FAAST Blast — Week of Aug 11 – 18, 2014
Biweekly
FAA Safety Briefing
News Update
Comment Period for Airman Certification Standards Open until Aug. 25
In 2011, the FAA established an Aviation Rulemaking Committee (ARC) composed of industry experts to provide recommendations on improving the FAA’s airman testing and training materials. As a result, the ARC chose to adopt an “Airman Certification Standards” (ACS) approach that would define not only the performance metrics for knowledge and skill, but also the required content for guidance materials such as the FAA-H-series handbooks and for relevant knowledge test questions.
An industry-led ACS Working Group published draft ACS documents for the commercial pilot certificate and the authorized instructor certificate in the Federal Register for public review and comment. The docket will be open for review until August 25, 2014. To read the Notice, please go to: www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2014-06-25/pdf/2014-14791.pdf. Access the docket via this link: www.regulations.gov/#!docketDetail;D=FAA-2013-0316.
SAIB Highlights Air Intake Issue for Select Piper Airplanes
The FAA issued Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin (SAIB) CE-14-23 on Aug. 6 that details a concern with the deterioration and possible collapse of the air inlet hose on Piper model PA-28, PA-32, PA-34, PA-44, and PA-46 airplanes. The air inlet hose may be between the air filter and the fuel injector, carburetor, or carburetor heat box depending on the model. A collapsed hose reduces airflow to the engine and could result in a rough running engine or a loss of power.
The SAIB recommends that owners inspect the air inlet hose of each airplane’s engine(s) within the next 25 hours of time in service to verify that it is an approved Piper part. The SAIB calls for replacement of the hose if it is not an approved part, or if it exhibits any of the following conditions: broken or loose cords on external surface; loose or displaced supporting wire; signs of wear, perforation, deterioration or collapse. For more information, go to the FAA’s SAIB library.
ADS-B Checks
Are you ADS-B (Automatic Dependent Surveillance – Broadcast) equipped? Find out how your equipment is performing. Email Mailto:9-AWA-AFS-300-ADSB-AvionicsCheck@faa.govand include your N-number, ADS-B transmitter, and GPS make/model numbers to find out. For more on ADS-B, go to http://www.faa.gov/nextgen/implementation/programs/adsb/. You can also check out the latest video on ADS-B here: www.faa.gov/tv/?categoryId=44.
No, You Can’t Take All Those Bags!
Does this phrase sound familiar? Traveling in GA aircraft is not as item restrictive as flying commercial; however, how much you and your bags weigh directly impacts an airplane’s ability to get airborne. Flying companions can learn more about why it’s important for a pilot to ask so many questions about weight in the article “You Can’t Take All That” in the current issue of FAA Safety Briefing at http://www.faa.gov/news/safety_briefing/2014/media/JulAug2014.pdf.
Produced by the FAA Safety Briefing editors, http://www.faa.gov/news/safety_briefing/
Address questions or comments to: SafetyBriefing@faa.gov.
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