AeroLEDs lights earn TSO

AeroLEDs Pulsar NSP, NS, and Suntail, all-LED position and anti-collision lights have received TSO approval from the FAA. Previously only available to Experimental and Light Sport Aircraft, the Pulsar NSP (Nav/Strobe/Position), Pulsar NS (Nav/Strobe), and SunTail (tail strobe) are now qualified for installation on all certified general aviation aircraft.

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FAA launches mobile website

The FAA has released FAA Mobile, designed to provide quick access to FAA.gov tasks for general aviation enthusiasts on-the-go. You can look up N-numbers, find Advisory Circulars, browse airport delays, and more. [Read more...]

Hot air balloon ground school set for general aviation pilots

Palmetto Sun Balloons, a family run hot air balloon company in South Carolina, will be conducting a Hot Air Balloon Ground School for general aviation private and commercial pilots the weekend of Feb. 25-26.

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Pilots band together on hangar leases at SLE

A new job always comes with a learning curve. You need to learn procedures and ways of doing business, as well as determining the needs of your clients. The clients, meanwhile, hopefully will be patient with you. Without proper communication, things can get muddled and tensions rise. This is particularly true of airport management.

At Salem Municipal Airport-McNary Field (SLE) in Salem, Ore., airport officials and hangar tenants are in the first stages of learning to work together, after what one tenant described as years of confusion and poor communication.

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FAA on schedule to process December BARR requests

After the FAA restored full access to the Block Aircraft Registration Request (BARR) program, many general aviation pilots contacted the agency to enroll in the program, according to officials with the National Business Aviation Association, who report the FAA is on track to transmit an updated list of aircraft blocked at the “ASDI vendor level” to flight tracking vendors by today, Jan. 10. The list of aircraft blocked at the “FAA level” will also be updated. Blocking requests received by Dec. 15 should be included in the revised lists. Want to know how to enroll in the BARR program? Click here.

NextGen future unclear

The FAA’s ambitious ATC modernization effort known as the Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen) faces an unsettled 2012 and beyond after a number of setbacks in 2011, including federal budgetary concerns, the abrupt resignation of FAA Administrator Randy Babbitt after a drunk driving arrest, and more, according to a report at Aviation International News.

The Valve Seat Recession Conundrum

In a recent blog posted on General Aviation News by Ben Visser, he made a point that poses a serious conundrum for the conversion to unleaded avgas: “The big problem here is that almost all of the aircraft piston engines out there need to be broken-in on 100LL, then they can be switched over to auto gas. But if they are started on auto gas when new, they will probably have exhaust valve problems.” The exhaust valve problems that Ben is alluding to is commonly known as “valve seat recession.”

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FAA Safety Briefing now online

The January/February issue of FAA Safety Briefing is now available online. This first issue of 2012 explores some of the resources available to help you in your initial quest for pilot certification, as well as the lifelong quest to improve your aeronautical knowledge. Feature articles show you how to leverage the power of aviation regulations and handbooks, as well as provide tips to help prepare for your next checkride and find an aviation school that’s right for you.

 

Looking ahead to 2012: What to expect from lawmakers next year

WASHINGTON, D.C. — As the new year approaches, pilots should fasten their seat belts. It could be a bumpy ride.

Next year’s election is expected to be one of the most volatile in decades. It will keep the President, Congress, and heads of government agencies focused on election and re-election.

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New FAA Safety Briefing online

The January/February 2012 issue of FAA Safety Briefing is now available online. The issue includes reviews of resources available to budding general aviation pilots, aids to improve a more seasoned pilots aeronautical knowledge, how to leverage information from the myriad aviation regulations and handbooks, tips to prepare for an upcoming checkride and finding the right aviation school.