By David Hughes, FAA writer To help general aviation pilots understand how easy it is to misinterpret weather information displayed in the cockpit, FAA researchers developed a simulation that demonstrates some of the most dangerous pitfalls. At the 2018 SUN ‘n FUN International Fly-In and Expo in Lakeland, Florida, many pilots who flew the NextGen Weather […]
FAA
FAA removes requirement for complex aircraft on some practical tests
The FAA has published FAA Notice N8900.463, which addresses a change in policy in the Commercial Pilot and the CFI practical tests, no longer requiring demonstration of a complex aircraft on certain tests. The changes eliminate the requirement to fly a complex aircraft for a practical test for the commercial practical tests and the single-engine […]
FAA begins nationwide beta test of LAANC
Beginning April 30, 2018, the FAA is phasing in a nationwide beta test of the Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability (LAANC), which helps support the safe integration of drones in the nation’s airspace. The testing will deploy the system incrementally at nearly 300 air traffic facilities covering approximately 500 airports, according to FAA officials. […]
GA thwarts back-room ATC deal
Following opposition from the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) and other general aviation organizations, Rep. Bill Shuster (R-PA) has withdrawn controversial language in Section 5 of a last-minute “manager’s amendment” to H.R. 4, the FAA long-term funding bill. In response to calls by general aviation associations for action, pilots flooded the switchboard at the […]
Coming soon to FIS-B: Lightning, turbulence, icing and more
By JOHN CROFT, FAA NextGen Outreach Writer/Editor Pilots will soon have access to new weather data in their cockpits over the 978 megahertz (MHz) Universal Access Transceiver link. In June, the FAA will begin broadcasting six new weather products: Lightning strikes, turbulence, icing forecasts, cloud tops, graphical Airmen’s Meteorological Information (AIRMET) and Center Weather Advisories. The […]
Long-term FAA reauthorization bill introduced in the House of Representatives
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Leaders of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee have introduced the bipartisan FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 (H.R. 4), a five-year bill to reauthorize the FAA. H.R. 4 was introduced in the House by the entire bipartisan leadership of the Committee and its six subcommittees, including Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman Bill […]
PAPR Chase
By JOHN CROFT, FAA NextGen Outreach and Reporting Pilots accustomed to receiving live ADS-B traffic updates from FAA radar through the Traffic Information Service-Broadcast (TIS-B)will feel blind — and less safe — if that service gets shut off. But that is exactly what might happen if their ADS-B equipment is transmitting hazardous information or performing incorrectly […]
How to avoid an ADS-B call sign mismatch
By TOM HOFFMANN, Managing Editor, FAA Safety Briefing Your aircraft’s registration number or approved call sign is critical to the integrity of the ADS-B Out system, defining who you are in the National Airspace System (NAS). But what happens when your ADS-B name is different from your given name?A large number of operational inconsistencies with ADS-B […]
Aerobatics and ADS-B
By DAVE HUGHES, FAA As of Jan. 1, 2020, ADS-B-Out will be required in most controlled airspace — and that includes pilots who are practicing aerobatics, performing in an airshow, or competing in an event such as this week’s SUN ’n FUN. This requirement is no different from the current requirement to use an operating transponder […]