WASHINGTON, DC – The Subcommittee on Aviation, chaired by U.S. Rep. Tom Petri (R-Wis.), will hold a hearing on Wednesday, July 18, to review the FAA’s Contract Tower Program and the Department of Transportation Inspector General’s (DOT IG) ongoing audit of the program. Under the Contract Tower Program, the FAA contracts with private entities to […]
FAA
Changes to flight training in the works
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Pilots and future pilots might find new and different approaches to studying and testing for certificates and ratings if recommendations from a panel are adopted by the FAA. Over the past several years the aviation training community has raised concerns that the FAA has not kept up with training methods and technology. […]
A roadmap to finding a new fuel
The transition to an unleaded aviation fuel is still years away, according to the final report from the FAA’s Unleaded Avgas Transition Aviation Rulemaking Committee (UAT ARC). And whether it is GAMI’s G100UL, Swift Fuels biofuel, or some other alternative, all candidate fuels require “significant assessment” by the FAA to ensure safety, according to the […]
FAA buys King Airs
Hawker Beechcraft Corp. reports it has received a follow-on order from the FAA for two Beechcraft King Air C90GTx turboprops with the option for one additional aircraft. The FAA, which operates a fleet of six King Air C90GTx turboprops, will use the two new aircraft to further support the FAA’s Flight Standards Flight Program. The […]
FAA releases video on ‘Climb Via’
The FAA has released a new video to help pilots prepare for the Aug. 15 implementation of the new “Climb Via” instruction for standard instrument departures (SIDs). Review the video here.
FAA clarifies who is an LSA manufacturer
Late last month, the FAA issued its anticipated notice of policy that clarifies who can qualify as a Light-Sport Aircraft (LSA) manufacturer. You may wish to read the entire policy statement and, as government documents go, this one is fairly easy to read and comprehend. The agency also welcomes comments. Since this hit cyberspace, I […]
Making flying fun
The July/August 2012 issue of FAA Safety Briefing focuses on making flying fun and is now available online. Articles focus on many of the interesting activities and opportunities pilots have to keep the spirit of fun and adventure in aviation alive and well.
Committee reports on challenges to replacing 100LL
A just-released report from the Unleaded Avgas Transition Aviation Rulemaking Committee concludes that a drop-in replacement for leaded 100LL is not available, adding that an additional six years is needed to assess possible replacements. Known as the UAT ARC, the committee is a collaborative industry-government task force representing aircraft and engine manufacturers, fuel producers and […]
Resources to help pilots meet new Practical Test Standards
The FAA Safety Team has released an updated advisory circular for flight review and instrument proficiency check, and added a new appendix to the Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge (PHAK) to help pilots and instructors prepare for new Practical Test Standards (PTS), according to a report at EAA.org.