FAAST Blast

CalPilots

Cloud Spotting –  Do you know what type of cloud the FAA recommends keeping a 20 mile distance from? Or what the “good IFR” clouds are? Use our handy cloud spotting chart from the current issue of the FAA Safety Briefing magazine, which can be downloaded from http://1.usa.gov/1MRD5wv. Managing a Crew of Just You –…

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Legal Obligations Regarding KSMO

CalPilots

NBAA Warns Local Officials About Legal Obligations Regarding KSMO

Issue Was On The City Council Agenda Tuesday Night

The NBAA on Tuesday cautioned the mayor and city council of Santa Monica, CA about the questionable legality of proposals that seek to limit the viability of Santa Monica Airport (KSMO) for aviation operations, as well as for businesses located on the airfield.

At a city council meeting Tuesday night attended by more than 100 people, local officials considered the Santa Monica Airport Commission’s recommendation that the city move ahead with proposals to implement costly new leases for tenants, close a portion of the airport’s runway and enact a new emissions ordinance at KSMO. Public comments extended well into the night, according to television station KTLA. Dozens more protested outside, complaining about noise, pollution, and perceived safety issues. Some said that the airport should be completely closed. Airport advocates also gathered outside city hall to defend the facility, saying it meets all federal and state requirements for noise abatement, safety and environmental issues, and accounts for hundreds of millions of dollars in the local economy.

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The FAA Seems To Be Escalating UAV Interests

CalPilots

CalPilots Editor’s Note: So the FAA can figure out how to act rapidly when faced with big money pressure from the UAV advocates, but can’t make or get a decision done on eliminating the useless third class physical? Obviously money does talk and GA, one the FAA’s largest customer bases can just wait.

Surprise!!! FAA Streamlines UAS COAs for Section 333

Under Pressure, The FAA Seems To Be Escalating UAV Interests

With Congress, the media and the entire UAV industry breathing down their necks, the FAA has ‘established an interim policy to speed up airspace authorizations for certain commercial unmanned aircraft (UAS) operators who obtain Section 333 exemptions.

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Halon Fire Extinguisher Advice

CalPilots

Never Play with Fire

Your aircraft is equipped with a halon fire extinguisher. Great decision.

How can you be sure that your fire extinguisher will work? Does it have a gauge?

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Halon Fire Extinguisher Update

CalPilots

H3R Aviation, is a supplier of halon fire extinguishers and we have quite significant penetration in the general aviation market. We previously sold a fire extinguisher manufactured in Canada and many months ago observed a rather sharp spike in warranty returns due to leakage. Because these extinguishers do not have a pressure gauge, adherence to maintenance requirements, we believe, are inadequate in assuring that the extinguishers are adequately charged and will perform in an emergency. We issued the attached Service Bulletin to alert interested parties.

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Drone activity noted on sectional charts

CalPilots

WHAT. NO PILOT IN THE COCKPIT? Drone activity noted on sectional charts with a small airplane symbol with the letters “UA”.

“Manned and unmanned aircraft not authorized in the same traffic pattern. Arriving manned air­craft may follow unmanned aircraft on final.”

AREAS WITH A PREPONDERANCE of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) activity are typically noted on sectional charts with a small airplane symbol, similar to that used for glider operating areas but with the letters “UA” instead of “G.” Expect UAS activity in nearby restricted or other special-use airspace and mili­tary installations.

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Six Addresses Account For 25,000 Noise Complaints In Chicago

CalPilots

It’s important to understand how some anti-airport types operate. We posted the following article on Chicago O’hare as it also applies to smaller airports. This strategy is frequently used by a few anti-airport neighbors. Now, you will know what types of questions to ask of the city or county when they are faced with airport noise.

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Six Addresses Account For 25,000 Noise Complaints In Chicago

CalPilots

It’s important to understand how some anti-airport types operate. We posted the following article on Chicago O’hare as it also applies to smaller airports. This strategy is frequently used by a few airport neighbors. Now, you will know what types of questiosn to ask of the city or county when they are faced with airport noise. 

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World’s Greatest Pilot In Town For Documentary

CalPilots

PALM SPRINGS, Ca. – Bob Hoover is often called “the world’s greatest pilot”. His job as a test pilot was to push the limits of aircraft. The documentary ‘Flying the Feathered Edge’ is about his extraordinary career.

The 93-year-old, living legend was at the Palm Springs Air Museum for a private screening of the documentary.

You can purchase a copy at: www.thebobhooverproject.com and also find dates of where you can watch it on the big screen.

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World's Greatest Pilot In Town For Documentary

CalPilots

PALM SPRINGS, Ca. – Bob Hoover is often called “the world’s greatest pilot”. His job as a test pilot was to push the limits of aircraft. The documentary ‘Flying the Feathered Edge’ is about his extraordinary career.

The 93-year-old, living legend was at the Palm Springs Air Museum for a private screening of the documentary.

You can purchase a copy at: www.thebobhooverproject.com and also find dates of where you can watch it on the big screen.

Read More