When he signed the $1.3 trillion omnibus spending bill that funds the federal government through the remainder of this fiscal year, which ends Sept. 30, President Donald Trump changed everything at SUN ’n FUN — at least for this year. That’s because included in the bill is a requirement that the FAA cover all costs […]
FAA
No kidding: ADS-B 2020 deadline is firm
The folks at the FAA say they have a sense of humor too, but an April Fool’s joke that the agency is extending the ADS-B deadline is just that. As stated in the final rule published with industry input in May 2010, all aircraft flying in designated controlled airspace — generally the same busy airspace where […]
Would you report a risky pilot to the FAA?
In a new blog post, Leah Read, a senior air safety investigator in the NTSB Office of Aviation Safety, warns against turning a blind eye to risky behavior in another pilot. She notes that when NTSB investigators arrive at the scene of a fatal accident, they soon pick up on clues that the pilot exhibited […]
FAA issues fact sheet for drone pilots
The FAA has issued a new fact sheet that gives the highlights of the agency’s rules for small unmanned aircraft (UAS) operations other than model aircraft — Part 107 of FAA regulations – that cover commercial and government uses for drones weighing less than 55 pounds. So if you need a refresher or are just […]
FAA forecast shows optimism for GA
The long-term outlook for general aviation is stable to optimistic, according to the FAA Aerospace Forecast for fiscal years 2018 to 2038. The forecast predicts the active general general aviation fleet will remain relatively stable between 2018 and 2038. An active aircraft is described in the forecast as one that flies at least one hour […]
FAA to discontinue DUATS program in May
The FAA will discontinue the Direct User Access Terminal Service (DUATS II) Program, effective May 16, 2018. Internet services, including access to weather and aeronautical information, flight plan filing and automated services will remain available at no charge to pilots at www.1800wxbrief.com. To continue to receive free services, FAA officials are encouraging pilots to register […]
Help wanted: Experienced air traffic controllers
The FAA is hiring experienced air traffic controllers to work in facilities throughout the country — and specifically for the facility that handles the busy New York area airspace. The agency will accept applications March 19 to March 26, 2018, from experienced candidates to fill slots at the New York Tracon (N90) in Westbury, N.Y., […]
FAA expands drone airspace authorization program
The FAA is expanding tests of an automated system that will ultimately provide near real-time processing of airspace authorization requests for unmanned aircraft (UAS) operators nationwide. Under the FAA’s Part 107 small drone rule, operators must get approval from the agency to operate in any airspace controlled by an air traffic facility. To facilitate those […]
Video: The new skyBeacon
Smitty Smith with FunPlacesToFly.com just posted a new video that features Tom Ferraro talking about the new ADS-B out system from uAvionix. “The skyBeacon is a revolutionary new way to equip ADS-B,” he notes. “Simply replace your existing navigation light with skyBeacon and you are ADS-B compliant for 2020.”