Surf Air To Expand Service

CalPilots

Surf Air , which calls itself an “all-you-can-fly private membership airline,” is expanding its service from its base in Santa Monica, California, to include Carlsbad and Oakland, the company has announced. The added service coincides with the arrival of three new Pilatus PC-12NG aircraft, the first in an order of 65 airplanes to be delivered over the next five years. “Both markets are largely underserved by commercial carriers and hot spots for California-based business and leisure travelers,” said Jeff Potter, CEO of Surf Air. “We intend to continue to expand to new markets with similar characteristics that benefit our existing membership base and introduce our innovative travel experience to new members.” Service to Carlsbad will start Nov. 18 and Oakland launches on Dec. 15.

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Flying Expo In Palm Springs

CalPilots

Aircraft filled one of the main streets of Palm Springs, Calif. Thursday as a new aviation show revived a tradition started by AOPA with its Expos and Summits. The Parade of Planes returned to the desert resort city as a prelude to the Flying Aviation Expo, which officially starts Friday. The show features an exhibitor area at the Palm Springs Convention Center and there will be a program of forums and speakers through the weekend.

Thursday, October 30, 2014; 8:00 AM – Sunday, November 2, 2014 7:00 PM

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What have you done for me lately?

CalPilots

Like it or not, aviation enthusiasts are often classified by non-aviation enthusiasts as “those people.” As a card carrying member of the “those people” fan club, I’m often interested in how we’re perceived and routinely blamed for the ills of society by those who don’t understand us. In general, we’re neither loved or admired. Frequently…

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Medical 101

CalPilots

Have you ever wondered how the FAA’s medical process works? More importantly, have you ever wondered what options you have if you encounter a health complication? If the answer to either (or both) of those questions is yes, then check out James Williams’ article, “Medical 101: Understanding the Airman Medical Process” in the current FAA…

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Avoiding Pilot Deviations

CalPilots

Pilots: If you see a fighter jet outside your cockpit window, you may have just committed a “pilot deviation” by penetrating restricted airspace without ATC clearance. Airborne deviations can also result when a pilot strays from an assigned heading/altitude or instrument procedure. Ground deviations include taxiing, taking off, or landing without clearance, deviating from an…

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Aviation Roundup at Minden-Tahoe Airport Oct. 11

CalPilots

On Oct. 11, the Minden-Tahoe Airport (KMEV) in Nevada, will hold its annual Aviation Roundup. This year will have a few new events, according to organizers. In the morning there will be rocket launches. As Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) dominate a lot of news today across the country, the Aviation Roundup has secured a “Drone…

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DOT IG To Conduct Another Audit Of ADS-B

CalPilots

Will Focus On FAA’s Ability To Monitor Contractors And Payment Procedures

The DOT Inspector General (IG) will conduct another audit of the FAA’s progress on the implementation of ADS-B beginning later this month.

A memo dated October 7 from Matthew E. Hampton, Assistant Inspector General for Aviation Audits to “Director of Audit and Evaluation” states that this new audit follows a 2010 report which indicated that the FAA “faces significant risks in implementing the ADS-B program and realizing benefits due to weaknesses in its contract management and oversight.”

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