The Light Aircraft Manufacturers Association is asking all pilots of Light-Sport Aircraft (LSA) to participate in the 34th annual General Aviation (GA) and Part 135 Activity Survey, which is used to assess aviation safety. Because of the newness of LSA, it is essential to improve the statistics, LAMA officials said, noting more participation will “reinforce […]
FAA
Bringing gridlock to the skies
WASHINGTON, D.C. — As members of Congress come back to their offices Sept. 10 after the August vacation, aviation interests will be eager to see what, if anything, is done about “sequestration,” which might cut $1 billion from the FAA budget. Money has been a major problem for years. After almost five years of trying, […]
Latest FAA Safety Briefing online
Now available online is the September/October issue of FAA Safety Briefing, which explores the role of the aviation educator. Articles focus on flight instructor requirements and best practices, as well as the many tools and educational resources that can help sharpen teaching skills.
FAA delays decision on Icon weight increase
FAA officials have informed Icon Aircraft that a decision on the company’s request for an exemption to the Light-Sport Aircraft weight limitations for its amphibious Icon A5 won’t be made until the end of the year, according to a report at AOPA.org. Icon Aircraft founder Kirk Hawkins asked for an exemption in May to increase […]
No more paper medical applications
Starting Oct. 1, the FAA will stop using the paper version of FAA Form 8500-8, the form used to apply for FAA medical certification. That means pilots must use the FAA’s online MedXpress to apply for medical certification, according to Kathy Dondzila in a post on AOPA.org. She takes us through her first experience using […]
Your help needed to ensure consistency in interpreting FAA regs
The FAA needs your help: The Consistency of Regulatory Interpretation Aviation Rulemaking Committee (ARC), an advisory group of aviation insiders working with the FAA, is seeking the general aviation industry’s input on the agency’s consistency in the certification and approval process. “A lack of consistent application of the regulation and guidance has long been a […]
FAA issues Emergency AD for some Rotax 912 engines
The FAA has issued an emergency airworthiness directive affecting certain Rotax 912 series engines. According to a report at EAA.org, the AD requires that the pressure side fuel hose be replaced on fuel pumps with the certain serial numbers. An AD from the European Aviation Safety Agency indicates that the pressure side fuel hose on […]
Harris Corp. awarded NextGen contract
Harris Corp. has been awarded a 15-year, $291 million contract to provide the communications network that will serve as the cornerstone of NextGen — the FAA’s initiative to transform the U.S. air traffic control system. Under the National Airspace System Voice System (NVS) contract, Harris will provide a secure, Internet Protocol-based voice communications network based […]
PRA newest FAASTeam industry member
The FAA and Popular Rotorcraft Association (PRA) signed a letter of understanding, on August 21, which created a high-level relationship between the two organizations. The agreement establishes official contacts between the FAA and PRA as well as documents national media resources, development of safety training and exchange of safety materials between the two organizations. The […]