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FAASTeam
FAASTeam Notice
Type: General Information
Notice Date: Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Notice Number: NOTC2467
FAAST Blast
This notice expired on
Friday, September 10, 2010


FAAST Blast — August 10, 2010
Biweekly FAA Safety Briefing News Update


FAA Issues Cessna SAIB and Piper AD


On July 30, 2010, FAA issued Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin (SAIB) CE-10-40R1 regarding a safety concern with water contamination in the fuel systems of Cessna 100-, 200-, and 300- series airplanes. FAA recommends you check all fuel drain locations every time before you fly. Take at least one sampler cup of fuel from each drain and check for water, proper clarity, odor, and/or contaminants. If you discover contaminants, take repeated samples until clear. Do not fly the aircraft if any contaminants cannot be cleared. Instead, contact maintenance personnel to drain and purge the fuel tank. FAA also recommends regularly checking all external entry sites, e.g., caps and access panels, for evidence of water entering the fuel system. To view the SAIB, go to www.faa.gov/aircraft/safety/alerts/SAIB/.  
 
FAA issued an Airworthiness Directive (AD) for certain Piper PA-28, PA-32, PA-34, and PA-44 series airplanes. The AD, which results from field reports of incorrectly assembled control-wheel shafts, requires these shafts to be inspected, and if necessary, replaced. A faulty control wheel shaft may lead to a loss of pitch-and-roll control if left uncorrected. The AD, which is effective August 31, 2010, affects nearly 42,000 airplanes. For more details, go to www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/airworthiness_directives/ and search AD 2010-15-10.
 


Westfield Air Show Promises Plenty of Aviation “Star” Power


On August 21 and 22, visitors to the 2010 Westfield International Air Show are in for a special treat. The two-day event at Barnes Municipal Airport in Westfield, MA, will host more than 60 aircraft displays and flight demonstrations, ranging from the legendary U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds to such aerobatic greats as Mike Goulian and Greg Poe.  
 
Also on hand will be members of the FAASTeam to help answer questions and provide airmen with information on the updated www.FAASafety.gov Web site and WINGS Program. “We’re excited to help spread the word about safety at such an important celebration of aviation,” said FAASTeam Manager James Adams. If you’re at the show, be sure to stop by the FAA booth to meet Adams and FAASTeam Manager Al Schnur. Visit www.westfieldairshow.net/ for more information.


 
Do’s and Don’ts for Datalink Weather


Datalink is an industry term used to describe a wide range of equipment and services that all do one basic thing—get data into the cockpit so pilots can use it to make decisions. This is especially the case with weather data, which can now be received, processed, and displayed in a myriad of panel-mounted displays and hand-held devices. In the July/August 2010 FAA Safety Briefing article, “Do’s and Don’ts for Datalink Weather,” author Meredith Saini warns pilots of some of the pitfalls of these high-tech devices. “Pilots must understand the limitations of any datalink weather product before using it to make strategic inflight decisions,” writes Saini. In addition to processing delays, NEXRAD data from ground stations can be affected by interference from buildings or terrain. “No matter how many full-color displays you have working for you, it’s still your responsibility to obtain a standard briefing before any flight.” See that article and more in the July/August issue for strategies to cope with Mother Nature.
 
Produced by the editors, FAA Safety Briefing, http://www.faa.gov/news/safety_briefing/
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