Here’s the good news. The FAA has extended the life of aircraft registrations to seven years, more than double the previous term of three years. Here’s the not so good news. There is no requirement for the FAA to mail out new documentation that actually shows those extended expiration dates.
FAA
Second drone beyond line of sight operations waiver approved
In Oklahoma, the approval means drone pilots operating on the Choctaw Nation’s Emerging Aviation Technology Center UAS Test Range need only an electronic observer while meeting requirements to remain clear of crewed aircraft while the drone is beyond the pilot’s visual range of sight.
Task force proposed to tackle FAA’s failing NOTAM system
The legislation would establish an FAA task force to determine what improvements should be made to the NOTAM system, including updates to ensure its stability, resiliency, and cybersecurity, according to Stauber.
WINGS 2022 Sweepstakes winners revealed
In its fifth year, the sweepstakes awards pilots and CFIs who participate in the FAA’s WINGS program, earning chances in the sweepstakes for every WINGS phase they complete.
Beyond line of sight drone flights approved in North Dakota
uAvionix, with support from the Northern Plains UAS Test Site, demonstrated to the FAA that it has established adequate risk mitigations to satisfy required safety standards for beyond visual line-of-sight (BVLOS) operations in the National Airspace System, company officials said.
Problems with FAA’s failing computer system well-known before crash
The FAA’s most recent budget request includes nearly $30 million to “eliminate the failing vintage hardware that currently supports NOTAMs.”
New legislation sets aside $10 million for unleaded avgas testing
The new legislation also recognizes the collaborative industry-government effort to move general aviation to a fleetwide drop-in, lead-free fuel solution no later than 2030 through its Eliminate Aviation Gasoline Lead Emissions (EAGLE) initiative.
FAA gives nod to Johnson & Johnson vaccine
The FAA requires pilots wait 48 hours after getting the single-dose vaccine before flying to account for potential side effects.
Aeronautical Chart User’s Guide updated
The guide explains all the symbology for FAA sectional, terminal area, flyway planning, helicopter route, en route low- and high-altitude, and oceanic route charts, as well as standard terminal arrival routes, standard instrument departures, and instrument approach procedures.