of an exemption to operate the drones with that extra level of autonomy without having to go through a long analysis. It means..."  Continue Here.

12/17/2023   NASA Says ASRS Record Numbers Reflect ‘Healthy Safety Culture’ - From AVweb - "NASA says a significant surge in anonymous safety reports for 2023 is actually “positive indication of a healthy safety culture” and marks a “banner year” for its Aviation Safety Reporting System (ASRS) program. - In its year-end roundup featured in its CALLBACK newsletter, NASA highlighted the program’s success. “ASRS’s business of collecting, analyzing, and disseminating all kinds of aviation safety data has approached pre-pandemic levels and continues to grow. Our intake this year will exceed..."   Read the full story Here.

12/17/2023   Flying the weather: Airframe Icing - AOPA ASI VIDEO - "In this AOPA Air Safety Institute video, weather expert Tom Horne shares insights into the risks of flying in "known icing" conditions and tips on how to avoid them safely. Watch the video Here

12/16/2023   NBAA Welcomes Decision from Treasury on Sustainable Aviation Fuel Tax Credit; Eager for Remaining Guidance - NBAA PR Release - "Washington, DC, Dec. 15, 2023 – The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) today welcomed guidance from the U.S. Treasury Department on the fuel products eligible for the Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Blender’s Tax Credit under section 40B of the Internal Revenue Code. - Today’s decision, Notice 2024-06, follows initial guidance from the Treasury Department under Notice 2023-06, which established rules for lifecycle greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions for fuels.

Additionally, the Biden administration announced a plan to release by March 1, 2024, an updated version of the Department of Energy’s Greenhouse Gases, Regulated Emissions and Energy Use in Transportation (GREET) Model. GREET is a tool that measures the life-cycle emissions of vehicle technologies, fuels, products and energy systems. The updated GREET model provides a robust methodology for SAF producers to determine the lifecycle GHG emissions of their products to qualify for the SAF credit.

“We are optimistic about the guidance from the Treasury Department today,” said NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen. “It’s an important step toward the increased production and distribution of SAF, which is key to business aviation meeting its mission to net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. We are eager for the release of an updated GREET model in the spring.”

A key component in business aviation’s commitment to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 is SAF, which is used to power aircraft, and has similar properties to conventional jet fuel, but with a smaller carbon footprint. SAF, which is made from renewable biomass, waste-based feedstocks and atmospheric carbon, can be used in all existing turbine aircraft, and reduces aviation lifecycle GHG emissions by as much as 80%.

Business aviation was one of the first advocates for SAF, helping to expand its production, availability and use. Today, the fuels are powering an increasing number of flights, but the amount of SAF available remains insufficient to meet demand. As a result, the industry continues to work with stakeholders globally to accelerate the production and availability of SAF. - A naval aviator in the 1950s, he moved into civil aviation in 1961 and served as a pilot for Northwest Airlines and West Coast Airlines.

12/15/2023   New Video: Caution! Helicopter Wake Turbulence  - VIDEO -  Most aviators and air traffic control personnel are aware of the dangers of the wingtip vortices generated by large, fixed-wing aircraft, and we often hear on the radio: “caution wake turbulence.” But did you know that helicopters can generate turbulence equally as hazardous? You should avoid operating aircraft within three rotor diameters of any helicopter in a slow hover taxi or stationary hover and use caution when operating behind or crossing the path of a landing/departing helicopter. Watch the video for more tips on avoiding helicopter wake turbulence at https://bit.ly/46WszDW.

12/15/2023   A Quick Guide to Inflight Ice Protection   - Airplanes and ice were not a good match from the start. But limiting our annual aviating by somewhere between three and six months — and more in some parts of the country — was never a good solution either. So, ice protection, as it became known, was a requirement for many year-round operations. Take a look at the history of some ice protection systems, where we are now with this technology, and what options might be right for you in the article “FIKI WIKI” at www.medium.com/faa/fiki-wiki-ff72064c64cc in the Nov/Dec 2023 issue of FAA Safety Briefing. See the entire winter-themed issue at www.faa.gov/safety_briefing.

2/12/2023    Textron Announces Sustainable Advantage Carbon Offset Program for Turbine Aircraft Customers -From FLYING - Company will collaborate with 4AIR to provide comprehensive carbon monitoring and reporting. - Find out More Here.

12/12/2023   AIRCRAFT MAINTENANCE: MITIGATING THE HAZARDS OF FRIGID WEATHER - From AOPA - "The winter months can be extremely hard on aircraft (and pilots). Cold weather affects aircraft in a number of ways, few of them beneficial, but long periods of inactivity create problems, too. The best thing you can do for an aircraft is to fly it. So, let’s focus on mitigating the risks of winter flying and getting airborne as much as possible."  Read More Here.

12/10/2023    FAA Takes Actions to Address Independent Safety Review Team’s Recommendations - The FAA is taking immediate action to enhance air traffic controller training and safety reporting following the release of the National Airspace System Safety Review Team report.

The independent safety review team completed a thorough assessment and presented its recommendations on enhancing safety and reliability in the nation’s air traffic system. The team examined the FAA’s internal safety processes, staffing levels and practices, as well as needs for facilities and equipment and how the agency’s air traffic budget is funded. The FAA commissioned the panel of aviation experts following the agency’s Safety Summit in March.

The FAA is taking immediate action on the following items:

  • Provide additional support to colleges and universities in the Air Traffic-Collegiate Training Initiative (AT-CTI) Program. The FAA will work with AT-CTI programs to ensure that graduates from these programs have the necessary skills to begin on-the-job training at a facility. Graduates must still pass the Air Traffic Skills Assessment (ATSA) exam and meet medical and security requirements. Previously, these graduates were required to attend the FAA Air Traffic Controller Academy prior to being assigned to a facility.
  • Announced a year-round hiring track for experienced controllers from the military and private industry.
  • Keep filling every seat at the FAA Academy and increase classroom capacity beyond current limits.
  • Expand the use of advanced training across the country. The agency has new facilities in Chicago and San Diego and will be adding them in Nashua and Phoenix in the spring.
  • Finish deploying tower simulator systems in 95 facilities by December 2025. The FAA will deploy the first system in Austin by January 2024.
  • To strengthen our safety culture, provide reports from the Air Traffic Safety Oversight Service to the FAA Administrator and Aviation Safety Associate Administrator.

View the full report and get additional information at faa.gov/newsroom/faa-takes-actions-address-independent-safety-review-teams-recommendations.

12/10/2023   New Podcast Highlights Diversity in Aviation - Witnessing someone similar to you achieving what you dream of for yourself can be a powerful inspiration — especially for young people. It can make your ambitions look possible and open the gateway for opportunities to engage in an exciting industry, like aerospace. The latest podcast from the FAA’s The Air Up There shares one person’s journey into the world of aviation as part of an underrepresented community and is now influencing the lives of young individuals in similar communities through impactful experiences like discovery flights. - Check out this episode, “Fly For The Culture” and previous podcasts here: faa.gov/podcasts/the_air_up_there.

12/10/2023   Ensuring Your Well-being Near Wind Turbines - Wind turbine technology can do wonders for our ability to harness renewable energy, but it also introduces some unique challenges for the aviation industry. With more than 72,000 wind turbines throughout the U.S., it’s more important than ever for pilots to be aware of how they’re marked, lighted, and charted. Learn more about how to safely avoid encounters and play an active role in the wind turbine evaluation process in the article “The Winds of Change” at medium.com/faa/the-winds-of-change-b49520f350ed in the Nov/Dec 2023 issue of FAA Safety Briefing. See the entire winter-themed issue at www.faa.gov/safety_briefing.

12/10/2023   Digital transformation: Modernize and digitize - From International Airport Review - "Chris Summers, IT Project Manager at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, outlined in Issue 3, how digital transformation aids airports’ quest for sustainability. - Over the last few years, our industry has seen a dramatic shift to increased digitalization, more self-service, and an increasing trend towards a more sustainable industry. Sustainability involves reducing environmental impact and/or optimizing resources efficiency (reduce, recycle, reuse). "   Read the entirety Here.

12/10/2023    Preparing the UK for hydrogen-powered flight - From International Airport Review - "Hydrogen presents the opportunity to decarbonize aviation, particularly for short-haul flights. For International Airport Review, Dave Lees, CEO of Bristol Airport explains how its work as part of the Hydrogen in Aviation alliance is already solving many of the technical challenges of making hydrogen-powered flight a reality."  Full Article Here.

2/10/2023    FAA Promotes Rule Requiring Drug Testing At Non-U.S. Repair Stations - From AVweb - "In a move under consideration for “decades,” the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced yesterday (Dec. 6) it plans to mandate that aviation repair stations in foreign countries require their employees to submit to drug and alcohol testing if they perform safety-sensitive maintenance procedures for U.S. airlines. According to the FAA, such testing is rare, and the new requirement would affect approximately 977 repair facilities in 65 countries. - The FAA wrote that the testing would..."  Read the Details Here.

12/10/2023    FLIGHT PLANNING AND PREFLIGHT - From AOPA - "The Air Safety Institute wants you to “know before you go.” Whether it’s a quick hop to a nearby strip or an epic cross-country voyage, regulations and common sense require you to be well versed on the airspace ahead and to know how to obtain the big weather picture before takeoff. This Safety Center's courses, videos, and quizzes will help you navigate the flight service system and prepare for your next flight." Many selections that you can choose from follow here. Online Courses, Videos, Quizzes, Publications, and Webinars.  Find THEM Here.

12/10/2023   COLD WEATHER CATASTROPHE - VIDEO - From AOPA - Private pilot John Berman recalls a distressing night flight during the winter of 2018, when prolonged exposure to extreme cold temperatures adversely affected his judgment. - From AOPA - "In this real pilot story, John details the resulting unfortunate choices he made on the last leg of the long cross-country flight from Olathe, Kansas, to Santa Fe, New Mexico. - As is often the case, several links combining in the accident chain contributed to the accident. ASI explores the links that John could not break and led him to depart on the accident flight in his Velocity XL amateur built aircraft."  View the Video HERE.

12/10/2023   FAA’s proposed MOSAIC rule for Light Sport Aircraft could slash electric aircraft development costs - From Aviation Today - "A proposed rule modification from the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) could benefit electric aircraft developers as it would allow new types of aircraft to fly without costing hundreds of millions of dollars for certification. - Mike Hirschberg, director of strategy at the Vertical Flight Society (VFS), told Avionics on Nov. 25 that the proposed Modernization of Special Airworthiness Certification (MOSAIC) rule amendment for light sport aircraft (LSA) should allow larger aircraft to be approved to fly under the category. This, he said, will make them much cheaper to certify, manufacture and purchase than existing type certificated aircraft." - Finish reading and Access both parts of this article Here.

12/10/2023   Age Is Just a Number When It Comes to Flight Training - With some caveats, there really is no such thing as being ‘too old’ to be a pilot. - From FLYING -"“Am I too old to be a private pilot?” - Flight instructors hear this question often. The answer is, as long as you can pass the third-class medical exam, it is doable. There is no maximum age limit for private pilots. However, there is one for airline pilots. The mandatory retirement age for airline pilots as of December 4 is 65. It doesn’t matter if you can still hold a Class 1 medical certificate, you are still healthy enough to hike the Pacific Coast Trail every other year, or you are frequently mistaken for the sibling of your 40-something-year-old child, age 65 is the cutoff. - But there are other professional aviation opportunities, such as on-demand charter operations, that allow their pilots to continue to fly as long as they can..."  Read More Here.

12/06/2023   Dr. Victor Vogel, NAFI Board Member, has written "Assuring Pilot Health and Safety" for NAFI's eMentor publication. "A number of health factors and physiological effects can be linked to safe flying. Some are minor, while others are important enough to require special attention to ensure safety of flight. In some cases, physiological factors can even lead to inflight emergencies. Section I.H of both the private pilot ACS and the commercial ACS includes the human factors that each learner should be prepared to discuss during the oral exam portion of a check ride.  -  The list of factors is extensive and includes hypoxia, hyperventilation, middle ear and sinus problems, spatial disorientation, motion sickness, carbon monoxide poisoning, anxiety, stress, fatigue, dehydration and nutrition, hypothermia, and heatstroke. Also included are..."  Read More of this pertinent resource article Here.

12/05/2023   The FAA released a new video reminding everyone of the rules and regulations that drone pilots must follow. - Additional information about safely flying a drone is available on the FAA website.

12/02/2023   FAA expanding weather camera coverage - FAA weather cameras have been a popular source of weather information since they were first deployed in Alaska nearly a quarter-century ago. - "Each camera site consists of a constellation of up to four cameras looking in different directions, capturing a snapshot of the weather that pilots may view on a website. Updated every 10 minutes, these views have been helping pilots make critical go/no go decisions for over 20 years. Images not only show weather in near-real time, but the website also allows users to play a video loop showing images over the previous six hours, giving pilots a better idea of weather trends.

A recent investment decision by the FAA will now expand the network (which is accessible online) across the country, with 160 new weather camera sites in 39 states planned over the next seven years.  Full Story Here.

12/02/2023   Unleaded Avgas Candidate Passes Critical Engine Tests, Moves Ahead - From FLYING - UL100E fuel produced by LyondellBasell/VP Racing is first to pass the 150-hour durability test under PAFI. - "Encouraging news about unleaded aviation fuel arrived from the FAA on Wednesday. The agency cleared the unleaded UL100E avgas developed by LyondellBasell Industries/VP Racing for piston-engine aircraft to move ahead to full-scale engine and flight testing.

The announcement came after the fuel passed a 150-hour engine durability test under the Piston Aviation Fuels Initiative (PAFI), a collaborative industry and government testing program established in 2014. The FAA noted that the LyondellBasell/VP Racing UL100E is the first unleaded fuel to pass this phase of PAFI testing. The program’s signatories are working towards a replacement for 100LL avgas for aircraft requiring higher octane than the currently available 94UL unleaded fuels." Full Story Here.

12/01/2023   The following order prescribes standardized methods for terminal instrument procedure development and maintenance services provided by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for the United States Air Force (USAF) at domestic airports in the United States and its territories where the FAA has instrument procedure design authority. It is to be used by all personnel responsible for the preparation, approval, and promulgation of these IFPs.  FAA Order 8260.32G, U.S. Air Force Terminal Instrument Procedures Service, was signed by Flight Standards Service (AFX-1).

11/29/2023   FAA Approves Inspection Drone Swarms - From AVweb -  "It would appear drone swarms have come to civil aviation with the FAA’s granting of a waiver to an Israeli company. According to DroneDJ, the FAA is allowing Percepto to fly up to 30 drones under the control of a single pilot beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS). The company specializes in infrastructure and pipeline inspections, and the ability to team up the drones will greatly increase the efficiency of those operations according to the company. That, Percepto says, will make the services more..."   More Here.

11/28/2023   IFR X-Country Training: Which Approaches - From AVweb - "Any pilot who got an instrument rating in the last 25 years knows that part of the training requires a 250-NM (for airplanes) cross‑country flight under IFR. It is called the “long cross‑country” flight, although there’s no “short cross‑country” flight. That flight requires three approaches, but which three has been a source of confusion. The instrument cross-country training article in the current issue of IFR Magazine sorts it out."  Read the story here.

11/26/2023   It’s Time to Winterize Your Flying - From FLYING - "The onset of winter flight operations induces pilots to plan for the cold weather. - Flying does not stop in the winter. Despite the cold, there can be days with calm winds, unlimited visibility, and blue skies just begging to be filled with aircraft. However, if you are in a part of the world prone to snow, ice, and basic freezing conditions, getting from the ramp to the sky can take a little more time and planning."  Read the Full Story Here.

11/26/2023   CFIT and Normalization of Deviation Bias - "Make no mistake, human beings are programmed to push their limits. In a society where records are made to be broken, training, coaching, and practice are designed to progress our performance over time. This yields continuous improvement of output and production efficiency. In order to keep up, many people are eager to take advantage of a shortcut, but pushing the limits has its limits. - The General Aviation Joint Safety Committee (GAJSC) study of Controlled Flight Into Terrain (CFIT) Accidents suggests that human biases may compromise effective pilot decision-making and lead to CFIT accidents. To minimize the risk, it’s important to recognize these biases and learn how to effectively manage things within our control and plan for dealing with the unexpected."  Read More about the Biases we all might have Here.

11/26/2023   FAA, Airlines Monitoring Pilot Experience Issues  - From AVweb - "The FAA is monitoring the correlation between pilot inexperience and aviation incidents and so far it isn’t finding much. In the recent hiring sprees at most airlines, pilots have been moving up the ranks at unprecedented rates. Rather than taking years, sometimes decades, to move up to larger and more complex equipment, the hiring blitz of the past few years is upsetting that methodical and predictable career path. According to a Wall Street Journal story,..."  Finish reading Here.

11/26/2023   Gulfstream Flies A G600 Across The Atlantic On 100% SAF Using Pratt & Whitney Engines - From Simple Flying -  "Pratt & Whitney Canada and Gulfstream Aerospace have completed the first 100% biofuel-powered transatlantic crossing between Savannah and Farnborough. -  The biofuel used in the flight has up to 70% lower carbon emissions than conventional jet fuel and was provided by World Fuel Servies." -  Read the full story Here.

11/23/2023  L2 Teams With Klatt Works On HUD-Like Tech For Smoke Emergencies - From AVweb - "L2 Aviation, self-described as a supplier of engineering, certification, installation and manufacturing services, announced earlier this week it has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with California-based Klatt Works to further develop the latter’s Smoke Assured Vision Enhanced Display (SAVED) system for aircraft. -  SAVED is a wearable safety device that incorporates a type of virtual-reality-goggle technology into conventional aircraft oxygen masks to enable flight crews to maneuver and navigate when smoke restricts their view of the outside environment and..."  Full Story Here.

11/21/2023   Improve Safety By Reducing Training? FAA Addresses Controller Shortage - "Well, it seems like a strange strategy for what is ultimately a safety initiative but nothing else has worked so maybe it’s worth a try, provided it’s monitored carefully. A few days after a damning report from the National Airspace System Safety Review Team essentially told the FAA that the clock is ticking on a major aviation catastrophe in the U.S., the agency had no choice but to respond. On Friday it came out with..."  Finish Reading Here.

11/21 /2023   NATCA Wants Oversight Of Controller Training Changes - "The National Air Traffic Controllers Association says it wants to take part in the oversight of a new training process for some prospective controllers under changes announced last week by the FAA. The agency said last week it will allow graduates of Air Traffic-Collegiate Training Institute (AT-CTI) to skip training at the FAA ATC Academy in Oklahoma City to free up seats for would-be trainees who come from other recruiting streams. That will theoretically increase..."  Read More Here.

11/18/2023    Arizona Safety Advisory Group (ASAG's) November Meeting was held on the 15th. Always a pertinent event!  You can catch up with ASAG by viewing the meeting minutes HERE.

11/18/2023    SKYRYSE ACHIEVES FIRST AUTOMATED HELICOPTER AUTOROTATION LANDING - From FutureFlight - "Skyryse has achieved what it says is the first-ever fully automated autorotation landings with its modified Robinson R66 helicopter. Announcing the breakthrough this week, even though the flight itself happened back in July, the company said it expects to roll out the first production example of the rotorcraft in the first quarter of 2024. - The R66 testbed was equipped with..."   Read More Here.

11/18/2023    Keeping Your Carburetor Ice-free! - Carburetor icing can starve an engine of its power-producing properties, often without warning. Thankfully, carb ice can be easy to avoid and/or mitigate — provided you’re familiar with the correct information and procedures. Yet, every year many pilots find themselves victims of carb ice and unaware of its propensity in some warmer environments. Learn more about how to keep your carburetor ice-free in the article “Breaking the Ice” at https://medium.com/faa/breaking-the-ice-155acaf8d3df in the Nov/Dec 2023 issue of FAA Safety Briefing. See the entire winter-themed issue at www.faa.gov/safety_briefing.

11/18/2023    New Pilot Minute Covers DUI Reporting - Pilots: Do you know what to do if you get a DUI/DWI? Federal Air Surgeon Dr. Susan Northrup covers that subject in her latest episode of the Pilot Minute video series, along with important reporting timelines and requirements you’ll need to know. See this and past Pilot Minute videos here: youtube.com/watch?v=Ih7AxUTh3eg&list=PL5vHkqHi51DQvRjGJo1SuXyZpKl5HbzOI

11/17/2023   FAA-Appointed Panel Lays Blame On Congress For Safety Issues - From AVweb -  "The National Airspace System Safety Review Team (SRT), an FAA-appointed panel of experts, blames Congress’ “shutdown politics” and inadequate FAA funding for increases in close calls involving air safety. In a report released yesterday (Nov. 15), the panel addressed what it describes as recurring gridlock: “This stop-and-start process in Congress has resulted in the disruption of critical activities, notably including the hiring and training of air traffic controllers. It has also slowed down the implementation of key technology modernization programs, delayed thousands of flights, and held up..."  Finish reading Here.

11/13/2023   Nationwide Canadian Study Shows Overwhelming Support For eVTOLs - From Aviation Today - "A nationwide study by Horizon Aircraft, a Canadian-based innovative leader in hybrid electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aerial vehicles, shows the launch of air taxi services could play a vital role in revitalizing rural communities. The research, which included the views of people living in remote communities, found two out of three (66%) of Canadians would welcome the use of air taxis to address negative issues associated with living in remote communities, such as poor access to transport, isolation, and unreliable supplies of critical goods and medical supplies." Read the Full Article Here.

11/13/2023   NBAA Announces Latest Recipients of Sustainable Flight Department Accreditation - From NBAA - PR Release - Washington, DC, Nov. 13, 2023 – The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) today announced its latest batch of business aviation entities that have achieved the organization’s Sustainable Flight Department Accreditation.

The program, which was launched last year, includes four independent accreditations: flight, ground support, operations and infrastructure. The categories are aimed at recognizing the diversity of business aviation entities and different emissions scopes.

NBAA’s accreditation program, which is not limited to flight departments, provides an industry standard for validating leadership in sustainable flight operations. The goal is to promote a culture of sustainability by encouraging companies to think and act critically, and to implement as many sustainability strategies as possible.

The recipients include:

• Embraer Executive Jets: Flight
• MedAire, Inc.: Flight
• Oshkosh Corporation: Flight
• Pfizer, Inc.: Flight, Infrastructure
• RTX: Flight, Operations, Ground Support, Infrastructure
• Target Corporation: Flight
• The Boeing Company: Infrastructure

NBAA also accredited several other entities that wish to remain anonymous.

“We are excited to recognize the latest recipients of the NBAA Sustainable Flight Department Accreditation and applaud their hard work in achieving this milestone,” said NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen. “Business Aviation is committed to a more sustainable future, including reaching net-zero emissions by 2050, and these companies are among those who will help us achieve that goal.”

Learn more about NBAA’s Sustainable Flight Department Accreditation Program.

NBAA is participating in the Climbing. Fast. initiative to showcase business aviation’s many societal benefits, from driving opportunities for today’s workforce, to leading sustainability innovations to achieve a commitment to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. The Sustainable Flight Department Accreditation program is just one example of business aviation’s commitment to sustainability.

11/13/2023   Archer, InterGlobe to Offer eVTOL Service in India - From Transport Up -  "InterGlobe Enterprises and Archer have announced that they have entered into a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the goal of partnering to launch and operate an all-electric air taxi service in India, subject to appropriate regulatory approvals and clearances." Full Story Here.

11/11/2023   How magnetic navigation could provide a backup to GPS - From Vertical - "For many, “magnetic navigation” brings to mind the trusty magnetic compass, which has been around for hundreds of years. But today, there is a whole new — and far more modern — meaning to the term. - Magnetic navigation — or MagNav — offers the promise of an alternative means of precise global navigation, should a GPS signal become unavailable. MagNav uses the local magnetic field lines that surround the globe, which are generated by movements of the earth’s solid inner core and molten outer core. Other forces on the magnetic field (including magnetization of the earth’s crust) cause distortions in these lines, and these distortions vary depending on location. This crustal magnetic anomaly field can be mapped — with any point on the globe able to be identified by its unique crustal anomaly configuration. - While GPS has become the standard for position location and navigation, relying on a satellite signal has its drawbacks. Signal blockage or reflection can cause problems at..."  Finish reading Here.

“We are pleased to announce that NBAA is standing up a Runway and Surface Safety Working Group that will bring experts together across our committees, and across the industry, to address recent runway incidents and incursions,” said Bolen. The formation of the group is intended to build upon decades of experience acquired from the work of NBAA, its committees and the association’s broader membership, in concert with government agencies and experts across several professions, to maintain a holistic focus on aviation safety.

Bolen’s testimony was offered as part of the hearing, held by the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation’s Subcommittee on Aviation Safety, Operations and Innovation. The hearing was titled, “Addressing Close Calls to Improve Aviation Safety.”

Review Bolen’s full testimony provided to the subcommittee.

NBAA’s new Runway and Surface Safety Group adds to the cross-disciplinary approach the association and its members have long taken to glean underlying causes from accidents and apply the learnings to future accident avoidance. The working group will include representation from several standing NBAA committees.

The work to apply real-world scenarios and data toward safety enhancements has resulted in the production of a host of NBAA tools that serve as authoritative sources on matters ranging from inflight safety, to hangar and ground safety, to human factors and other key elements in the aviation-safety equation.

The association also produces a list of Top Safety Focus Areas on a biennial basis and administers a Business Aviation Safety Manager Certificate Program to operators demonstrating leadership in safety best practices on the ground and in the air.

In his testimony, Bolen commended government leaders with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA) and other stakeholder organizations to support an industry-wide focus on safety vigilance.

“Since NBAA was founded in 1947, we have been intentional in developing partnerships with government leaders and other stakeholders” in prioritizing safety, Bolen said. “NBAA will continue to engage with our members and other stakeholders to continually improve aviation safety.”

11/11/2023    Don't Get Rusty' series - VIDEO Webinar Safety (Recorded) Series from AOPA - Click here for the series index.

11/11/2023    BEYOND PROFICIENT: IFR SERIES - Video Safety Series - "Become a better, safer pilot with the AOPA Air Safety Institute’s Beyond Proficient: IFR video series. The videos provide a unique perspective on how to fly safely in the departure, en route, and approach profiles under instrument flight rules. - Whether you’re instrument-rated or recently enrolled in instrument training, this video series offers tips and tricks to master complex instrument flying aspects. View your options Here.

11/11/2023   Reliable Robotics embracing radar as integral part of autonomous flight system - Tech - From Flight Global - "California start-up Reliable Robotics continues to stress the importance of radar development in remote-autonomous flight systems, recently adding industry expert Marc Pos to head its radar design. The company views radar as having the best chance to allow the whole system to be FAA certified as it complies with detect-and-avoid requirements and mainly helps detect aircraft without transponders or other vehicles in the airspace."  Full Story Here.

11/06/2023    Microlearning for Aviation Medical Examiners - VIDEO - In this microlearning lesson, Dr. Warren Silberman, DO, MPH outlines the Fast Track and Standard Track requirements for medical certification of pilots with a history of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, ADHD.  - (Running time: 92 seconds) -  The AME Minute is presented by FAA Aviation Safety's Aerospace Medical Education Division of the Civil Aerospace Medical Institute, in association with FAA Media Solutions. - See the Video HERE.

11/04/2023    From the Flight Deck Publishes Additional “Pilot Handbook” Content - New safety information products for pilots are now available online. The FAA’s From the Flight Deck video series has published “Pilot Handbooks” for 40 airports across the U.S., with new locations added regularly. The handbooks were developed specifically for pilots to both highlight and supplement airport diagrams, hot spots, and other potential surface safety issues. Each pilot handbook contains information local controllers want pilots to know, airport communications, airspace details, general best practices, lost communications tips, and other preflight planning resources. - Use the interactive map at www.faa.gov/flight_deck to find the Pilot Handbooks currently available.

11/04/2023   Are You Fit for Flight? - You inspect your aircraft before and after each flight. Are you inspecting yourself as well? Our latest FlySafe GA Safety Enhancement topic, “Are You Fit for Flight?” discusses the importance of checking in with yourself before each flight to make sure you are fed, hydrated, rested, and emotionally fit to fly. Similar to a preflight checklist used to inspect critical parts of your aircraft, the I’MSAFE checklist helps you assess your own personal fitness for flight. Review this checklist and other important information here  medium.com/faa/are-you-fit-for-flight-2195ad664ad7 .

11/04/2023   Surviving the Season: Best Practices for Winter Weather Readiness - Winter weather presents some supreme conditions for flying, but there are some vital things to consider and areas to plan for if you do. As the seasons change, so should your approach to flight. Make sure both you and your aircraft are equipped for colder temps and winter precipitation. For tips on how to best prepare for winter flying, see the article “Surviving the Season: Best Practices for Winter Weather Readiness” at faasteam.medium.com/best-practices-for-winter-weather-readiness-f359c2920b7a in the Nov/Dec 2023 issue of FAA Safety Briefing. See the entire winter-themed issue at www.faa.gov/safety_briefing.   -   Also, be sure to check out the panel on winter survival techniques from last week’s From the Flight Deck GA Pilot Winter Prep Workshop at youtube.com/watch?v=hnrMHzeMqxY.

11/03/2023   2023-2029 Project Overview Los Angeles County Airports - Federal Airport Capital Improvement Program (ACIP) - State Airport Capital Improvement Program - California Aviation System Program (CIP)  -  See the complete Detailed .pdf File Here.

11/03/2023  Whiteman Airport - KWHP  11/03/2023  Whiteman Grant History from FAA Report - Click Here.

11/01/2023   The November/December 2023 issue of FAA Safety Briefing magazine focuses on winter operations. - Articles cover some of the exciting opportunities that the winter flying season offers as well as provide a review of several important cold weather safety strategies.  Download YOUR COPY of the Magazine skimpily by Clicking Here.

11/01/2023   Are you fit for flight?  FAA VIDEO - Watch: Don't Game the System with Your AME in 57 Seconds - Watch it Here.

11/01/2023   Teaching Analog Skills in a Digital World - Stepping back from digital options requires a different type of learning curve. - From FLYING - "...more often than not the FAR/AIM—and going to the back of the book to the index. The index was pretty easy to use as the words are arranged alphabetically. Sometimes it took a few tries to find what you were looking for—would the airspeed indicator be listed under airspeed or required instruments for VFR flight?—but with a little patience you could find it and follow the page number to the appropriate section. - As we have progressed to a digital society, fewer and fewer learners and even instructors know how to use the index in a paper book."  Read More Here.

10/31/2023   Are YOU FIT to Fly?  Here is Fact Sheet that reveals study results and items that need to be considered.  Read it Here.  Think that fitness isn't really an issue? An off-duty pilot who by report had not slept in 4 days, with additional other interesting causal factors involved, had a nervous breakdown in flight and almost caused an airline tragedy. Read about it Here.

0/31/2023   Holiday travel is here! Help your friends, family and followers get ready to fly. - From child seats to checked bags to canceled flights, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has resources to help you be an informed and prepared traveler. We will help you answer questions like:

  • How do I help my little ones prepare for their first flight?
  • Should my little one be in a car seat on the plane?
  • How do I install my child’s car seat in an airplane seat?
  • How can I make sure my family sits together?
  • Is it safer to pack my laptop in my carry-on or checked bag?
  • Where do items with lithium batteries, like vapes and power banks, go?
  • What are my airline's cancelation policies?
  • What should I do if my flight is delayed?
  • How could weather across the country affect my flight?

Are you ready to learn more? Here's how:

10/31/2023   Watch: A GA Pilot Winter Prep Workshop - FROM THE FLIGHT DECK - GA PILOT WINTER PREP Workshop - You Can Watch This on YouTube by Clicking HERE.

10/31/2023   FAA Winter Weather AIG Grants in Fiscal Year 2023 - See the data Here.  The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law provides $15 billion in airport infrastructure funding.  For FY 2023, another $2.89 billion has been made available to U.S. airports around the nation. Airport Infrastructure Grant funds can be invested in runways, taxiways, safety, and sustainability projects, as well as terminal, airport-transit connections, and roadway projects.  -  View and download b-roll of snow removal and de-icing equipment in action.

10/31/2023   Subject: Risk of Potential Adverse Effects on Radio Altimeters (RA) when Operating in the Presence of 5G C-Band Wireless Broadband Signals - Read the revised SAFO Here.

10/31/2023   NTSB Preliminary Report 10/01/23 Richard McSpadden/Lake Placid Accident - To read the findings, Click: Read the Report Here.

10/31/2023   On October 26, 2023, the Department of Transportation (DOT) published a Listserve Notice regarding upcoming changes to how covered employers will access the DOT’s Drug and Alcohol Management Information System (DAMIS). Effective January 1, 2024, all employers will need to go through Login.gov to access DAMIS to enter Management Information System (MIS) data. For more information or if you have questions regarding this Notice, you may contact the DOT’s Office of Drug and Alcohol Policy and Compliance at 202-366-3784 or ODAPCWebMail@dot.gov.

10/31/2023   Couple Take Lead on Reopening New Cuyama Airport - From Flying - “The airport and property went through a few different hands and ended up with a gentleman who wanted to put it in the hands of the community through a nonprofit organization,” Sappingotn said. “So, he donated the airport and property to a nonprofit called Blue Sky Center. They are a community development organization, whose objective is to help the people of the Cuyama Valley. They always tried to take care of the airstrip but didn’t have a lot of money to do so. As a private GA airport, they are not eligible for federal airport grants." Full Story Here.

10/28/2023  Did you miss anything at the 2023 Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (NBAA-BACE)? Take a look back at one of the most exciting conventions ever. REVIEW IT HERE.

10/28/2023   UK’s ATC Charges On the Increase; Airlines Pushing Back -  From AVweb - "According to a Reuters report today (Oct. 26), airlines are pushing back at British aviation authorities for increases in charges for air traffic control services. NATS, the provider of air traffic control services in the UK, claims the increases are meant to recoup costs incurred by the COVID-19 pandemic."  More Here.

10/28/2023   FAA Teams With USAF On Unmanned Aircraft Infrastructure Research - From AVweb -  "The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced today (Oct. 26) it is joining the U.S. Air Force in a coordinated effort to safely integrate Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) aircraft into the National Airspace System. The armed service and the FAA will exchange data and share technical and infrastructure assets and expertise to help test AAM development. The FAA signed the agreement with AFWERX, described in the announcement as “a Technology Directorate of the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) and the innovation arm of the Department of the Air Force.” - "FAA technology development director John Maffei said, “A new era of..."  Complete Story Here.

10/28/2023   FlightAware announces expanded tracking platform for helicopters - From EVA - "FlightAware announced today the release of Global for Helicopters, a new flight tracking platform for helicopter or mixed fleet business aviation managers. - FlightAware is a division of Collins Aerospace, an RTX business. - More than 15,000 business aviation customers worldwide are currently supported by FlightAware Global. - This latest addition to the industry-leading flight tracking suite gives managers of fixed-wing and rotary fleets the full capabilities of Global for all their airframes, plus enhanced high-frequency Aireon℠ space-based ADS-B tracking and defined custom airports for operations unique to rotary-wing aircraft. - “Helicopters often operate out of remote areas and..."  Full PR Release Here.

10/26/2023   Fighting Flutter - SAFETY - From Aviation Safety Magazine - "You're descending at a relatively high speed in calm air and, since there was no forecast for and little chance of turbulence, you let the airspeed climb into the yellow arc. Then you hear a buzzing noise. You might think that one or more fasteners have come loose, perhaps on the cowling-or you might imagine a bee, wasp or some other stowaway insect as the source. One thing is for sure; the sound you hear probably isn't a stuck microphone. So what's going on? Well, you had better slow down, because that buzz you hear could be your ailerons about to go fully into auto-flail mode. - As amusing as that expression may sound, such an event, were it to occur to you, would quite likely provide you with your first and very last encounter."  Full Story Here.

10/25/2023   AIRCRAFT SEIZURE - From AOPA - "“Can I see your license and registration” took on a whole new meaning for Alfonso on July 2018. He was preparing to depart El Paso International Airport in his Cessna 172 for, Chihuahua, Mexico. - It was a flight that he had become accustomed to, as it turned a four-hour drive into an hour-plus flight. However, prior to departure, he was asked to taxi to customs for an unknown inspection. He complied.

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) agents were there and proceeded to inspect his pilot certificate and aircraft registration. HSI subsequently served him with a notice of forfeiture, took custody of the 172 and began a seven-month journey to the eventual recovery of his aircraft.

In order to be registered with the FAA, United States law requires that U.S. civil aircraft be owned by a: United States citizen, a lawfully admitted permanent resident or a non-citizen corporation—but only if that corporation is “organized and doing business under the laws of the United States or a State and the aircraft is based and primarily used in the United States”.[1] This is very different than the ownership requirements for real property, which while varying..."

10/25/2023   FAA CLARIFIES LOW-G MANEUVER TRAINING IN ROBINSON HELICOPTERS -  From AOPA - "The FAA has issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) that seeks to clear up conflicting safety and training requirements regarding low G maneuvers in Robinson R22 and R44 helicopters. - The rule would revise the special federal aviation regulation (SFAR) that stipulates training and experience requirements for Robinson R22 and R44 helicopters, effectively removing the low-G dual flight instruction requirement to align with current airworthiness directives, aircraft placard requirements, and the limitations outlined in the pilot’s operating handbook. - The NPRM explains, “The inconsistency between the..."  Read More Here.

10/24/2023   Boeing’s Wisk Aero Steps Up LA Presence with Public Air Taxi Demos - From Fluing - "The company said it was the first to complete public eVTOL flight demonstrations in Los Angeles County. - Wisk landed in the City of Angels earlier this month, beginning private flight testing out of Long Beach Airport (KLGB) with its fifth-generation eVTOL, also known as Cora. The tests allowed the firm to evaluate autonomous flight operations in a real-world commercial environment, right beside other passenger aircraft.  - The flight program was capped off with a public, multitransition demonstration during..."  Full Story Here.

10/23/2023   Arizona Safey Advisory Group (ASAG) October 18, 2023, Meeting Minutes - Click Here.

10/22/2023   Join Us for a GA Pilot Winter Prep Workshop - The FAA invites GA pilots to join a live workshop from 2-4 pm EDT on Oct. 26 to help prepare for winter weather and how to operate safely in changing weather conditions. The event will cover tips for preflight, en route, and post-flight actions as well as other helpful information for pilots as we head into the cooler months. Panelists will include GA industry reps, pilots, air traffic controllers, meteorologists, and other safety experts.

Those who participate using the Zoom link are eligible to receive 1.5 WINGS credits. All others are encouraged to use the YouTube livestream link to attend.

10/22/2023   Pilot Minute Video Describes Accelerated Way to Send Medical Documents - Is there a way to reduce the wait time for your medical application review? In a recent episode of the Pilot Minute video series, Federal Air Surgeon Dr. Susan Northrup explains how AMEs can expedite medical certification by using the AMCS documents upload feature during and after an exam. Uploaded documents are routed directly to an examiner’s inbox, allowing the FAA to review the application more efficiently. - See this and past videos here: youtube.com/playlist?list=PL5vHkqHi51DQvRjGJo1SuXyZpKl5HbzOI

10/19/2023   The Top Three Ways Our Engines Fail - From Aviation Safety Magazine - "This really isn't rocket science, but failure of a well-maintained engine often can be traced to the pilot. - Almost any assessment of the Accident Briefs section of this magazine’s issues reveals that engine failures, followed by the inevitable arrival back to Mother Earth, pose a significant contribution to the accident record and the NTSB’s workload. What happens after the engine fails isn’t the topic of this article, but what causes the failure—and preventing it from happening—is. At the outset, it’s important to note that engine failures per se are not part of the accident statistics—an engine failure only appears on the NTSB’s (or the FAA’s) radar if the airplane is damaged or its occupants injured. A small airplane’s engine failure followed by a landing in which nothing was damaged and no one was hurt isn’t counted."  Full Article Here.

10/18/2023   NOAA Changing Weather Site - From Flying - From 10/13 - "The update aims to make aviation forecast information easier to use and understand. - Attention all aviation weather geeks: On Monday, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) will be launching a completely overhauled online weather resource. For decades, aviationweather.gov has been helping pilots supplement their weather information, providing access to TAFs and METARs and providing graphical forecasts. - The new site has a much cleaner..."  Learn about the new site changes Here.

10/18/2023   Fuel Display Upgrades: Go Digital - From Flying - "This episode of Aviation Consumer’s Avionics Boot Camp Panel Planner 101 Live looks at the installation process and benefits of replacing old fuel sensors with modern digital options. - With the accident reports littered with fuel exhaustion events, it’s logical to consider a big-screen engine monitor with digital fuel quantity display. But we often see disappointed buyers who shortchange the install by using the existing, aging fuel tank sensors and failing wiring. Worse, they might spend time and money having..."  Read this Here.

10/18/2023   Aviation Stakeholders Respond to EPA Endangerment Finding on Leaded Avgas -

Washington, DC, Oct. 18, 2023 – A coalition of aviation stakeholder organizations issued the following joint statement regarding the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) endangerment finding on lead in aviation gasoline (avgas) issued on Oct. 18.

“We are working with the administration toward the ultimate elimination of lead from avgas, and this finding mirrors and reinforces our shared goal of, and plan for, an unleaded fuel future. This finding is another step in the process, with rulemaking and other regulatory steps still to come, for developing and deploying viable unleaded avgas alternatives. We remain committed to removing lead from avgas by the end of 2030 or sooner, and are making considerable progress toward the introduction of market-viable high-octane unleaded replacement fuels that meet the safety performance needs of the entire U.S. fleet of piston aircraft.

“It is important that the flying community and the public understand that aviation safety depends on an orderly, nationally coordinated transition to unleaded avgas. The premature removal of an essential fuel that many aircraft require for safe operation, before a replacement is available, would compromise the safety, efficiency and economic viability of the U.S. airspace and airports, the general aviation industry and transportation infrastructure.

“While the EPA finding is a key step in the process, the EPA is not given the authority to ban, regulate or limit aviation fuel. Instead, the EPA’s finding triggers further deliberate rulemaking by FAA as the nation’s aviation safety regulator to ensure the successful development and deployment of viable unleaded avgas alternatives, given the critical safety and other issues at stake.”

The coalition of aviation stakeholder organizations include:American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE)Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA)American Petroleum Institute (API)Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA)General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA)Helicopter Association International (HAI)International Council of Air Shows (ICAS)National Air Transportation Association (NATA)National Association of State Aviation Officials (NASAO)National Business Aviation Association (NBAA)

10/17/2023   TUS  AIRFIELD Changes! They Take Effect 11/30/2023 - The Tucson Airport Authority (TAA), certificated operator of Tucson International Airport (TUS), is engaged in a multi-year $400+ million Airfield Safety Enhancement (ASE) Program, a project that will transform the airfield layout at TUS to meet current Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) safety standards. This project, designed to enhance airfield safety, will include the demolition of an existing runway (RWY 11R/29L; 75’ x 8,000’) with a new, relocated parallel runway (150’ x 11,000’) that will serve the Southern Arizona region for decades into the future.  Read About the Changes HERE.

10/16/2023   New announcement below is from Cary Grant, President of ASAG. - Cottonwood Airport (P52) From the Flight Deck on YouTube. - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RpOS4yi7oGM

ASAG’s third in our series of From the Flight Deck for Cottonwood is now live on YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RpOS4yi7oGM
 
This is the third in series of the Arizona Aviation Safety Advisory Group production on Arizona's non-towered airports. See also Marana (KAVQ)    • ASAG WG KAVQ HD 24fps 7D   and Sedona (KSEZ)    • Sedona From the Flight Deck  . We wish to thank all of the members of the group that have volunteered their time and aircraft to make these safety videos. We also want to thank Jeffrey Tripp, the Cottonwood Airport Manager, for his support and input, the Scottsdale FSDO FAA Safety Team, and the FAA Western Region Runway Safety Office for supporting our endeavors. Our videos are just one resource pilots should reference "to know before you go," to supplement their preflight preparations in accordance with FAA regulations.

10/14/2023   GAMA Hosts Pre-Brief On Life After EPA’s Ruling On Leaded Aviation Fuel - From AVweb - "In anticipation of an imminently expected endangerment finding from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on leaded aviation gasoline, the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) hosted an industry-centric “background” briefing for aviation press this morning. GAMA was clear from the beginning that this was an industry-only briefing and did not come under the “umbrella” of the Eliminate Aviation Gas Lead Emissions (EAGLE) initiative, described by GAMA as “a comprehensive public-private partnership consisting of aviation and petroleum industry and U.S. government stakeholders.” Finish the story Here.

10/11/2023    L3Harris, Leidos, and MAG Aerospace Collaborate on HADES Program - From Aviation Today - "L3Harris Technologies, Leidos, and MAG Aerospace are joining forces to lead the advancement of the U.S. Army’s High Accuracy Detection and Exploitation System (HADES) program. The collaboration aims to develop a of aerial intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) aircraft, enhancing the ability to gather reliable intelligence against sophisticated adversaries rapidly." Story Here.

10/07/2023   New Pilot Minute Video Covers High Blood Pressure - In the latest episode of the Pilot Minute video series, Federal Air Surgeon Dr. Susan Northrup covers how pilots with high blood pressure can get their medical certificate. “You may be surprised to learn that a majority of common blood pressure medications can be approved for flight,” says Dr. Northrup in the video. She also explains the criteria used for hypertension under the Conditions AMEs Can Issue (CACI) program and encourages maintenance of a personal health management plan to prolong your flying career. - See this and past videos here youtube.com/playlist?list=PL5vHkqHi51DQvRjGJo1SuXyZpKl5HbzOI

10/07/2023   What You Need To Know About Aircraft Hazard Areas - Aircraft Hazard Areas (AHA) are used by ATC to segregate air traffic from a launch vehicle, reentry vehicle, amateur rocket, jettisoned stages, hardware, or falling debris generated by failures associated with any of these activities. There are many AHAs in the United States.  They are activated via the Notice to Air Mission (NOTAM) system.  Pilots should be aware of where these AHAs are and review NOTAMs before each flight to determine if there are any airspace restrictions for the AHAs along their planned route.

For more information, please review the AHA document from the FAASTeam library here Resources - Library - FAA - FAASTeam - FAASafety.gov and the article “Let’s Give ‘em Some Space” here Let’s Give ’em Some “Space”. How to Safely Steer Clear of Aircraft… | by FAA Safety Briefing | Cleared for Takeoff | Medium.

10/05/2023    Stall Warning Systems - From Aviation Safety Magazine - "A stall warning system is something of a last resort: By the time it activates inadvertently, you’ve already ignored several other indications that the airplane is approaching a stall. You’ve allowed the airplane to get too slow, with too high an angle of attack and/or loaded up with additional G forces. Then you’ve ignored the controls getting mushy, as well as..."  Full description and Article Here.

10/04/2023   MIT’s AI Copilot Improves Human Pilot Performance - From AVweb  - "MIT says it’s developing an artificial intelligence-driven copilot robot it calls a “guardian” that will monitor the human pilot’s performance and intervene at even the smallest deviation from what the AI considers the proper action by the human. Air-Guardian uses eye tracking to determine where the human is focusing and if it doesn’t match the AI’s gaze, the machine takes control. “If they’re both paying attention to the same thing, the human gets to steer,” according to the explanation by MIT’s Rachel Gordon."  Finish Reading Here.

10/02/2023   Decarbonize Aviation? Good Luck To Us - VIDEO With Paul Bertorelli - From AVweb - "With weather disasters lined up like airliners on final to LaGuardia, news on climate change is a constant. And with aviation the most energy-intensive form of mass transportation, it’s in the crosshairs as an emitter of greenhouse gas. In this video, AVweb’s Paul Bertorelli examines the role of electric airplanes and, more importantly, sustainable aviation fuel. Bottom line: Don’t expect miracles." See it Here.

10/01/2023   Ventura VOR VTU - Did you know?  VTU June 15, 23 LA TAC frequency was 108.2 - As of LA TAC  8/10/23 VTU's current frequency is 116.55.

09/29/2023   NASA Releases UFO Study, Appoints Director of UAP Research - From FLYING - "A NASA-commissioned independent study team urged the agency to use everything from high-powered satellites to your cell phone to study UFOs." - Plus a Pentagon sponsored website - Read it Here.

09/29/2023   Complex operating environments, distractions, workforce turnover, and complacency may lead to runway incursions. Comprehensive, site-specific driver training and operational procedures can mitigate these factors. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) provides best practices and training supplements to support airport operators and airfield drivers while promoting safe operations.

The FAA Website has posted new information on proper phraseology for crossing or proceeding onto runways. Airport operators are encouraged to review the information, share it with airport drivers, and supplement existing driver training programs. 

Information includes:

Information for airport operators and vehicle drivers is available on the FAA website at: https://www.faa.gov/airports/runway_safety/airfield_drivers 

Respectfully,

Birke Rhodes, Manager, Airport Safety and Operations Division, AAS-300, FAA Office of Airports

09/29/2023    SATNAV News Quarterly Newsletter for U.S. Federal Aviation Administration. A new issue is now available. - - The 2023 Summer edition of the SatNav News is now available.  Articles included in this issue:

  • WAAS at Twenty
  • 22nd International GBAS Working Group Meeting
  • WAAS is Working for Airports
  • GPS Information
  • and more!

09/29/2023   Stop The Rush - From Aviation Safety Magazine - "Rushing through a task often is cited as an early link in the accident chain, a controllable factor that causes checklists to be missed, briefings to be brushed over and errors to occur. Obviously there is a schedule to keep, which creates inherent pressure to get moving. But by and large, the need to rush simply does not exist. If there is nothing out of the ordinary such as a maintenance issue, weather or late boarding, then it is extremely easy to be ready to go when the time comes. When there is another factor, the expectation is..."  Read More Here.

09/29/2023   NONTOWERED - ORDERLY OPERATIONS KEEP EVERYONE SAFE - From AOPA - "I assuaged their concern by explaining that there are several ways we can ensure safety as we operate to and from a nontowered field. I described how we are always on the lookout for other traffic, and that I would enlist their assistance in that endeavor. Also, that we pilots announce our intentions on the common traffic frequency to coordinate departures and arrivals with other pilots. Finally, I explained that my airplane is equipped with ADS-B so that many of the other airplanes will appear on the panel’s display. With a shared commitment to safety, attention to surroundings, and some common courtesy, general aviation pilots can enjoy the great freedom with which we are blessed."  Good Information Here.

09/28/2023   The following documents were signed by AFX-1 and are published:

  • Order 8000.94B, Procedures for Acceptance or Review of Low Visibility Operations/Surface Movement Guidance and Control Systems (LVO/SMGCS)
  • AC 120-57C, Low Visibility Operations/Surface Movement Guidance and Control Systems (LVO/SMGCS)

09/28/2023   GPS Spoofing Raises Alarms - ALERT From AVweb - "Someone in the Middle East has figured out how to spoof GPS data and it’s playing havoc with aircraft navigation. OPSGROUP, a site used by airline, business and cargo pilots, is reporting that aircraft using Airway UMB688 in northern Iraq are experiencing complete navigation system failures because the hacker replaces the position data beamed by the GPS signals with false coordinates. “[Twelve] separate reports have been now received by OPSGROUP, and in most cases the [Inertial Reference System] becomes unusable, VOR/DME sensor inputs fail, the aircraft UTC clock fails, and the crew have been forced to request vectors from ATC to navigate,” the site reported." Full Story Here.

09/27/2023   White House Announces $201 Million Airport Lighting Upgrade Program - From AVweb - Ontario and LAX Included - "The White House announced today (Sept. 26) that more than $201 million will go to new or reconstructed runway and taxiway lighting systems as part of the administration’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. During an event marking the new program at Denver International Airport, U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said, “We’re acting to improve lighting systems at 82 airports, an important part of keeping aircraft moving safely, no matter the time of day or weather.” - Full Story.

09/23/2023   Who’s Who In The Tower - "All pilots should be familiar with Tower controllers and Ground controllers. But the cast is much larger than that. Here’s a guide to keep them straight." - From AVweb - TOWER Staff POSITIONS/Responsibilities are described Here

09/23/2023   I Lost My Logbook. What Now? - Answer from Meg at FLYING - "If you can't put your hands on your logbook, the FAA can help you reconstruct your hours and endorsements." Full article Here.

09/23/2023   Advanced Preflight After Maintenance - The General Aviation Joint Safety Committee (GAJSC) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have determined that a significant number of general aviation fatalities could be avoided if pilots were to conduct more thorough preflight inspections of aircraft that have just been returned to service. In-flight emergencies have been the direct result of maintenance personnel who have serviced or installed systems incorrectly. Learn what steps to take before your first flight after maintenance online at https://medium.com/faa/advanced-preflight-after-maintenance-196e847b9f07.

09/22/2023   Braking Tactics - From Aviation Safety Magazine - "While conducting flight reviews and stage checks for students working toward various airman certificates, I'm finding pilots who do not have a strong understanding of the operation and limitations of light aircraft braking systems. I've also noticed many pilots misuse the brakes in landing and taxiing." Learn Important Braking Info Here.

09/20/2023   FAA Advisory Circular 90-110C, Service Provider Authorization Guidance for Public Performance Based Instrument Flight Procedures, was signed by Flight Standards Service (AFX-1). - This advisory circular (AC) provides guidance for non-FAA Instrument Flight Procedure (IFP) developers to become authorized by the FAA to develop public performance based IFPs. This AC applies to Title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, parts 71, 73, 77, 91, 93, 95, 97, 121, 135, and 157.

09/20/2023   FAA Order 8260.3F*, United States Standard for Terminal Instrument Procedures (TERPS), was signed by Flight Standards Service (AFX-1). - This order prescribes standardized methods for designing and evaluating IFPs prescribed under Title 14, Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) part 95 and part 97. It also contains design guidance related to other IFPs and Air Traffic Control (ATC) charts not specified under parts 95 or 97. It is to be used by all personnel responsible for the preparation, approval, and promulgation of IFPs. The criteria contained within this order are predicated on normal aircraft operations and performance. This order contains guidance that is pertinent to 14 CFR part 97.  - *Coordinated as FAA Order 8260.3E CHG RTD DP

09/18/2023   FAA’s MOSAIC Comment Window Is Soon Closing - This video details what you need to know about the FAA’s Modernization of Special Airworthiness Certification proposed regulation. - From Flying - "I’ve studied this pretty closely—thanks so much to Roy Beisswenger, founder and proprietor of Easy Flight, for his effort to make a (VIDEO) study guide. This is not an easy read, but it has much we want plus a few things we question or want changed. - If you want some part changed, you have to comment. The FAA’s comment period for the MOSAIC Notice of Proposed Rule Making (NPRM) will close on October  23.

09/17/2023   CALIFORNIA CITY COUNCIL OVERREACH PROMPTS PUSHBACK FROM AVIATION GROUPS - NEWS - From AOPA - "A staunch legal warning was submitted to the city of Torrance, California, after the city council voted to prohibit many forms of aeronautical activity around Zamperini Field on the sole basis of noise control. AOPA views this action as a clear legal violation of federal law, as Title 49 of the United States Code grants the FAA “exclusive sovereignty of airspace of the United States.” - " letter in response to the action was submitted to the city on September 8 by AOPA in collaboration with NATA (until recently known as the National Air Transportation Association), Helicopter Association International, General Aviation Manufacturers Association, and the National Business Aviation Association. Citing numerous sources of case law, the collective organizations made it clear that the council’s decision to prohibit aeronautical activity cannot stand against federal preemption and should be withdrawn." - Full Story Here.

09/13/2013   FAA Revises UAS Safety Risk Managment Policy - NEWS - From AINonline - "Agency is trying to stay ahead of drone technology. - The FAA has revised its national policy order that manages applicants’ requests to operate unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and how safety risk management (SRM) assessments are performed. It also defines the roles of agency personnel responsible for UAS safety management and includes an outline for documenting the steps in the SRM program. Additionally, the order describes the duties of the FAA’s air traffic organization (ATO) when handling waivers." Full Story Here.

09/13/2023   Ph.D. Meteorologist Documents Impact Of Global Warming On Turbulence - From AVweb - "At a meeting of the American Meteorological Society earlier this year, a U.K. professor warned that 2023’s historically strong El Niño could powerfully affect aviation with increased clear air turbulence (CAT). Paul Williams is an Oxford-educated Ph.D.-level meteorologist who currently heads up a group of 30 atmospheric scientists at the University of Reading in the U.K. According to his bio, Williams’s work focuses on “atmospheric turbulence, jet streams, fluid dynamics, numerical modeling, and climate change, with a focus on weather-sensitive applications, including aviation.”  Details Here.

09/13/2023   Alarming Rise in Near Misses Among U.S. Airlines - NY TIMES REPORT Comments - "Recent incidents have thrust the safety of air travel in the U.S. into the spotlight. An investigation by The New York Times has revealed a disconcerting number of close calls in the skies and runways of the country, even though the U.S. has not experienced any major plane crashes in over a decade."  Read More.

09/13/2023    AI Will Be “Everywhere” in Aviation, American Airlines Official Says - INFO - From Aviation Today - "American Airlines has pilot programs for introducing AI and machine learning—a similar, but slightly different type of automated computer program—into almost every element of its operations, Tassio Carvalho said at the Connected Aviation Intelligence Summit."  Continue Reading Here.

09/11/2023    Advanced Preflight After Maintenance - SAFETY NEWS From FAA - Did you know that maintenance-related problems are one of the deadliest causes of accidents in general aviation? - Contributing to this is a pilot’s failure to identify maintenance discrepancies because of a lack of knowledge and improper techniques used during the preflight of the aircraft. Read More on the FAA Blog - HERE -  Advanced Preflight After Maintenance VIDEO - Here  - Prefflight Inspection After Maintenance VIDEO - Here.

09/11/2023  How Can dBZ Values Be Negative? - Wx INFO - From Flying - "Question: On some NEXRAD images, I sometimes see a negative value for dBZ (decibel related to Z) for the reflectivity. How can these values be negative? - Answer: Of all of the weather guidance available to pilots prior to a flight, the images produced by the NWS WSR-88D NEXRAD Doppler radars are likely the most widely used in the U.S. These images have an extremely high..."  Finish Reading Here.

09/11/2023    FAA EASES BURDEN FOR MANY PILOTS WITH ADHD HISTORY - MED INFO From AOPA -  AVIATION MEDICAL EXAMINERS RECEIVE NEW GUIDANCE - "A recent change to the FAA policy regarding attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) will ease the medical certification burden for many pilots with a history that includes this diagnosis. - The new guidance from the FAA to aviation medical examiners now identifies certain histories of..."   Continue Here.

09/08/2023   Maintaining Out-of-Production Aircraft - Here's what to do when the manufacturer of your airplane closes its doors. - From Flying - "Someday, you may need a plan for the day you learn that your airplane manufacturer closes the doors for good. While it is doubtful the Textron Aviations of the world will shutter, other platforms are not so lucky. The trouble is you still have to maintain “in accordance with.” The truth is that some older aircraft are super cool, and it seems an absolute shame to grind them up for scrap when they operate perfectly fine. - If you love your airplane, you should be able to continue operating it. The good news is, you can. "  Learn About it Here.

09/08/2023   The Top Three Ways Our Engines Fail - SAFETY - From Aviation Safety Magazine - "This really isn't rocket science, but failure of a well-maintained engine often can be traced to the pilot."  Learn by Reading Here.

09/08/2023   The September/October 2023 issue of FAA Safety Briefing magazine focuses on aspiring aviators and airmen-in-training. - FAA SAFETY BRIEFING -  DOWNLOAD the MAGAZINE HERE.

Feature articles provide an update on the Airman Certification Standards (ACS), explore the important role of the FAA’s Compliance Program, and offer a personal account of an airmen’s pathway to a private pilot certificate.

09/08/2023   San Diego Air & Space Museum opens hands-on learning center - NEWS From KPBS - "Space explorers of all ages can now head to the San Diego Air & Space Museum in Balboa Park to experience Moon Base San Diego, an activity and education center, museum officials announced Tuesday. - "Moon Base San Diego is a one-of-a-kind experience offering explorers of all ages the opportunity to learn what it takes to live, learn and perform experiments on the moon without ever leaving planet Earth," museum President and CEO Jim Kidrick said. - "We re-imagined Moon Base San Diego to make it interactive, educational, and most importantly fun for adventurers seeking a truly unique and immersive experience right here in their own backyard." Read about it Here.

09/08/2023   PITCH AND POWER - ENERGY MANAGEMENT IS KEY TO MASTERY OF FLIGHT - PILOT FLIGHT INFO - From AOPA - "Aerobatic routines are fun to watch, and my favorite performers use aircraft with a low power-to-weight ratio that are representative of the general aviation fleet. - The late great Bob Hoover demonstrated mastery of flight as he gracefully flew stock aircraft, often with engines shut down and no power to assist. While the rest of us may never learn to fly like Hoover, we can aspire to understand energy management as he did. - As a designated examiner, many of the issues I see on practical exams emanate from poor energy management and a fundamental lack of understanding of proper corrective measures. It’s a topic that receives little to no attention in many..."  Continue Here.

09/08/2023   Flight Plan Follies - How do controllers get flight plans shipshape behind the scenes? Through basic housekeeping, creative workarounds, and the occasional resurrection. - PILOT INFO - From AVweb - "Unfortunately … occasionally … oversights happen, when a tower controller (Author points finger to self as a prior offender.) doesn’t realize that a flight has already timed out, and he clears the aircraft for takeoff. One of the crappiest things you can experience as a controller is when a flight departs and squawks the correct code but doesn’t properly acquire on your radar. You know you’re in for a bit of drama."  Full Article Here.

09/06/2023   SPATIAL DISORIENTATION: CONFUSION THAT KILLS - GO BEYOND THE TEXTBOOK—STAY ORIENTED WITH THIS SAFETY SPOTLIGHT - From AOPA - This safety spotlight explains what spatial disorientation is, how it happens, and how you can avoid its hazards—it also examines accidents where some pilots couldn’t escape spatial disorientation.

You’ll review:

  • The role of our sensory systems
  • Visual and vestibular illusions
  • Dangers of VFR flight into IMC
  • Potential hazards of night VFR flight into VMC
  • Why instrument flight into IMC is not immune
  • Inadvertent IMC encounter strategies
  • Spatial disorientation recovery

Certificate of Completion available - Learn More Here.

09/06/2023   FAA Advances On Controller-Pilot Datalink Availability - NEWS - From AVweb - "The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) has announced that the FAA recently made permanent its plan to enable business aircraft operators to participate in enroute controller-pilot datalink communications (CPDLC). The announcement came just a month after NBAA and the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) petitioned the FAA to act on the issue for the benefit of all appropriately equipped general aviation aircraft." Finish Reading Here.

09/06/2023    Airbus Wing of Tomorrow vs. Boeing Transonic Truss Braced Wing - NEWS - From UKAviation.news - "In the ever-evolving world of aviation, manufacturers are constantly pushing the boundaries of innovation to create more efficient, eco-friendly, and high-performance aircraft. Two major players in this industry, Airbus and Boeing, have recently unveiled their respective advancements in wing technology: the Airbus “Wing of Tomorrow” and the Boeing “Transonic Truss Braced Wing.” These cutting-edge designs promise to..."  Continuing Reading Here.

09/06/2023    THE WEATHER IS CHANGING - REVAMPED AVIATIONWEATHER.GOV TO LAUNCH SOON - From AOPA - "In 2018, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Aviation Weather Center (AWC) website—AviationWeather.gov—averaged 130 million hits per day, which makes it arguably a very popular tool. The website has gained a following among aviators and meteorologists because it allows for a virtual review of any current or forecast weather condition in the United States. It is about to get an upgrade." Read About it Here.

09/05/2023   Ethanol Maker Says US ‘Green’ Jet Fuel Fate Hinges on Tax Policy - (Bloomberg) -- "US corn farmers and biofuel producers are poised to gain from turning ethanol into sustainable jet fuel — depending on how Washington writes the tax policy. - That’s the message from ethanol maker Green Plains Inc. Chief Executive Officer Todd Becker at a conference on sustainable aviation fuel, or SAF, in Minneapolis. Makers of crop-based biofuels are pushing the Biden administration to help them take full advantage of tax credits in the landmark Inflation Reduction Act. - The hurdle lies in disagreement on..."  Continue Here.

09/04/2023   uAvionix, Choctaw Nation Complete 1st BVLOS C-Band Drone Flights - The partners used uAvionix’s SkyLine software to command-and-control drones beyond the operator’s line of sight. NEWS - From Flying - "One of America’s oldest communities may be testing the newest mainstay in U.S. drone operations. The Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma (CNO) and partner uAvionix, which provides avionics and services for the general aviation, defense, and unmanned aerial systems (UAS) industries, on Tuesday announced they had completed the nation’s first beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) drone flights using aviation-protected C-Band radio. That’s a big deal, because the Federal Communications Commission has proposed...  - Finish Reading Here.

09/04/2023   A MERICAN HEROES AIR SHOW - Scheduled to land Saturday, NOV 4, 2023, at the Hansen Dam Sports Complex in the heart of the San Fernando Valley, the admission-free American Heroes Air Show is now in sight & we invite your team to join us. Produced by volunteers with a passion for aviation and public service since 1993, the AHAS is the nation’s premier admission-free, helicopter - only aviation experience designed to profile helicopters’ unique value to the community, media and public officials with static displays & exciting flight demonstrations.

Our volunteer team would like to reach out and thank the awesome number of Non-profits, Community Service Organizations / CSO’s and recruiting teams who have already registered to join us when this admission-free, helicopter-only aviation experience returns to the Hansen Dam Sports Complex on Saturday, NOV 4th, 2023.

The AMERICAN HEROES Air Show has been a SoCal favorite since our first event at Santa Monica Airport in 1993.   Deterred only by Covid and CARMAGGEDON, the HEROES air Show has made Hansen Dam its annual event home since 1996.   You can learn more about this unique event at our:

HEROES Air Show 2022 Event Yearbook

FIRST LIGHT profile vid

Our new RECRUITING GURUS video from the 2022 event

We encourage our participants to share this event information and invite your members, families and readers to join us on NOV 4 and meet the HEROES The community can really look up to … - Please feel free to contact us with any questions at     Info@Heroes-Airshow.com

09/03/2023   Parallel, Teardrop, Direct, huh? - FLIGHT TIPS From AVIATION SAFETY Magazine - "Sometimes holding is a necessary evil, but many instrument pilots secretly quake at the thought of trying to figure out whether a teardrop, parallel or direct entry is best and then dusting off the memory of how to actually execute them"  Read More Here.

09/03/2023   FAA Concerned Lightning Could Cause 777 Explosions - SAFETY From AVweb - "The FAA has issued an update to an AD on hundreds of Boeing 777s because it’s concerned they might explode if struck by lightning. The AD was issued this week to update earlier action to address cracks in wing chords. When it reviewed the wing problems, the agency discovered that there were errors in the AD relating to the replacement of cap seals on fasteners in a section of the wing that penetrates the center fuel tank. - “If these seals are not replaced properly, and the associated fastener has poor electrical bonding..."  Continue Reading Here.

09/03/2023   Math 101 for Pilots - PILOT HELP From Flying - "From calculating the reciprocal course to stabilized descents, here's a primer of basic mathematics pilots need to know." Continue Here.

09/02/2023  Don’t Let Distractions Become Deadly - Fly the Aircraft First - #FlySafe GA Safety Enhancement Topic - "NTSB accident data suggests that pilots who are distracted by less essential tasks can lose control of their aircraft and crash. In light of this, pilots are reminded to maintain aircraft control at all times. This may mean a delay in responding to ATC communications and passenger requests, or not responding at all unless positive aircraft control can be maintained throughout. In other words... "  Learn More Here

09/02/2023   The Epitome of Cool - Turbochargers boost power within safe limits—as long as you treat them with care. Mechanical Info - From Flying -"The components of an aircraft turbocharging system are the turbocharger, throttle body, intake manifold, exhaust manifold, air intake, wastegate, and exhaust. The turbocharger assembly has three main components: the turbine that receives gases from the exhaust, the compressor that takes intake air, compresses it and drives that into the cylinder—and a shaft connecting the two. The turbine is the driving force behind the turbocharging system. Exhaust gas from the manifold causes it to spin; this is the residual that bypasses the wastegate. Connecting the turbine and the compressor is the turbine shaft. This solid metal connector ensures the compressor spins as the turbine spools up. Turbocharger shafts require..."  A lot of Info Here.

09/02/2023   What Does It Take to Become an A&P? - "There are multiple pathways to what can be a challenging and rewarding career. - Editor’s Note: This story originally appeared on Plane & Pilot.  Have you ever thought about getting your A&P? Maybe you want to learn more about aircraft systems to become a better pilot. Perhaps you would like to save money doing maintenance on your own aircraft. Or maybe you’re looking for a career change or retirement job. Whatever the motivation, many pilots have considered getting their mechanic’s certificate but don’t know what is involved or how to begin. Getting your A&P just might be more accessible than you think."  Learn about it Here.

08/26/2023   Airframe Cracking? Drill It, Patch It Right - MAINTENANCE SAFETY - From AVweb - "On old aircraft it's inevitable that cracking will set in. Taming vibration and following the guidance in FAA AC 43.13-1B and the MX manual is a good plan. - During routine inspections, good technicians dig deep into the airframe looking for structural cracks. And if you’re doing even a causal preflight walkaround it’s not uncommon to find cracks around cowlings, windows and fairings. None of them should be ignored. - Surface cracking doesn’t usually mean a cowling or control surface will come..."  Continue Reading Here.

08/25/2023   CAUTION URGED ON DEVELOPMENT PLANS NEAR AIRPORTS - INFO - From AOPA - "Despite an abundance of pushback and risk, local governments that sponsor airports continue to make zoning and development plans that prioritize revenue over pilots and community members."  Read the Story Here.

08/25/2023   Stall Warning Systems - EDUCTION - From Aviation Safety Magazine - "They're fairly simple, but do have failure modes and should never be relied upon to keep you out of trouble." Continue Here.

08/23/2023   UAS Remote Identification - NEWS - INFO - From FAA - Beginning September 16, 2023, all drone pilots who are required to register their UAS must operate in accordance with the rule on Remote ID. Safety and security are top priorities for the FAA and Remote ID for drones is crucial to our integration efforts. - What is it? Remote ID is the ability of a drone in flight to provide identification and location information that can be received by other parties through a broadcast signal. - Why do we need it? - Read More and Learn How to do it Here.

08/22/2023   SAFO 23005, Recommended Procedures for Controller Pilot Data Link Communications (CPDLC) and Partial Re-route Clearances (Revised Initial UM79 uplink message), is now published. - The SAFO can be viewed by downloading the attached .pdf files or by clicking on the following link, https://www.faa.gov/other_visit/aviation_industry/airline_operators/airline_safety/safo/all_safos/    Download the .pdf file by clicking:  SAFO23005.pdf

08/22/2023   Waiver to Order 8260.58, United States Standard for Performance Based Navigation (PBN) Instrument Procedure Design, on Appendix C PBN Transition to ILS/GLS/LPV Final.  -  Memorandum - From Eric S. Parker, Acting Manager, Flight Technologies and Procedures Division -

This memorandum waives FAA Order 8260.58, United States Standard for Performance Based Navigation (PBN) Instrument Procedure Design, Appendix C, paragraph 2.a.(1), for procedures that meet all of the following guidelines:

1. The final approach segment length is no longer than 37,400 feet.
2. The glidepath angle is 3.00 degrees or more.
3. The Threshold Crossing Height is between 40 feet and 60 feet.
4. No PBN segment/s intersect the final approach course extended closer than
12,300 feet plus Distance to Turn Anticipation (DTA) from the PFAF.

This memorandum remains in effect until rescinded. Please direct all inquiries to the Flight Procedures and Airspace Group, Standards Section at 405-954-1139 or 9-AWA-AVS-AFS420@faa.gov

08/22/2023    Weather Accidents - SAFETY - From AVweb - Once again we return to the topic of weather accidents to analyze the mistakes others have made so we can we learn from their misfortune. -  ...weather-related accidents still litter the NTSB records. You might ask yourself how this can still be a thing in this day and age. Well, we all know that meteorology is not an exact science. Still, given the right combination of factors and the human tendency to tune out of important information, we find that pilots still get themselves..."  Read the Full Article Here.

08/21/2023   CHARTING CHANGES HIGHLIGHT MOUNTAIN PASSES - FIRST CHECKPOINTS CHARTED IN ALASKA SET STAGE - NEWS - From AOPA - "Flying through mountain passes can be tricky, particularly when the weather keeps you below ridge tops and confined to lower terrain. To help with crossing mountainous areas, major passes are charted as a visual aid on sectional charts. Sometimes, however, the pass is buried deep in a mountain range, and navigating to the pass can be a challenge. - To improve situational awareness and increase safety, the FAA recently adopted a new policy allowing the use of VFR waypoints and checkpoints to help pilots find mountain passes. The first passes to reflect these charting elements are found in the Brooks Range in northern Alaska—however, this convention may also be applied in other parts of the country."  Find Out More Here.

08/21/2023   Waiver to FAA Order 8260.19, Flight Procedures and Airspace, STAR Termination Altitude - FAA Memorandum from Eric S. Parker, Acting Manager, Flight Technologies and Procedures Division - This memorandum waives the requirement of FAA Order 8260.19 paragraph 4-5-2.j for an altitude to be specified at the termination fix at the STAR termination point [see memo dated July 18, 2023, subject: Waiver to FAA Order 8260.3, paragraph 2‑2‑7.f(2)]. When no altitude is specified at that fix, the lowest altitude that will be assigned by air traffic control at the termination fix must be used for descent gradient and obstacle clearance calculations and noted in the Remarks section of Form 8260-17.1. Example: LOWEST ASSIGNED ATC ALTITUDE AT GIZMO, 3000. No additional waiver request action is required. Please direct all inquiries to the Flight Procedures and Airspace, Standards Section (405) 954-1139 or 9-AWA-AVS-AFS420@faa.gov

08/20/2023   NASA, Sikorsky, and DARPA Develop Automation Software - NEWS - From Aviation Today - "Self-flying air taxis are emerging as game changers for the transportation of passengers and cargo. Autonomous aerial vehicles could redefine connectivity between urban hubs and rural areas. But for this futuristic vision to become a reality, safety is paramount.

NASA's Advanced Air Mobility researchers, stationed at the Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California, are spearheading the journey to this brave new world of aviation. Collaborating with Sikorsky and the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), their mission is to develop and rigorously test automation software that is both safe and reliable for flight."  Read More Here.

08/20/2023  'THIS WAS THEIR ONLY LIFELINE' - HAWAII PILOTS ORGANIZE AIRLIFT TO FIRE-RAVAGED LAHAINA - From August 14, 2023 - By Jim Moore - AOPA - "Firefighters still worked to douse the vestiges of the firestorm that devastated the Hawaiian port town of Lahaina, leaving dozens of people dead or missing from the close-knit community on the west side of Maui, as general aviation pilots organized an airlift that provided some of the first relief to survivors in desperate need of food, water, and medicine." Read it Here.

08/20/2023   West Maui GA airlift; IMC escape; Seaplane safety - VIDEO - From AOPA - "General aviation pilots were among the first to reach fire-ravaged Lahaina, Hawaii. Also, escaping inadvertent entry to instrument conditions, and urging amphibian pilots to raise gear. (Image courtesy of Laurence Balter.)" Watch Ep. 45 >

08/20/2023   Hot Starts - VIDEO - From AOPA - "No matter what aircraft you fly, hot starts are possible. This AOPA Air Safety Institute video teaches techniques to handle them, and you may even pick up a little insight into the "why" behind the procedures." Watch the video >

08/18/2023   Going With the Flow - FLIGHT SAFETY - From Aviation Safety Magazine  - "Risk mitigation requires checklist discipline, an adding some flow procedures can help you trap configuration errors before they become something worse." Read it Here.

08/18/2023   Air Force Going Ahead With $235 Million Blended Wing Prototype - NEWS - From AVweb - "The Air Force has awarded aerospace startup JetZero a $235 million contract to build a piloted blended wing aircraft. In an announcement on Wednesday, the Air Force said it wants the full-sized prototype to finish flight testing by the end of 2027. “The effort aims to mature BWB technology and demonstrate its capabilities, giving the Department and commercial industry more options for future air platforms,” the Air Force said in a press release. The Air Force has a long history of..."  Continue Here.

08/16/2023   Maintenance, Paperwork And Checkrides - "It’s fair game for an examiner to dive into your knowledge of the aircraft’s airworthiness and maintenance status on your checkride. - When you present yourself to a designated pilot examiner (DPE) or an FAA employee for a checkride to add a new certificate or rating, both you and the aircraft are subject to closer inspection than you may be accustomed. Pilots aren’t expected to know the dry torque specification for an engine’s cylinder studs, but they definitely are expected to know how to check its oil level and know how to add more, if needed, of the correct type. What about a slack tire? Does the applicant know how to check it? Can the applicant legally add air to it, or even clean the windshield?

While it’s important to know basic things like fuel and oil specifications, it’s often more important to know where that information is and use it to answer the examiner’s questions." From AVweb - Learn a lot about this Here
08/14/2023   ADS-B WITH DIVERSITY REQUIRED IN CANADA CLASS A - MANDATE TO EXTEND TO CLASS B IN MAY - NEWS - Fro m AOPA - "Concerns voiced by aviation advocates including AOPA did not persuade the Canadian government to further delay a mandate for space-based ADS-B in Class A airspace effective August 10, though Nav Canada has established a process for aircraft not equipped with antenna diversity to request accommodation." Story Here.

08/11/2023   New Pilot Minute Video Covers Desert Survival - In the latest episode of the Pilot Minute video series, Federal Air Surgeon Dr. Susan Northrup outlines some important desert survival strategies and provides information on free post-crash training offered by the FAA’s Civil Aerospace Medical Institute. See the video here: youtube.com/playlist?list=PL5vHkqHi51DQvRjGJo1SuXyZpKl5HbzOI.

08/11/2023   Gravity is Undefeated - Pilots know that a plane's weight plays a crucial role in its performance, but that’s not always apparent to our passengers who might be more accustomed to packing a car until there’s no space left. Instead, pilots must carefully balance passengers, cargo, and fuel to ensure smooth takeoffs and landings. For more on the complexities of this important pre-flight process and how you and your flying companions can shed unnecessary weight for a smooth and safe journey, see the article “Gravity is Undefeated: Why Weight & Balance is Critical to Flight Safety” at https://medium.com/faa/gravity-is-undefeated-997a39d01521 in the July/Aug 2023 issue of FAA Safety Briefing. See our entire flying companion-themed issue at www.faa.gov/newsroom/faa-safety-briefing-magazine.

08/11/2023   Trapped Into VFR - "VFR" SAFETY - Aviation Safety Magazine - "Three Piper Cherokee accidents highlight how VFR-into-IMC happens. A bit of preflight planning and enhanced awareness of the traps we often fly into can help." Three REAL Accidents - Continue Here.

08/11/2023   Version 2.0 of the Urban Air Mobility Concept of Operations - NEWS - From Aviation Today - "BALTIMORE, Maryland — One of the most interesting panel discussions that took place during the recent AAM Summit—presented by the FAA and AUVSI—revolved around the evolving landscape of urban air mobility (UAM). Central to the discourse was the significance of collecting pertinent data to facilitate the integration of new aerial vehicles into existing airspace systems.

A speaker from NASA emphasized the organization’s role in gathering data to aid both the FAA and the wider industry, underscoring the importance of preparedness to scale operations and make certification timelines more efficient. Industry participants shared insights from..."  Finish Reading Here.

08/09/2023   Discussion of Air Traffic Issues with REI & SBD 7-18-23 - Redlands Airport Association meets with SBD Tower - Discussion Notes - "Attendees: Phil Ensley (Redlands Airport Association), Ted Gablin (Redlands Airport Association), Mike Bunch (SBD Tower Manager), Larry Rice (REI CFI), Earl Schofield (REI CFI), Ken Laymon (REI Pilot), Cindy Gablin (Redlands Airport Association) - The main purpose of the meeting was to open communication between REI users and SBD air traffic controllers to see how we can best help each other with air traffic issues. The meeting was very informal and informational." Read the Meeting Notes Here.

08/06/2023   Industry Experts Weigh In On Equity, Safety, and Efficiency in Advanced Air Mobility - AAM INFO - From Aviation Today - "BALTIMORE, Maryland —Delivery drones and passenger air taxis are set to take center stage in the advanced air mobility landscape. Yet, as we prepare for the next wave of advancements, pressing questions around equitable access are surfacing. At a panel discussion during the AAM Summit—presented by the FAA and AUVSI—speakers from NASA, UPS, and the Department of Transportation addressed the challenges of ensuring fair access to these emerging technologies.

Deputy Administrator at NASA, Pam Melroy; Vice President of Flight Operations and Safety at UPS, Houston Mills; and Undersecretary for Policy for the DOT, Carlos Monje, presented their insights on overcoming the equity barriers and paving the way for the widespread adoption and benefits of AAM."  -  Read the total account Here.

08/06/2023   Joby Q2 Net Loss Widens as eVTOL Manufacturer Gears Up for Certification - NEWS - From FLYING - "The company’s net loss skyrocketed, but its strong cash position and continued certification progress keep it on track for a 2025 launch. - Electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft manufacturer Joby Aviation is still losing millions in its pursuit of the country’s first eVTOL air taxi route, but its investments are beginning to pay off."  Continue Here.

08/01/2023   Carburetor Icing ALERT!  - Much has been published about carburetor icing and the use of carburetor heat. So why did a pilot fail the oral portion of a checkride due to a lack of understanding of carburetor icing? No, carburetor icing does not require OAT less than 32 degrees, and, no, carburetor heat is not exhaust air. The DPE mentioned that the same is found among applicants. Understand your assignment? Here’s a list of references:
• Advisory Circular 20‑113 "Pilot Precautions and Procedures to be Taken in
Preventing Aircraft Reciprocating Engine Induction System and Fuel System
Icing Problems,'' (10/22/1981, but is still active)
• Advisory Circular 20-73, “Aircraft Ice Protection” (4/21/71 but is still active)
• Airplane Flying Handbook (FAA-H-8083-3C)
• AOPA Safety Briefing, “Combating Carb Ice”
• FAA Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin CE-09-35, “Carburetor Icing Prevention”
• Lycoming Service Instruction No. 1148C, “Use of Carburetor Heat Control”
• NTSB Safety Alert SA-029: “Engine Power Loss Due to Carburetor Icing”
• Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge (FAA-H-8083-25C)
• Pilot’s Operating Handbook (for your aircraft)

Thanks to Long Beach Flying Club for this notice.

08/01/2023   ESA Taps Spire to Design Space-Based Aircraft Surveillance System - NEWS - From Aviation Today - "The European Space Agency (ESA) awarded Spire Global a contract to design an aircraft surveillance system. It is a 16 million euro phased contract for a project called EURIALO, which is mainly funded by the German Space Agency, DLR.

Spire will design a satellite constellation in Low-Earth Orbit (LEO) that would track aircraft by determining their exact position based on different times of arrivals of radio frequency (RF) signals. Under this contract, Spire would also launch a demonstration mission, and there is a potential opportunity to be selected to build out the full constellation. - ESA said that current surveillance systems use aircraft self-reported positions from GNSS satellites, and an additional solution will increase reliability and resiliency. - Spire has a newly established..."  Continual Here.

08/01/2023   Dark Side of Visual Approaches - ASRS DirectLine - Issue #3 1992 - "The Visual Trap" - By Perry Thomas -  "It is an anomaly that most air carrier companies do not allow their flight crews to cancel their IFR flight plan or fly on a VFR flight plan but do allow their flight crews to accept the visual approach. In accepting a visual approach, the pilot rejects the historic and hallowed protection of the air traffic control system and assumes the responsibility to "see and avoid" other traffic.

The controller statement "You are cleared for the visual approach" is a welcome pronouncement for flight crews. There is an anticipated lessening of the workload, a quicker and more relaxed end to the flight. Yet many of the reports received at the ASRS detail unexpected and unwanted occurrences for pilots flying the visual approach" -- such as the following wrong airport landing incident.

  • "The weather was scattered clouds, thirteen miles visibility. [The] First Officer was the pilot flying, and I was operating the radios."We were being vectored by Approach Control to the airport ... I was inside [the cockpit] tuning the radios when Approach asked if we had the airport in sight. I looked up and out the window and saw ... the airport slightly to our left. I asked [the] First Officer if he saw it and he said 'Yes.' I told Approach we had the airport in sight, and they cleared us for the visual...."Our position was such that we had to immediately configure for approach [and] landing. Our focus from that point was outside the cockpit. We ... were switched over to the Tower and cleared to land. We heard no more radio calls after that."On the landing roll it became obvious that something was not right. After some radio calls, we were informed that this airport was ... a few miles short of ... the intended point of landing."

Benefits of the Visual

Given the potential for error such as this wrong airport approach and landing, why conduct visual approaches at all? Who benefits from visual approaches? Well, there are advantages for flight crews and controllers alike.

When pilots cross-check the visual with available electronic navigation, there is often a reduction in the level of navigation effort required; in addition there is a greater degree of flexibility in the planning and execution of their approach. Tighter sequencing, and what is often a more direct route to the airport translates into a reduction in flight time and fuel burn. At smaller or more remote airports where "full" approaches would otherwise be conducted, these savings may be considerable.

For controllers, a visual approach is an essential tool in the effort to maximize traffic flow (especially at busier airports). Visual approaches dramatically reduce controller workload -- ATC's IFR separation requirements are eliminated and the pilot assumes the burden for maintaining adequate separation.

The "Dark" Side of the Visual

The visual approach, intended to benefit everyone, frequently results in pilots experiencing exactly the opposite effect. Visual approach incidents reported to the ASRS frequently cite confusion, with resultant stress on the flight crews. There are a variety of performance errors revealed in ASRS reports.

While I paint with a broad brush, bear in mind that my negative impressions of the numerous serious hazards inherent in the visual approach have been gathered from reading and analyzing hundreds of ASRS reports on visual approaches, where the results of the visual approach produced unwanted results.

The Wrong Objective

Many reports indicate that airports or runways are either misidentified, or in some cases, lost after initial (and correct) recognition.

  • "I called for slats, flaps, gear down, and landing check. While turning final for the runway, we both commented 'This isn't right,' at which time the Approach Controller called saying 'Pull up, you're looking at XXX [wrong airport].' "

And in another incident, the First Officer reports: "At 500 feet AGL the Captain realized we were lined up with the wrong runway. I called [out, saying] I was going around."

Traffic

Too often the traffic that the flight crew agrees to follow cannot be identified. In some instances, the flight crew visually acquires the traffic, only to lose it through distraction or other problems.

  • "While we were on a right downwind ... Approach asked us if we had the air carrier widebody (which we were following), in sight. We answered that we did. After we turned onto a right base for Runway 24R, Approach changed our Runway to 24L. I subsequently put the new runway into the FMC and the ILS into the ... [navigation] radio. Approach then called out small commuter traffic which I acknowledged. I then asked the Captain where the widebody was because I had lost him in the ground clutter after tuning the ILS...."

Misidentification of the required traffic is also a problem, particularly at busier airports.

  • " ... [the Controller] asked us 'Do you have the ... [aircraft] ... at your 11 o'clock?' We responded we had the traffic. The traffic eventually passed our 9 o'clock. The Captain started his turn to base...."

Traffic that was following this reporter's flight queried the reporter's perceived early turn to base, and the reporter's error was then discovered:

  • " ... it's really easy to pick out the wrong aircraft like we did...."

Visual approaches to parallel runways are especially rich incident-producing events; it seems logical that it is more difficult to maintain visual contact with parallel traffic than traffic you may be following to a single runway. A constant flow of reports to ASRS on flawed visual approaches highlights the hazards of losing sight of close proximity traffic.

  • "As Captain, I had the airport in sight out the copilot's window as we were on base leg. As we approached downtown I overshot final, resulting in being lined up closer to the left runway than to the right runway. [The] Tower Controller advised we were encroaching on south complex airspace. He also advised we were close to another air carrier ... on final for the south complex. [The] Controller asked us if we had [the] air carrier ... in sight. We did not. In spite of good visibility, [the] air carrier [aircraft] was idfficult to see in the background of buildings. We had to transmit several times to the Controller in order to sight and identify the traffic."

And in another parallel approach incident ...

  • " ... Approach gave us our co-approach [traffic] ... on the Tiptoe visual (we were on the Quiet Bridge) at about 20 miles out. I clearly saw him and figured we would be landing approximately together, he on 28L and us on 28R! At about 3 miles to go to the high span, on course but high, Bay [Approach] switched us to Tower. I changed frequency, looked back out and our co-approach [traffic] ... was crossing my course 30 degrees off my heading, about 1,000 feet lower. He passed to our right. We stopped our descent and slowed to keep him in sight! He then wrapped it up in a left turn back to the [left] runway."

The reporter concludes with this admonishment:

"There is a time for basic airmanship and see and avoid -- it is all the time!"

Landing Without Clearance

Most incidents of landing without clearance reported to ASRS are out of visual approaches --flights touch down with their crews having neglected to request their landing clearance. Reporters often cite complacency as a factor; others point to changes or increases in workload.

  • "While on initial approach we were held at a high altitude longer than desirable. Due to the steep descent path required to successfully complete the approach, our workload was increased. Due to the increased demands on us -- because of the steep approach -- we failed to contact the tower before landing."

Too Quick Off the Mark

Flight crews may tend to "anticipate" a clearance when asked if they can accept a visual. Frequently reported are altitude deviations when the flight crew agreed they could accept a visual approach and then immediately started to descend -- before the controller said the magic words that cleared them for the visual approach.

  • "The First Officer was flying and overshot his turn to the radial -- which was our clearance. [The] Approach Controller asked if we had the airport in sight, to which I replied 'affirmative,' although the First Officer did not see it. (Emphasis added.) [The] Approach Controller then said, 'Cleared for the Quiet Bridge visual.' The First Officer keyed ... [on] the word 'visual,' and started descent while I was attempting to program the FMC for the approach. [The] Controller advised [us that] we had busted our altitude."

Misused Resources

Many incidents reported seem to indicate that flight crews are overly optimistic regarding their ability to see and identify traffic, airports and runways, and often reply inappropriately to the query "do you have ________ in sight?"

Electronic navigation is frequently ignored or abandoned.

  • "Making a visual approach, we were cleared to land on Runway 33L from our present position approximately 10 miles ENE [of the airport]. Despite having our NAVAIDS tuned and the HSI set for ILS Runway 33L approach, we set up on base and turned final for visual approach to Runway 33R."

It appears from what I read in ASRS reports, and from my own experience, that we all -- all categories of pilots -- have at one time or another (even frequently) succumbed to enticement, and accepted visual approaches when it was not timely or appropriate to do so. Why do otherwise sane and sensible pilots consistently fall into "The Visual Trap?"

I must conclude that the primary motivation, aside from the desire of the flight crew to cooperate with the ATC system and the controller in expediting other traffic, is to expedite arrival of their own particular flight.

Keeping the Objective in Sight

One of our better ways of learning how to stay alive in the flying game is to profit from the unhappy experience of others. Here are a few practical, no-nonsense suggestions from these same reports that should reduce some of the hazards.

For All Approaches

  1. Review and brief all applicable visual and instrument charts before the approach;
  2. DO NOT identify traffic in sight, airport in sight, or runway in sight, unless you are certain of your identification, and your flight deck mates concur;
  3. Keep your traffic in sight; if you lose your traffic, tell ATC;
  4. Ensure that at least one pilot monitors the gauges and radios to "aviate, navigate, and communicate;"
  5. Use all available electronic navigation to back-up the visual;
  6. If visual approaches are being conducted but you don't want a visual, insist on an ILS or other instrument approach. Bear in mind, however, that during your instrument approach, other aircraft in your proximity may be conducting a visual approach;
  7. Expect visibility to deteriorate and be reduced if you are descending into a smog/haze layer, (and possibly the setting or rising sun), during the turn to base and final. This may lead you to misidentify the runway to which you are cleared.

For Parallel Approaches

  1. Be aware that parallel runway approaches means that there is likely to be other traffic close at hand. There may be a significant increase in flight deck workload -- unless the flight crew briefs and prepares themselves to the maximum extent possible. Safety in visuals will be enhanced by close coordination between flight crew members, and by maintaining a careful traffic watch outside the aircraft;
  2. Beware of overshooting runway alignment and encroaching into the parallel runway's approach path;
  3. Beware the dangers of "The Visual Trap."

Credits

In putting together, the information for this article, I have borrowed extensively from Captain William P. Monan's NASA Contractor Report (Number 166573) entitled "Cleared for the Visual Approach -- Human Factors in Air Carrier Operations." Captain Monan's report covers all aspects, pro and con, of visual approaches and it should be required reading for all thoughtful pilots who may be concerned about visual approaches."

08/01/2023   Spot Emergency Satellite Comms Claim 9,400 Saves Over 15 Years - Safety Info & PR - From AVweb - "Flying light airplanes can easily take you outside of cellphone range, especially for pilots who fly in backcountry environments. A forced landing, even if successful, could leave you out of touch and with no good way to call for assistance. That can be deadly if the pilot or a passenger is injured. - As part of the Globalstar satellite network corporate family, a Spot tracking and/or messaging device can be a lifesaver. Continue Here.