Aviation Interest

ATC asked that we send this recent Briefing Sheet, normally issued only to airline pilots, to General Aviation (GA) pilots as well. As you can see in the 1-page document, ATC wishes that pilots are aware of the problems caused by not reading back their call sign. The Briefing Sheet is available here: https://www.faasafety.gov/files/notices/2012/Dec/ATSAP_Briefing_Sheet_(December_20_2012).pdf Let’s…

Palm Springs International Airport plans better welcome for military – In the coming months, soldiers assigned to the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center in Twentynine Palms likely will get a treat when passing through Palm Springs.

The Palm Springs International Airport is proposing a $165,000 renovated and expanded USO facility for traveling service members.

(With Apologies To Major Henry Livingston, Jr.) ‘Twas the night before Christmas, and out on the ramp, Not an airplane was stirring, not even a Champ.The aircraft were fastened to tiedowns with care, In hopes that come morning, they all would be there.

The fuel trucks were nestled, all snug in their spots, With gusts from two-forty at 39 knots. I slumped at the fuel desk, now finally caught up, And settled down comfortably, resting my butt.

When the radio lit up with noise and with chatter, I turned up the scanner to see what was the matter. A voice clearly heard over static and snow, Called for clearance to land at the airport below.

Tri-Valley Heroes: Bob Tucknott wins lifetime achievement award – Around Pleasanton (CA.), Bob Tucknott is known as a go-to guy. Whether it’s flying a search-and-rescue mission or transporting a sick child to a hospital or giving a speech, ask him and he’ll be there.”I guess I’ve got a reputation for getting things done,” Tucknott said.

Tucknott has been a member of too many organizations to list. He’s been chairman of the board or the president of the Dublin Rotary Club, the San Leandro Chamber of Commerce, the San Leandro Boys and Girls Club, the Eden area YMCA, the San Leandro Exchange Club and a commander of the Alameda County Sheriff’s Air Squadron — just to name a few.

TROUTDALE, Ore. – You drive out to the hangar one afternoon, it’s a great day to be in the air and you can’t wait.  You make the turn onto the airport and what do you see?  Construction cranes?  In the pattern?  Hey, what gives?  Who the heck is building here? What are they thinking?

They’re thinking buildable land, folks.  I’m hangared at Troutdale, TTD, a mostly VFR airport (okay, we have a crummy NDB approach but the minimums are 1,050 msl).  Imagine my surprise when I discovered that somebody wanted to build a power generating plant about 1/2-mile north of the runway.  I’m a member of the TTD chapter of the Oregon Pilots Association and I’m president elect of that, so I figured I’d better show up at the informational meeting.

The Quail Brush Power Plant project opposition recently asked the California Pilots Association (CalPilots) if we planned to oppose the project based on thermal plume safety issues and due to the projects’ proximity to the Gillespie Airport and Marine Corps Air Station Miramar.

As a result, Bob Eppers, CalPilots Region 5 VP appeared before the San Diego City Council to voice CalPilots aviation based objections to the Quail Brush project.

The all-new PilotSafetyRadio.com is online. From informative podcasts to in-depth aviation safety courses, this is the place for all aviators to reach the goal of becoming a Pilot of Excellence. Enjoy our very first podcast!

The FAA has banned the use of Velcro-type straps to secure emergency locator transmitters designed and built after Nov. 26 of this year. The new rule came two years after a high-profile crash that killed Alaska Sen. Ted Stevens and four others. The ELT aboard the Otter they were on came loose on impact and detached from the antenna. Rescuers found it on the floor in the back of plane, activated but unable to transmit because it wasn’t connected to the antenna. “In this case, the airplane was equipped with a functioning 406 megahertz ELT, which can be a tremendous aid to search and rescue operations,” NTSB Chairman Deborah Hersman said following the board’s preliminary investigation. “But this vital life-saving technology won’t do anyone any good if it doesn’t stay connected to the antenna.” The NTSB recommended the FAA review the safety standards for ELT straps and this TSO may have been the result.

CAMP PENDLETON EXERCISE – Effective 10-11, 20 DECEMBER 2012 During December 2012, the Department of the Navy will conduct an amphibious operations training exercise along the shoreline and within facilities associated with Marine Corps Base, Camp Pendleton, California. This exercise is essential to train Navy and Marine Corps units in planning, coordination and execution of amphibious landings and sea-to-shore operations. The exercises will include intensive, hazardous military aviation, and ground fire activities to include artillery live fire.

The opportunity to participate in the FAA’s 34th annual General Aviation and Part 135 Survey for 2011 is ending soon. Nov. 30, 2012, is the last day selected aircraft owners/operators may submit information for the 2011 calendar year. For more information visit www.aviationsurvey.org/faqs, call toll-free at 888.672.4493, or send an email to [email protected].