The FAA has never shown interest in the airspace below the top of the 100-plus-foot tall evergreen trees that surround my home. They’ve never inspected. They’ve never inquired. Nothing. Why? In part because it isn’t “navigable” airspace. That all changed when the FAA recently issued an Interim Final Rule that states “anyone who owns a […]
FAA
FAA sued over drone registration rules
Forbes.com is reporting that a lawsuit challenging the new FAA requirement that all unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) must register was filed in the Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia on Dec. 24 by a model aircraft enthusiast concerned that the registration rules were illegal. That individual is John A. Taylor, a multi-rotor builder and […]
FAA releases B4UFLY app
The FAA has released the B4UFLY mobile application to the public following an initial beta testing period. B4UFLY tells users about current or upcoming requirements and restrictions in areas of the National Airspace System (NAS) where they may want to operate their unmanned aircraft system (UAS). The app is now available for Apple devices and can […]
FAA releases tutorial on enhanced vision systems
As part of its #FlySafe national safety campaign, which aims to educate the GA community on how to prevent Loss of Control (LOC) accidents this flying season, the FAA has released information on its latest topic: Enhanced vision systems. WHAT IS LOC? According to the FAA, a Loss of Control (LOC) accident involves an unintended departure of an […]
Congress passes FAA funding
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Congress has passed an omnibus measure that includes key funding for general aviation manufacturers in safety, certification, and alternative fuels for piston-engine aircraft. It also makes permanent the Research & Development (R&D) tax credit, and extends bonus depreciation for five years. The bill, which now heads to President Obama for his […]
FAA Small Unmanned Aircraft registration begins Dec. 21
The FAA’s Small Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) registry has gone live online. In preparation for registering online, each owner must provide his or her name, home address and email address. Upon completion of registration, the web application will generate a Certificate of Aircraft Registration/Proof of Ownership that will include a unique identification number for the UAS […]
FAA updates Airspace Obstructions Standards
The FAA has updated its guidelines for the proper way to light and mark obstructions affecting navigable airspace. Advisory Circular 70/7460-1L for Obstruction Lighting and Marking is effective immediately. It cancels Advisory Circular 70/7460-1K, dated Feb. 1, 2007. The main changes to the updated advisory circular include: Federal law requires that the FAA determine whether a […]
GAMA calls on Obama administration to issue small airplane certification rule
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Officials with the General Aviation Manufacturers Association are calling on the Obama administration to issue the final rule to implement the Small Airplane Revitalization Act, noting that the deadline set for the final rule is today, Dec. 15. “Today marks the deadline set by the U.S. Congress more than two years ago […]
FAA releases details on avgas replacement testing
The FAA has released some details and photos as the first phase of testing draws to a close of four fuels designed to be a replacement for 100LL. According to a report at AOPA.org, test rigs have been heated and cooled to extreme temperatures, fuel samples have been run through specially designed rigs replicating aircraft […]