AVmail: August 4, 2003

Reader mail this week about NASA's ASRS, Gippsland Aeronautics, the new (improved?) airman's certificate and more.

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NASA ASRS

I read Don Brown’s column on “It’s the Little Things” with great interest. Although I was aware of the ASRS, I was not aware of the publications of reports on various incidents that were available through ASRS. After downloading several of these, I was extremely enlightened by the report on Personal Electronic Devices (PED). For those who responded to the recent AVweb survey on cell phone usage in aircraft and thought that no safety problem is presented by PED usage, please take the time to read this report. I was among those who believed that prohibiting cell phone use was to protect the cell system from having a few phones capture the entire system, but I did not believe there was a safety issue. Reading these reports was very educational. The documentation of CDI and glide slope deviations, along with uncommanded steering, has been a real education and I now realize the danger these devices can present to all of us who fly. Thank you AVweb!Ray Montagne


Washington ADIZ Does It Again

A short followup on what happened with my flight out of the ADIZ (AVmail July 10) …A few days after this occured, I called the Washington FSDO to discuss what had happened. I have since flown into the ADIZ about four more times, and now when I pick up my clearance, the first thing I am asked is, “Are you VFR or IFR?”From talking to people involved in the ADIZ, I have learned that an IFR flight plan is entered into the system with VFR put in the remarks section. This is a kludge to the system to allow VFR traffic. Robert Lockard


Gippsland Aeronautics GA8

As an avid reader and subscriber to avweb since it’s inception I must confess my surprise that I have yet to read anything on your web siteregarding the Gippsland Aeronautics GA8. There are, I understand, three of these wonderful aircraft at Air Venture 2003. These aircraft have flown the longest distance of any to get to this magnificent air show. Right across the Pacific from Australia. They are powered by American-made engines and propellers. Made of American-manufactured metal. Shod with American-made wheels, brakes and tires. Equipped with American-made avionics. They were, however, designed and built in Australia.They are certified to the highest possible standard, FAR 23 Amendment 54. In fact I am pretty sure they are the only aircraft at AirVenture 2003 certified to the latest FAA standard. I would have expected that in the light of these facts you would be making a real fuss of these Aussies. I would be interested in your comments on this oversight. Or better still a mention on your avweb reports. The story of the design and development of these aircraft would — I am sure — fascinate all true aviators.Robert Rutherford.

AVweb Responds:

There are, we know, a lot of great planes and equipment here at Oshkosh. So much that we can’t report on everything here. Thanks for reminding us of this one.

Kevin Lane-Cummings
Features Editor

New Airman Certificate

OOPS! I just lost my airman certificate, after reading your article about the FAA announcement that — effective immediately — new certificates will be issued. So, I downloaded the appropriate FAA form. According to the FAA Web site and Part 61, the cost of replacement is $2 for each certificate lost or destroyed. AC Form 8060-56 (5/03) (NSN 0052-00-555-2005 — supersedes previous edition) also states $2. Am I to trust this information, or will there be an additional charge and/or delay, for the improved, hi-tech, costly, new format certificates?I have been burned more than once by information on the “official” FAA web site — should I get a fresh bottle of salve?Name withheld by request

AVweb Responds:

Our sources say the cost is the same, but if I were you, I’d have that salve on standby.

Kevin Lane-Cummings
Features Editor

Correction:

Regarding our story “Ex-FAA Staffer Pleads Guilty In Bogus-Parts Scam” —

The person in this story, Mr. Booker, was a Designated Airworthiness Representative (DAR-Maintenance) and was not an FAA employee. AVweb apologizes for the error.

Glenn Pew
News Editor

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