“We believe the fuels testing program is at a critical juncture and we request the final conference agreement contain a funding level of $10 million,” the GA advocates told Congress. “There is still considerable work to be done to address the environmental and regulatory challenges associated with piston aviation fuels and your support is key to addressing them in a way that does not compromise aviation safety.”
Briefings
Pilots warned about 5G
The FAA has released a Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin (SAIB) that warns pilots of the risk of “potential adverse effects” on radio altimeters once 5G wireless broadband networks are deployed starting Dec. 5, 2021.
FAA renews efforts to update private airport database
In this second round of efforts, the FAA is reaching out to private use airports for which they have not gotten updated information for more than 10 years. The agency has set a deadline of Jan. 20, 2022, to collect the information.
New rule would require medicals for commercial hot air balloon pilots
The new rule would require commercial hot air balloon pilots to hold a second-class medical certificate.
Hybrid electric aircraft hits milestone
The MAHEPA Panthera, a Pipistrel aircraft powered by a hybrid-electric powertrain that’s in development, just completed a flight testing milestone, performing all-electric takeoffs.
Racing from Florida to Indiana
Registration opens Jan. 3, 2022, for the 45th annual Air Race Classic.
Hundreds more engines approved for unleaded avgas
An Oct. 28, 2021, Approved Model List includes an additional 611 engines approved to use GAMI’s new unleaded avgas.
The control tower of the future
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.
FAA weather camera launched at Michigan airport
Metro Aviation becomes the first non-government entity to participate in the FAA’s Weather Camera Program.