The FAA has launched a NextGen Update website that covers the latest information on accomplishments and plans as of March 10. It starts with new videos from FAA officials, as well as lots of links, videos and more. A general aviation specific page can be found here.
General Aviation News
Because flying is cool
Great! Fabulous!! Now I would like to see an FAA website on Third Class Medical Certificate reform giving a “firm date” for implementation of such reform (which I hope is within my lifetime) and explaining why the DOT continues to sit on its hands while extending the rulemaking “milestones” (millstones?) month after month after month. Details please!
Most recreational flyers have finally figured out that ADSB-Out will, for them, primarily serve as an additional tracking device and make every effort to avoid Mode C airspace. Private pilots who have the equipment and ambition to mix it up with airliners will fork over the money for ADSB-Out or any other shiny new toy required to continue to do so.
I’m with you, Brett. I was all set to decide between Mode S ES or 978UAT when my lightbulb went on. The FAA can KMA. I’ll just stay away from all that airspace and that’s that. The Administrator can hold us to his date and WE can resist by not equipping. There’s no way every airplane in the fleet can meet the 2020 date using the existing avionics shops anyhow. I’d like to find a million dollars in my mailbox … but it ain’t going to happen.
And, here’s another one I’m just now breaking the code on. This UAV thing with allowing commercial operations of UAV’s below 500′ AGL … it’s another airspace grab. Anyone who flies and ever goes below 500′ AGL better watch their butts. So they’re stealing Class C and Class B airspace and within the 30nm veil and soon below 500’AGL (for safe ops).
Mark my words, once the camel gets his nose under our tent, requiring ADS-B in Class D is sure to follow.