FAAST Blast — Week of Nov 13, 2017 – Nov 19, 2017
Biweekly FAA Safety Briefing News Update
Proposed ADs for Piper/Textron Aviation
The FAA last week issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) that addresses reports of main wing spar corrosion found in certain Piper PA-28 and PA-32 Cherokee series airplanes. This proposed AD would require installing an inspection access panel in the lower wing skin near the left and the right main wing spars if not already there, inspecting the left and the right main wing spars for corrosion, and taking all necessary corrective actions. The FAA estimates the AD would affect 11,476 airplanes of U.S. Registry. For more details and for instructions on how to submit comments before the December 22 deadline, go to
www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2017-11-07/pdf/2017-24083.pdf.
The FAA also revised an NPRM originally designed for Textron Aviation A36TC and B36TC Bonanza models to include all Textron Aviation Models S35, V35, V35A, and V35B airplanes that have the optional turbocharger engine installed. The proposed AD aims to prevent
failure of the exhaust tailpipe v-band coupling (clamp) that may lead to detachment of the exhaust tailpipe from the turbocharger and allow high-temperature exhaust gases to enter the engine compartment. The comment period for the NPRM has been reopened until December 26, 2017. For more, go to www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2017-11-08/pdf/2017-24065.pdf.
Aeronautical Chart Users Guide Revamped
Last month, the FAA’s Aeronautical Information Services (formerly, “AeroNav Products”) released a revamped Chart Users Guide (CUG). The CUG website offers improved navigation, updated information and expanded content, ranging from a more robust IFR Enroute & Terminal Terms section, to the addition of a “References & Abbreviations” and “What’s New” sections. The CUG is an unparalleled training and study aid for student pilots, Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) operators, flight instructors, and anyone wanting to familiarize themselves with FAA charts and publications. It serves as a reference for both novice and experienced pilots alike, decoding the legends and information found on VFR charts, Helicopter Route charts, Flyway Planning charts, Terminal Procedure Publications and IFR Enroute charts.
Download the new CUG at: faa.gov/air_traffic/flight_info/aeronav/digital_products/aero_guide
Runway Length Matters
See the NTSB’s Safety Alert (SA-071) on Understanding the Potential Hazards on Intersection Takeoffs at www.ntsb.gov/safety/safety-alerts/Documents/SA-071.pdf.
Chart A Course for “Sim City”
Explore the exciting world of flight simulation technology and its evolving impact on aviation safety in our new issue of FAA Safety Briefing. Download your copy or read online at: 1.usa.gov/FAA_ASB. For a good primer on how flight simulators have evolved, check out author William Dubois’ article, “Link Trainer, to Desktop, to Redbird.” You can view a mobile-friendly version of this article at http://adobe.ly/2xLo5jO.
Produced by the FAA Safety Briefing editors, http://www.faa.gov/news/safety_briefing/
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