“This is an important first step toward a solution to the FAA’s misguided interpretation on flight training. The FAA did not heed the committee’s bipartisan call to work toward a consensus solution in July and now Congress is taking action,” said Rep. Sam Graves.
Pilots
Video: An afternoon of Alaska seaplane flying
A little longer than four minutes, the video captures an hour of flying at the Lake Hood Seaplane Base in Anchorage, Alaska.
More pilots going to apps and online for weather
Fewer pilots are checking in with Flight Service specialists about the weather before a flight, with more and more using apps and online resources, according to the latest Weather Survey from the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association. Other key findings show the importance of the FAA’s Weather Camera Program, and the reasons why pilots don’t file PIREPs.
Massachusetts Senate tables $1,000 landing fee proposal
The proposed bill, which drew strong criticism from the general aviation and business aviation community, has been “reported to study,” which means it won’t advance any further in the current legislative session.
Pandemic puts dent in outlook for pilots and technicians
An uneven recovery from the market turndown cause by the pandemic means a 20% drop in the predicted demand for pilots in the next 20 years and a 15% drop. Even so, Boeing’s annual outlook notes that opportunities for aspiring aviators “abound” while companies will face “stiff competition in recruiting and retaining top tier talent.”
Companies team to develop technology to warn of potential mid-air threats
The collision avoidance safety system will use computer vision and machine learning to “see” when another aircraft is approaching from outside the pilot’s field of view and poses a risk, issuing 3D audio warnings.
New advocacy group, Friends of Aviation, takes off
“Our goal is to build a grassroots community of aviators to help prevent airport crisis and closure,” Friends of Aviation founder Andrew Crider said. “After COVID, the aviation industry is in crisis. Airports all around the country are facing more threats than ever before.”
Business Aviation Fact Book updated
This year’s edition of the Fact Book also highlights the emphasis business aviation has had on sustainability, association officials note. Over the past four decades, business aviation has achieved a 40% reduction in carbon emissions, officials add.
Latest edition of Commercial Pilot Oral Exam Guide released
The 10th edition includes a slew of new information, including flight simulators, ADS-B In and Out, BasicMed, and more.