Posts by Andy Wilson
Input Sought on Pilot Experience Near Solar Facilities
A research agency is conducting a survey for the FAA and the Airport Cooperative Research Program on pilot experience with solar energy facilities at airports. Airports with these facilities include Bagdad, Phoenix Sky Harbor International, and Ernest A. Love Field in Arizona; Meadows Field, Bob Hope, Fresno Yosemite International, Long Beach, Metropolitan Oakland International, Redding…
Read MoreThe Lure of the $10 Hamburger
Tower Builder Sued In Connection With 2011 Accident
Pilot’s Family Said Structure Was Purposely Designed To Avoid FAA Visibility Requirements – Ag pilot Stephen Allen was fatally injured in January, 2011, after his airplane struck a 198-foot-tall meteorological tower that, according to the NTSB’s probable cause report, he likely did not see. His family has filed suit against the tower’s builders, saying it was purposely designed to avoid FAA visibility requirements.
Read MoreSan Rafael Airport – Safety Zone Threatened
San Rafael Airport MarinSoccer Complex Hearing Postponed Following Allegation of Mayor’s Conflict of Interest – Monday’s public hearing for the San Rafael Airport’s proposed soccer complex was rescheduled so Mayor Gary Phillips, who has a lease with the airport, could obtain written approval from a state agency that will allow him to participate in the decision.
The planned public hearing on the San Rafael Airport‘s proposed soccer facility has been postponed following an allegation that Mayor Gary Phillips should recuse himself from the meeting due to a conflict of interest.
Read MoreNew Flight Plan Requirements in Effect
A Nov. 15 transition to International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) flight plans triggered some confusion, with AOPA Pilot Information Center staff fielding calls from members concerned that a major shift in flight plan filing procedures had taken effect.
The date marked the completion of a long-planned transition from the FAA domestic flight plan format to an ICAO format for international and domestic IFR operations using performance-based navigation (PBN). General aviation IFR pilots can still use the older FAA domestic flight plan form that remains available through electronic flight planning applications for operations that do not utilize GPS-based procedures and routes.
Read MoreEmpty Skies Prompt Calls for Lights-Out at Idle Airport Towers
U.S. regulators should begin closing some air-traffic facilities during slow periods late at night, the chairman of the House aviation subcommittee said.
Representative Tom Petri, a Wisconsin Republican, said in an interview yesterday that fellow members of Congress — who have at times blocked cost-saving efforts — need to let the Federal Aviation Administration shut underutilized air-control towers and radar rooms.
Read MoreCalPilots Testifies for Byron Airport Business Expansion
Aero Club of Northern California Dinner November 9th
Allow Technology to Assist Your Aviation Advocacy Efforts
Here is an idea for all of us. Set a Google Alert for your airport. That way, when your airport name is mentioned in the media/web/etc, you will receive a notification. This is an excellent way to stay informed and make sure you don’t miss meetings in which your airport is discussed!https://support.google.com/alerts/bin/answer.py?hl=en&answer=175925 CalPilots Editor’s Note:…
Read MoreLA man pleads guilty to pointing laser at aircraft
LOS ANGELES — A Los Angeles man has pleaded guilty to pointing a laser at aircraft. Federal prosecutors say 19-year-old Adam Gardenhire of North Hollywood pleaded guilty Monday to a federal offense. He faces up to five years in federal prison and a $250,000 fine.Prosecutors say Gardenhire aimed a commercial-grade green laser at several aircraft…
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