On Jan. 13, 2020, the FAA launched improvements to the way it tests all applicants for an FAA airman certificate. A 20-minute webinar posted to YouTube in late December outlines all the changes, including a requirement that all applicants obtain an FAA Tracking Number (FTN) by creating an Integrated Airman Certification and Rating Application (IACRA) profile prior to registering for a knowledge test.
[Read more…]New Garmin GI 275 replaces several legacy flight instruments
Garmin has introduced the GI 275, an electronic flight instrument that directly replaces legacy primary flight instruments in the cockpit.
The GI 275 is suitable as a direct replacement for a variety of instruments including an attitude indicator, attitude directional indicator (ADI), course deviation indicator (CDI), horizontal situation indicator (HSI), and engine indication system (EIS).
[Read more…]Bad flare leads to bad landing
The student pilot reported that, while landing during a solo flight, a wind gust pushed the Cessna 172 to the right side of the runway at the airport in Silver City, N.M., and he was “unable to recover.”
The airplane landed hard, bounced, and came to rest inverted.
[Read more…]Pictures of the day: Airplanes, pilots, and dogs
Albert Dyer sent in these photos with a note: “Dogs have always played a role in flying. What pilot hasn’t taken their dog with them flying or looked forward to being with their dog again after a flight? Several times a year American Aero Services at New Smyrna Beach Municipal Airport
(KEVB) in Florida opens its hangar doors to the community by hosting a fundraiser for dogs, including an adoption opportunity. It’s a great fit for everyone. American Aero employees are there to talk about the airplanes they work on, which are under restoration or maintenance. The Humane Society is also there to adopt grateful dogs into loving homes. If you already own a dog, that’s ok too. Bring your dog and have lunch with other likeminded folks and share flying stories or dog stories. All in all, it’s a wonderful way to welcome in the new year.”
Reflections on a career-making ticket
Every now and then someone asks me a question that causes me to reflect on how I got into this business in the first place. I make it no secret, my intent was not to become a professional aviation enthusiast. I was a musician living and working in New York City. I was happy there, living a very different life than the one I live today.
That’s neither good nor bad, by the way. It’s just true.
My only aeronautical goal was to find my way out of the big city quicker than the bus or train could carry me. And maybe there was a desire to be able to travel direct to more interesting destinations. But that’s it. Nothing that involved a paycheck entered my train of thought.
Somewhere along the line however, my private pilot aspirations shifted to professional pilot goals. For me it was when life threw me a bag full of lemons. Rather than cry about it, I decided to make lemonade.
[Read more…]Civil Air Patrol responds to Puerto Rico earthquakes
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico ― Civil Air Patrol members have been conducting damage assessment as part of the response to a series of earthquakes and aftershocks off the southern coast of Puerto Rico since Dec. 28, 2019.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency requested support from CAP for disaster relief efforts in Puerto Rico.
“Civil Air Patrol has a legacy of serving its communities in times of trouble,” said Lt. Col. Rick Woolfolk, CAP deputy incident commander for the Puerto Rico response. “Our teams are in the field gathering information that will help in the rescue and recovery efforts underway.”
[Read more…]FAA approves university’s maintenance technician program
The FAA has given final approval to Southern Utah University’s expansion of its aviation program.
On Dec. 31, 2019, the FAA granted final approval for a Part 147 certificate allowing SUU to offer Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) licenses to students upon successful completion of the academic program requirements and independent testing by a Designated Maintenance Examiner (DME).
[Read more…]Protect your plane and tools with your fingerprint
Just introduced is Tapplock one+, a padlock that unlocks with a fingerprint.
The padlock allows users to access their items in 0.8 seconds and has an adaptive algorithm that allows the lock to become faster and more accurate with each use, according to company officials.
Since it is common for people to share access to a padlock, the Tapplock one+ can store up to 500 fingerprints to allow multiple users to access the lock without having to pass along a combination or key.
Users also can use the Tapplock app to track who opened the lock and when, or to grant mobile access via a remote unlock feature.
[Read more…]Go around goes awry
The private pilot reported that he intended to make two full-stop landings at the airport in Cloverdale, California, before returning to his home base.
He entered the traffic pattern and announced his position as he maneuvered to final approach.
He said the approach was stable, but appeared to be short. He added power and adjusted the pitch for the projected touchdown point beyond the displaced threshold.
When the airplane was over the displaced threshold, the stability of the approach was lost.
[Read more…]Picture of the Day: War Bug
Lawson Laslo submitted the following photo and note: “My recently restored Ercoupe, ‘War Bug,’ at a pancake breakfast.”
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