Info Warehouse Page 11

7/03 Bizjet Accident Fatalities Soar in First Half of 2025 - HERE    7/4 Air Force Diverts Missile Funds To Modify Qatari 747 - HERE    7/4 LAPD to use drones as first responders under new policy - HERE    6/30 NBAA Applauds Aviation Safety Champion Michael Graham’s Selection for Second NTSB Term - HERE    6/30 New Pilot Privacy Bill Would Curb ADS-B Misuse - HERE    6/30 NTSB Faults Boeing Training in 2024 Max 9 Door Failure - HERE    6/28 Bills to stop ADS-B misuse introduced in Congress - HERE    06/27 Bedford’s Nomination As FAA Administrator Takes A Step Forward - HERE    6/24 DOT’s Duffy Announces ‘Road Map’ for Air Taxis - HERE    6/24 Archer Partners With JetEx For Air Taxi Network - HERE    6/22 Very Low-Flying NASA Planes To Buzz Power Plants, Spiral Above CA Cities - HERE    6/21/25 Archer Aviation's stock falls 15% amid $850M share sale - HERE    6/21 NBAA Applauds Aviation Safety Champion Michael Graham’s Selection for Second NTSB Term - HERE     6/20 FAA Q&A Lays Down The Law On Banning 100LL - HERE    6/19 Graham Nominated Again For NTSB Position - HERE    6/18 ASRS -It May STAY - News Coverage accused of being wrong.    6/18 FAA, International Partners Collaborate on Advanced Air Mobility - HERE    6/14 CBP Deploys Predator Drones, Black Hawks to Surveil Downtown LA - HERE

Here is our Website's Shelf Space - Page 11

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

New Posts begin after Preface

Preface:     

(Preface Updated 6/2025)

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 July '25 Vectors for Safety CLICK HERE

 

        Selected CHARTING NOTICES              FAA Safety Alerts and Charting Notice List 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

    Next Meeting

    5/16/25: "We are planning to hold ACM 25-02 October 6-9, 2025. The new Recommendation Document submission deadline for ACM 25-02 is September 5, 2025."

    • To be added to the ACM email distribution list, send a message with your first and last name and email address to: 9-amc-avs-acm-info@faa.gov

    • FOR:  ACM Instrument Procedures Group and Charting Group Attendees,

      As a result of the cancelation of ACM 25-01, the new Recommendation Documents (RDs) that were submitted for the April meeting will be added to the agenda for discussion at the 25-02 meeting, planned for October. The 25-01 RDs have now been posted to the IPG and CG websites. Due to other responsibilities, Gary Petty will be handing off the facilitation role for the IPG to Rune Duke, who will serve moving forward as the IPG Chair.

    • ACM Charting Group

    • ACM IPG Group

      Jennifer Hendi, Chair ACM Charting Group  -  Rune Duke, Chair ACM Instrument Procedures Group - Jennifer L. Hendi

Aeronautical Information Services - Charting Products Integration Team, AJV-A25 - Visit Aeronautical Information Services Here

Rune Duke - Aviation Safety - Flight Technologies & Procedure Division, Flight Procedures & Airspace Group - Division Feedback: 9-AWA-AVS-AFS-400-flight-technologies-procedures@faa.gov

Flight Technologies & Procedures Division webpage

New Recommendation Documents for Upcoming ACM (CG)

New submission deadline for ACM 25-02: Close of business September 5, 2025.

Submitted new Recommendation Documents:

                   

                      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: 12 June 2025

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.

The FAA is the source for all data and information utilized in the publishing of aeronautical charts through authorized publishers for each stage of Visual Flight Rules (VFR) and Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) air navigation including training, planning, and departures, enroute (for low and high altitudes), approaches, and taxiing charts. Digital charts are available online at:

Paper copies of the charts are available through an FAA Approved Print Provider. A complete list of current providers is available at http://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/flight_info/aeronav/print_providers/

The FAA Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM) Pilot/Controller Glossary defines in detail, all terms and abbreviations used throughout this publication. Unless otherwise indicated, miles are nautical miles (NM), altitudes indicate feet above Mean Sea Level (MSL), and times used are Coordinated Universal Time (UTC).

The Notice to Air Missions Publication (NOTAM) includes current Flight Data Center (FDC) NOTAMs. NOTAMs alert pilots of new regulatory requirements and reflect changes to Standard Instrument Approach Procedures (SIAPs), flight restrictions, and aeronautical chart revisions. This publication is prepared every 28 days by the FAA, and is available by subscription from the Government Printing Office. For more information on subscribing or to access online PDF copy, http://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/publications/notices/

In addition to NOTAMs, the Chart Supplement and the Safety Alerts/Charting Notices page of the Aeronautical Information Services website are also useful to pilots.

Keep Your Charts Current

Aeronautical information changes rapidly, so it is important that pilots check the effective dates on each aeronautical chart and publication. To avoid danger, it is important to always use current editions and discard obsolete charts and publications.

To confirm that a chart or publication is current, refer to the next scheduled effective date printed on the cover. Pilots should also check NOTAMs for important updates between chart and publication cycles that are essential for safe flight

Reporting Chart Discrepancies

Your experience as a pilot is valuable and your feedback is important. We make every effort to display accurate information on all FAA charts and publications, so we appreciate your input. Please notify us concerning any requests for changes, or potential discrepancies you see while using our charts and related products.

FAA, Aeronautical Information Services
1305 East-West Highway
SSMC4, Room 3424
Silver Spring, MD 20910-3281

Telephone Toll-Free 1-800-638-8972
Aeronautical Inquiries: http://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/flight_info/aeronav/aero_data/Aeronautical_Inquiries/

 

        CHARTING NOTICE - DISCONTINUED CHARTS

Date:  May 30, 2025
To:  Users of: All Aeronautical Products and Digital Services
From:  Aeronautical Information Services, AJV-A
Subject: Discontinuation of selected charting products and services beginning August 7, 2025

Please be advised that the FAA is discontinuing the following products:

Aeronautical Chart Users’ Guide
https://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/flight_info/aeronav/digital_products/aero_guide/

VFR Class B Enhancement Graphics
https://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/flight_info/aeronav/digital_products/vfr_class_b/

U.S. VFR Wall Planning
https://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/flight_info/aeronav/productcatalog/planningcharts/VFRWall/

Alaska VFR Wall Planning
https://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/flight_info/aeronav/productcatalog/planningcharts/AKVFRWall/

U.S. IFR/VFR Low Altitude Planning Charts
https://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/flight_info/aeronav/productcatalog/planningcharts/US/

The final publication date for these products will be June 12, 2025. As each of the current versions of the above products expires or becomes outdated, they will be removed from the FAA website.

Questions or concerns about the discontinuation of these charting products can be submitted on the web or by phone using the FAA Hotline. See
https://www.faa.gov/about/office_org/headquarters_offices/aae/programs_services/faa_hotlines.

View Aeronautical Information Services Safety Alerts and Charting Notices at (https://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/flight_info/aeronav/safety_alerts/) for awareness of chart and data corrections. A page subscription service is available.

For awareness or participation in a public forum to identify issues concerning safety and usefulness of aeronautical charts and flight information products/services, and discuss change proposals to specifications and methodologies visit Aeronautical Charting Meeting
(Chart Group) at (https://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/flight_info/aeronav/acf/).
A page subscription service is available.

For aeronautical data or charting inquiries visit the Aeronautical Information Portal
(https://nfdc.faa.gov/nfdcApps/controllers/PublicSecurity/nfdcLogin)
May 2025
Published by the
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
VIS 25-03 CN

        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.

 

            Los Angeles County Aviation Commission - Meeting Agendas 2025

The Los Angeles County-owned airports, Brackett Field Airport in La Verne, Compton/Woodley Airport in Compton, San Gabriel Valley Airport in El Monte, General William J. Fox Airfield in Lancaster, and Whiteman Airport in Pacoima not only play a vital role within the nation's integrated system of airports, they are also an integral part of YOUR community, serving the diverse constituents of the County of Los Angeles.   Contact Us: Staff to the Commission:  Van Tran(626) 300-4870  - ACCESS LA County Aviation Commission Meeting CALENDAR HERE  -  AGENDAS HERE  -  ACCESS Commission Meeting Minutes HERE.

 

              Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors - Serving The County of LA Since 1892

Meetings of the Board of Supervisors are held on Tuesdays at 9:30 a.m. at 500 West Temple Street, Room 381B, at the Kenneth Hahn Hall of Administration in Los Angeles. The regular meeting of the Board held on the last Tuesday of the month is primarily for the purpose of conducting legally-required public hearings on zoning matters, fee increases, special district proceedings, property transactions, etc.  ACCESS Meeting AGENDAS HERE, -  ACCESS Board Meeting MINUTES HERE

 

                   What is the Airport Compliance Program?

The FAA Airport Compliance Program is contractually based; it does not attempt to control or direct the operation of airports…rather, the program is designed to monitor and enforce obligations agreed to by airport sponsors in exchange for valuable benefits and rights granted by the United States…
[FAA Order 5190.6B, 1.5]

An Airport Sponsor meets its commitments when:
• Federal obligations are understood
• A program is in place that the FAA deems adequate to carry out the sponsor’s commitments (e.g., preventative maintenance, leasing polices,    rules/regs, minimum standards)
• The sponsor satisfactorily demonstrates that such a program is being carried out
• Past compliance issues have been addressed
[FAA Order 5190.6B, 2.8b

AIP Grant Assurances:

Commitments by airport in exchange for airport
development grant funds
• There are 39 grant assurances (37 based in
statute) (49 U.S. Code § 47107)
• Included in Airport Improvement Program (AIP)
grant application
• Committed when AIP grant is signed
  – Typically in effect for 20 years
  – Exception land grant (forever)

Read: ACO's Role and Compliance Overview FULL Document - FAA - Click arp-aco-airports-compliance-workshop-2024-compliance-overview

05/11/2025   FAA airport grant assurance changes include protection for 100LL - From AOPA - The FAA is standing up for 100LL. The agency posted a notice in the Federal Register regarding several changes to airport grant assurances, including the addition of Grant Assurance 40, which mandates the availability of 100LL fuel through 2030 or a possible earlier date when an FAA-authorized unleaded replacement fuel becomes available. Read More About this Here.

 

                    FAA Land Use Change Policy

Presented to: ARP National Compliance Workshop:

  • This session is about federal obligations on land -- not ALP approval
  • Protection of aeronautical use through federal obligations

Types of Airport Property – Federally Acquired

Land that was acquired with Federal funds including:
– Airport Improvement Program (AIP'),
– Federal Aid to Airports Program (FAAP),
– Airport Development Aid Program (ADAP), or
– as part of an AP–4 agreement.

• It also includes airport sponsor-acquired land that:

– was used for the airport sponsor match for an AIP project, or
– was swapped for AIP purchased land.

Read: The Detailed FAA Land Use Policy FULL Document - FAA -  Click arp-aco-airports-compliance-workshop-2024-land-use-policy-change

 

                 House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and Aviation Subcommittee Members

Get the list of new Republicans and New Democratic Members and the Committee Members   -   CLICK HERE

This Page [latest] was added on 06/27/25  -  See pages 1-10 for previous posts - Thank You! 

Let's Begin:

07/06/2025   Exclusive: Cal Fire, Skyryse Exploring ‘Optionally Piloted’ Aerial Firefighting - From FLYING - "Company plans to install its SkyOS system on firefighting aircraft to enable single-pilot or remotely operated flight. -  In January, California faced devastating wildfires that burned over 57,000 acres, destroyed more than 16,000 structures, and killed at least 30 people. The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire) operates the world’s largest civil aerial firefighting fleet. - In recent years, though, increasingly larger blazes have stretched the program thin.

FLYING has exclusively learned that, in a bid to get more out of its aircraft, Cal Fire is working with aviation software provider Skyryse to study the company’s SkyOS—a universal flight operating system that does away with traditional, mechanical controls in favor of electric fly-by-wire systems and simplified digital displays. The multiyear partnership is already underway and will cover “multiple aircraft” within Cal Fire’s fleet, Skyryse told FLYING." Read More Here.

07/04/2025    L.A. Police Commission approves PD’s drone program for DFR uses - From Police 1 - The civilian oversight body approved an updated policy allowing drones to be used in more situations, including calls for service, high-risk incidents and large-scale events - LOS ANGELES — Citing successes other police departments across the country have seen using drones, the Los Angeles Police Commission said it would allow the LAPD to deploy unmanned aircraft on routine emergency calls.

The civilian oversight body approved an updated policy Tuesday allowing drones to be used in more situations, including “calls for service.” The new guidelines listed other scenarios for future drone use — “high-risk incident, investigative purpose, large-scale event, natural disaster” — and transferred their command from the Air Support Division to the Office of Special Operations."

"The commissioner pointed to the city of Beverly Hills, where police have been quick to adapt cutting-edge surveillance technology. Sending out a drone ahead of officers could help prevent dangerous standoffs, informing responding officers whether a suspect is armed or not, according to Gerges Shields, who served on an internal work group that crafted the new policy."   Read full Account Here.

07/04/2025    LSA Step-Downs: Training Is A Must - From AVweb - "But so is picking the right light sport model. The Van’s RV-12 series is one top pick for handling, build quality and the latest tech. - When covering the Light Sport Expo in Sebring, Florida, somewhere around 2013, two things were clear to me at the show. Senior pilots (many were career professionals stepping down into GA) liked what they saw in the new LSA market: modern two-placers with far more tech than the average Skyhawk or Cherokee—not bad machines for golden-years fun. The other was that the just-intro’d Van’s RV-12 factory-built S-LSA was a setup for success. - Today, the difficult insurance market is forcing plenty of aging pilots out of retracs, twins and turbines. For many who aren’t ready to quit, stepping down into an LSA makes sense."  Detailed Article - Read More Here.

06/30/2025    June 2025 a Record Month for FAA Commercial Space Operations - FAA -  FAA-licensed commercial space operations reached a new monthly record, with 21 operations in June. The previous record for a single month was 20 in November 2024.

The FAA licenses commercial space operations to limit the collective risk that a launch or entry may pose to the public. The FAA is committed to enabling safe space transportation. The agency continues to fine-tune its internal processes and policies to reach timely license authorizations that support the increasing pace of operations now and into the future.

Operations during the record month include 21 launches conducted by four operators: Blue Origin, Rocket Lab, SpaceX, and United Launch Alliance. These occurred in California, Florida, Texas, and New Zealand, and involved orbital, suborbital and commercial human space flight missions. Review FAA Commercial Space Data.

          FAA Approves First Part 450 Reentry License for Multiple Operations

The FAA has authorized Varda Space to conduct multiple operations of its Winnebago reentry capsule until its current license expires in 2029. Enabling as many missions as an operator wants, under one license, is a key streamlining element of the Part 450 commercial space launch and reentry licensing rule.

Varda is the first reentry vehicle operator to take full advantage of this feature of the Part 450 rule. As a result of this action, Varda can ramp up its operations confident of regulatory authorization and will have reduced administrative costs. The FAA can focus more on the licensing needs of other launch and reentry operators and bring on new entrants.

Provided Varda operates under the authorized mission profile and vehicle design, it will no longer need to apply for mission-by-mission license approvals. The FAA will, however, continue to perform safety oversight of each operation and Varda must provide the FAA with accurate license updates.

The FAA encourages other operators to take advantage of the benefits that Part 450 offers.

          FAA Forecasts Strong Growth of Commercial Space Operations Through FY 2034

In its first ever 10-year forecast for commercial space operations, the FAA is predicting as many as 566 licensed launches and reentries in FY 2034, more than triple the 148 achieved in FY 2024. There are more than 150 so far in FY 2025.

The expected increase in launch and reentry operations reflects operator interest in activities such as in-orbit servicing, assembly and manufacturing (ISAM); cislunar operations; Mars exploration; satellite deployment and replacement; and space tourism.

Prior FAA commercial space forecasts spanned 5-year periods. The longer forecast is intended to better aid government and industry planners.

          FAA Determines NASA WFF Ground Safety Services Satisfy Part 450

In yet another action to streamline the commercial space vehicle licensing process, the FAA issued a letter of determination stating the NASA Wallops Flight Facility (WFF) ground safety processes, requirements, and oversight align with the FAA’s Part 450 statutory authority over licensed commercial space activities at the Virginia site.

A vehicle operator launching from WFF seeking to take advantage of this determination should request its use during the FAA preapplication consultation and provide a written agreement with WFF for the provision of ground safety services and oversight for the proposed activities.

          FAA Seeks Public Comments on Commercial Human Space Flight Informed Consent

The FAA is asking for public comment on an Advisory Circular that provides guidance to commercial space operators on how to demonstrate compliance with the Part 460 commercial human space flight regulation regarding informed consent for crew and space flight participants.

The Advisory Circular would present one, but not the only, acceptable means of compliance with §460.45-1 on how the operator informs the space flight participant about the hazards and risks of the launch or reentry with the participant providing written consent. - The public comment period closes on July 20, 2025.

          Did You Know? Regulation of Amateur Rockets

Amateur rocketry operations are regulated and authorized by the FAA Air Traffic Organization and are not under the FAA commercial space licensing regulations. - To qualify as an amateur rocket, the launch must be suborbital, not have any humans onboard, remain under 150 km in altitude, and generate a thrust under 200,000 lb-sec.  -  For the FAA to authorize an amateur rocket launch, an operator must submit information such as a description of the operation, vehicle dimensions, quantities of propellants, expected altitude, expected downrange impact point, and if the vehicle will be recovered.

 

06/29/2025    Brief Like a Weather Pro - From FLYING - "Step into an aviation forecaster’s shoes and see how it’s done. - The outgoing forecaster began by covering the current weather picture. We would go over their forecast, itemize any warnings and advisories and review their expiration times, then
discuss special aircraft operations, morning route packages, and other problems. Once I got settled at the desk, I reviewed the charts, working up my own mental picture of the atmosphere and putting together a forecast. This built-up groundwork for a TAF and our flight weather products. - This is what I will cover—and hopefully it will help you be a safer pilot."  Really good lesson covered.  It begins with Upper Air Charts. Read about them Here.

 

06/28/2025    Business Aviation Accidents Offer Lifesaving Lessons Learned - From NBAA Business Insider - "Aviation’s continuous, unending journey toward zero accidents requires operators to learn from mistakes. While it remains frustrating that most aircraft accidents result from any one of a series of familiar factors, ranging from continued visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions (IMC), to improper responses to unexpected problems with aircraft engines or systems, findings from the NTSB offer important lessons for pilots that offer potentially lifesaving takeaways."  Read About them Here.

06/25/2025    Don’t Sim Like You Fl coveredy - From AVweb -"Obviously, there is no replacement for an airplane to stay current and proficient. But when you sim, don’t treat the sim like an airplane. There’s a difference. - With a wonderful sim setup at home, my friend is working on his instrument rating. Unfortunately, he doesn’t use it that often—maybe a few hours a month if he’s lucky. The reason? He claims it takes him a little under an hour, maybe more, before he gets to fly it. He must turn on his computer, check the weather, plan a flight, preflight the plane, sump fuel, do all the checklists … you get the idea. - The problem here is he’s trying to fly instead of sim. He’s treating the sim as if it were his real plane, which it clearly isn’t. I see this a lot, particularly with real pilots just starting out their instrument training or non-pilot simmers trying to feel like real pilots."  Finish Reading Here.

NORAD

06/25/2025     NJ And Florida TFR Busts Mar GA Public Image - From AVweb - "Pilots urged to consult NOTAMs to avoid violations. - A total of eight general aviation aircraft violated the Bedminster, New Jersey, Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) over Trump National Golf Club this past weekend. There were five incursions on Saturday (June 20) and three more on Sunday, one of which resulted in a fighter intercept. President Trump spent the weekend at his golf resort, prompting the TFR. He returned to the White House on Sunday in preparation of announcing the bombing of Iran’s nuclear assets. -  The TFR was the 12th imposed over Bedminster since he took office in January, according to a spokesperson for the 601st Air Operations Center of the U.S. Air Force. The Air Force unit plans, directs and assesses air operations for NORAD (North American Aerospace Defense Command). As reported by the Palm Beach Daily News, there have

 

06/22/2025    Mid-Air Collision Hazard - Notice Number: NOTC4277 - IF YOU SEE WILDFIRE SMOKE, FLY AWAY!  -  The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issues Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) to prohibit aircraft, including Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) or drones, from entering designated areas during wildfires. These restrictions are essential for protecting lives and property while ensuring that firefighting aircraft can operate safely and effectively. - During a wildfire, expect multiple helicopters and airplanes flying in coordinated patterns at various altitudes. These aircraft will be maneuvering around the fire perimeter and within the smoke column as they conduct firefighting operations. - Do not report wildfires that already have firefighting aircraft on the scene. If you believe a wildfire has not yet been reported, contact the appropriate Air Traffic Control Tower, Approach Control, or Flight Service Station.

06/21/2025   NTSB Recommends Modifications to LEAP-1B Engines - From NTSB - "Some CFM International jet engines allowed smoke to enter the cockpit or cabin when damaged - WASHINGTON (June 18, 2025) — The National Transportation Safety Board issued an urgent safety recommendation Wednesday to address the possibility of smoke entering the cockpit or cabin of airplanes equipped with CFM International LEAP-1B engines and issued additional recommendations to evaluate the potential for the same issue with LEAP-1A and -1C engines. - CFM LEAP engines are used on variants of Airbus A320neo and Boeing 737 Max narrow-body passenger jets."  Read More Here.

06/20/2025   FAA Q&A Lays Down The Law On Banning 100LL - From AVweb  "Wording leaves little doubt as to complying with terms of the Reauthorization Act of 2024. - 100LL fuel available, nationwide, regardless of efforts to ban its sale in favor of existing unleaded options. The statement cites Grant Assurance 40 (Access to Leaded Aviation Gasoline) established by Section 770 of last year’s Reauthorization legislation. - According to the Q&A summary, “Grant Assurance 40 prohibits airports from restricting 100LL availability until an alternative fuel meets the established criteria. Most importantly, the Q&A document explains that no unleaded fuel currently meets the criteria as established in Section 770.” - "The curt answer to Question 4 (Do any of the high-octane unleaded fuels meet..."   Read More Here.

06/18/2025   FAA Drone Detection Testing - FAA - From Friday, June 13, 2025 - The FAA will conduct drone-detection testing near Santa Teresa, New Mexico, from June 16-27.

The FAA’s Center of Excellence for UAS Research (ASSURE), in coordination with U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Doña Ana County International Jetport, will conduct the testing. State and local first responders will also participate.

This is the third in a series of off-airport tests the FAA has planned. The agency conducted the first test in Alaska and then near Cape May, New Jersey. The FAA selected the New Mexico location for its hot and arid climate, which supports the testing objectives. Additional testing is scheduled in North Dakota and Mississippi later this year.

The FAA will operate several large drones and about 100 commercial off-the-shelf drones during the two-week period. Testing will take place over the desert and near the old Rio Grande Speedway during the daytime on weekdays only. The public should not fly recreational drones near this area during the testing period.

The agency has been testing drone-detection technologies at airports over the last few years and is expanding testing to off-airport locations. These tests will help determine the effectiveness of these technologies and whether they might interfere with FAA or aircraft navigation systems.

The FAA will provide b-roll from the testing in New Mexico the week of June 23.

Additional Background

The FAA receives more than 100 drone-sighting reports near airports each month, and we want to send a clear message that operating drones around airplanes, helicopters, and airports is dangerous and illegal.

On March 16, 2023, the FAA chartered the UAS Detection and Mitigation Systems Aviation Rulemaking Committee to advise the agency on safely integrating drone detection and mitigation systems. The ARC made 46 recommendations on ensuring systems do not interfere with the safe and efficient operation of the National Airspace System. We have incorporated many of the recommendations into our work to safely integrate them.

06/18/2025   Master Your Mission in a Sim First (The Rotorcraft Collective) - VIDEO -   Realistic scenario-based training in a full-motion simulator, or even a basic aviation training device, can expose a pilot to hazardous scenarios in a safe and controlled environment. The takeaways are vital to risk management and decision-making lessons. These scenarios thrust pilots into situations where they must decide to continue deeper into the hazardous situation, pause and develop a more conservative plan, or perhaps make the most challenging decision of all — to discontinue the mission. View it Here.

06/18/2025   Just Say No! From the Rotorcraft Collective - VIDEO - The most decisive word often missing from a pilot’s vocabulary is “no.” Pilots are decision-makers who are go-oriented and focused on completing the task at hand. When “no” is the correct answer, it is the only answer. Watch this video before your next helicopter flight. View it Here.