Posts by CalPilots
Hayward Air Rally
The Hayward Air Rally is celebrating its 51st anniversary in 2015 with a one day Air Rally to Bend Oregon.
Over the 50 year history of the Hayward Air Rally, originally known as the Hayward-Las Vegas Air Race, the event has been a single day of flying and competition. The exception was the 2014 50th anniversary flight to Oshkosh, which took three days.
Read MoreADS-B Survey for Aircraft Owners
You are invited to participate in a research study being conducted by Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University on ADS-B. The study is interested in your perceptions and motivations about the ADS-B 2020 mandate; including your perceptions about the cost of ADS-B installation. It is estimated that it will take less than 8 minutes to complete the survey.…
Read MoreSanta Monica takes first steps towards closing airport
The Santa Monica City Council has shortened ground leases for tenants at Santa Monica Municipal Airport (KSMO), limiting most businesses to month-to-month leases.
Exceptions were FBO Atlantic Aviation, Adelman, a law firm, and the Museum of Flying, which received three-year leases to June 30, 2018, with the option of one-year extensions at the discretion of the city.
Read MoreFAAST Blast
FAA Proposes List of Approaches to Be Removed T
On April 13, 2015, the FAA issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) that contains a list of 736 redundant or underutilized VOR and NDB standard instrument approach procedures that have been identified for cancellation. The complexity and cost to the FAA of maintaining the ground based equipment for these approaches while expanding the new area navigation (RNAV) capability is not sustainable. To view the list of approaches slated for elimination, go to www.faa.gov/air_traffic/flight_info/aeronav/procedures/reports/ or go to the Federal Register notice. Comments may be submitted on or before May 28, 2015.
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.
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