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| Top News: Taxiing to the Runway ... In Smaller Steps | back to top |  |
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FAA Kills "Taxi To" For Takeoff
Effective June 30, 2010, the FAA is deleting the term "taxi to" from taxi and ground movement operations as it pertains to aircraft cleared to taxi to an assigned takeoff runway. The change requires controllers to issue explicit runway crossing clearances "for each runway (active/inactive or closed) crossing." And aircraft issued clearance to cross a runway must cross that runway before receiving clearance for a subsequent runway crossing. There is an exception: "At airports where the taxi route between runway centerlines is less than 1,000 feet apart, multiple runway crossings may be issued after receiving approval by the Terminal Services Director of Operations," according to the FAA.
The change applies to "the Terminal Services organization and all associated air traffic control facilities." It will be made manifest in Air Traffic Control, Paragraph 3-7-2. The FAA Runway Safety Call to Action Committee has issued the recommended change to improve runway safety and changes "will also be made to the AIM and AIP," according to the FAA. For the full text of the notice, click through (PDF). |
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| ADS-B Gets Real | back to top | |
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NextGen Now Online In Philadelphia
Air traffic controllers in the Philadelphia area now have ADS-B services up and running, the FAA said this week. "This new technology is a tremendous leap forward in transforming the current air traffic control system," said FAA Administrator Randy Babbitt. "The operational benefits in Philadelphia extend as far as Washington, D.C., and New York, which has some of the most congested airspace in the world." The satellite-based NextGen system provides more precise data to controllers, who can then more safely and efficiently separate traffic. Using ADS-B (automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast) technology, controllers get one-second update rates on their scopes, compared to four-and-a-half second update rates with radar. Potentially, they will be able to reduce separation in the en route environment from the current five nautical miles to three miles, the FAA said.
Philadelphia is the fourth airport to start using the technology. Pilots flying aircraft equipped with ADS-B know precisely where they are and are able to see other properly equipped aircraft. They also have access to better weather data and receive flight information such as Notams and TFR locations electronically. General aviation advocates have raised concerns about the costs and benefits of the system for GA users. ADS-B is expected to be available nationwide by 2013, and the FAA has proposed that all aircraft should install ADS-B avionics by 2020.
Related Content:
AVweb Insider Blog: Paying the Price for ADS-B
In the latest installment of the AVweb Insider, guest blogger Paul K. Sanchez takes on the FAA's plan for implementing ADS-B. If you're thinking of updating your equipment for NextGen, you may want to hear Paul out first.
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| Don't Try This at Home | back to top | |
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Red Bull Skydiver's Amazing Stunt
Paul Steiner, a member of Red Bull's Skydive Team, climbed out of the cockpit of a glider, hung from under the wing, and then hitched a ride on the wing of a second glider passing underneath -- and of course, it's all on video. Steiner then straddles the wing and reaches up to touch the tail of the first glider, as it flies upside-down overhead. And finally, he leaps from the glider to sail back to earth beneath his chute. The stunt took place in Austria earlier this month.
The team travels the world to perform skydiving maneuvers and stunts at Red Bull Air Races and other venues. They also use wingsuits and perform B.A.S.E. jumps off of mountains, bridges, and other structures. Besides the air races and the skydive team, Red Bull sponsors several other aviation-related projects, including the Red Bull aerobatic helicopter and Red Bull Stratos, a project that aims to beat the longstanding freefall record with a jump from 120,000 feet. |
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| Current and Classic | back to top | |
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A Classic New Cub From Legend
The Classic J3, a new model from American Legend, aims to deliver simple, fun flying with a lower price tag than many S-LSAs, at about $95,000. "The new Classic J3 sprung from many conversations with current Legend Cub owners," said Darin Hart, owner of the company. "They convinced us that there are additional buyers out there who would jump on the opportunity for a slimmed-down, brand-new Cub." The Classic J3 offers a slightly wider cabin than the original Piper J3, an aft bench seat, and a large baggage compartment. It's configured with a single clamshell door/window combination for right-hand entry and exit, and features a sliding window on the left side.
Standard features include a 100-horsepower Continental O-200 engine, Sensenich wood propeller, all-metal cowling with exposed cylinders, 25-hour+ battery with starter, 16-gallon fuel system, disc brakes, shoulder harnesses at both seats, and more. The instrument panel will closely resemble that of the Piper J3. Engine instruments include oil pressure/temperature and tachometer, while flight instruments include altimeter, airspeed, and inclinometer. Two classic paint schemes are offered: yellow with black lightning bolt, or white with red or blue striping. A quick search online shows that plenty of last-century Piper J3s can be found on the market for about half to three-quarters the price of Legend's brand-new model, but for those who prefer to buy fresh off the production line, the Legend Classic J3 provides an alternative. |
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| News Briefs | back to top | |
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Oshkosh Notam Now Posted
Pilots planning to fly to AirVenture at Oshkosh this summer now can begin planning in earnest, with the official FAA Notam (PDF) now available for downloading. "We cannot overemphasize this point for AirVenture-bound pilots," says EAA about the Notam: "THIS IS ESSENTIAL READING!" Several important procedures have changed from last year, so pilots shouldn't rely on past experience to get them through this year's event. Special air traffic rules will be in effect in the area from 6 a.m. local time on July 23 to noon on August 2. In other AirVenture updates, EAA said this week an aircraft auction will be held on the grounds. Also, a night airshow will be featured on Saturday.
Pilots can request a free printed copy of the 30-page AirVenture notam by completing an online request form or calling toll-free (800) 564-6322. Other special events at this year's show include a gathering of DC-3s to celebrate the aircraft's 75th anniversary and a focus on electric aircraft innovation.
GA's Contributions To Haiti (And At Home) Recognized
Sen. Mark Begich was joined in his praise for GA by Sen. Mike Johanns in introducing a resolution (PDF) Tuesday to formally recognize the contributions of general aviation pilots to relief efforts in Haiti, while actor Harrison Ford stumped for GA. Through more than 4,500 flights in the 30 days following the Jan. 12 earthquake, general aviation pilots "helped ship over one million pounds of cargo and supplies to the people of Haiti," according to a Tuesday release from Sen. Begich. "Their acts of humanitarianism and goodwill are worthy of our praise and support and I am pleased to recognize their efforts," Johanns said. The men are part of the Senate General Aviation Caucus that was founded in September of 2009 "to promote a safe and vibrant environment for general aviation." The resolution is meant to serve as a tangible recognition of general aviation pilots' contribution "and encourage their continued generosity." GA's impact here in the U.S. was also highlighted, Tuesday, as the Caucus used the star power of Harrison Ford to grab extra attention in Washington.
Harrison Ford joined AOPA, GAMA, NBAA and EAA Tuesday to spotlight the economic impact of the general aviation industry before congressional members. Ford said it employs over 1.3 million people and "contributes over $150 billion to our nation's economy." Ford is an honorary board member of Wings of Hope, a humanitarian aviation organization, and previously served as chairman of EAA's Young Eagles program. Ford delivered his comments to some 20 representatives and five senators, who listened along with more than 250 congressional staff and industry representatives. |
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| What You Missed in AVwebBiz This Week | back to top | |
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Can Head-Up Displays Prevent Accidents?
If pilots had head-up displays in the cockpit, hundreds of accidents over the last 13 years could have been prevented or at least mitigated, according to a study released on Monday. The Flight Safety Foundation analyzed 983 accidents between 1995 and 2007 involving large multi-engine aircraft (12,500 pounds and up). The study (PDF) found that overall the technology could have affected the outcome in about one-third of the accidents. About 69 percent of takeoff and landing accidents likely could have been prevented, the study found. The technology eliminates the need for the pilot to repeatedly transition between the instruments and the forward view, enhancing overall situational awareness. "Head-up guidance systems technology is a great safety tool for the prevention of runway excursions, loss of control, and approach and landing accidents," said Bob Vandel, one of the authors of the study. "This technology provides extremely useful data to the flight deck crew."
The study was funded by Rockwell Collins, which is a leading supplier of the head-up technology. However, the Wall Street Journal said the Flight Safety Foundation is well-respected in the industry and its conclusions aren't likely to be challenged. The Foundation, an independent nonprofit based in Alexandria, Va., was founded in 1947. The Journal also noted that a recent study by American Airlines found that pilots using head-up displays in Boeing 737s tend to land farther down the runway than recommended. That study is ongoing and the airline has not drawn any conclusions from that data. The most important information provided by the display is flight path and speed information, the Foundation said.
FAA To Pilots: Put Those Phones Away
The FAA on Monday told airline pilots they should "evaluate their personal practices" regarding the use of devices such as phones and laptops while on duty. Also, the FAA said, operators need to create a "safety culture" that reinforces the importance of controlling cockpit distractions. The FAA released its guidance in an Information for Operators memo (PDF). The memo cited several recent incidents of distracted flying -- the crew that flew past their destination while working on their laptops, a pilot who was texting after pushing back from the gate, and an FAA inspector's report that a crew member's mobile phone started to ring during the takeoff roll. The NTSB has asked the FAA to tackle the distraction problem, and will hold a three-day forum on professionalism among pilots and air traffic controllers next month.
"NTSB's investigations into the midair collision over the Hudson River last August, the crash of Colgan Air Flight 3407 in February 2009, and the October 2009 Northwest pilots' overflight of their intended airport provided the impetus for this forum because all of them clearly demonstrated the hazards to aviation safety when pilots and air traffic controllers depart from standard operating procedures and established best practices," said NTSB Chairman Deborah Hersman. "During the forum, we will gather information on the screening, selection and training of pilots and controllers and methods to reinforce professionalism and excellence." The forum will take place in Washington, D.C., May 18 to 20. "Every aviation professional needs to take the issue of distractions in the cockpit seriously," said FAA Administrator Randy Babbitt on Monday. "And when there are two or more professionals on the flight deck, they must hold each other to the highest safety standards. Allowing distractions is unacceptable."
AVwebBiz: AVweb's Business Aviation Newsletter
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Add AVwebBiz to your AVweb subscriptions today by clicking here and choosing "Update E-mail Subscriptions." |
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| The Top Reporter on Our Crack Staff ... Is You! | back to top | |
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Question of the Week: Cell Phones in the CockpitThis Week's Question | Previous Week's Answers PREVIOUS RESULTS *** Last week, in the wake of the news that one of the WAAS satellites had failed, we asked if it might be time to re-consider LORAN as a ground-based alternative to GPS. We're glad we asked, since the question spurred some of our best reader mail in weeks. Many of you took us to task for asking about LORAN-C instead of E-LORAN — and if you missed the letters we ran in this week's AVmail, you should definitely click over there and check them out. In the poll itself, 43% of said Yes, LORAN-C has proven itself and should stay in place as a ground-based back-up for GPS. The second most popular option in our poll, garnering 29% of responses, was no; instead, more redundancy should be built into GPS/WAAS. And yes, we were a little surprised that a handful of readers (only seven!) were so far removed from LORAN they were able to choose our cheekiest option, What's LORAN-C? Want to see a full breakdown of responses? Take a moment to answer the question yourself, and then you can view real-time results. THIS WEEK'S QUESTION *** The FAA and NTSB say cockpit distractions are a serious hazard. Where do you fit in?
Have an idea for a new "Question of the Week"? Send your suggestions to . NOTE:
AVweb's Newstips Address ...
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| AVweb Media: Look, Listen, Laugh and Learn | back to top | |
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IFR Magazine Shows You How to Get More from a Portable GPS in IFROriginal, Exclusive Videos from AVweb | Reader-Submitted & Viral Videos That gadget you bolted to the yoke can do a lot more than show pretty moving maps. Come along with IFR magazine editor Jeff Van West to see how correct use of track (and several other features) on your portable GPS can improve all aspects of your IFR flying. If you enjoy this video, be sure to check out our sister publication, IFR magazine.
Ride-Along with Dale SnodgrassOriginal, Exclusive Videos from AVweb | Reader-Submitted & Viral Videos Famed air show and fighter pilot Dale Snodgrass took an AVweb camera along on his Paris Jet afternoon air show at Sun 'n Fun. In this unique video, he gives us the details about his routine.
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| Help Us Celebrate AVweb's 15th Anniversary | back to top | |
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15 Years and Now 15 Grand Giveaways ... It's Your Chance to Win Scheyden Frames and Flight Gear
Win Scheyden Dual RX frames and Flight Crew Ensemble flight gear as we celebrate our 15th Anniversary! All you have to do is click here to enter your name and e-mail address. (You only have to enter once, and you'll be entered in our prize drawings for the entire year — so if you've already entered, you're all set.)
And no, we're not going to rent or sell your name, ever. Tell your friends, and invite them to sign up for AVweb so they can qualify for our 15 Grand Giveaways prize drawings, too. (We won't spam them, either — but we hope they will sign up for our newsletters.)
Deadline for entries is 11:59pm Zulu time April 30, 2010.
Click here to read the contest rules and enter.
Congratulations to Jack Feiden of Wichita, Kansas, who won an XM WX Satellite Weather Receiver from WxWorx in our last drawing! (click here to get your own from WxWorx) |
| Your Favorite FBOs | back to top | |
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FBO of the Week: First Flight Corporation (Brown Field/KSDM, San Diego, CA)
Nominate an FBO | Rules | Tips | Questions | Winning FBOs
Our latest "FBO of the Week" ribbon goes to First Flight Corporation at Brown Field Municipal Airport (KSDM) in San Diego, California.
AVweb reader Thomas Perkowski has seen their top-notch service in action and taken regular advantage of First Flight's first-rate facilities:
I have been renting a Grumman Lynx from First Flight for six months now. I am very happy with the service and the support offered by owner Tom Sarvis and his team. Occasionally, when issues with the plane pop up, Tom comes right out and gets it fixed so I can get my flying done for the day. They have great prices for avgas and fantastic quality for the price for repair services. If you are flying to San Diego, give SDM and First Flight consideration for handling things for you.
Duly noted, Thomas!
AVweb is actively seeking out the best FBOs in the country and another one, submitted by you, will be spotlighted here next Monday! Keep those nominations coming. For complete contest rules, click here. |
| Reader-Submitted Photos | back to top | |
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Picture of the Week: AVweb's Flying Photography ShowcaseSubmit a Photo | Rules | Tips | Questions | Past Winners 
Each week, we go through dozens (and sometimes hundreds) of reader-submitted photos and pick the very best to share with you on Thursday mornings. The top photos are featured on AVweb's home page, and one photo that stands above the others is awarded an AVweb baseball cap as our "Picture of the Week." Want to see your photo on AVweb.com? Click here to submit it to our weekly contest. *** THIS WEEK'S WINNERS *** Wow. Your photos from Sun 'n Fun have started to roll in, and they're spectacular! We had so many photos that came in during show week, we had to roll over a few submissions (sight unseen) into next week's batch. We'll try hard not to peek until next week, but in the meantime, we've got a great line-up for today! And you don't want to miss this week's slideshow, either — it contains what may be the best assortment of desktop wallpapers we've ever run in a single week. (You know where to find the slideshow, right? About 1/3 of the way down AVweb's home page.)
You'll find more reader-submitted photos in the slideshow on AVweb's home page. Don't miss 'em! Click here to submit your own photos to "POTW." — A quick note for submitters: If you've got several photos that you feel are "POTW" material, your best bet is to submit them one-a-week! That gives your photos a greater chance of seeing print on AVweb, and it makes the selection process a little easier on us, too. ;) A Reminder About Copyrights: |
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| Names Behind the News | back to top | |
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Meet the AVwebFlash TeamAVwebFlash is a weekly summary of the latest news, articles, products, features, and events featured on AVweb, the internet's aviation magazine and news service.
The AVwebFlash team is:
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