If we had continued downwind as normal, Aircraft Y would have hit us.
Picture of the Day: Shadow runway
Lee Fox sent in this photo with a note: “A 1942 Stearman PT-17 casts its shadow over Runway 33 at Stafford Regional Airport (KRMN) in Virginia, coming back from its Veterans Day appearance honoring those who served in our Armed Forces. This particular Stearman trained Naval Aviation Cadets at NAS New Orleans and NAS Dallas during World War II. It now participates with the Commemorative Air Force Capital Wing, flying more than 100 rides a year so aviation enthusiasts can experience the unique experience of flying in an open cockpit biplane.”
FAA removes expiration date from CFI certificates
In essence, the new rule streamlines administrative processes without altering the core duties and responsibilities of flight instructors.
New surveillance system built to prevent runway incursions
The solar-powered system is called Simple, Affordable, Flexible, and Expandable Runway Status Lights (SAFE-RWSL). It uses Automatic Dependent Surveillance-broadcast (ADS-B) data and computer vision to activate runway lights in real time.
FAA releases updated AC on collision avoidance systems
An updated advisory circular has been released by the FAA focusing on the operational use of Airborne Collision Avoidance Systems (ACAS), including Traffic Alert and Collision Avoidance Systems (TCAS).
Truck vs. Cessna 172
My student was clearly shaken from this incident, but I turned it into a lesson on abort procedures and instances that you may encounter beyond your own aircraft.
Picture of the Day: A magnificent machine
Cheryl Goodwin sent in this photos with a note: “Early morning light casts its glow on the Hawaii Mars as she rests on a mooring ball. My husband and I had the privilege to spend time with this magnificent machine and her crew days before she flew for the last time from Sprout Lake to her new home at the BC Aviation Museum in Victoria.”
Preserving the past, one image at a time
“This treasure trove of over 30,000 meticulously organized aviation photographs is set to be delivered to a professional digitization company soon, marking a significant step in ensuring these historic images are preserved and made accessible for generations to come,” officials noted in early December 2024.
Washington pilot earns Master Pilot Award
Pilot and airplane builder Harmon Lange received the FAA’s Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award on Dec. 19, 2024, recognizing over 50 years of safe flying and contributions to aviation. Lange, known for building six homebuilt airplanes and manufacturing landing gear for Van’s Aircraft and other aircraft, highlighted the importance of the friendships formed through aviation during the ceremony.