FAAST Blast — Week of Aug 08, 2016 – Aug 14, 2016
Biweekly FAA Safety Briefing News Update
FAA Safety Alert: Proper Takeoff Checks Avoid Runway Excursions
Proper checks before takeoff, especially weight and balance, are keys to avoid a runway excursion. In a recently released Safety Alert for Operators (SAFO), the FAA advised that incorrect, or missing, takeoff performance data could result in an incident or accident, particularly during takeoff. Pilots are urged to plan takeoffs far in advance of departure and use standard operating procedures (SOPs) to calculate takeoff performance data such as aircraft weight and balance, aircraft performance, and density altitude to name a few. Last-minute changes due to passenger or cargo adjustments, runway assignments, or weather changes should also be accounted for and accurately assessed in all pre-flight activities. The SAFO is found at www.faa.gov/other_visit/aviation_industry/airline_operators/airline_safety/safo/all_safos/media/2016/SAFO16008.pdf.
Prepping for the Remote Pilot Knowledge Test
With the effective date of the part 107 small unmanned aircraft system (sUAS) rule fast approaching, many people are preparing to take the FAA knowledge test for the new remote pilot certificate. Here are some resources that can help: the Airman Certification Standards (ACS) for Unmanned Aircraft Systems; online sample questions; the part 107 online training course available at FAASafety.gov; the part 107 Advisory Circular, and the Remote Pilot Knowledge Test Guide. In addition, an Internet search will provide several third-party training providers that are available.
VOR Decommissioning
Last month, the FAA issued a final policy statement that outlines its plan to establish a VOR Minimum Operational Network (VOR MON) as it moves forward with a NextGen transition to Performance-Based Navigation (PBN). The policy statement includes a list of just over 300 candidate VORs selected for discontinuance as well as the criteria used for phasing them out. The FAA remains committed to retaining a VOR MON that will enable pilots to revert from PBN to conventional navigation in the event of a GPS outage. For more information, and for the complete list of VORs being considered for discontinuance, go to: https://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2016-07-26/pdf/2016-17579.pdf
Choosing the Right Trainer For You
High wing, or low wing? Trike, or tailwheel? Powered, or non-powered? These are just a few of the many options to choose from when selecting the right training aircraft for you. Thankfully, air race pilot and author William Dubois breaks down the selection process for us in his article, “Junkyard Dog or Factory Fresh” in the July/Aug 2016 FAA Safety Briefing. “You don’t have to rent the first plane presented to you,” says Dubois. “Shop around until you find the plane that’s right for you.” Check out the article here: http://1.usa.gov/FAA_ASB.
NextGen for General Aviation
Got questions on ADS-B (Automatic Dependent Surveillance – Broadcast) equipment? Want to know more about the FAA’s $500 rebate program? Get the facts by checking out the NextGen for GA flyer here: http://www.faa.gov/nextgen/equipadsb/resources/.
Produced by the FAA Safety Briefing editors, http://www.faa.gov/news/safety_briefing/
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