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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

Vectors 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 May '22 Vectors for Safety CLICK HERE

For Aerobatic fans: 2020 Contest Listings - The IAC 2020 contest season will begin in March, with the first contest in Arizona, the Estrella Cup (Glider only contest). Visit IAC.org/Contests for more information.

For U.S. Navy Blue Angeles Fans:  2022 Show Schedule
U.S.A.F. Thunderbirds Fans:   2021 & 2022 Schedule

Have COVID-19 questions?

Check out the FAA’s Coronavirus Information page for regulatory updates as well as helpful guidance/resources at https://www.faa.gov/coronavirus.

CHART CHANGE (STARTED FEB '21):

Following up on a SCAUWG MTG.  chart change discussion.  The Western Service Center Operations Support Group provided the attached “CHARTING NOTICE – 56-Day Visual Charts” from the FAA web site; https://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/flight_info/aeronav/safety_alerts/

The notice states: "Like other FAA Supplement, Enroute and Terminal products, each new visual navigation chart title panel will indicate the applicable AIRAC effective date range and no longer include an edition number.”

As the IFR charts on 56-day publishing schedule do not have an edition number, the new 56-day visual charts will be identified in the same way using effective dates.

CHARTING NOTICE

April 13, 2022    To: Users of digital-US Terminal Procedures Publications
From: Aeronautical Information Services    -    Subject: dTPP Desktop discontinued due to Internet Explorer retiring

This Page was added on 10/03/21  -  See Pages  IW 1-3 for Previous Posts  -  Thank You!

PLEASE SEE PAGE 5  -  for the MOST CURRENT Page.

Let's Begin: 

03/31/2022   FedEx To Test Autonomous Freight Drone - ARTICLE - From AVweb - "FedEx says it will start testing an autonomous hybrid eVTOL that can carry up to 500 pounds as far as 300 miles. The company said the trials with the Elroy Chaparral will start in 2023 and begin the process of getting certification for pilotless delivery. “We look forward to continued testing and learning throughout our collaboration with Elroy Air,” said FedEx senior VP Joe Stephens. The Chaparral has..." Continue Here.

03/30/2022   EASA Issues ‘World’s First’ Design Specs on eVTOL Vertiports - ARTICLE - From Flying - "Europe is setting standards for electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, while the FAA appears to be lagging behind." Continue Here.

03/28/2022   East Hampton ‘Privatization’ Approved - NEWS - From AVweb - "East Hampton Airport will become a prior permission “private” airfield on May 19 after a two-day closure. The FAA has carried out an airspace analysis and has approved the tiny resort community’s plan to take over operation of the airport and limit noise by limiting access. East Hampton Airport will close on May 17 to conduct the transition and reopen on May 19 as East Hampton Town Airport. The FAA said..."  Continue Here.

03/27/2022   Top FAA Safety Official Nolen to Serve as Acting FAA Administrator - FAA NEWS - WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration has named Billy Nolen to serve as acting FAA Administrator after FAA Administrator Steve Dickson departs at the end of March. Deputy Administrator Bradley Mims will also take on an expanded role during this interim period, focusing on the FAA’s workforce and the nation’s airports.

Nolen is an experienced aviation safety professional and former airline captain. He has been the FAA’s Associate Administrator for Aviation Safety since January, where he has led a team of more than 7,600 employees who oversee all aspects of aviation safety.

“Billy Nolen has extensive expertise in aviation and a deep understanding of the vital role the FAA plays in ensuring the safety of the traveling public,” said U.S Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. “We are grateful to Steve for his service and to Billy and Brad for stepping up to lead the FAA during this critical time.”

Dickson announced in February that he would step down from his post as administrator after leading the agency for more than two and a half years. The Biden-Harris Administration is conducting a national search for a nominee to become the permanent FAA Administrator, a position that carries a five-year term and must be confirmed by the U.S. Senate.

Before joining the FAA, Nolen was vice president for Safety, Security and Quality for WestJet Airlines in Canada. Prior to his employment at WestJet, Nolen held safety leadership positions at Qantas Airways, Airlines for America and American Airlines. He began his professional career in 1989 as a pilot for American, earning type ratings on Boeing 757, 767 and McDonnell Douglas MD-80 aircraft. He later managed the carrier’s Aviation Safety Action Program (ASAP) and rose through the management ranks to become the airline’s managing director for corporate safety and regulatory affairs.

In 2015, Nolen became senior vice president for safety, security and operations at Airlines for America, a trade group that represents the airlines. From 2018 to 2019, he served as executive manager for group safety and health at Qantas. He moved to WestJet in 2020. In addition to his professional aviation experience, Nolen served tours of duty in the U.S. Army as an airplane and helicopter pilot and safety officer. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Professional Aeronautics from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, as well as specialized aviation safety management certificates from the University of Southern California, United States Army Safety Center and the United States Navy Postgraduate School.

FAA Deputy Administrator Bradley Mims brings over 40 years of experience in transportation and has served in leadership roles in both the public and private sector. He served at the FAA under the Clinton Administration, as President and CEO of the Conference of Minority Transportation Officials (COMTO) and has played a vital role as FAA Deputy Administrator during the Biden-Harris Administration.

03/26/2022  The Latest 5G C-Band Interference on Radio Altimeters Research, Testing and Technology Updates - From Aviation Today - "While the number of new directives and policy updates from the Federal Aviation Administration regarding the impact of 5G C-band wireless service interference on aircraft radio altimeters has slowed since January, research, testing, and debate on a long-term solution for the safe co-existence of the two sides continues. Here, Avionics International provides an overview of some of the latest research and testing that is occurring to understand the interference that can be caused by 5G C-band stations located near airports." Read about two sides of the circumstance Here.

03/26/2022   Senate Passes Legislation To Establish Advanced Air Mobility Working Group - From AVweb - "The U.S. Senate has passed legislation designed to establish an interagency working group to promote advanced air mobility (AAM) in the United States. The Advanced Air Mobility Coordination and Leadership Act (S.516) calls for the Department of Transportation to create a group to “plan and coordinate efforts related to the safety, infrastructure, physical security, cybersecurity, and federal investment necessary to bolster the AAM ecosystem.” The bill was sponsored by Senators Jerry Moran, R-Kan., and Kyrsten Sinema, D-Ariz."       - Read it Here

03/26/2022   Suzuki joins SkyDrive's push to build an eVTOL flying car by 2025 - PR News - From New Atlas - "Japanese eVTOL company SkyDrive has announced it's going into partnership with Suzuki, as it works toward the development and full-scale production of a "compact, two-seating electric-powered flying car," which it hopes to debut at the Osaka World Expo in 2025."  Pictures and Story Here.

03/23/2022   The FAA has begun operationalizing the Performance-Based Navigation PBN Strategy (PDF) that outlines how the FAA is modernizing the airspace from using ground-based navigation to satellite-based navigation. Instrument Flight Procedures (IFP), procedures that pilots use to create their flight paths, are incorporated into the NAS frequently and the IFP inventory has quadrupled from ~5,000 in 2000 to ~20,000 in the year 2020.

The FAA is committed to maintaining safe and efficient airspace. That involves flight inspection of every procedure, among many other things (e.g. development, period reviews, amendments, etc.), to ensure safety. As the IFP inventory increases, so does the cost to maintain them. The FAA has limited bandwidth to build and maintain more efficient IFPs and integrate new entrants due to the increased inventory that results in delays in processing new IFP requests. It also causes more Notice to Air Missions (NOTAMs) with increased communication complexity between pilot/controller that could potentially lead to miscommunications and safety risks.

Instrument Flight Procedures (IFP) Optimization Day
Tuesday, May 4th, 1:00 - 6:00 p.m. ET, 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. PT
Live-streamed on YouTube

03/22/2022   Lockheed Martin Aero Sees Growth Opportunities in Manned-Unmanned Teaming - Military Aviation News - Airforce Magazine - "Lockheed Martin sees itself well positioned to pursue the Air Force’s new uncrewed aircraft programs to complement both the tactical and strategic bomber fleets, having conducted experiments in manned-unmanned teaming for more than 17 years, company aeronautics executive vice president Greg Ulmer said. - Lockheed Martin’s Advanced Development Programs, or Skunk Works, has been putting “a lot of attention … on manned-unmanned teaming,” or MUM-T, Ulmer said in an early March interview. - “It really is going to be a family of systems,” and Lockheed Martin’s F-35 will likely..."  Continue Here.

03/21/2022   MOUNTAIN PASS CHARTING CHANGES COMING - ARTICLE - From AOPA - "Two newly charted mountain passes will appear on Alaskan flight charts this March to help pilots plan and navigate routes across the Brooks Range while another pass in the area is being considered for removal. - These changes are the result of a joint effort between industry and the FAA to improve the information available to pilots flying in mountainous regions. While this effort is currently focused on locations in Alaska, future changes are in the works for mountainous regions across the country. Continue Reading Here.

03/21/2022 

LACO Sheriff's Air Rescue 5 Down After Action Report. - REPORT & PICTURES - Click Here.

03/21/2022   New Airport Alerts Show Danger Hot Spots - RUNWAY SAFETY - From FAA  - Arrival Alert Notices (AAN) are new graphics produced by the FAA that visually depict an approach at specific airports to help mitigate wrong surface misalignment risks for pilots.- Find the Info Here.

03/18/2022   CALIFORNIA PILOT POINTS OUT LEAD FALLACIES - ARTICLE - From AOPA - "SANTA CLARA COUNTY USED BAD DATA IN REID-HILLVIEW STUDY - A pilot at Reid-Hillview Airport in Santa Clara County, California, pulled no punches in a letter he sent to the leadership of the Environmental Protection Agency, copying the FAA. The thoughtfully worded letter by Michael McDonald, a professional engineer and local aircraft owner, pokes holes in the county’s study that lead from avgas is causing contamination in the area around the airport."  Finish Reading Here.

03/18/2022   Minimize [Airport] risk by securing data with better controls - ADVICE for Airport Mgmt. - From International Airport Review - Keeping data and comms secure is crucial to all airports, so we’ve compiled some essential points to consider in ensuring you’re secure. Continue Reading Here.

03/18/2022  Pratt & Whitney Makes Strides With Sustainable Aviation Fuel and Hydrogen Propulsion Technology - PR NEWS - From Aviation Today - "Pratt & Whitney was awarded a U.S. Department of Energy Project to develop hydrogen propulsion technology. As part of this project, they are working to develop highly efficient…Read More

03/18/2022  Managing Risk In Aircraft Certification - ARTICLE - From Aviation Safety Magazine - "Recent air carrier accidents provide illustration and lessons relevant to operating small general aviation aircraft, especially when designing and certifying them. In fact, and just as during flight operations, the job of managing risk in the design and certification is to identify, assess and mitigate that risk. These procedures..."  Continue Here.

03/18/2022   Feeling the Pressure - PERSONAL SAFETY - From AVweb - "One thing all pilots feel at some point on any flight is a sense of pressure. On a good-day local flight, it could be something as simple and routine as wanting to make an “are-we-down-yet-smooth” landing to impress someone. At the other extreme might be a boss who absolutely, positively needs to be at a meeting and is depending on you to fly through challenging weather on minimal fuel to get there in time." Webmaster: This is picture of how stress can be a cockpit influencer.  A good read.  See it Here.

03/17/2022   Balloon ADS-B Exemption Offered Albuquerque Operators - NEWS - From AVweb - "The FAA has offered balloonists operating in and around Albuquerque a temporary exemption from current ADS-B equipage requirements while a longer-term arrangement is being devised. As we reported earlier, operators in the unofficial “balloon capital of the world” complained..." Continue Here.

03/17/2022   20 Seconds To Save It: How An Impulsive Pilot Caused A Fatal Crash (Revised) - VIDEO - From Paul Bertorelli - AVweb - "The crash of Atlas Air 3591 shocked the airline industry. It was caused by a first officer with a long history of poor performance that wasn’t known when he was hired. And an experienced captain in the left seat wasn’t enough to save the airplane or the three lives aboard. In this video, AVweb’s Paul Bertorelli offers a detailed dissection of the accident based on the NTSB sunshine hearing. This report was first published in 2019." View it Here.

03/16/2022  Drone snaps into different shapes on the fly - Unactuated hinges similar to those used on kitchen cabinets are the key behind a drone that can quickly change shape in mid-flight. The quadcopter developed at the University of California at Berkeley can fold in two or more of its four arms to maneuver through narrow spaces or even take up a perch. Full Story: ASME

03/16/2022   Watch WINGS Pilot Proficiency Program in 57 Seconds - VIDEO - View it Here.

03/14/2022   Drone Committee Issues BVLOS Recommendations - From Avweb - "The FAA has been given a set of recommendations in the final report of a committee struck to study the practical integration of drones into the National Airspace System. The Beyond Visual Line of Sight Aviation Rulemaking Committee (ARC) has handed in its final recommendations and is calling for a uniform set of regulations, some rules of the road to keep crewed aircraft and drones from conflict and an advanced rating for pilots who will fly drones out of their sight. BVLOS operations are considered fundamental to exploiting the full economic and public benefit potential of the technology."  Continue Here.

03/12/2022   AN EYE-OPENING HELI-EXPO - INSPIRED BY CHUCK AARON AND LIFESAVING HELICOPTER MISSIONS - Helicopter Association International’s Heli-Expo was a surprising smorgasbord of treats for a fixed-wing pilot. From AOPA "As I entered the exhibit hall, I immediately noticed the dozens of multimillion-dollar helicopters that had been meticulously arranged, filling the hall with flash." Read the Show Review Here.   Plus:  a Video Show Review featuring- "We Can Get You Scared" w/ Chuck Aaron - View it Here.

03/12/2022   2 minute 2021 Video of Chuck Aaron entitled: "Rolling in a new livery" - Chuck Aaron swapped the old Red Bull livery for Southern Utah University colors to demonstrate a few remarkable maneuvers to his new students.

03/12/2022    Reading The Sky - EDUCATION - From AVweb - "Part of being able to forecast comes from reading the sky, because so much of what’s taking place in the atmosphere can be seen visually. When I worked the forecast counter in the Air Force, I occasionally stepped over to the window for a quick look while filling out the weather briefing forms. The pilots often caught notice of this. I remember one B-1B Lancer pilot who turned to his fellow crewmembers and said, “Now that’s what I like to see! This forecaster doesn’t miss anything.” Webmaster: In the age of the iPad, maybe some of us forget to look out of the window. Don't do that! - Read the forecaster's story Here.

03/12/2022   FAA Alaska Aviation Safety Initiative (FAASI) FY21 Final Report - A Complete Report - View it Here.

03/12/2022   Not Your Average Mechanic - Although pilots receive a lot of the glory, aviation safety is not just about an ace in the cockpit. It’s also about a properly maintained and airworthy airplane that is as dependent on the aviation maintenance technicians who service and repair it as it is on the pilots who operate it. Read “Not Just Your Average Mechanic” https://medium.com/faa/not-just-your-average-mechanic-c0759ea1c1fa to learn more about the life of these unsung, often forgotten men and women who perform a vital service that is not only critical to safety but also to the economy.

03/09/2022   Accident Probe: How High Will It Go? - ACCIDENT PROBE - From AVweb - "On October 13, 2018, at 1058 Eastern time, a Piper PA-34-200T Seneca II was destroyed when it impacted the Atlantic Ocean near Westhampton Beach, N.Y. The flight instructor (CFI), a private pilot and the passenger were fatally injured. Visual conditions prevailed at the surface, with instrument conditions at altitude."  Equipment Failure? Hypoxia? Read on Here.

03/09/2022   Russian Sanctions To Have Ripple Effects Throughout Aviation Industry - ARTICLE - From AVweb - "Front and center is the challenge to the financial 800-pound gorillas: airlines and cargo carriers. As fuel prices spike and routes that avoid dangerous and prohibited airspace increase flight times, crew duty time and other operational costs, company stocks have tanked in response to the conflict. Similarly, manufacturers, insurers, maintenance providers and leasing companies are faced with fundamentally recasting their business plans with scarce insight into when—or even if—they will regain access to the Russian market." Read More Here.

03/07/2022   The March/April 2022 issue of FAA Safety Briefing magazine focuses on the aviation maintenance industry. - Articles discuss the important role aviation maintenance technicians (AMTs) play in keeping our skies safe and highlight some of the programs that recognize their achievements and provide ongoing education for these unsung heroes of aviation safety.  You can download the magazine in .PDF format by Clicking Here.

03/07/2022   AIRCRAFT MANUFACTURERS WITH FACILITIES IN UKRAINE UNDER THREAT - RUSSIAN-OWNED EPIC ANTICIPATES NO IMPACT FROM WAR - ARTICLE - From AOPA - "Flight Design and Aeroprakt officials reported they would continue making aircraft for as long as possible while Russian troops began to capture cities in Ukraine. Full Story: AOPA Online 

03/05/2022    Dakota Territory Air Museum – P-47D Restoration Update – MECHANICAL / INSTRUCTIONAL - From WARBIRD DIGEST- "Restoration of the Dakota Territory Air Museum’s P-47D Thunderbolt 42-27609 is progressing well at AirCorps Aviation in Bemidji, Minnesota..." "The turbosupercharger system, wings, firewall-forward section of the fuselage (including the cowl), and the control surfaces were all part of the restoration work this month." Webmaster: This is one really well illustrated restoration journey packed with info.  Enjoy it Here.

03/05/2022    ASI SAFETY TIP:  THE RUDDER  -  IT GETS NO RESPECT! - VIDEO - INSTRUCTIONAL / SAFETY - From ASI - "Are you guilty of rudder neglect? Check out this quick reminder on the importance of yaw " and coordinated flight." Webmaster: This short piece may help you fly better cross country flight tracks. It's a worthwhile shot that might make your flying better.  Length: 4 minutes.  View it Here.

03/05/2022   FAA’s Latest 5G Airworthiness Directive Revises Landing Requirements for Most 737s - NEW AD - From Aviation Today - "A new airworthiness directive (AD) published by the Federal Aviation Administration on Wednesday identifies hazardous interference from 5G C-Band wireless broadband operations that could prevent radio altimeters on most Boeing 737s from performing their intended function.

The latest 5G C-Band directive requires operators of all 737s—except for Model 737-200 and -200C series airplanes equipped with a certain flight control system— to revise their airplane flight manual (AFM) to incorporate specific operating procedures for instrument landing system (ILS) approaches, speed brake deployment, go-arounds, and missed approaches, when in the presence of 5G C-Band interference. FAA officials issued the AD after receiving new data reported by Boeing over the last month,..."  Read more details Here.

03/04/2022   Joint FAA and United Kingdom CAA Statement on eVTOL Aircrafts - FAA - The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the United Kingdom Civil Aviation Authority recognize the potential of electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) and other Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) aircraft to significantly benefit the public. To support future eVTOL aircraft development and operation, the US and UK civil aviation authorities are engaged in a range of bilateral and multilateral discussions focused on facilitating certification and validating new eVTOL aircraft, production, continued airworthiness, operations, and personnel licensing.

As these aircraft enter into the aviation ecosystem, we must continue to maintain the high safety standards that the public expects. To streamline and expedite integration, this technology should use existing regulatory frameworks on which that strong safety record is founded.

Both regulators recognize AAM is a collection of new and emerging technologies in the existing aviation system. Both authorities have a strong history of collaborating in aircraft certification, airspace integration, operations, and infrastructure, which lead to a safer, more sustainable sector.

03/04/2022   ISS At Risk Amid Growing International Tensions - ARTICLE - From AVweb - "Russia may reconsider its involvement in the international partnership that keeps the International Space Station (ISS) aloft, according to a statement from Dmitry Rogozin, who is the head of Russian space agency Roscosmos. Rogozin said that the agency is taking the position due to economic sanctions enacted by the U.S. in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. NASA and Roscosmos have both emphasized that ISS operations remain unaffected so far."  More Here.

03/01/2022    FAA Begins Adding Weather Reporting Stations across Alaska - NEWS - FAA - WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has started installing technology across Alaska to provide weather conditions to pilots before they take to the skies. - Eight new Automated Weather Observing Systems (AWOS) will provide continuous, real-time and accurate weather information on remote areas of Alaska. The sites, recommended by the Alaska aviation community, should be operational by October 2022.

“We heard from the Alaska aviation community that they need more real-time weather information to operate safely, and we are delivering on the commitment we made to provide that,” said FAA Administrator Steve Dickson. - The eight new stations will be located in Akiachak, Coldfoot, Crooked Creek, Kotlik, Nulato, Perryville, Tok Junction and Tununak. Weather information from these locations gives all pilots a preview of what to expect when arriving, and allows Instrument Flight Rule pilots to conduct instrument approaches to the lowest possible minimums, increasing the safety and predictability of operations.

Last fall, the FAA released recommendations to increase safety in Alaska after a yearlong, sweeping examination of safety challenges specific to flying in the state. The Alaska aviation community repeatedly told the FAA that additional weather information for pilots was necessary. Aviation safety is especially important to rural and Tribal communities in Alaska, 82% of which are only accessible only by air. - The FAA and National Weather Service currently manage nearly 132 similar weather systems in Alaska.

03/01/2022    Lost Communication Reference Card .pdf download - AOPA - keep this AOPA Air Safety Institute ATC Light Gun Signals reference card handy in case of a radio failure at a towered airport.

03/01/2022    Real Pilot Story - LOST ELEVATOR - VIDEO - ASI - "Sometimes, we must make deliberate choices that may seem drastic but won’t jeopardize our health. Flying the airplane into the crash under control and having the fuselage absorb the subsequent impact is one such choice." "At that point I knew I was going to be landing somewhere.” Luckily among the tall Alaskan forest there was a narrow road within gliding distance." Watch the YouTube Video Story Here.

03/01/2022   Black Hawk Helicopter Takes to the Skies Without a Pilot - PR NEWS - VIDEO - "The Sikorsky Black Hawk helicopter is a part of DARPA’s Aircrew Labor In-Cockpit Automation System (ALIAS) program. The optionally piloted vehicle (OPV) was retrofitted with Sikorsky MATRIX autonomy technologies, which form the core of ALIAS. - New Atlas reports the flight consisted of the helicopter performing a series of pedal maneuvers through a virtual obstacle course over an airfield. ALIAS transformed the helicopter into a completely automated aircraft by taking over pre-flight procedures that include power, wind checks, and secondary control. It also displayed elements of adaptive flying such as take-off and landing.  See the Video Here.

02/28/2022   AD 2022-05-09 for Certain MARS A.S Emergency Parachutes - Notice Number: NOTC2284 - FAA - On February 25, 2022 the FAA issued Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2022-05-09 for certain MARS A.S. emergency parachutes. This AD results from the length of the ripcord between the pins being too long, which could cause a malfunction of the emergency parachute. This AD requires removing emergency parachutes with certain manufacture dates or serial numbers from service. The AD is published in the Federal Register at: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2022/02/25/2022-04098/airworthiness-directives-mars-as-parachutes.

For further information about this AD, please contact Darren Gassetto, COS Program Manager, Boston ACO Branch; email: 9-AVS-AIR-BACO-COS@faa.gov.

02/28/2022    Canada, Europe Close Airspace To Russian Aircraft - NEWS - From AVweb - "Canada’s decision to ban the Russians pretty much ended service to and from the U.S. All flights from Moscow to North America go through Canadian airspace."  More Here.

02/28/2022   Balloonists Seek Route To ADS-B Compliance -ARTICLE - From AVweb -  "Hot air balloon enthusiasts appear to be calling on the FAA to find a way for them to comply with ADS-B requirements beyond seeking waivers for special events. According to the Albuquerque Journal, industry leaders in the unofficial capital city of the sport say implementation of the ADS-B mandate threatens the annual Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta and limited flight options and they’re worried there will be a withering effect on the city’s status. “This will be terminal..."  Continue HERE.

02/28/2022   PILOT MINUTE - VIDEO - In this episode of the Pilot Minute, Federal Air Surgeon Susan Northrup, MD, MPH covers internal and external factors affecting G-force induced loss of consciousness or G-LOC and how pilots can assess their readiness and tolerance using the preflight I’M SAFE personal checklist. For more information on G-force tolerance and countermeasures, see our recently updated Acceleration in Aviation: G-Force aeromedical brochure: https://www.faa.gov/pilots/safety/pil... For more information on Single Pilot Crew Resource Management (SRM), see the FAA Safety Briefing: https://www.faa.gov/news/safety_brief... Pilot Minute is produced by the Civil Aerospace Medical Institute, Medical Education Division in association with FAA Media Solutions.  You can also check out the entire Pilot Minute video playlist here.

02/28/2022   Pilot Courses, Sources, and Training Resources - FAA - If you’ve never experienced an emergency on an aircraft, it can be hard to imagine how you’ll react in those extreme circumstances. You need special training, education, and carefully monitored experience to learn your personal minimums and the steps you need to take to save your life. That is where the FAA’s Aerospace Medical Education Division gets involved to help prepare you for the unknown and add to your kneeboard of aviation knowledge with free virtual courses, videos, learning activities, aeromedical information, and hands-on training. Check out the article “Courses, Sources, and Training Resources” to learn more: https://medium.com/faa/courses-sources-and-training-resources-e8b376376dad. To read our entire aerospace medicine-themed issue, go to https://medium.com/faa/pilot-maintenance-1e83fa0288a7 or www.faa.gov/news/safety_briefing.

02/28/2022   FAA Airport Hot Spots - FAA - Hot spot identification is essential for pilots, particularly during preflight planning and while taxiing on airport surfaces. However, hot spots are currently depicted in a variety of shapes with no particular meaning. Well, that’s about to change! On May 19, hot spots on the FAA’s aeronautical charts and publications will have three shapes with two distinct meanings. Circles and ellipses will depict ground movement surface safety risk areas like taxiway/runway configurations and intersections. A cylinder will be used to highlight runway confusion areas, mitigating wrong surface event risk areas such as offset parallel runways.

A new visual enhancement tool will help pilots with runway confusion at certain airport locations. These new Arrival Alert Notices offer a visual aid to pilots to enhance situational awareness when a Wrong Surface Hot Spot related to Arrivals is identified.

Check out the National Association of Flight Instructors (NAFI) MentorLive! Webinar on March 16, 2022 to learn more about standardized hot spot symbology and the new Arrival Alert Notice. To register and get WINGS credit, go to www.mentorlive.site/program/54.html.

Hot spot identification is essential for pilots, particularly during preflight planning and while taxiing on airport surfaces. However, hot spots are currently depicted in a variety of shapes with no particular meaning. Well, that’s about to change! On May 19, hot spots on the FAA’s aeronautical charts and publications will have three shapes with two distinct meanings. Circles and ellipses will depict ground movement surface safety risk areas like taxiway/runway configurations and intersections. A cylinder will be used to highlight runway confusion areas, mitigating wrong surface event risk areas such as offset parallel runways.

A new visual enhancement tool will help pilots with runway confusion at certain airport locations. These new Arrival Alert Notices offer a visual aid to pilots to enhance situational awareness when a Wrong Surface Hot Spot related to Arrivals is identified.

Check out the National Association of Flight Instructors (NAFI) MentorLive! Webinar on March 16 to learn more about standardized hot spot symbology and the new Arrival Alert Notice. To register and get WINGS credit, go to www.mentorlive.site/program/54.html.

02/23/2022   FAA, Industry Chart Path to Eliminate Lead Emissions from General Aviation by the end of 2030 - FAA NEWS - The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced a new initiative that outlines how our country can safely eliminate the use of leaded aviation fuel by the end of 2030 without adversely affecting the existing piston-engine fleet. “This is a safe and practical path to a lead-free aviation system,” FAA Administrator Steve Dickson said. “We look forward to starting a new partnership with aviation stakeholders and the communities that hosts airports to achieve this important goal.”

The effort to remove leaded aviation fuels will be based on four pillars of action that involve the FAA, the Environmental Protection Agency, fuel suppliers and distributors, airports, engine and aircraft manufacturers, research institutions, associations, environmental experts, communities and other key stakeholders. The four pillars are:

• Develop Unleaded Fuels Infrastructure and Assess Commercial Viability: Industry stakeholders will coordinate production of commercially viable unleaded fuels and establish necessary infrastructure, efficient distribution channels and widespread usage of these fuels.
• Support Research & Development and Technology Innovations: The FAA and industry stakeholders will support research and testing of piston engine modifications and/or engine retrofits necessary for unleaded fuel operations. They will also focus on new technology development and the application/adaptation of those technologies, including electric/hybrid engine technologies to enable transition to a lead free General Aviation fleet.
• Continue to Evaluate and Authorize Safe Unleaded Fuels: The FAA will address fleet-wide authorization of unleaded aviation fuels of different octane levels. Piston Aviation Fuel Initiative will continue to evaluate, test and qualify high-octane aviation unleaded fuels with the objective to ultimately transition the fleet to unleaded aviation fuel.
• Establish Any Necessary Policies: The EPA is evaluating whether emissions from piston-engine aircraft operating on leaded fuel contribute to air pollution that endangers public health or welfare. EPA plans to issue a proposal for public review and comment in 2022 and take final action in 2023. If the EPA issues regulations on lead emissions from piston-engine aircraft, the FAA would subsequently publish regulations that certify piston engine modifications, new piston engines that do not require leaded aviation fuel, and regulate fuel components for aviation fuels. The FAA will consider policies/programs to support unleaded fuel infrastructure.

These pillars today leverage and build upon a continuing collaboration with industry through the Piston Aviation Fuel Initiative. Aviation industry leaders are welcoming the partnership:

Pete Bunce, GAMA President and CEO - “The future of light general aviation depends on moving away from leaded fuels. To accomplish this imperative, it is important to note that our industry, as well as the industry providing our avgas, are united in partnering with the FAA to advance a sustainable future. The EAGLE public-private partnership will ensure coordination of a safe and reliable transition to an unleaded future state for piston-engine aircraft.  GAMA’s manufacturing and maintenance companies look forward to working with the FAA, industry colleagues and other stakeholders to carry out this challenging and ambitious initiative.  EAGLE will be the enabler for meeting our environment goals while keeping aviation safety, as well as the broader economic and public benefits provided by general aviation, at the forefront.”

Mark Baker, President and CEO of AOPA - “While the industry has a shared vision of a lead-free aviation future, the transition must be done in a smart and safe way, and in a manner that works for the entire general aviation fleet. Joining together in a broad coalition to reinforce our commitment, and outlining the plan to get there, is a very positive step forward. We look forward to making good progress under the EAGLE banner.”

AAAE President & CEO Todd Hauptli - “Environmental stewardship is a high priority for airport executives, and AAAE is pleased to join with FAA and our partners in the general aviation industry to chart a path forward to a lead-free future for aviation fuel. The EAGLE initiative sets a meaningful goal that will benefit the environment, public health, and the future of general aviation, which plays such an important role in communities across the country and to the national economy.  We look forward to working with the government and our industry partners to make the promises of EAGLE a reality.”

Jack J. Pelton, CEO and Chairman of the Board of the Experimental Aircraft Association - “Securing a lead-free future for aviation fuel is a formidable challenge, but the aviation community has faced and met previous challenges with ingenuity and imagination. Our goal is to solve the complex issues surrounding lead-free aviation fuels with innovations that ensure safety, as well as reliability, marketplace availability, and continue to provide the countless benefits of general and recreational aviation to our nation and the world.”

James Viola, HAI President and CEO - “The EAGLE initiative brings together stakeholders dedicated to advancing a sustainable future for general aviation. It is imperative that we safely transition piston-engine aircraft to lead-free aviation fuel by the end of 2030. This initiative is the right thing to do for the environment and the economic health of our industry. Helicopter Association International (HAI) is committed to this partnership and applauds the broad public-private partnership that has come together enabling industry and government to accelerate a solution. The vertical flight industry is eager to work with all stakeholders to move the EAGLE initiative forward.”

National Air Transportation Association President and CEO Timothy Obitts - "NATA and its members are dedicated to finding a single drop-in unleaded fuel to replace 100LL that is compatible with existing infrastructure. We thank the FAA for its guidance and support, and look forward to working with our industry partners toward a safe and viable solution. The EAGLE initiative is another great example of how we are uniting for the safety, success, and future of the industry.”

NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen - “We are proud to be a part of this pioneering initiative to chart a course for a future free of leaded fuels. The EAGLE initiative is a very important step in ensuring the sustainability, safety and security of aviation in the years to come.”

This announcement is part of the FAA’s ongoing effort to build a sustainable aviation system. In November, the U.S. released its first-ever comprehensive Aviation Climate Action Plan to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. Earlier in 2021, the FAA announced more than $100 million in matching grants to increase aircraft efficiency, reduce noise and aircraft emissions, and develop and implement new software to reduce taxi delays.

Find more information about the FAA and its sustainability efforts at its sustainability page.

02/21/2022   East Hampton Airport Transition Set for May 19: VFR To Start - NEWS - From AVweb - "The controversy erupted after the FAA reminded the board of all the federally funded equipment and services that would depart with its closure. It also said an airspace study might be required before any procedures could be restored. The agency has also softened its approach and “is committed to working collaboratively to complete this.” It told the supervisors it would have all its paperwork done by May 19, which is about..."  Read the story Here.  Webmaster Note: I included this piece as it may be an indication as to the path the FAA may continue to travel.

02/20/2022   UK Startup Wants to Build 200 Flying Taxi Vertiports in 65 Cities - ARTICLE PR - From Interesting Engineering - "U.K. startup Urban-Air Port (UAP) announced that it has secured a new investment from Supernal, which was previously the Urban Air Mobility Division of Hyundai Motor Group. - The funds will help it build 200 vertiport sites in 65 cities across the globe over the next five years, a press statement reveals. Full article Here.

02/20/2022   Survive Inadvertent IMC The Old-Fashioned Way - SAFETY - From Aviation Safety Magazine- "If you’ve been around general aviation for any time at all, by now you should not be surprised to learn that attempted VFR flight into instrument metereological conditions (IMC) and its close cousin, loss of visual references at night, consistently rank as the most lethal type of GA accidents. Although the numbers (thank goodness!) have recently begun to decline, about seven out of every eight—nearly 90 percent—of those accidents are still fatal. That’s largely because..."  Find Out More Here.

02/20/2022   Stall, Spin, and Upset Recovery Training - FAASTeam - Better understand and recognize what an aircraft upset is and explore ways to mitigate, recover, and be more proficient in these situations by reading more about this month's Fly Safe topic. See a FACT SHEET Here.  Read More on a BLOG Here.

02/20/2022   Watch: Moose Stall Safety Minute (2017) - FAASTeam Safety Minute - Tap or Click HERE to Watch

02/19/2022   Jaunt Air Mobility and Avports Partner to Advance eVTOL Integration - ARTICLE - PR - From Aviation Today - "Avports and Jaunt Air Mobility recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to coordinate in the integration of electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft into the aviation ecosystem. Avports joined Jaunt’s infrastructure alliance, Access Skyways, which was created to address some of the critical challenges in urban air mobility (UAM) that may arise over the next decade." - “We do not intend to need any new infrastructure for landing/take-off facilities on day one of operations,” he said. There is a lot of existing infrastructure, including over 5,000 airports in the U.S. used for general aviation. In the near-term, Briceno explained, more than 90% of the key elements that Jaunt will need to begin operations are already in place—mainly under-utilized airports and heliports near large cities..."  Read Much More Here.

02/19/2022   Verizon 5G Enables Near-Real-Time Object Detection for Drones - ARTICLE - From Aviation Today - "A collaboration between Easy Aerial, Verizon, and Amazon Web Services (AWS) has demonstrated the use of Verizon 5G Edge and AWS Wavelength to enable near-real-time object detection for drones.  The Easy Guard ground station, one of Easy Aerial’s product offerings, is described by the company as a “smart” aircraft hangar for takeoff, landing, and charging, and this “drone-in-a-box” solution was selected for exploring 5G integration."  More Here.

02/19/2022   Joby’s New ANA, SK Telecom Partnerships Will Introduce Air Taxis in Japan and South Korea - ARTICLE - From Advanced Aviation Report -  "This week, Joby Aviation and ANA HOLDINGS—parent company of All Nippon Airways (ANA)—announced their joint efforts to establish aerial ridesharing services in Japan. The collaboration includes infrastructure development, air traffic management, pilot training, and meeting regulatory requirements to begin operations with Joby’s electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) vehicle. Toyota Motor Corporation will join the efforts to explore integration with ground transportation. - ANA, the largest airline in Japan, has operated for 70 years and will bring significant operational experience to this partnership. Koji Shibata, Representative Director and Executive Vice President at ANA HD, commented on the opportunity in the announcement: “Our customers value..."  Finish reading Here.

02/15/2022   ALTON BAY'S FAMOUS ICE RUNWAY NOW OPEN (No Skis Required) - ARTICLE - From AOPA - "Ice runway season at New Hampshire’s Alton Bay on Lake Winnipesaukee is officially underway, and 30 aircraft arrived for opening day. - The ice runway is generally open from January to March, though the date can fluctuate. Airport Manager Paul LaRochelle posted progress reports on Facebook as work to clear and measure the ice was underway, and above-normal temperatures did delay things a bit. (Even more uncooperative weather in 2020 scuttled the runway entirely.) The ice runway is a tradition that dates to the 1960s, and it remains the only airport of its kind in the contiguous United States.

02/15/2022   Rolls-Royce and private aviation firm Luxaviation to develop vertiports - ARTICLE - From Business Airport International -  "Rolls-Royce and the Luxaviation Group, a leading luxury jet and helicopter service provider are announcing plans to collaborate on leading the development and deployment of Advanced Air Mobility (AAM). - Rolls-Royce will provide electrification solutions, maintenance support services, and digital solutions for Luxaviation Group’s planned network of vertiports. - Luxaviation already has a presence at over 120 VIP terminals across the world. Both companies share a vision of Advanced Air Mobility solutions including allelectric and hybrid-electric vertical take-off and landing as well as fixed-wing commuter aircraft."  Continue Reading Here.

02/15/2022   Navy Releases Timeline For Mysterious 2019 “UAS Swarm” Involving Warships Off California - ARTICLE - From The Warzone - "In a previous update on our investigation into a series of drone swarm incidents in 2019, The War Zone published an intriguing, but heavily redacted briefing slide. Strangely, before our appeal could be fully processed, we and other FOIA filers received completely unredacted versions of the same slide attached to separate requests. The unredacted version of the slide provides several new details, namely a timeline of interactions between the U.S. Navy's Arleigh Burke class destroyer USS Paul Hamilton and several objects denoted as “UAS” or unmanned aerial systems. To our knowledge, this is the first publicly available document to use the term “swarm” in relation to the incident. - Additionally, the newly released material includes an infrared image of..."  Continue to read Here.

02/14/2022   Canada Phasing in Space-Based ADS-B Starting In 2023 - ARTICLE - From AVweb - "Aircraft using controlled airspace above 12,500 feet in Canada will have to be equipped with ADS-B capable of transmitting to Nav Canada’s Aerion space-based ADS-B system by Feb. 23 of 2023. The firm date was announced jointly by Nav Canada and Transport Canada. To be compliant, aircraft must have ADS-B antennas on the top of the aircraft capable of transmitting 1090 MHz extended squitter signals to satellites. Belly-mounted antennas used to communicate with the U.S. ground-based systems will not be enough."  Read More Here.

02/14/2022   FAA Begins New Phase of Testing to Safely Integrate Drones into the National Airspace - NEWS - FAA - The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) will begin field-testing new drone-traffic-management capabilities to further integrate these aircraft into the National Airspace System.  -  The Unmanned Aircraft System Traffic Management (UTM) Field Test, which will start in the spring of 2022, will allow the government and the drone community to continue improving standards, data-exchange methods and cybersecurity capabilities.

UTM includes a set of services that are complementary to, but separate from, Air Traffic Management services for manned aircraft. It is targeted toward small unmanned aircraft operations in airspace, generally flying below 400 feet, and builds on current rules and capabilities that enable airspace access and authorization. - The test outcomes will provide the FAA with critical information to support the development of new policies and for industry development of updated standards to allow drones to routinely fly beyond visual line of sight of the operators.

The FAA and its industry partners will conduct multiple drone flights in realistic test scenarios to learn more about how to manage drone traffic in varying environments. The flight tests will examine how the latest capabilities and standards will work to support the operations in the real world.

02/14/2022   East Hampton Warned by FAA Of Airport Closure Consequences - NEWS - From AVweb - "The East Hampton Town Board on Long Island plans to press ahead with its plan to close the public use airport on Feb. 28 and reopen it March 4 as a private facility despite a warning from the FAA that it may not happen the way board members envision."  The FAA appears ready to play "hardball" with the town board.  Read about how Here.

02/12/2022   Accident Case Study: Airframe Icing - Link to certificate, WINGS credit, and ASI transcript: https://bit.ly/ACSAirFrameIceCert Description: Ride along for this chilling re-creation and analysis of an accident that occurred when the pilot of a Cirrus SR22 encountered unforecast icing over the Sierra Nevada mountains. (This is a video rendering of a 2009 online course that was built in Adobe Flash.)  Tap or Click HERE.

02/12/2022    Stall, Spin, and Upset Recovery Training Can Reduce Loss of Control  -  GA Pilots: Do you know how to respond to aircraft stalls, spins, and upsets? Preparation is key. Learn how to train for airplane upsets in our latest FlySafe GA Safety Enhancement Topic here. The post includes videos on stalls and spins and several links to additional resources on the subject. There’s also links to some related FAA Safety Team webinars and seminars this month that can earn you WINGS credit.

02/11/2022   FAA Map Provides Guide on 5G Deployment - NEWS - From FAA - "The FAA has rolled out an interactive online map to provide up-to-the-minute information on the impacts of 5G network transmitters at 87 airports. Map users can view information on specific aircraft types, airports, and runways to learn whether low-visibility landings are permitted or whether the potential for 5G interference exists." - AINonline -  You can read more about 5g and see/use the map Here.

02/11/2022   Boeing Purchases 2 Million Gallons of Sustainable Aviation Fuel - From Aviation Today - "Boeing signed a supply agreement with /EPIC Fuels for 2 million gallons of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), the largest purchase of SAF from an airframer to date. The fuel blend—30% SAF, 70% conventional jet fuel—will be used for production, test, and delivery flights, including fueling Boeing’s Dreamlifter cargo plane, and the fuel will come from..."  Continue Here

02/11/2022   Regardless of where the SuperBowl is held, it's always happening in Las Vegas - Notice Number: NOTC2258 - Pilots should anticipate a Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) in the Los Angeles area on Sunday, February 13, 2022.

Flights into and out of Las Vegas area increase during major sporting events.

Pilots are encouraged to check NOTAMs frequently to confirm they have the most current information.

Below are links to the FAA's Superbowl page:

HND, PSP and VGT runway safety videos have been posted to the [http://FAA Safety Plan for Super Bowl LVI website.]http://FAA Safety Plan for Super Bowl LVI website.

HND:  https://youtu.be/9czJjRMnARA

PSP:  https://youtu.be/saHE-KPqu3Y

VGT: https://youtu.be/HCzEuarMA9A

https://www.runwaysafetysimulator.com/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5II-s_j35cI&t=13s

Attention Pilots flying into the Las Vegas Valley.   Avoid a Pilot Deviation Report:  Las Vegas Bravo (Class B) Airspace--be sure to receive those magic words "Cleared into the Bravo Airspace."  Copy and readback your clearances, verify the proper runway for which you've been cleared to land (Left or Right). IFR Departures be sure to read, study, and understand your clearance and the associated Departure Procedure.  Expect to fly it until/unless you receive ATC instructions to do something else.

02/09/2022   AOPA Iceland President, Three Others, Killed In Cessna 172 Crash - NEWS - From AVweb - "The pilot of a Cessna 172 that crashed into one of Iceland’s largest lakes was Haraldur Diego, 50, president of AOPA Iceland, that country’s branch of the worldwide pilots organization. All four onboard the Feb. 3, two-hour sightseeing flight were killed and their bodies later located about 150 feet underwater in Lake Thingvallavatn, roughly 30 nautical miles east of Reykjavik Airport. The two-day search involved more than 1,000 responders, a Royal Danish Bombardier 604 Challenger search aircraft and a remote-control submarine. It is said to be the most extensive search operation in the past five years."  Continue HERE.  Webmaster Note: Everyone associated with SCAUWG.ORG & SCAUWG is sorry for AOPA's loss, and the loss of life for those on board.  One questions that survives this accident as reported is regarding weight and balance. It is noted that as reported the Cessna 172 had four adults on board. 

02/07/2022   FAA Urges More Stick Time For Airline, Charter Pilots - ARTICLE - From AVweb - "Airline and charter pilots may be in for more stick and rudder time assuming a new proposed advisory circular makes it through the 30-day comment period. The FAA has issued a draft of the AC on Flightpath Management and it includes a host of measures the agency wants operators to include in training and operations to ensure pilots can get from A to B safely."  Learn about it Here.

02/06/2022   F-35 Ramp Strike Footage - "This footage - apparently taken with a cellphone camera pointed at a computer screen located aboard the USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) - was posted to Reddit on Feb. 5. It shows the Pilot Landing Aid/Assist Television (PLAT) camera views of the recent F-35C landing mishap from both the centerline of the flight deck and the carrier's island. At this posting, the U.S. Navy has not released any official word as to why this crash happened, and the mishap review board process generally takes several months to make rulings on these details." - Ward  Carroll   CLICK HERE

02/06/2022   DICKSON UPDATES CONGRESS ON 5G PROGRESS - NEWS - From AOPA - "We recognize that some communities and operations have been affected because we have not been able to fully mitigate interference risk" associated with 5G C-band interference with radio altimeters, Dickson said, noting that flight tests are now underway that will help the FAA refine its risk assessment and modeling." Continue with this story Here.

02/06/2022   LASERS - "Dangerous laser strikes topped all previous records in 2021. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) received 9,723 reports from pilots last year, a 41 percent increase over 2020. - Shining a laser at an aircraft is a serious safety threat. Many types of high-powered lasers can incapacitate pilots, many of whom are flying airplanes with hundreds of passengers. Pilots have reported 244 injuries since the FAA began recording data on laser strikes in 2010."

02/05/2022   Prepping For Darkness - SAFETY - From AVweb - "We circled the airport at pattern altitude. Then I noticed a line of cars speeding from town toward the airport. Help was on the way! People, probably at a local bar, had noticed our predicament and they were all rushing out. Soon, someone called me on the radio and said that the lights were broken—there was no NOTAM—and we had to divert."  Read the Story Here - Definitive comments re: night Flight Safety & Procedures.

02/03/2022  Engine-Out Drills - SAFETY - From Aviation Safety Magazine - "As pilots gain more experience, certificates and ratings, the engine-out drill takes on much greater significance, and can even make or break a checkride or flight review. Pardon the pun, but that goes double for multi-engine airplanes." Continue Here.

02/02/2022   From the AMERICAN HEROES Air Show CA.21 event volunteer team:  Since we concluded the American Heroes Air Show in Los Angeles last November, I’ve worked with Steve Goldsworthy to put together our traditional event Yearbook.

02/02/2022   NASA plans to use drones to monitor active volcanoes - NEWS - Digitaltrends - "NASA doesn’t only work on space projects: The agency also takes part in Earth-monitoring projects, particularly those related to the climate. Currently, it is working on a plan to use drones to monitor active volcanoes and give warnings of potential eruptions. - NASA is collaborating with..."  Read the story Here.

02/01/2022    Do YOU need to catch up?  FAA Announces Super Bowl LVI Safety Plan - WASHINGTON – The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is working with law enforcement, the aviation community and the National Football League to ensure safe, secure and efficient aircraft operations for Super Bowl LVI. The Super Bowl will be held Feb. 13, 2022, at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California.

The agency is planning for hundreds of additional take-offs and landings and aircraft parked at Los Angeles-area airports during Super Bowl week. Special procedures, including Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFR) and a No Drone Zone, will limit flights around SoFi Stadium before, during and after the game.

The game-day TFR will go into effect at approximately 2:30 p.m. PST. It will cover a ring of 30 nautical miles (34.5 miles), centered over the stadium and from the ground up to 18,000 feet in altitude. It will expire at 8:30 p.m. PST, but may be extended if conditions warrant. Drones also are prohibited inside the TFR.

Pilots must be aware of the latest flight advisories and check Notices to Air Missions (NOTAM) before flying. Pilots and drone operators who enter the TFRs without permission could face civil penalties that exceed $30,000 and potential criminal prosecution.

The TFR will not affect regularly scheduled commercial flights at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). Emergency, medical, public safety and military operations may fly in the TFR while it is in place, in coordination with air traffic control.

The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) enforces TFRs in real time.   CAUTION:  check for NOTAMs for updates!!

02/01/2022   Misuse of Expense Sharing and Understanding Pilot Privileges - Notice Number: NOTC2238 -  Unauthorized 135 operations continue to be a problem nationwide, putting the flying public in danger, diluting safety in the national airspace system, and undercutting the business of legitimate operators. This letter is a follow-on to the May 2020 Informational Pilot Letter and a continuing effort to remind all pilots to be on the lookout for possible illegal operations. This letter will focus on two ongoing issues; first, the misuse and/or misunderstanding of expense sharing between pilots and passengers. Second, the apparent lack of understanding of pilot privileges and limitations versus operating rules.

Expense Sharing Reminders: (See AC- 61-142)

When compensation is exchanged for transportation, the public expects, and the regulations demand, a higher level of safety. As a general rule, private pilots may neither act as PIC of an aircraft for compensation or hire nor act as PIC of an aircraft carrying persons or property for compensation or hire. Refer to 14 C.F.R. § 61.113(a). Section 61.113(b) through (h) contains seven exceptions to this general prohibition against private pilots acting as PIC for compensation or hire. One commonly misapplied provision is the expense sharing exception contained in § 61.113(c), which permits a pilot to share the operating expenses of a flight with passengers provided the pilot pays at least (may not pay less) his/her pro rata share of the operating expenses of that flight. Those expenses are strictly limited to fuel, oil, airport expenditures, or rental fees. In addition, only reimbursement from the passengers is allowed.

(NOTE: The § 61.113 exceptions also apply to ATP and commercial certificate holders who are exercising private pilot privileges and also broadly applies under § 61.101 and § 61.315.)

Pilots must also remember, if they want to share expenses under § 61.113(c), they must not “hold out” to the public or a segment of the public to expense share because that would put them into the realm of common carriage—i.e., (1) the holding out of a willingness to (2) transport persons or property (3) from place to place (4) for compensation or hire. As discussed more below, common carriage changes the operating rules under which the flight must be conducted and, necessarily, triggers the higher certification and qualification requirements for pilots required by those operating rules. (See AC 120-12A).

A major point of emphasis to keep in mind regarding expense sharing flights is the “common purpose test”. This means, that the pilot must have his or her own reason for traveling to the destination, not simply for the transportation of the passengers.

• For example: A private pilot is flying to Stillwater, Oklahoma, to visit her mother in the hospital over the weekend. Five of her friends would be coming with her to attend a football game that same weekend. She CAN legally share expenses because she has a reason to fly to Stillwater (visit her mother) not simply to transport her friends. Expanding the same scenario; if she has too many friends going to the football game that she has to make a second trip to pick up the rest, she CANNOT legally share expenses on the second trip because her purpose for flying to Stillwater was complete when she arrived the first time. The second flight was solely for the transportation of passengers.

Distinction Between Pilot Privileges and Operational Rules:

It has come to the attention of the FAA that, in general, pilots do not know or completely understand that the privileges and limitations of their certificates are separate and distinct from the operational rules required to conduct a flight, or to put it simply, pilot certification rules vs. operational rules. A person who holds an ATP Certificate or a commercial pilot certificate may act as PIC of an aircraft operated for compensation or hire and may carry persons or property for compensation or hire. However, simply holding a commercial pilot or ATP certificate does not end the inquiry. A commercial pilot or ATP must meet the qualification requirements not only of part 61 but also the part under which the operation is conducted and the operator must hold the proper operating authority. Most operations involving the carriage of persons for compensation require the operator to hold a certificate under part 119 authorizing such operations to be conducted under part 135 or 121. (See 14 C.F.R. §§ 119.1 et seq., 135.1, and 121.1, and definitions codified at § 110.2) A pilot, for a flight operated under part 135 or 121,must meet additional qualification requirements like training, checking, and experience requirements. Therefore, in addition to ensuring compliance with the applicable pilot privileges and limitations in part 61, prior to conducting any operation a pilot must also determine what operational rules the flight is conducted under, whether the operator has the appropriate operational certification (a part 119 certificate), and whether the pilot has the requisite qualifications. Unless a valid exception from operational certification rules applies pursuant to § 119.1(e), operators (could be the pilot under certain circumstances) cannot engage in common carriage, e.g., holding out, unless they are operating in accordance with an air carrier certificate or commercial operating certificate. (See AC 120-12A).

• An example of pilot confusion over these distinctions is as follows: During a conversation between an experienced part 135 pilot and an Aviation Safety Inspector (ASI), the pilot said “Doesn’t part 61 (61.133) say that a commercial pilot can transport persons or property for hire?” The ASI answered “Yes...but what does the rest of the sentence say?” …provided the person is qualified in accordance with the applicable parts of this chapter that apply to the operation…” The ASI then asked “Do you fly under part 61 or under an operating rule such as part 91 or part 135?” The pilot suddenly replied “Ohhhh! I see” he said, “part 61 is privileges and limitations, but we also have to comply with the operating rules. Got it!”

Commercial and ATP pilots should also remember that although these certificates allow them to receive compensation and operate aircraft carrying people for compensation or hire, they themselves cannot hold out the public unless they have been issued a part 119 certificate. (See Legal Interpretation from Mark Bury to Rebecca B. MacPherson (August 13, 2014)).

If you have questions regarding sharing of operating expenses, holding out, or pilot certification rules versus operating rules, please review the FARs, Advisory Circulars, and Legal Interpretations referenced herein and below. Additionally, you may contact your local Flight Standards District Office for assistance or seek the advice of a qualified aviation attorney.  FAA Legal Interpretations  -  FAA Safe Air Charter Operations

01/29/2022  Who’s Who in the Office of Aerospace Medicine - Helping to make the airman medical certification process as efficient and seamless as possible requires a lot of behind-the-scenes work. Whether it’s processing medical applications, reviewing appeals, updating the conditions an AME can issue (CACI) list, reviewing new medications and vaccines, or even training the AME you regularly visit, the FAA’s Office of Aerospace Medicine (AAM) is hard at work to help you get your medical while helping to maintain the world’s safest airspace system. You can read more about this dynamic team of professionals at the FAA and the many ways they are working to help you in the article here: https://medium.com/faa/whos-who-in-the-office-of-aerospace-medicine-6adf770441ed. To read our entire aerospace medicine-themed issue, go to https://medium.com/faa/pilot-maintenance-1e83fa0288a7 or www.faa.gov/news/safety_briefing/.

01/29/2022   Fatal general aviation accidents often result from inappropriate responses to unexpected events. Humans are subject to a “startle response” when faced with unexpected emergencies and may delay action or initiate involuntary action in response. In this month’s FlySafe topic, learn how training and preparation can reduce the startle response time and promote more effective and timely responses to emergencies https://medium.com/faa/the-startle-response-7a47ecd0caf6. Be sure to also check out the latest 57 Seconds to Safer Flying video on the subject.

01/28/2022   Post-Repair Flights: Recognize The Risks - ARTICLE - From AVweb -  "Accident numbers show that some of the highest risk flights are the first ones after the airplane comes out of the maintenance shop—from any type of maintenance, even the most prosaic oil change. It’s a combination of infant mortality for new components and human error by maintenance technicians."  Read the rest of the article Here.

01/25/2022   First Responder Training - Hazards at Aircraft Accident sites - RECORDED VIDEO WEBINAR - Boston FAASTeam - A rebroadcast of a New England FAASTeam webinar from late May 2020. Aircraft structures, plus mechanical, electrical, and fuel systems, as well as installed equipment such as ballistic parachutes, oxygen systems, and airbags present hazards unique at light aircraft accident sites. This seminar is intended to raise awareness of these potential hazards. If viewing this for training, be sure to watch this video from Cirrus Aircraft after viewing this video. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GhDYA...   For the recorded Webinar Click Here.

01/24/2022   Accident Review SR22 Wake Vortex Upset - VIDEO - From FlyWire (Scott Perdue) - A down home nice explanation of Wake Turbulence upset and how it can affect both heavier and lighter aircraft. Specifically, why the fatal SR22 accident occurred. You can view the YouTube video HERE.

01/21/2022   MEXICO ADS-B RULE TAKES EFFECT THIS YEAR - ARTICLE from 12/15 - AOPA - "Time is finally running out on flying in Mexico without a functioning 1090 MHz Mode S extended squitter transponder that complies with the ADS-B mandate that takes effect January 1. AOPA will continue to work on persuading the Mexican government to allow 978 MHz universal access transceivers."  Read it Here.

01/20/2022   NTSB Asks FAA To Require CO Detectors for GA Aircraft - ARTICLE - From AVweb - "The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) released a safety recommendation report on Thursday calling for the FAA to require carbon monoxide (CO) detectors in general aviation aircraft. In addition, the report specifies that the agency should require CO detectors that comply “with an aviation-specific minimum performance standard with active aural or visual alerting.” The recommendation applies to all..."  Continue HERE.

01/20/2022   Retractable Procedures - SAFETY - From Aviation Safety Magazine - "Retractable landing gear seems to have fallen out of favor among designers and manufacturers of new piston singles. Cessna hasn’t made a retractable single since the mid-1980s. Today’s most popular single-engine piston airplanes, the Cirrus SR20 and 22, have fixed gear. In fact, 2019 member-company data from the General Aviation Manufacturers Association show a grand total of 37 piston-powered, single-engine retractables were delivered last year by Mooney, Piper and Textron/Beechcraft combined. Contrast that with the 37 copies of only one retractable model—the PA-32-301T Saratoga II TC—that Piper delivered in 2006. - Reasons for the decline in retractable singles’ popularity are many, and include some unpleasant truths..."  Finish Here.

01/20/2022   Majority of US fleets cleared for 'low-visibility landings' at airports with 5G: FAA - NEWS - From the Hill - "The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on Wednesday said that close to two-thirds of U.S. commercial fleets have been cleared "to perform low-visibility landings at airports" with the newly deployed 5G wireless service. - “The new safety buffer announced Tuesday around airports in the 5G deployment further expanded the number of airports available to planes with previously cleared altimeters to perform low-visibility landings."  Read the entire article Here.

01/19/2022   NTSB Issues Preliminary Report on Fatal Learjet Crash Near El Cajon - From San Diego 7 "The Learjet 35 crashed on Dec. 27, killing all four people aboard" Pictures / Illustrations Here.

01/19/2022   Close Calls Might Be More Frequent Than You Think - SAFETY - From AVweb - "The recent double-fatal collision between a cargo-carrying Cessna Caravan and a powered parachute in Class Echo airspace has generated a lot of interest in the dangers posed by such unconventional aircraft when flying at altitudes where pilots of more conventional aircraft might not expect to see them. The controversy pulls between the freedom to fly in such less-restricted airspace versus the danger implicit in low-profile, slow-moving aircraft at cruising altitudes without a requirement for transponders, ADS-B or even flashing beacons. The attached videos tell..."  Continue Here.

01/19/2022   Ross Aviation (KTRM) Offers Sustainable Aviation Fuel from Avfuel - PR Release - "THERMAL, Calif. / January 17, 2022 /. Ross Aviation, in partnership with fuel supplier, Avfuel Corporation, is now offering customers sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) at its Palm Springs/Thermal, California, location."  Read the Release Here.

01/19/2022    The Startle Response - How do you react in an unexpected emergency? Did you know a “startle response” that delays action or leads to the wrong action could turn fatal? - This month, learn how training can reduce startle response and prepare you for unexpected events. Watch the 57 second video HERE.   Download the fact sheet HERE.

01/17/2022   FAA Warns 787s Especially Susceptible To 5G - ARTICLE / NEWS - From AVweb - "The FAA is warning Boeing 787 operators that 5G interference “could prevent engine and braking systems from transitioning to landing mode, which could prevent an aircraft from stopping on the runway” when the runway surface is wet or contaminated. In an Airworthiness Notification issued Jan. 14, the agency says information from Boeing says “anomalies” in the 787 systems mean 5G interference with its radar altimeter can affect a host of systems, including those that allow the operation of controls that are only used when the plane is firmly on the runway."  Continue Reading Here.

01/17/2022   FAA Exempts Helicopter Medevacs From 5G Restrictions - ARTICLE - From AVweb - "The FAA has issued an exemption allowing helicopter air ambulance (HAA) operators to conduct rescue flights if their radar altimeters are affected or could be affected by interference from 5G cellphone signals. Helicopter Association International announced the welcome news Friday. “This exemption will allow HAA operators to continue to do what they do best—save lives,” HAI President James Viola said in a statement. More HERE.

01/17/2022   FedEx Wants Anti-Missile Lasers For Aircraft - ARTICLE - From AVweb - "FedEx is asking the FAA to allow it to install anti-missile infrared lasers on its Airbus A321-200 cargo aircraft and the agency has laid out conditions for the modification. FedEx applied for the approval three years ago. It had previously worked with Northrop Grumman 10 years earlier on anti-missile defenses but the current application doesn’t name a supplier for the system. The laser system would send..." Read More HERE.

01/14/2022   EPA Announces Leaded Fuel Endangerment Finding - ARTICLE - From AVweb - "In a long-anticipated move, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced today (Jan. 12) that it “will take the necessary steps to regulate lead pollution from aircrafts (sic).” Those steps start with proposing an “endangerment finding” on leaded aviation gasoline, expected by the end of this year. Finalizing that finding is expected in 2023. The EPA announcement listed a rash of damning statistics, including..."  Continue HERE.

01/14/2022   WASHINGTON – The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) awarded $5 million in grants to develop a diverse talent pool of aviation maintenance technicians. The Aviation Maintenance Technical Workers Workforce Development Grants were awarded to organizations that will teach technical skills and prepare participants to pursue aviation maintenance careers.  Two Local Beneficeries:

• North Orange County Community College District, Anaheim, Calif.: $250,000
• San Bernardino Community College District, San Bernardino, Calif.: $400,000

01/12/2022   WASHINGTON – General aviation pilots who want to fly in Los Angeles airspace between Feb. 6 – 14, 2022, must follow special air traffic procedures, temporary flight restrictions and other operational requirements that will be in effect for Super Bowl LVI.  -  The FAA will issue a Notice to Air Missions (NOTAM) about the procedures for the game and specific arrival and departure route requirements for jet and turboprop aircraft.

Pilots can familiarize themselves with a number of Los Angeles-area airports through the FAA’s From the Flight Deck video series. These videos show actual runway approach and airport taxiway footage captured with flight deck mounted cameras, combined with diagrams and visual graphics to clearly identify hot spots and other safety-sensitive items.  -  The FAA published a webpage with information for Los Angeles-area airspace and airports, and will update this page as additional information becomes available.   READ MORE FROM the FAA HERE.

01/09/2022   (Updated) Bad News / Good News at KWHP.  -VIDEO - NEWS - Webmaster - a 1967 Cessna 172H privately owned by three partners lost power 1/09 at about 2:30 p.m. and landed nose down on the railroad tracks that parallel runway 12.  Soon a train was rushing toward the injured plane even though LAPD had called requesting a halt of railroad activity.  The plane was demolished by the speeding train.  The GOOD news: seconds before the plane was hit; LAPD pulled the sole occupant/pilot from the plane saving his life.  Many CFIs have recommended that the tracks might be the very best place to seek refuge.  The train's presence destroyed more than the plane; it destroyed the confidence many may have had that landing in a forward direction on the tracks would in fact be a refuge.

This accident follows an accident in November 2020 wherein a 2015 CAP 182 on a ferry flight from Bakersfield to KWHP landed short of the runway, bringing fire to the neighborhood and damaging homes and cars.   In that case, the following was the radio communication: "Whiteman tower CAP439, we've got a loss of engine power here. We're going to try and stretch it to the runway." The tower responded, "Runway's clear and you are clear to land." "Hopefully we'll make it," the pilot replied.

The lesson here is that Murphy's law has seemed to deny hero status to the accident pilot today, awarding that to the LAPD, and with regard to the Cessna 182 accident, without trying to second guess the pilot's actions, "stretching the glide" is touted as rarely a good idea, and that landing (albeit short of the airport) with as much aircraft control as possible prior to total LOC would be a better choice, even if same would have meant landing on the very same tracks.    Video of 01/09 Train Vs Plane accident HERE     Video of 11/20 aftermath HERE

01/09/2022   Best Glide Speed and Distance - FAA FACT SHEET - Posted as this might be a Very Good Read based upon the topic explored in the above accident post.  View this short but important .pdf file HERE.

01/08/2022   Proposed FAA rule changes: the FAA provides a glimpse into the future of aviation regulation by way of its Rulemaking page. Click Recently Published Rulemaking Documents to find lists of Proposed Rules, Final Rules, and Federal Register Notices. You can also search the database of CFR Notices of Proposed Rulemaking in the Regulation and Guidance Library by clicking Search More NPRMs.

01/08/2022  Regulations & Policies Page - FAA DATA - From FAA.GOV - Hidden away on the FAA site is this page that references where YOU CAN ACCESS more than 52 aviation safety guidance document types, found in a dozen or more different repositories, into a single searchable application. It includes all information found in the Flight Standards Information System and the agency's Regulatory Guidance System. Access it Here

ALSO, on this page YOU WILL FIND the valuable collection of free resources: Advisories & Guidance (includes ACs, ADs, TFRs & NOTAMS), Handbooks & Manuals, Forms, Orders & Notices (see below), Pilot Records Database, Policy and Guidance including Flight Standards Information & Management System (FSIMS) and FAA Regulations.  To VISIT THIS PAGE Click or Tap HERE.     Webmaster Note: you can subscribe to AD and SAIB info HERE.

01/08/2022   Access any official FAA Order or Notice from the Orders & Notices link on the Regulations and Policies page. Orders can be searched by entering a keyword and are listed by topic below the search area. Scroll down the Orders and Notices page, you will find that you have the option to subscribe to updates.

01/08/2022  The Government Publishing Office (GPO) provides online access to every regulatory document imaginable via their website. It is through the GPO website you can find the most updated version of 14 CFR on the eCFR (Electronic Code of Federal Regulations) page.

01/08/2022   FAA News - The FAA News page provides updates and announcements that apply to the entire aviation community. Click the subscribe link from the FAA News page and enter your email address, and enter your subscription preferences for the entire website. The FAA News page also helps you stay connected through social media channels such as Twitter, Facebook, and Google+.

01/08/2022   FAA Statements on 5G - FAA NEWS - The Federal Aviation Administration released the list of 50 airports that will have buffer zones when wireless companies turn on new 5G C-band service on January 19. The agency sought input from the aviation community where the proposed buffer zones would help reduce the risk of disruption. Traffic volume, the number of low-visibility days and geographic location factored into the selection.

Many airports are not currently affected by the new 5G deployment, even though they are not on this list. These include airports not in the 46 markets where the new service will be deployed and airports that do not currently have the ability to allow low-visibility landings.  Read what the FAA writes about this controversial topic HERE.

01/07/2022   Buying A Used Aircraft: Cessna 172 - INFO /172 HISTORY - "Slow, but rugged and easy tempered, the ubiquitous Cessna 172 Skyhawk first flew in 1955 when company engineers moved the tailwheel of the Cessna 170 to the nose. This so-called “tricycle” gear wasn’t new, and arch-competitor Piper had already rolled out a nosegear design on the popular Pacer to fashion the Tri-Pacer. But the Cessna 172 handling and performance proved transformative, and the airplane became the mainstay for training and light family load-hauling for more than half a century. More than 20 design variations have been produced in the Cessna 172’s 65-plus year history. Key milestones include..."    Follow the story HERE.

01/07/2022   Pilots Reminded to Use Proper Simultaneous Runway RNAV Departures, Takeoff Clearance Phraseology - ARTICLE - From NBAA - "The recent addition of new RNAV SIDs supporting simultaneous RNAV departures from parallel runways is leading to confusion for some pilots when ATC uses the prescribed phraseology for these SIDs. - Many large airports conduct simultaneous RNAV departures from parallel runways. The first waypoint published on the RNAV SID is typically unique to each runway, allowing for an RNAV route that separates these simultaneous departures. Therefore, it is important..."  Continue HERE.

01/06/2022   Fixing Your Float - SAFETY - From Aviation Safety - "Forcing the airplane onto the runway also can result in one or more bounces, often with increasing amplitude, leading to loss of control. You also can eat up a lot of runway while waiting for the touchdown, and may not have enough left to roll out and stop. Excessive floating right above the runway generally results from..."  Read This & Be Safer HERE.

01/05/2022   Stories to Keep an Eye On in 2022 - ARTICLE - From Flying - "Our editorial team gazes into its crystal ball and tells you which topics to follow closely in the new year. SAF, New FARS, Maintenance - Just some of the talking points - Read it HERE.

01/05/2022   California Challenges San Bernardino Air Cargo Facility Used by Amazon - ARTICLE - From Fying - "Citing emissions, AG asks federal court to reconsider decision approving the project." Story HERE.

01/05/2022   New Video from The Rotorcraft Collective:  Flying a helicopter with frost or ice on the rotor blades or airframe can lead to disaster, and operations in icing conditions can be deadly without proper precautions. Watch this video for recommended practices during preflight, run-up, and taxi in icing conditions.  Watch the You Tube VIDEO - "Preflight, Run-Up, and Taxi in Icing Conditions" HERE.

01/05/2022  FAA Safety Briefing - PR RELEASE - The January/February 2022 issue of FAA Safety Briefing magazine focuses on aerospace medicine. Articles discuss the pilot medical certification process and the various roles and responsibilities of the FAA's Office of Aerospace Medicine. The new issue sports data on Basic Med, Speeding up Medical Certification, Human Factors, Training Resources, and a look behind the scenes that reveals the "Who's Who" list of FAA medical decision makers.  You can download the issue in .PDF form HERE.

01/05/2022   Prize Fight Between Telecoms and Airlines Put Back On Hold - ARTICLE - From AVweb - "The main event between corporate heavyweights—the airline and telecom industries— will have to hold off for another two weeks. Both sides today confirmed the agreement to delay launching the latter’s 5G network, in deference to the former’s concerns over mass flight cancellations due to safety concerns that the powerful broadband signals were close enough on the frequency range that they could corrupt airliners’ radar altimeters. Those altimeters are critical to extreme low-visibility approaches, including autoland procedures."  Read More.  Webmaster Note: Verizon & AT&T programs are of concern because of the frequencies they have purchased. T-Mobile's 5G frequency range is of less concern.

01/04/2022   EHang Opens Air Mobility Experience Center - ARTICLE - From AVweb - "China-based urban air mobility (UAM) company EHang officially launched its 5G Intelligent Air Mobility Experience Center in Guangzhou, China, on Wednesday. Developed as part of the company’s 100 Air Mobility Routes Initiative, the Center is designed to serve as an operations hub with “all necessary infrastructures” for EHang’s autonomous aerial vehicles (AAVs). The 2,000-square-meter (21,500-square-foot) facility includes a rooftop vertiport and hangar for aircraft charging and maintenance." Story HERE.

01/02/2022   Boeing To Create Next Jet In ‘Metaverse’ - PR NEWS - From AVweb - "After a few tough years of quality control issues, a disastrous two-year grounding of its foundation aircraft and intense regulatory scrutiny, Boeing says it’s doing a top-to-bottom overhaul of its design, engineering and manufacturing systems as it gears up to build its next clean-sheet airplane. The company recently told Reuters it plans to plunge the company into the so-called “metaverse,” an immersive environment where human workers are digitally linked to machines and other workers using virtual reality and augmented reality. “It’s about strengthening engineering,” Boeing’s chief engineer, Greg Hyslop, told Reuters. ”We are talking about changing the way we work across the entire company.” More HERE.

12/30/2021   Learjet Crashes At Gillespie Field In Southern California; Four Dead - NEWS - From AVweb - "The tower controller instructed him to cross over the airport to the south and enter a left downwind, and then cleared the Learjet to land. About 75 seconds later..."  WEBMASTER Note: I rarely feature accident stories. BUT this one characterizes recurrent problems we all need to be aware of.  The story below, "Steep Turns," I feel makes a good companion piece.  READ the CRASH STORY Here.

12/30/2021    Steep Turns - SAFETY - From Aviation Safety Magazine - "For the typical pilot, turns are reserved for the traffic pattern or flying an approach, and occasionally for entering a holding pattern or performing a course reversal. And we rarely exceed 30 degrees of bank. On one hand, that’s okay, since our relative lack of experience with turns—at least when compared with the time we spend straight and level—means we probably don’t perform them well, with altitude excursions, poor rudder technique and failure to roll out on the desired heading among common mistakes."  Read More HERE.

12/27/2021   FAA Shows ‘Sample NOTAMs’ For Possible 5G Restrictions - The FAA has prepared samples of the NOTAMs it may start issuing starting Jan. 5 when 5G broadband service begins in 46 cities. If the NOTAMs are issued, they would drastically affect operations of airlines, commuter airlines and many charter and business aircraft. In a statement issued Dec. 23, the agency said it will disallow the use of many instrument approaches and any aircraft systems that rely on radar altimeter data including autoland, head-up displays and enhanced vision systems “where 5G interference is possible.” Story HERE.

12/26/2021   (VNY) is among the beneficiaries of $2.89 billion in FAA awards as part of funding under the new infrastructure law. - NEWS - From General Aviation News - Full Story HERE.

12/26/2021   City Council approves $284,000 to install new Torrance Airport noise monitoring system - NEWS - From Daily Breeze - Read about it HERE.

12/26/2021   Are the ACS Working? - ARTICLE - From Aviation Safety Magazine - "The first Airman Certification Standards (ACS) were issued in 2016, after a five-year gestation period, replacing the Practical Test Standards (PTS) system that previously governed checkrides for airman certificates and ratings. Implementation has proceeded smoothly, and according to designated pilot examiners (DPEs), the ACS is not more burdensome than the PTS. The big unknown, however, is whether the ACS will help improve safety, as reflected in accident rates. - One answer to that question will depend on how the risk management elements are trained and tested and how these standards will..."  Read the Story Here.

12/26/2021   U.S. Aviation, Telecom Industries Report Progress Over 5G Safety Talks | Technology News | US News - "Last week, airlines said interference from 5G networks could cause 4% of U.S. flights to be diverted, delayed or canceled. - The best technical experts from across both industries will be working collectively to identify a path forward, in coordination" with the Federal Communications Commission and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the statement said. - By working collaboratively in good faith on a data-driven solution, we can achieve our shared goal of deploying 5G while preserving aviation safety, the groups added."  Continue Here

12/25/2021   SAFO 21007, Risk of Potential Adverse Effects on Radio Altimeters when Operating in the Presence of 5G C-Band Interference, is now published. - This SAFO provides information and guidance to operators regarding the risk of potential adverse effects on radio altimeters when operating in the presence of 5G C-Band wireless broadband signals, and the role of Notice to Air Missions (NOTAMs) in identifying the geographic areas where certain operations requiring a radio altimeter are prohibited in the presence of 5G signals (in the C-Band) by Airworthiness Directives (ADs) 2021-23-12 and 2021-23-13. - The SAFO can be viewed by downloading the attached .pdf files or by clicking on the following link,
linkhttp://www.faa.gov/other_visit/aviation_industry/airline_operators/airline_safety/safo/all_safos/

• SAFO21007.pdf

12/20/2021   “U.S. accident statistics reveal that a helicopter pilot who unintentionally continues VFR flight into IMC will very likely lose control of their aircraft and be dead within a median time of 56 seconds. We must join industry stakeholders to do everything we can to reverse this alarming and unacceptable trend.” - Nick Mayhew, industry co-chair, US Helicopter Safety Team - See a Video and access a large directory of safety resource files HERE.

12/20/2021   WASHINGTON – The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) will hold a virtual public information meeting (2/22/2021) on its proposal to modify the airspace over Nashville International Airport in Tennessee. Under the proposed changes, existing flight paths would not change but the area where pilots are required to interact with FAA air traffic controllers would expand. The airspace change is to better manage the complexity and volume of aviation activities in the area.  - Details regarding this are on the EVENTS page for 2/22.

2/16/2021   GA Groups Appeal To FAA Administrator To Block Ban On 100LL Fuel - NEWS - From AVweb - "A consortium of five aviation advocacy groups has sent a letter to FAA Administrator Stephen Dickson urging the agency to “take action” on what the associations characterize as “Santa Clara [California] County’s rushed decision to ban the sale of 100LL as of January 1, 2022.”  Story HERE.

12/16/2021   Firefighting Insight - The following video link provides an update on the CAL Fire and USFS Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Programs.  The UAV Program continues to improve and was used with high success on California’s 2021 fire siege.  California Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) Video 

12/16/2021   Ski Country Flight Planning - FromNBAA - MITRE Corporation’s Pacer app allows operators and FAA ATC facilities to capture operational demand at the following eight airports in Colorado ski country.

• Aspen (ASE)
• Eagle County (EGE)
• Grand Junction (GJT)
• Gunnison (GUC)
• Yampa Valley (HDN)
• Montrose (MTJ)
• Rifle-Garfield (RIL)
• Telluride (TEX)

“It is a situational awareness tool that can provide the dates and times of peak activities at these airports,” said Dean Snell, manager of NBAA Air Traffic Services. Read About It HERE.

12/16/2021   Cleared for the MSA? - IFR SAFETY -From Aviation Safety - "As it was, we regrouped and flew IFR, the pilot under the hood the entire way. Not being able to pass up a good opportunity for distractions, I simulated failure of his only attitude indicator just after takeoff." Continue HERE.

12/12/2021   FAA Awards Research Grants to Build Sustainable Aviation Fuel Supply Chains - PR - FAA - WASHINGTON—The U.S. Transportation Department’s Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is tapping some of the nation’s top research institutions to build sustainable aviation fuel supply chains in different regions across the United States. More than $1.4 million will go to five universities to undertake the research.  Since 2014, the FAA has invested more than $13 million in the effort being conducted by ASCENT, the FAA Center of Excellence for Alternative Jet Fuels and Environment.

“Sustainable aviation fuels are a critical part of meeting our climate goals for aviation, and we want to help that industry grow and create jobs right here in the U.S.,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. “These funds will help build regional supply chains so that communities across our country - many of them rural - feel the economic benefits of producing sustainable aviation fuel.”

The universities’ research concentrates on identifying regional feedstock that can become sustainable aviation fuel using the region’s existing infrastructure, creating a dependable supply within reach of airport demand. Researchers have and continue to look at other barriers that need to be eliminated to drive down the cost of sustainable aviation fuel.

The investment builds on the Biden-Harris Administration’s announcement this September of the Sustainable Aviation Fuels Grand Challenge, a government-wide initiative designed to catalyze the production of at least three billion gallons per year by 2030.

The research teams on this project include:

Washington State University: $412,000

• Examine the potential for retrofitting existing pulp and paper mills, sugarcane mills, dry corn ethanol plants, and petroleum refineries to enable jet fuel production from forest harvests, waste materials, and various crops.
• Evaluate supply chains for their ability to create jobs, aid U.S. industry, and add resiliency to the national liquid fuel supply.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology: $450,000 

• Consider the economic and environmental sustainability of a range of fuel pathways, including the co-production of sustainable aviation fuel in existing petroleum refineries.

University of Tennessee: $100,000 

• Support the development of an industry to produce sustainable aviation fuel using woody biomass feedstock in the Central Appalachian Region.

University of Hawaii: $100,000 

• Develop a model for tropical oil supply chains and assess gasification systems to produce fuel and/or hydrogen from construction and demolition landfill waste.

Purdue University: $350,000 

• Understand the land use impacts of sustainable aviation fuels on greenhouse gas emissions.

Today’s funding is part of $14.4 million in grants to teams at 13 universities across the country to undertake research critical to building a sustainable aviation system. A detailed description of all 35 projects and their associated grant amounts can be found here. Among these is a new project that builds on a supply chain effort to examine how hydrogen production can be leveraged to produce sustainable aviation fuel with maximum greenhouse gas emission reductions at the lowest possible costs.

Last month, the U.S. released its first-ever comprehensive Aviation Climate Action Plan to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. Earlier this year, the FAA announced more than $100 million in matching grants to increase aircraft efficiency, reduce noise and aircraft emissions, and develop and implement new software to reduce taxi delays.

12/12/2021   Developing eSAF from Power-to-Liquid Technology to Achieve Decarbonization - DETAILED ARTICLE - From Aviation Today -  "...the majority of the current SAF supply comes from limited quantities of feedstocks via a pathway of hydrotreated esters and fatty acids (also known as HEFA). Therefore, producing SAF to achieve the aviation industry’s low-carbon goals must use a variety of different pathways. One of these pathways is eSAF—the synthetic fuel that is created from renewable energy sources." Want to know more about eSAF and the challenge of decarbonizing the aviation industry? Read the whole story HERE.

12/12/2021   Archer Receives Special Airworthiness Certificate from FAA to Begin Flight Testing - ARTICLE - From Aviation Today - "Archer Aviation announced last week that the FAA has presented them with their Special Airworthiness Certificate. This certification comes just a few weeks after the company received its Certificate of Authorization (COA) and Aircraft Limitations and is on track to begin flight testing of its Maker aircraft by the end of the year.  -  Additionally, Archer hit another significant benchmark this year when the company received its signed and approved FAA G-1 Issue Paper: Certification Basis (“G-1 Certification Basis”)." - Archer plans to operate eVTOL service in Los Angeles. Continue reading HERE.

12/11/2021   Personal Minimums? - SAFETY - From AVweb - "Adopting greater-than-required standards can be a good way for a less-experienced pilot to resolve various dilemmas arising from the knowledge he or she isn’t up to the task—whether it’s low ceilings, stiff crosswinds or fuel requirements. One reason is that human nature often results in our wanting a specific, objective standard against which to measure performance."  Read the detailed story HERE.

12/11/2021   Super Bowl LVI – Los Angeles, CA – Feb 13, 2022 - AIR MGMT PROCEEDURES - From NBAA - "A reservation program to facilitate ground services at the LA Basin area airports will be in effect from Wednesday, Feb. 9 until Tuesday, Feb. 15. Reservations are being accepted now, and all operators are encouraged to make plans and reservations early this year. Each FBO has been given an allocation of slot times from their respective airport directors, but those slot times will run out quickly. Reservations must be obtained through your FBO of choice at the given airport." Read MORE ABOUT the SPECIAL AIR TRAFFIC PROCEEDURES as well by Continuing to Read More Here.

12/11/2021   FAA’s New ADs Highlight Concerns Over 5G Interference to Radar Altimeters - ARTICLE - From NBAA - "In January, wireless providers will begin nationwide deployments of 5G networks operating in bandwidth from 3.7-3.98 gigahertz, near frequencies used by radar altimeters to provide direct, real-time information of aircraft height over terrain." Is this dangerous? Read the NBAA story Here.

12/11/2021   Aircraft Performance Monitoring -SAFETY - FAASTeam - Did you know that there are tools you can use now to help you forecast problems before they reach the point of failure? Learn about flight data monitoring and more by clicking on our blog HERE, and a Printable Fact Sheet HERE.

12/08/2021   New FAA Policy Limits Use of Automatic Landing, RNP at Airports Vulnerable to 5G Interference - NEWS - From Aviation Today - "Pilots of some fixed- and rotary-wing aircraft will be prohibited from using certain types of landing procedures such as automatic landing and Required Navigation Performance (RNP) at airports where the presence of 5G C-Band stations could cause interference to their radio altimeter—also known as radar—performance,  new airworthiness directives (AD) issued by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on Tuesday."  Story Here.

12/07/2021   Sustainability is now. How ready is your airport? - COP26 & More  - From Honeywell & International Airport Review - A new survey conducted by Honeywell and The Business Journals revealed that 93% of the U.S companies view sustainability as a lasting trend. According to the same report, companies focus their major sustainability initiatives on the physical spaces where they operate and the energy efficiency of the buildings they own and/or lease.

Aviation is one of the most quoted industries when it comes to the public pressure to reduce its carbon footprint. Just before the Transportation Day at the United Nations Climate Change Conference COP26, the United States announced its massive plan of achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions from the domestic aviation sector by 2050. According to the FAA, the decarbonization of the sector should be achieved through four major initiatives: sustainable fuel, new aircraft technologies, increasing operational efficiency as well as cutting airport emissions and boosting airport resiliency.

Airports Council International launched, back in 2019, a Sustainability Strategy for Airports aimed at providing a “systematic approach to sustainability at airports and practical guidance on how to achieve it.” Following this initiative, the European airports committed through ACI EUROPE to achieve net zero carbon emissions for operations under their control by 2050.

12/05/2021   NOTAMs Now ‘Notices To Air Missions’ - NEWS - From AVweb - "A NOTAM is still a NOTAM but the words represented by the acronym now represent the FAA’s foray into modernizing and gender-neutralizing aviation terms. As of Thursday, NOTAM means Notice to Air Missions, which the agency says is “more applicable” to the role of the notices and is “inclusive of all aviators and missions.” Read More about the CHANGES HERE.

12/04/2021   International Airport Review December Newsletter - Addressed to the webmaster, you are invited to view this resource that provides a powerful view of Aviation Concerns outside of the U.S. Contains links to many topics of interest. You are welcome to explore it HERE.

12/04/2021   Blind Over Bakersfield - VIDEO - From ASI - "In December 2015, a noninstrument-rated pilot departed California for Nevada despite a poor weather forecast—a decision that led to tragedy. Watch this AOPA Air Safety Institute Accident Case Study to learn how you can avoid the same mistakes.

12/04/2021   Preparing for the mass arrival of DRONE GIFTS - VIDEO - From FAA Drone Zone - "The FAA is celebrating the season of giving and receiving remotely piloted aircraft with a "12 Days of Drones" safety education campaign. Follow the FAA Drone Zone on Twitter and Facebook for pointers. The agency packed the basics into this short video that can also be shared with anyone who is new to aviation."

12/03/2021   Senate Confirmation of Sullenberger as ICAO Ambassador - RELEASE - From NBAA - "Washington, DC, Dec. 3, 2021 – The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) today applauded the U.S. Senate’s confirmation of aviation champion Capt. Chesley B. “Sully” Sullenberger III to serve as U.S. ambassador to the Council of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), noting the retired airline captain’s longtime support of business aviation. - “Captain Sullenberger is one of the preeminent aviation figures of our time, someone whose name is synonymous with aviation safety and leadership,” said NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen. “He will be an exceptional U.S. Representative to ICAO, and we look forward to working closely with him in the months and years ahead.”

12/02/2021   Laser Problem at Burbank - "A plane landed safely at the Hollywood Burbank Airport after the pilot’s vision was impacted by a laser Wednesday night, according to airport and airline officials. The pilot’s vision was blurred by the laser, according to an airport official,  and Dan Landson of Southwest Airlines confirmed in an email that a pilot serving as first officer of Southwest Flight 4188 was struck by a green laser “shortly after taking off from Phoenix.” Matt Phillips/KTLA5

12/02/2021   9 Numbers You Need to Know - SAFETY - From Aviation Safety Magazine - "Aviation is a numbers-oriented activity. Sure; we can more or less safely operate an aircraft by disregarding some of them, but if we intend to aviate with some degree of reliability and repeatability—not to mention professionalism—we need to do it precisely, which means using some metric against which to measure our performance and the airplane’s. In the physical world we inhabit, that most often means using numbers.  The good news is we have many different ways of measuring aviation’s various parameters..." Continue Reading Here.

12/01/2021   Airbus flags early promise from 100% sustainable-fuel test flights - ARTICLE - From FlightGlobal - "In-flight emissions tests of an Airbus A350 powered by 100% sustainable aviation fuel indicate that the fuel releases fewer particulates than kerosene, while analysis points to lower density but higher energy content per unit weight." Continue Here.

11/28/2021   Researchers Design Carbon-Neutral Jet Fuel Process - ARTICLE - From AVweb - "Swiss researchers say they’ve figured out a way to make jet fuel out of thin air using solar power and can get the cost to as little as $5.25 a gallon. Digital Journal is reporting the researchers say they can make “solar kerosene” by extracting carbon dioxide and water from air and cracking it using solar energy into “syngas,” a mixture of hydrogen and carbon monoxide. That, in turn, can be turned into kerosene, methanol and a host of other hydrocarbons that are normally produced from oil and gas." MORE HERE.

11/27/2021   Landing On The Shore - SAFETY - From Aviation Safety Magazine - "Personal aviation opens up a world of interesting and beautiful places to visit and recreate, places that reward us for the time, training and skill to get there. Some places would be inaccessible except by horse, foot or airstrip, like the canyons, rivers and vistas of the Mountain West. Some places beckon because they offer a challenge or have a unique characteristic that makes arrival its own reward, like Furnace Creek airport in California and Lake County Airport in Colorado. These represent the lowest and highest elevation airports in the U.S. for those seeking a bucket-list experience." HERE for the Rest of the Story.

11/27/2021   DOD Establishes New Unidentified Aerial Phenomena Identification Group - NEWS - From AVweb - "The U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) announced on Tuesday that it has established the Airborne Object Identification and Management Synchronization Group (AOIMSG) to succeed the Navy’s Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (UAP) Task Force. The AOIMSG was formed to “address the challenges..." Continue Here to Read this article

11/27/2021   NASA Supersonic X-Plane Stands Alone - ARTICLE - From AVweb - "NASA and Lockheed Martin have removed the X-59 Quiet SuperSonic Technology (QueSST) research aircraft from its jig system and are moving toward final assembly, according to a recent announcement from NASA. Part of the agency’s low-boom flight demonstration mission, the..."  Read this article

11/21/2021   You're Not Authorized For That Approach - SAFETY - From Aviation Safety Magazine - "A turboprop-conversion Beech Bonanza crashed during an attempted night approach in IMC, killing the pilot and two passengers. Forget for a moment that the NTSB’s investigation revealed the pilot was using unapproved medications and was not even instrument-rated. Lost in the details of the accident report is that even if the pilot was IFR-rated and current, he should not have been flying that approach. Yet controllers cleared him to fly it anyway. Why should even a qualified pilot not have flown the approach? Because it was after dark, and the approach was marked “NA at night.” Continue HERE.

11/21/2021   FAA and Airports Get Ready for Winter Weather - NEWS - FAA - As winter weather approaches, the FAA is working with airports to make sure airport operations remain safe. These winter preparations are the subject of the Preparing for Airport Winter Operations video and CertAlert No. 21-06, both of which help airports and aviation stakeholders get ready for winter weather.

Snow and ice control are often a complex, dynamic, and demanding endeavor. It requires vigilance and a heightened sense of awareness by all stakeholders. The video and the CertAlert highlight the importance of communication and operational best practices. They also provide airport operators and stakeholders key points of awareness during winter operations. This includes essential training to deal with deteriorating or changing conditions, reduced visibility and overall situational awareness, such as receiving runway clearance before removing snow and ice.

Airport operators should share the CertAlert and video to help airport employees and others better prepare for winter operations and its associated challenges.

11/21/2021   Strategies to Avoid Controlled Flight into Terrain in 57 Seconds - VIDEO - From FAASTeam - More than 17% of all general aviation accidents are “controlled flight into terrain” (CFIT) accidents. In CFIT accidents, the aircraft is in proper working order, but it's commonly pilot error, such as poor planning and loss of situational awareness, that leads to a CFIT accident. Take a look at this video for strategies you can use to help keep you from flying into terrain. Read more about this and our other #FlySafe topics on our blog at https://medium.com/faa/flysafe/home.  See the VIDEO HERE.

11/21/2021  AGING GRACEFULLY, FLYING SAFELY - COURSE - From ASI Safety Spotlight - GO BEYOND THE TEXTBOOK—LEARN HOW YOUR HEALTH IMPACTS PILOT PERFORMANCE WITH THIS SAFETY SPOTLIGHT - "None of us has a choice about getting older—but getting older does not mean we have to be bystanders when It comes to our well-being. We can choose how we deal with aging by being an active participant in the process and aiming to stay healthy and sharp. We should be aware of how we care for ourselves, how we fly, and the decisions we make. Getting older may take adjustment, but it doesn’t mean losing our edge." Receive a Certificate of Completion. Info HERE.

11/21/2021  Delayed reaction - VIDEO - From ASI - Chilling story regarding the perception of invulnerability (one of the 5 Hazardous Attitudes) - " n December 2011, a Socata TBM 700 crashed into an interstate near Morristown, New Jersey, after plunging nearly 18,000 feet in less than a minute. In this AOPA Air Safety Institute Accident Case Study, we piece together the events that led to the tragic accident. Watch the video"

11/15/2021  WHERE TO START TO BECOME A PILOT WITH A DISABILITY - ARTICLE - From Rightfooted - "The medical process is often the most challenging part of becoming a pilot with a disability. After a few lessons, you will want to make sure you have looked at what license you want and make sure you have a clear path through the medical process." Complete Story Here.

11/15/2021   Magneto Management - SAFETY INFO - From Aviation Safety Magazine - "When the points close, a jolt of electricity is sent from the coil to the respective spark plug wire to the attached spark plug and, kaboom, the cylinder fires. At least that’s they way it’s supposed to work."  Read it Here.

11/15/2021   FAA To Start Vetting, Monitoring Boeing Inspectors - ARTICLE - From AVweb - "The FAA will start vetting the engineers Boeing designates as safety inspectors after the agency found many didn’t have the qualifications or experience needed to be effective in the job. In a letter of complaint to Boeing obtained by the Seattle Times, the agency said it came across inspectors, who are designated to sign off on certification of systems and processes on the FAA’s behalf, who often had little or no knowledge or expertise in the technical and compliance issues involved. It also discovered that the people who appointed the inspectors often rubber-stamped their selection, and members of the panels selecting the appointees were frequently colleagues or their superiors. The current crop of inspectors are..." Continue Here.

11/13/2021   US sets 2050 target for net-zero emissions in aviation - NEWS - From Airport Technology - "Sustainable fuels are projected to minimize aviation’s greenhouse gas emissions. - The US administration has unveiled a roadmap for sustainable air travel, setting a goal of reaching net-zero greenhouse gas emissions in the aviation space by 2050." Continue Here.

11/13/2021   Updated: NTSB Probe Into MD-87 Houston Overrun Accident Finds Hard Evidence - ARTICLE - From Plane & Pilot - "The control column felt as though it “were in concrete,” the captain told investigators. The NTSB appears to have found out why that was so." Find Out About it Here.

11/12/2021   Flaps In A Gusty Cross? - ARTICLE - From AVweb - "There’s normal, and then there’s normal. Which is to say that while much of aviation relies on routine procedures and aircraft configurations, among other things, there are exceptions to most norms. For example, the FAA long ago declared a “normal” landing to be one with an airplane’s wing flaps, if any, fully deployed. That’s not the same as saying we always must extend full flaps before landing, no matter what. Like in a stiff, gusty crosswind, for example, whose presence means the landing is not “normal. Instead, airplane design and the wind conditions themselves are factors..."  Continue Here.

11/09/2021  First Domestic Drone Attack Documented - NEWS - From AVweb - "Three national security agencies have issued a joint intelligence bulletin documenting what they claim is the first attempt at terrorism by drone in the U.S. ABC News got hold of the internal bulletin written jointly by the Department of Homeland Security, FBI and National Counterterrorism Center concerning the discovery of a drone that crashed short of its target but had been modified to try to take out part of Pennsylvania’s power grid. “This is the first known instance..." Continue Here.

11/08/2021  Viasat and Inmarsat to Combine - NEWS - PR - "CARLSBAD, Calif., and LONDON, November 8, 2021 — Viasat Inc., (NASDAQ: VSAT), a global communications company, and Inmarsat, a leading provider of global mobile satellite communications services, today announced they have entered into a definitive agreement under which Viasat will acquire Inmarsat..." "The combination will create a leading global communications innovator with enhanced scale and scope to affordably, securely and reliably connect the world. The complementary assets and resources of the new organization will enable the availability of advanced new services in mobile and fixed segments, driving greater customer choice in broadband communications and narrowband services (including the Internet of Things or “IoT”)." More Here.

11/04/2021  FAA Moves Ahead With Airman Certification Standards for CFIs - NEWS - From FLYING - "The agency seeks to update certification standards to include risk assessment." Read about the proposal Here.

11/04/2021  Breaking It Off - IFR SAFETY - From Aviation Safety Magazine - "There’s a time-worn technique for flying IFR into an airport that is not served by an instrument approach. Fly the approach into a nearby airport and, when you break out, cancel IFR and fly visually to your planned destination. Although this may seem to be an invitation for illegal scud-running (and I’m certain many have done just that), it can be legal and safe as long as you plan for the transition and maintain VFR for the transitory flight. Here’s how:"  Continue Here.

11/03/2021  FAA EXPANDS GLIDERS' USE OF TRANSPONDER CODE 1202 - ARTICLE - From AOPA - "The FAA says glider pilots flying under visual flight rules should squawk transponder code 1202 regardless of whether the flight is in communication with air traffic control in a procedural change that will take effect November 1." Continue Here.

11/02/2021  NBAA launches new safety management certificate program - ARTICLE - From Business Airport International - "The National Business Aviation Association has introduced a new Safety Manager Certificate Program to provide introductory to mid-level education on safety in business aircraft operations, reflecting the association’s commitment to safety as one of the industry’s core values." Read About it Here.  Also, you can always refer to the NBAA Website - always a good experience.

11/02/2021  Accident Probe: Pitch Trim Runaway - SAFETY - From AVweb - "Of course, a powered trim system brings with it additional failure modes, and its presence means the system is easier to misconfigure, adding to maintenance and inspection requirements, and the risk of catastrophic failure, including what some would call a worst-case scenario: the powered pitch trim system fails in a manner that commands the nose down and it can’t be disabled. This is not unlike what happened to two Boeing 737 MAX jetliners in late 2018 and early 2019..." Continue Here.

11/02/2021  Drones Become Part of Radio’s Toolkit - ARTICLE - From RADIOWORLD - "Unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) are rapidly carving out an important place in the toolkit that radio broadcasters use to manage tower sites more efficiently. Drone-based tower structure surveys are used widely now to diagnose the health of RF systems and broadcast structures. In addition, tech departments use drones to take elevated RF measurements to analyze signal coverage and validate antenna radiation patterns. - The Federal Aviation Administration approved the commercial use of drones in August 2016. Industry experts say this unleashed an industry loaded with potential applications for broadcasters, including..."  Continue Here.

11/02/2021   FAA Proposes Medical Requirements for Commercial Hot-Air Balloon Pilots - WASHINGTON— The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) proposed a rule today requiring commercial hot-air-balloon pilots to hold medical certificates when operating for hire. The rule would mandate a second-class medical certificate, the same standard required for commercial pilots. - “Balloon pilots are responsible for the safety of their passengers," FAA Administrator Steve Dickson said. “This proposed rule would ensure that balloon pilots meet the same medical requirements as pilots of other commercial aircraft.”

Currently, commercial balloon pilots are exempt from the medical requirement. In the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018, Congress directed the FAA to revise the medical certification standards for commercial balloon pilots. The draft rule also addresses a National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) recommendation that the FAA remove the exemption. - The FAA in recent years took steps to increase the safety of hot-air-balloon tourism by working with the Balloon Federation of America (BFA) on an accreditation program. The program includes voluntary standards for pilots and operators and offers multiple tiers of BFA safety accreditation. - The FAA will publish the draft rule in the Federal Register in November, and the public will have 60 days to provide comments. After the comment period closes, the FAA will review all comments before publishing a final rule.

11/01/2021  Is A 5G Showdown Looming? - ARTICLE - From AVweb - "I can read into the somewhat alarming news first broken by The Wall Street Journal, the FAA is about to engage in a test of wills with the equally powerful and influential Federal Communications Commission over the rollout of 5G cell service scheduled for Dec. 5." Read the Story Here.

10/31/2021  FAA Launches Nationwide Solicitation to Design Air Traffic Control Towers of the Future - INFO - FAA - WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is launching a nationwide solicitation to find a new design for control towers that can be built and operated sustainably at regional and municipal airports. - “For communities large and small, the air traffic control tower is an icon. We want architects and engineers from every corner of the country to help build the safe and sustainable towers of the future,” U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said.

The FAA has more than 100 aging control towers at regional and municipal airports across the United States that will eventually need to be replaced. The goal of the nationwide solicitation is to develop a standardized design for towers that will:

• Meet operational and cost requirements
• Maximize energy efficiency
• Be easy to modify according to height needs
• Be rapidly constructed

On Nov. 9, the FAA will host a webinar to answer questions from interested businesses before the official solicitation starts. Between now and then, the FAA will raise awareness of the opportunity to minority-owned and disadvantaged businesses. - The registration opening for U.S.-based architectural and engineering design firms is scheduled for  Nov. 16. Details about the webinar and other aspects of the solicitation are available at https://www.faa.gov/go/towerdesign.

A three-phase, best value and fixed-price selection process will be used in accordance with the Acquisition Management System (AMS).

• Phase 1 - Request for Information (RFI): Architectural and engineering firms may submit a general project idea and approach statement. Based on these submissions, the FAA will narrow the field of choices to 15 firms that will be eligible to compete in Phase 2.
• Phase 2 - Request for Qualifications (RFQ): In Phase 2, the up to 15 selected firms will be asked to provide resumes, relevant experience and financial capabilities. Based on these submissions, up to six firms will be selected to provide a conceptual design package and cost estimate for the complete tower design in Phase 3.
• Phase 3 – Request for Offer (RFO): In Phase 3, the FAA will evaluate the design package and cost estimate from each of the six firms selected from Phase 2.  From those six submissions, the FAA plans to award a contract to a top-rated applicant to fully design the new air traffic control tower concept.

The FAA used a similar approach when it invited architectural firms to develop a modular design concept for new control towers. The agency ultimately selected a proposal from the company headed by rising architect I.M. Pei. Several of the 16 Pei-designed towers—including at Chicago O’Hare, Sacramento, Madison, and Jacksonville international airports—are still operating today.

The tower at Tucson International Airport provides an example of sustainable building already in operation. The tower is the first air traffic facility with net-zero energy consumption. It uses a 1,600-panel solar farm to generate power for all of its electrical needs, and supplies unused power back to the grid. The solar farm also produces ice, which is stored in large containers and used to cool the building when solar panels are not generating electricity. Additional ‘green’ features at Tucson include reflective roofing materials, insulated windows, motion detectors for the low-energy, indoor lights, and no-water landscaping.

10/31/2021  Avionics Bootcamp: Handheld Transceivers - NEWS - From  - From AVweb - INFO - "Even with modern gee-whiz panel integration, there are obvious reasons why the portable com radio soldiers on. When the electrics quit, it could be the last tool in the bag for talking your way down for a landing (and for some, an instrument approach), it’s useful for preflighting and copying a clearance when you don’t want to turn on the master switch, and for some, it may be the one and only radio when flying aircraft without electrical systems or avionics." Continue.

0/31/2021  Alaska Air Group Partners with ZeroAvia to Develop Hydrogen Power for Regional Airliners - Aviation Today - "Alaska Air Group, the parent company of Alaska Airlines, has partnered with ZeroAvia under a collaboration that will develop a hydrogen-electric powertrain capable of flying a 76-seat regional aircraft with a range of 500 nautical miles, according to an Oct. 26 announcement made by the two companies. - The partnership marks the latest milestone for ZeroAvia, the California-based green startup that has been testing its hydrogen powertrain in the U.K. over the last year, in their effort to de-carbonize regional airline operations." More Here.

10/28/2021  Cleared for the MSA? - IFR SAFETY - From Aviation Safety Magazine - "Shortly, I got my own distraction. We received an approach clearance recently that I’d never heard before, one that made me doubt one of the basic precepts of IFR flight. It may be something Aviation Safety readers look at and say, “Duh, everyone knows that.” I suspect, however, that many or most will not have received this clearance before, and may have been as /confused about it as I was." Continue Here.

10/28/2021  Florida Humidity Grounded Starliner - ARTICLE - From AVweb - "Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft’s valves may have frozen because they couldn’t handle Florida’s humidity, according to a report by United Press International. UPI quotes NASA and Boeing spokespeople as saying the famous Florida stickiness may have caused corrosion in the valves that kept them from functioning prior to a an uncrewed test launch of the capsule in August. The fuel oxidizer that flows through some of those valves apparently reacted to the humidity and the resulting corrosion locked up the valves." More Here.

10/28/2021  SAFO 21006, Boeing Model 757 and 767 Airplane Inadvertent Pilot Activation of Go-Around Mode, is now published. - This SAFO warns of the potential for inadvertent pilot activation of the go-around mode on Boeing 757 and 767 airplanes. - The SAFO can be viewed by downloading the attached .pdf file or by clicking on the following linkhttp://www.faa.gov/other_visit/aviation_industry/airline_operators/airline_safety/safo/all_safos/

• SAFO21006.pdf

10/28/2021  Houston MD-87 Crash Survival: Miracle? Or Just Following The Rules? - ANALYSIS - From AVweb - "News editors across the country were champing at the bit when a privately operated McDonnell Douglas MD-87 was reduced to smoldering aluminum and all 21 aboard escaped serious injury. But spoilsport Mary Schiavo, former DOT Inspector General and CNN aviation expert contributor, laid out some facts about survival statistics in airplane accidents, starting with..."  Continue Here.

10/24/2021  TFR Dos And Don’ts - FLIGHT SAFETY INFO - From AVweb - written by a Tower Controller - "After almost two decades there is still some ambiguity in the flight restrictions imposed by TFRs and not all of us are up to speed on their nuances in IFR operations. - On average, aviators know what a Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) is. However, do they know that depending on the TFR, there are exceptions to the “No Fly” edict? But wait. “Depending on the TFR?” Okay, so there is obviously more than one type, but just how many different TFRs are there? Enough for you to check your NOTAMs before you go … No intercepts, please!" For More on TFRs and Intercept procedures, Tap or Click Here.

10/24/2021  National Guard Aircrews Answer Call to Fight Wildfires - NEWS - From Flying Magazine - "Department of Defense is now integrating climate change considerations at all levels, Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin said. - National Guard soldiers and aircrews from at least eight states have responded to assist with wildfires this year, according to U.S. defense officials.

10/22/2021   How TFRs Are Made - Have you ever wondered how and why temporary flight restrictions (TFRs) come to be? In the FAA Safety Briefing article “Mission Possible,” editor James Williams explores how TFRs are created, starting from a request from a security agency, to an issued TFR. The article also explains how the FAA serves as the air space user’s advocate in that process. Want to know more? Check out the full article here: https://medium.com/faa/mission-possible-44d99e582477. To view our entire new issue on airports and airspace, go to https://medium.com/faa/ramping-up-f21b641ca543 or www.faa.gov/news/safety_briefing.

10/20/2021  Avoiding Adverse Drug Interactions - Don't get high and fly! Impairment from over-the-counter medication and CBD products can compromise a pilot’s ability to control the aircraft and adversely affect judgment and decision-making. Read more about this and how to avoid adverse drug interactions in our latest FlySafe topic of the month available on our blog or printable (PDF) fact sheet. Don’t miss our new “57 Seconds to Safer Flying” video on flying and CBD use on YouTube.

Fly Safe Printable Fact Sheet Archive: bit.ly/GAFactSheets

Fly Safe Topic Archive on Blog: https://medium.com/faa/flysafe/home

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Watch Our GA Playlist on YouTube.

10/18/2021  FAA Tackles Alaska Air Safety - NEWS - From AVweb - "The FAA will start implementing five safety initiatives next year aimed at curbing the high accident rate in Alaska aviation. The agency launched its Alaska Safety Initiative a year ago and held meetings with stakeholders and government groups to come up with a game plan. It identified five measures and will start implementing them next year." Continue Here.

10/14/2021  More from NBAA-BACE - VIDEOS - NBAA NEWS -  See the valuable list of options below:

NBAA-BACE Collegiate Connect Day Showcases Bizav Opportunities

U.S. Officials Prepare for AAM Introduction

Despite Challenges, Developers See Blue Skies Ahead for AAM

EBACE Organizers Announce Trailblazing 19-Year-Old Pilot Flying Solo Around the World as Keynote Speaker for May Convention

Tips for Attracting YoPros, From YoPros

View NBAA TV Videos

View Event Photo Galleries

Read the latest news at the 2021 NBAA-BACE Newsroom

Review the 2021 NBAA-BACE Program Schedule

Share on Social Media with #NBAA2021

10/13/2021  NBAA TV: Sustainability in Focus at 2021 NBAA-BACE - VIDEO - NBAA NEWS - "At the 2021 Business Aviation Sustainability Summit, held in conjunction with the 2021 NBAA-BACE, leaders from across industry, government, and other sectors, met to discuss ways to reduce business aviation’s carbon footprint, including through the use of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). At the session “SAF Forecast – A Supplier Perspective” leaders in this segment shared their views on how this fully capable, ready to use, low carbon fuel can gain wider adoption by business aircraft operators."

Watch the VIDEO HERE.            Learn more about sustainability at 2021 NBAA-BACE.

OTHER NIFTY TOPICS at THIS YEAR'S NBAA-BACE:

NBAA Honors Aviation Safety Advocate Robert Sumwalt with Silk Scarf Award

NBAA-BACE: Preparing for the FAA’s Upcoming Part 135 SMS Mandate

PREFLIGHT Campaign to Promote Professionalism Launches at NBAA-BACE

NBAA-BACE: Engagement Key to Fostering Positive Airport-Tenant Relationships

NBAA-BACE: Meeting the Challenges to Reach Full-Scale UAS Operations

Koch, Witzig Chosen to Lead NBAA Board of Directors; Amalfitano, Weihs to Lead Advisory Council

10/13/2021  FAA EXPANDS GLIDERS' USE OF TRANSPONDER CODE 1202 - FAA NEWS - From AOPA - "The FAA says glider pilots flying under visual flight rules should squawk transponder code 1202 regardless of whether the flight is in communication with air traffic control in a procedural change that will take effect November 1." Continue Here.

10/13/2021  How Los Angeles is preparing for the air taxi takeoff - ARTICLE - From TechCrunch - "Ride-hailing and e-scooters caused chaos for cities across the United States, even as companies promised they would fix more problems than they created. The city of Los Angeles - eager to introduce zero-emission transportation - wants to ensure the launch of air taxis doesn’t repeat past mistakes.

To help prepare Los Angeles for the new tech, a nonprofit organization spun out of LA Mayor Eric Garcetti’s office is working with air taxi developers and local residents to develop a policy toolkit in advance of commercial operations later this decade.  Read More About This Here.

10/13/2021  Google and Amazon want to put thousands of drones in LA’s skies so you can get toilet paper faster - ARTICLE - From KCRW Radio June '21 - "In Los Angeles, the sky has always just been what we stare into instead of reading vanity plates when we’re sitting in traffic. But the empty space above our heads may someday soon fill up with drones — delivering our goods, helping police, and always watching us."  Continue Here.

10/11/2021  GPS Jamming Tests Frustrate Pilots, Controllers - ARTICLE - From AVweb - “Aircraft are greatly affected by the GPS jamming and it’s not taken seriously by management,” says one report gleaned by IEEE Spectrum. “We’ve been told we can’t ask to stop jamming, and to just put everyone on headings.” Webmaster: We take GPS Jamming very seriously here on SCAUWG.ORG - Visit our GPS Testing page HERE. - Read the AVweb article by Russ Niles HERE.

10/09/2021  Ag aviator trains next generation of crop-dusters - ARTICLE - From Farm Progress - "With the shift toward younger pilots, there is a need for training specifically in agriculture applications. So, Kingsley developed a hands-on flight school on the farm. The Ag Aviation School is located at Kingsley Field outside of Miller. There, Kingsley and his staff offer a unique experience for future crop-dusters.

The program trains young pilots by allowing them to learn and master the art of spraying on the family farm, which spans across 4,000 acres and two states — Missouri and Kansas. “We work here before we work for the customer,” Kingsley says. This year, he hosted his second student. Why so few students?

Crop-dusting is intense. It is not only flying under power lines and feet off the ground, but also understanding chemicals. Kingsley likes to keep the number of students low, offering that one-on-one instruction needed in such a niche industry."  Read the Entire Story Here.

10/09/2021  The Unstretchable Glide - ARTICLE - From Aviation Safety Magazine - "When your only engine fails, it's ultimately up to you to choose where to land, not ATC. - Yes, ATC often can be an asset—they’ll at least know where to send the equipment—but the pilot/crew must be the one to make the decisions. This includes where and how to execute an emergency landing..."  Continue Here.

10/09/2021  Glider Rating Add-On: Upping Your Game - ARTICLE - From AVweb - "You took advantage of some free time to go flying over the weekend. It had been almost two months since your last flight, so you took the rental 172 around the pattern nearly a dozen times and got the rust off of your crosswind landings. On the drive home you replayed the flight in your mind and suddenly realized that your next thought was, “Now what?”" Glider Flying? Find out how Here.

10/09/2021  New Pilot Minute Video Series Debuts - ARTICLE - FAA - In the inaugural episode of the Pilot Minute, a new video series produced by the Civil Aerospace Medical Institute’s Medical Education Division, FAA Federal Air Surgeon Dr. Susan Northrup provides simple tips you can use to streamline the medical certification process. This includes making sure all pages you submit for a medical are legible and contain a name, date, and any identification numbers you may have received in letters from the FAA.  -You can find more information about what’s required for each diagnosis in the Guide for Aviation Medical Examiners at faa.gov/go/ameguide. To watch the Pilot Minute videos, go to https://youtu.be/sC-C4GwFZ9Q.

10/09/2021 The Advantages of Adventuring - ARTICLE - FAA - Safety culture involves not merely a list of rules and regulations, it also involves critical thinking, expanding horizons, and learning outside the box. Take advantage of adventuring to unfamiliar airports, not only for the pure enjoyment, but more importantly for the educational opportunities these visits provide. It’s an incentive to earn higher certificates and ratings, and you can enhance your training to learn as much as possible in many different scenarios. In the article “The Advantages of Adventuring,” editor Susan K. Parson explores how a trip to a new airport can advance your skills and, as an added benefit, help support our country’s general aviation airports (https://medium.com/faa/the-advantages-of-adventuring-9032bdf704c6).

To view our entire new issue on airports and airspace, go to https://medium.com/faa/ramping-up-f21b641ca543 or www.faa.gov/news/safety_briefing.

10/06/2021  CalFire Braces for Record Year - ARTICLE - From AINonline - "It’s another record year for wildfires in California with more than 2.2 million acres burned and 3,200 structures destroyed through August in 7,276 incidents. CalFire aircraft dropped 6 million gallons of water/retardant on these fires, including 3.8 million gallons in August alone. In all of 2020, 3.2 million acres were incinerated, more than three times a typical year’s conflagration. And that means it’s another bumper year for the firefighters of CalFire, the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection." Continue Here.

10/06/2021  LAANC Authorization Now Available For Drone Night Operations - NEWS - From AVweb - "The FAA announced on Monday that drone pilots with current Part 107 remote pilot certificates can now receive authorization to fly at night via the low altitude authorization and notification capability (LAANC) network. LAANC, an automated system designed to provide near real-time authorizations for drone pilots looking to operate below 400 feet in controlled airspace, is currently available at 726 airports across the country. In addition, the FAA noted that it has opened up more areas for drones to fly by dividing the relevant airspace into smaller segments." Read More Here.

10/06/2021  FAA Invests $479.1M in Safety, Sustainable Infrastructure at Airports - FAA NEWS - Grants awarded to 123 airports across every state. In OUR AREA September AIP supplemental grants include: Ontario International Airport, Ontario, Calif.: $15.2 million to reconstruct 832,000 square feet of taxiways and their connectors. The project will allow for a safer and more efficient flow of aircraft traffic on the airfield. This large project will result in jobs during construction and accommodate permanent job growth at this growing airport that is experiencing increased demand for passenger and cargo service.  For an interactive map of grant locations, click here: Workbook: AIP Supplemental Funding September 2021 (dot.gov)

10/03/2021  SPATIAL DISORIENTATION: CONFUSION THAT KILLS - SAFETY - FREE Online COURSE - From AOPA - "Pilots deprived of visual references while flying can quickly lose control of the aircraft and succumb to one of general aviation’s biggest killers: spatial disorientation. While the physiology and dangers of spatial disorientation are taught during primary and instrument flight training, pilots can still misunderstand spatial disorientation and how to deal with it."  Explore this Topic and Continue HERE.

10/03/2021  Surviving the backcountry - VIDEO - From AOPA - Watch as a series of delays, poor decisions, and lack of preparation turn a four-hour cross-country flight into a 30-hour survival crisis for a pilot and his family in the unforgiving Idaho backcountry in this AOPA Air Safety Institute video.  For more information, go to the AOPA Air Safety Institute's Survival Safety Center: http://www.airsafetyinstitute.org/spo.... For transcript credit and your certificate, go to: http://bit.ly/RPSMtRCert

10/03/2021  COLLISION AVOIDANCE - SAFETY - FREE Online COURSE - From AOPA - "Collision avoidance, in the air and on the ground, is one of the most basic responsibilities of a pilot operating an aircraft in visual conditions. During primary training, pilots are taught to keep their eyes outside the cockpit and look for conflicting traffic. But little formal instruction is given on the best ways to visually identify potential collision threats or on procedures that can lessen their risk of occurring. Make these spotlight’s strategies and tactics part of your standard procedures to keep the skies safer for you, and for those you share it with. " To Explore this Topic and Continue, Tap or Click HERE. Certificate of Completion Available.

10/03/2021  Just a short flight - VIDEO - ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION - From AOPA - A Learjet 35A on a positioning flight to Teterboro, New Jersey, in May 2017 crashed while circling to land in visual conditions. The AOPA Air Safety Institute examines the links in the accident chain and the lessons learned. Watch the video >

10/03/2021  ALBATROSS to Demonstrate How 4DT Can Reduce CO2 Emissions on Flights - ARTICLE - From Aviation Today - "A new large-scale demonstration project involving Airbus, Air France and DSNA, the French Air Navigation Service Provider (ANSP) called "ALBATROSS," will demonstrate how the use of four-dimensional trajectory (4DT)-based operations can reduce fuel and CO2 emission savings on flights operated by Air France and other airlines throughout European airspace. First launched in February under the framework of a series of..."  Continue Here.

10/03/2021  New Software Capability Gets Planes Rolling Directly to the Runway, Reducing Fuel Burn & Taxi Time - PR NEWS - FAA - WASHINGTON—The U.S. Transportation Department’s FAA and NASA today announced the completion of research and testing on a software capability that calculates gate pushbacks at busy hub airports so that each plane can roll directly to the runway and to take off. The FAA plans to deploy this capability as part of a larger investment in surface management technology to 27 airports. An animation of how the software works can be viewed at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XD16pCQWYeA.

The innovative capability, which will be part of the FAA’s Terminal Flight Data Manager (TFDM) program, was developed by NASA and tested for nearly four years by the FAA’s NextGen group, airlines’ airport operations, FAA radar facilities in Charlotte and Dallas/Fort Worth and the Atlanta and Washington, D.C., centers handling high-altitude en route flights.

The airports currently expected to be part of the rollout include: Atlanta, Baltimore, Boston, Charlotte, Chicago Midway, Chicago O’Hare, Dallas-Ft. Worth, Denver, Detroit, Fort Lauderdale, Houston Bush, Las Vegas, Miami, Minneapolis, Newark, New York JFK, New York LaGuardia, Orlando, Philadelphia, Phoenix, Salt Lake City, San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle, Washington Dulles, Washington Reagan National.

10/03/2021  Meet Soar, a New Liquid Hydrogen-Fueled eVTOL With a Range of up to 800 Miles - PR NEWS - From Robb Report - "If you think you’ve seen every variation of vertical takeoff and landing aircraft (VTOL), think again. Paragon is developing Soar, which offers eight large fans along the sides of the fuselage and a series of smaller fans embedded in the fixed wing. But Soar’s real differentiator is a powertrain that uses direct combustion of liquid hydrogen as a range extender. - From the outside, Soar looks typical of the category, with a sleek aerodynamic body that’s a combination of plane and helicopter. The rear two of its eight large-ducted turbofans tilt to provide forward thrust, while the smaller ones help with stability and control. Continue Here.

10/03/2021  New NTSB Website Goes Live - NEWS - From AVweb - “The NTSB website is one of the agency’s most important tools for communicating to the public about our investigations and safety recommendations to prevent future tragedies and save lives,” said NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy. “This new website is the result of a lot of hard work and planning to ensure the public has easy access to important safety information.” Read the Story Here. Visit the new site by tapping or clicking NTSB.GOV.