The FAA recently posted a new video, “Weather Technology in the Cockpit.” The short video — just 2 minutes and 28 seconds — documents some of the research conducted by the FAA’s Weather Technology in the Cockpit program’s research team, which conducts studies on how pilots process the weather information they receive while flying in […]
FAA
Do you know your aircraft’s best glide speed?
A new fact sheet has been released by the FAA covering Best Glide Speed. The General Aviation Joint Steering Committee determined that a significant number of general aviation fatalities could be avoided if pilots were better informed and trained in determining and flying their aircraft at the best glide speed while maneuvering to complete a […]
FAA selects 10 drone programs for testing
The FAA has selected 10 state, local, and tribal governments to conduct flight tests as part of the Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Integration Pilot Program. “We know our diverse new partners will help us address a broad range of complex drone integration challenges, “ said FAA Acting Administrator Dan Elwell. “The fields that could see […]
Latest edition of Aviation Weather Services released
FAA Advisory Circular (AC) 00-45H, Aviation Weather Services, has been updated to include Change 1, effective January 2018. With symbols and conversion charts, internet links and more, this book is key for pilots seeking an understanding of the weather resources available for preflight and inflight decision-making, according to ASA officials. Supported with full-color illustrations, the […]
Pilots get a weather wake-up call
By David Hughes, FAA writer To help general aviation pilots understand how easy it is to misinterpret weather information displayed in the cockpit, FAA researchers developed a simulation that demonstrates some of the most dangerous pitfalls. At the 2018 SUN ‘n FUN International Fly-In and Expo in Lakeland, Florida, many pilots who flew the NextGen Weather […]
FAA removes requirement for complex aircraft on some practical tests
The FAA has published FAA Notice N8900.463, which addresses a change in policy in the Commercial Pilot and the CFI practical tests, no longer requiring demonstration of a complex aircraft on certain tests. The changes eliminate the requirement to fly a complex aircraft for a practical test for the commercial practical tests and the single-engine […]
FAA begins nationwide beta test of LAANC
Beginning April 30, 2018, the FAA is phasing in a nationwide beta test of the Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability (LAANC), which helps support the safe integration of drones in the nation’s airspace. The testing will deploy the system incrementally at nearly 300 air traffic facilities covering approximately 500 airports, according to FAA officials. […]
GA thwarts back-room ATC deal
Following opposition from the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) and other general aviation organizations, Rep. Bill Shuster (R-PA) has withdrawn controversial language in Section 5 of a last-minute “manager’s amendment” to H.R. 4, the FAA long-term funding bill. In response to calls by general aviation associations for action, pilots flooded the switchboard at the […]
Coming soon to FIS-B: Lightning, turbulence, icing and more
By JOHN CROFT, FAA NextGen Outreach Writer/Editor Pilots will soon have access to new weather data in their cockpits over the 978 megahertz (MHz) Universal Access Transceiver link. In June, the FAA will begin broadcasting six new weather products: Lightning strikes, turbulence, icing forecasts, cloud tops, graphical Airmen’s Meteorological Information (AIRMET) and Center Weather Advisories. The […]