Posts by CalPilots
Do unto others, and all that sort of thing
You know the drill. The neighbors complain about the airport because it’s populated entirely by spoiled, rich white guys who get their kicks by flying low over the neighborhood and making lots of noise. We can disagree, we can explain, we can put thousands of hours of effort into going door to door to tell…
Read MoreLiving in the Age of Airplanes premieres April 8
This spring, National Geographic Studios presents “Living in the Age of Airplanes,” which promises to carry audiences across 200,000 years of history and around the globe on a journey to 95 locations in 18 countries spanning seven continents to remind us how, in a single century, aviation has changed our world forever. The world premiere of the movie will take place at the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C., on April 8.
Narrated by actor and pilot Harrison Ford, Living in the Age of Airplanes will premiere in IMAX, giant screen, 15/70mm dome screens and digital cinemas nationwide beginning April 10.
Read MoreFAAST Newsletter
Combatting Crosswinds and Turbulence
Although the more pleasant temperatures of spring are now upon us, gusty winds are also on the rise in many areas. A good (and safe!) way to start your flying year is to get some crosswind flying practice with your favorite flight instructor. It’s also a good idea to review some of the best practices and procedures for dealing with winds and turbulence. For example, prior to landing, pilots should always review what their Plan B is going to be should excessive crosswinds or turbulence factor in. It’s much better to execute a well-thought-out contingency plan than to make radical decisions during critical phases of flight.
For more helpful tips on how to combat crosswinds and turbulence, check out “Getting Crossed-Eyed with Crosswinds and Turbulence” in the March/April 2015 issue of FAA Safety Briefing http://www.faa.gov/news/safety_briefing/2015/media/MarApr2015.pdf.
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Google takes over aging Moffett Field and its airship hangar
MOUNTAIN VIEW — Built for an age when 800-foot-long flying aircraft carriers were the cutting edge of aviation, the colossal hangars of the Moffett Federal Airfield are about to become roosts for Silicon Valley’s latest ideas.
Google on Wednesday formally takes over the 1,000-acre site with plans to repurpose its three airship hangars as laboratories for developing robots, rovers, drones, Internet-carrying balloons and other cutting-edge technology. The company will also manage the airfield’s two runways and upgrade an old military golf course for public use.
Read MoreFAAST Blast
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 –…
Read MoreLegal Obligations Regarding KSMO
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.
Read MoreThe FAA Seems To Be Escalating UAV Interests
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.
Read MoreHalon Fire Extinguisher Advice
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?
Read MoreHalon Fire Extinguisher Update
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.
Read MoreDrone activity noted on sectional charts
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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