The FAA has just released a fact sheet on surviving a general aviation accident. “Every pilot needs to prepare for the unexpected. Although surviving a crash is one of those ‘I hope it never happens’ events, it’s something you need to consider both for yourself, and your passengers,” the fact sheet begins. Accidents can happen […]
FAA
FAA restricts drones over national landmarks
At the request of U.S. national security and law enforcement agencies, the FAA has banned drones over 10 national landmarks. Officials from the FAA and the Department of the Interior (DOI), have restricted drone flights up to 400 feet within these sites: Statue of Liberty, New York, N.Y.; Boston National Historical Park (U.S.S. Constitution), Boston; Independence […]
House Democrats block FAA extension
A new post on Politico reports that House Democrats blocked a Republican push to fast-track an FAA extension on Sept. 25, 2017, with just days to go until current law expires Sept. 30. Democrats said they voted against the six-month extension because of unrelated Republican add-ons dealing with flood insurance, tax credits for victims of recent […]
Wielding the power to heal by air and sea
Historically, adversity brings out the best and the worst in humans. That’s certainly been true throughout America’s history. Lately, we’ve had plenty of adversity on our plate, a sad reality that presents the opportunity for individuals to show grace and generosity — which they did. It started with a storm named Harvey that blasted into […]
More than 40,000 aircraft now equipped with ADS-B
As of Sept, 1, 2017, rule-compliant Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) equipment is now on board more than 40,000 aircraft flying in the United States. The FAA estimates that 100,000 to 160,000 general aviation aircraft will need to be equipped with ADS-B Out before the Jan. 1, 2020, mandate. The FAA is also offering a $500 rebate […]
ATC proposal vote may be in October
The Hill is reporting that the House of Representatives will vote on privatizing air traffic control in October. But first it must approve a short-term extension of the FAA’s authorization, which expires Sept. 30, 2017. The story quotes Rep. Bill Shuster (R-Pa.), chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, as saying the FAA extension […]
New certification rule for GA now in effect
On Aug. 30, 2017, the final rule overhauling airworthiness standards for general aviation airplanes officially went into effect. The FAA expects the rule — which was published in December 2016 — will enable faster installation of innovative, safety-enhancing technologies into small airplanes, while reducing costs for the aviation industry. “With these performance-based standards, the FAA delivers […]
Sept. 18 last day for ADS-B rebate
Monday, Sept. 18, 2017, is the last day general aviation pilots can reserve their $500 rebates to install ADS-B. Starting Jan. 1, 2020, airplanes must be equipped with ADS-B Out to fly in most controlled airspace. For the past year, the FAA has offered the rebate as an incentive to get GA aircraft owners to […]
Mobile air traffic tower sent to St. Thomas
In the wake of Hurricane Irma’s destructive path through the Caribbean, the FAA is supporting storm recovery efforts in the U.S. Virgin Islands with a fully-staffed mobile air traffic control tower at Cyril E. King International Airport in St. Thomas. The tower is supporting relief flights by the U.S. military, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, […]