Watch a swarm of drones fly in formation and avoid crashing into a person

http://gigaom.com/2013/12/31/watch-a-swarm-of-drones-fly-in-formation-and-avoid-crashing-into-a-person/

This wonderful sound is a turbine engine's worst nightmare

http://sploid.gizmodo.com/this-wonderful-sound-is-a-turbine-engines-worst-nightm-1489879370/@caseychan

USAF Officials Raise Pilot Shortage Concerns -

http://www.avweb.com/avwebflash/news/USAF-Officials-Raise-Pilot-Shortage-Concerns221201-1.html

Fwd: Controller hiring

 Just wanted to let you know the word on the union facebook page is that the FAA is going to start hiring "off the street" again in February 2014. Well the bids should be coming out in February at least.  I will keep you updated.  Minimum qualifications should be the same as before, 3 years work experience, a 4-year degree or a combination of both.

Bald eagle deaths in Utah alarm and mystify scientists

http://phys.org/news/2013-12-bald-eagle-deaths-utah-alarm.html

Military drones are already aloft

http://www.topix.com/us/faa/2013/12/military-drones-are-already-aloft

Feds announce test sites for drone aircraft

http://www.i4u.com/2013/12/59776/feds-announce-test-sites-drone-aircraft

Like that house for sale? Get a drone's eye view first

http://news.cnet.com/8301-17938_105-57616257-1/like-that-house-for-sale-get-a-drones-eye-view-first/?part=rss&tag=feed&subj=

Could a Better User Interface Mitigate Automation Addiction?

http://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/ainsafety/2013-12-23/could-better-user-interface-mitigate-automation-addiction

earth wind map

http://earth.nullschool.net/#current/wind/isobaric/1000hPa/orthographic=-89.12,41.06,865

Southwest Swamped With Flight Attendant Applications

http://www.aero-news.net/index.cfm?do=main.textpost&id=e550a64a-1884-476c-97d2-9e70518e6853

Fwd: "FAAST Blast" - FAASafety.gov

FAAST Blast Notice Number: NOTC5108 FAAST Blast — Week of Dec 23 – Dec 29, 2013 Biweekly FAA Safety Briefing News Update QR Codes Enhance AeroNav Charts             Beginning with the October 17, 2013, print cycle, all AeroNav charting products began to feature Quick Response (QR) codes that points pilots to additional flight information sources. QR codes are the special box-shaped barcodes that, with the aid of a smartphone, can be scanned and have you directed to a specific website or email address. According to Eric Freed, FAA Enroute and Visual Charts Group Manager, "Each QR code will direct the pilot to a series of web-links that will provide easier access to important/updated flight information to be used during the flight planning process." These include Notices to Airmen (NOTAMs), Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs), and chart update bulletins. Check out this time- and space-saving tool on your next flight and as an aside, if, in the course of planning or executing your flight path, you happen to notice a wind turbine farm on your route, be sure to maintain a safe distance and beware of the potential hazard for shedding ice!   AD Revised for Various Aircraft with Wing Lift Struts             Last week, the FAA issued a revision to Airworthiness Directive (AD) 99-01-05 that affects certain aircraft with wing lift struts and requires inspection and replacement procedures for corroded/cracked wing lift strut forks. The revised AD clarifies the FAA's intent of required actions if the seal on a sealed wing lift strut is ever improperly broken. The AD is effective January 14, 2014, and can be viewed here: http://go.usa.gov/ZDJ4.   Airman Testing Reform Update             You may have heard about the Airman Certification Standards (ACS) project, but do you know what it's all about? How about its effect on the Practical Test Standards (PTS), or airman training requirements? To learn more about the collaborative efforts behind the ACS and its potential impact on you as an airman (or airman-in-training), see the special two-page Q&A on page 15 of the November/December 2013 issue (www.faa.gov/news/safety_briefing/) of FAA Safety Briefing magazine.     Happy Holidays!             Happy holidays from all of us on the FAA Safety Briefing staff. We wish you an enjoyable New Year and safe journeys in 2014! And just in case you're still looking for that last-minute gift, consider giving your favorite pilot or mechanic a free online subscription to FAA Safety Briefing. Just go to www.faa.gov/news/safety_briefing/, click on the subscribe link (green checkmark), and register your e-mail address. From there you'll find FAA Safety Briefing as a subscription option under the Flight Standards category. You (or your gift recipient) will get an email each time a new issue is available online. Cheers!

Greetings from Chuck (The epic christmas split) - YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=T-D1KVIuvjA

Flying man in wingsuit flies deathly close to the ground like Superman

http://sploid.gizmodo.com/flying-man-in-wingsuit-flies-deathly-close-to-the-groun-1486010654/@caseychan

General Atomics tests UAV that can "sense and avoid" other aircraft

http://www.gizmag.com/uav-sense-avoid-test-general-atomics/30184/

Helicopter Pilot Slides Aircraft Across Ice Near Skaters

http://www.aero-news.net/index.cfm?do=main.textpost&id=647a0ae4-3d97-4e71-a07c-5f1a784a1eeb

The 6-Year-Old Who Donated His Piggy Bank to NASA Just Got a Call From an Astronaut

http://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2013/12/the-6-year-old-who-donated-his-piggy-bank-to-nasa-just-got-a-call-from-an-astronaut/282336/

Crazy video: Heavy military trucks being dropped from a plane

http://sploid.gizmodo.com/crazy-video-heavy-military-trucks-being-dropped-from-a-1484001731/@jesusdiaz

Video Of China's Jade Rabbit Rover Rolling On to the Moon's Surface

http://gizmodo.com/chinas-rover-has-reportedly-landed-on-the-moon-1483252000/1483506546/@nak

The astounding athletic power of quadcopters - YouTube

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w2itwFJCgFQ&feature=youtu.be

Fwd: A LITTLE AIRPORT HUMOR

 

 

A LITTLE AIRPORT HUMOR

"Delta 351, you have traffic at 10 o'clock, 6 miles!"

Delta 351: "Give us another hint! We have digital watches!" 

 

________________________________________________________________________
Tower: "TWA 2341, for noise abatement turn right 45 Degrees."
TWA 2341: "Center, we are at 35,000 feet. How much noise can we make up here?"
Tower: "Sir, have you ever heard the noise a 747 makes when it hits a 727?"

 

__________________________________________________________\
_______________________________________
A student became lost during a solo cross-country flight. While attempting to locate the aircraft on radar, ATC asked, "What was your last known position?" 
Student: "When I was number one for takeoff."
________________________________________

 

A DC-10 had come in a little hot and thus had an exceedingly long roll out after touching down. San JoseTower Noted:
"American 751, make a hard right turn at the end of the runway, if you are able. If you are not able, take the Guadeloupe exit off Highway 101, make a right at the lights and return to the airport."
_________________________________________

 

A Pan Am 727 flight, waiting for start clearance in Munich , overheard the following:
Lufthansa (in German): "Ground, what is our start clearance time?"
Ground (in English): "If you want an answer you must speak in English."
Lufthansa (in English): "I am a German, flying a German airplane, in Germany . Why must I speak English?"
Unknown voice from another plane (in a beautiful British accent):"Because you lost the bloody war!" 

 

____________________________________________________________________________________
Tower: "Eastern 702, cleared for takeoff, contact Departure on frequency 124.7"
Eastern 702: "Tower, Eastern 702 switching to Departure. By the way, after we lifted off we saw some kind of dead animal on the far end of the runway."
Tower: "Continental 635, cleared for takeoff behind Eastern 702, contact Departure on frequency 124.7. Did you copy that report from Eastern 702?" 
Continental 635: "Continental 635, cleared for takeoff, roger; and yes, we copied Eastern... We've already notified our caterers."
_________________________________________

 

One day the pilot of a Cherokee 180 was told by the tower to hold short of the active runway while a DC-8 landed. The DC-8 landed, rolled out, turned around, and taxied back past the Cherokee. Some quick-witted comedian in the DC-8 crew got on the radio and said, "What a cute little plane. Did you make it all by yourself?"
The Cherokee pilot, not about to let the insult go by, came back with a real zinger: "I made it out of DC-8 parts. Another landing like yours and I'll have enough parts for another one."
________________________________________

 

The German air controllers at Frankfurt Airport are renowned as a short-tempered lot. They not only expect one to know one's gate parking location, but how to get there without any assistance from them. So it was with some amusement that we (a Pan Am 747) listened to the following exchange between Frankfurt ground control and a British Airways 747, call sign Speedbird 206.
Speedbird 206: " Frankfurt , Speedbird 206! Clear of active runway."
Ground: "Speedbird 206. Taxi to gate Al pha One-Seven."
The BA 747 pulled onto the main taxiway and slowed to a stop.

Ground: "Speedbird, do you not know where you are going?" 
Speedbird 206: "Stand by, Ground, I'm looking up our gate location now."
Ground (with quite arrogant impatience): "Speedbird 206, have you not been to Frankfurt before?"
Speedbird 206 (coolly): "Yes, twice in 1944, but it was dark, -- And I didn't land."
________________________________________
While taxiing at London 's Airport, the crew of a US Air flight departing for Ft. 

Lauderdale made a wrong turn and came nose to nose with a United 727..
An irate female ground controller lashed out at the US Air crew, screaming:"US Air 2771, where the hell are you going? I told you to turn right onto Charlie taxiway! You turned right on Delta! Stop right there. I know it's difficult for you to tell the difference between C and D, but get it right!"
Continuing her rage to the embarrassed crew, she was now shouting hysterically: "God! Now you've screwed everything up! It'll take forever to sort this out! You stay right there and don't move till I tell you to! You can expect progressive taxi instructions in about half an hour, and I want you to go exactly where I tell you, when I tell you, and how I tell you! You got that, US Air 2771?"
"Yes, ma'am," the humbled crew responded. Naturally, the ground control communications frequency fell terribly silent after the verbal bashing of US Air 2771. Nobody wanted to chance engaging the irate ground controller in her current state of mind.. Tension in every cockpit out around Gatwick was definitely running high. Just then an unknown pilot broke the silence and keyed his microphone, asking: "Wasn't I married to you once?"

A gun is like a parachute. If you need one, and don't have one, you'll never need one again.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Plane crash kills Hawaii official who verified Obama's birth

http://www.kimatv.com/news/national/Plane-crash-kills-Hawaii-official-who-verified-Obamas-birth-235617191.html

Fwd: "FAAST Blast" - FAASafety.gov

FAAST Blast Notice Number: NOTC5097 FAAST Blast — Week of Dec 09 to Dec 15, 2013 Biweekly FAA Safety Briefing News Update Small Plane Revitalization Plan Signed Into Law             On November 27, 2013, President Obama signed into law the Small Airplane Revitalization Act (SARA). The bill gives the FAA until Dec. 15, 2015, to issue a final rule that advances the safety and continued development of small airplanes by adopting changes to 14 CFR part 23. Among the objectives of the future rule are to (1) establish a regulatory regime for small airplanes that will improve safety and reduce the regulatory cost burden for the FAA and the aviation industry, (2) establish broad, outcome-driven safety objectives that will spur innovation and technology adoption, (3) replace current, prescriptive requirements under part 23 with performance-based regulations, and (4) use consensus standards to clarify how the safety objectives of part 23 may be met using specific designs and technologies. To view the bill, go to: www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/113/hr1848/text.    Airman Testing Web Page Updated             The Airman Testing Standards Branch of the FAA's Regulatory Support Division launched a new web page that streamlines the process of getting information regarding airman testing. Some of the site's features include:     A "What's New and Upcoming in Airman Testing" section;     A "Submit an Airman Knowledge Test Question" button;     A "Questions & Answer" section; and,     A "Contact Us" button  The site (http://www.faa.gov/training_testing/testing/) also includes a subscription feature which will notify you anytime there is an update to a handbook or the practical test standards.   The Basics of Buying a Bird             How great would it be to buy that new airplane for the holidays? If you're in the market for buying a new or used aircraft, be sure to have a look at Sabrina Woods' article "From Aeronca to Zenair: The Basics of Buying a Bird" on page 18 of the Nov/Dec 2013 issue of FAA Safety Briefing. It is chock full of helpful tips to guide you during the buying process. Find it online at http://www.faa.gov/news/safety_briefing/. Searching for that Last Minute Holiday Gift?             Then consider signing up that pilot or mechanic on your holiday shopping list for a free digital subscription to FAA Safety Briefing. Just go to http://www.faa.gov/news/safety_briefing/ and click the green subscribe link at the top of the page. You'll be directed to enter contact and email information into the GovDelivery system which manages the subscription and provides reminder emails whenever a new issue is published.   Produced by the FAA Safety Briefing editors, http://www.faa.gov/news/safety_briefing/ Address questions or comments to: SafetyBriefing@faa.gov. Follow us on Twitter @FAASafetyBrief or www.twitter.com/FAASafetyBrief

Angelina Jolie Barred from Flying her Aircraft by the FAA -

http://www.i4u.com/2013/12/58552/angelina-jolie-barred-flying-her-aircraft-faa

TSA Embarrassed by Nine-Year-Old -

http://www.loweringthebar.net/2013/10/tsa-embarrassed-by-nine-year-old.html

Pilot Shortage Hits Small Markets

http://www.aero-news.net/index.cfm?do=main.textpost&id=c640e027-8d0b-4f22-920f-f0a4b2f45e60

First video in history to capture the Moon rotating around Earth

http://sploid.gizmodo.com/first-video-ever-to-capture-the-moon-rotating-earth-is-1480576442/@barrett

Pilot v. Airline Case Goes To Supreme Court -

http://www.avweb.com/avwebflash/news/Pilot-v-Airline-Case-Goes-To-Supreme-Court221096-1.html

WestJet Christmas Miracle Video

http://www.neatorama.com/2013/12/10/WestJet-Christmas-WestJet Christmas Miracle Video ----  and Grades PostedMiracle/#!pwKBZ

N1278L Icing Encounter.wmv - YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ee0QsuLdnYg

Christmas Trees 2010 - Putting Trees In Trucks - YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=SPO9pVwoxVg

Watch this helicopter pilot harvesting Christmas trees

http://sploid.gizmodo.com/holy-crap-watch-this-mad-helicopter-pilot-harvesting-c-1480156519/@jesusdiaz

Video: Man miraculously survives terrible fall from cliff

http://sploid.gizmodo.com/video-man-miraculously-survives-horrifying-base-jump-f-1478128211/@caseychan

Watch This Intelligent Quadcopter Recover After Losing a Prop In Flight

http://gizmodo.com/watch-this-intelligent-quadcopter-recover-after-losing-1478004249

FAA To Conduct GPS Testing Over The Next Several Days |

http://www.aero-news.net/index.cfm?do=main.textpost&id=067ae526-f8aa-4dde-8250-d07075b57e12

Guy lands his plane on top of a mountain 1 - YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I_qAz50mdeY

Video: Coolest Instrument Approach Ever

http://www.flyingmag.com/pilots-places/pilots-adventures-more/video-coolest-instrument-approach-ever

Explorer View | Smithsonian X 3D

http://3d.si.edu/explorer?modelid=48

Air hogs: Drones secret weapon in hunt for feral pigs

http://www.foxnews.com/us/2013/12/04/louisiana-company-uses-drones-to-hunt-feral-pigs/

2 skydivers dead after mid-air collision |

http://www.kare11.com/rss/article/1047508/18/2-skydivers-dead-after-mid-air-collision

Scholarships Available For Aviation Careers -

http://www.avweb.com/avwebflash/news/Scholarships-Available-For-Aviation-Careers221072-1.html

FAA Issues SAIB For Winter Rotorcraft Operations

http://www.aero-news.net/index.cfm?do=main.textpost&id=14063f98-fdac-40ce-a660-730a0dd996a7

FAA wants no more crops at airport

http://madisonet.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=20477069&BRD=1302&PAG=461&dept_id=181987&rfi=6

Amazon Drones

https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=98BIu9dpwHU

Video Camera Sends ELT Signal

http://www.avweb.com/avwebflash/news/Video-Camera-Sends-ELT-Signal221061-1.html

Track on the Map

http://www.trackonthemap.com/

China will Send a Jade Rabbit Rover to the Moon on Sunday -

http://www.i4u.com/2013/11/58147/china-will-send-jade-rabbit-rover-moon-sunday

Enstrom Helicopters Introduces 'The Configurator' |

http://www.aero-news.net/index.cfm?do=main.textpost&id=3a93e306-e1a2-4a10-8b87-ce32a0a378e3

Instructor Pilot Recognized For One Wing Landing

http://www.avweb.com/avwebflash/news/Instructor-Pilot-Recognized-For-One-Wing-Landing221056-1.html

PowerUp 3.0 Is A Bluetooth Module That Turns A Paper Plane Into A Lean, Mean App-Controlled Flying Machine

http://techcrunch.com/2013/11/28/paper-plane-3-0/

Incredible remote-control A380 takes to the skies

http://news.cnet.com/8301-10797_3-57613979-235/incredible-remote-control-a380-takes-to-the-skies/?part=rss&subj=news&tag=title

The Prettiest Way to See How Screwed Up Your Holiday Flights Are

http://gizmodo.com/the-prettiest-way-to-see-how-screwed-up-your-holiday-fl-1471971341

FlightAware MiseryMap

http://flightaware.com/miserymap/

Resin for runways

http://www.aopa.org/News-and-Video/All-News/2013/November/21/runway-resin.aspx

18-rotor electric helicopter makes maiden flight

http://news.cnet.com/8301-17938_105-57613608-1/18-rotor-electric-helicopter-makes-maiden-flight/?part=rss&subj=news&tag=title

ESA SWARMing Earth's magnetic field

http://phys.org/news/2013-11-esa-swarming-earth-magnetic-field.html

Four-winged robot flies like a jellyfish -

http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn24638-fourwinged-robot-flies-like-a-jellyfish.html?cmpid=RSS|NSNS|2012-GLOBAL|tech

Pilot Shortage Is Already A Reality In Some Sectors

http://www.aero-news.net/index.cfm?do=main.textpost&id=12e3c8e0-31cb-4c01-8787-780874f38aaf

Operation Raincheck Draws a Crowd

http://www.alabamaaviator.com/news.asp?record_no=26102

Would you want to sit in these morphing airplane seats?

http://sploid.gizmodo.com/would-you-want-to-sit-in-these-morphing-airplane-seats-1470063288/@caseychan

Fwd: "The Flight Review Requirements for CFIs have Been Revised " - FAASafety.gov

	FAA Safety Team | Safer Skies Through Education
The Flight Review Requirements for CFIs have Been Revised Notice Number: NOTC5069 An airman who passes a practical test for issuance, renewal, reinstatement, or an additional rating to a flight instructor certificate automatically meets the 24-calendar month flight review requirements, and does not need to accomplish the minimum of one hour flight training and one hour of ground training. This change has the potential to save CFIs time and money meeting currency requirements. The new rule was effective as of Nov. 15, 2013. Details about the change can be found in the Federal Register excerpt online at http://1.usa.gov/1iyW9Dn .

Fwd: Cullman Regional Airport Christmas Party

 

Season's Greetings from

Cullman Regional Airport-Folsom Field

 

Bob, Bill, Huey, John, Harwood, Jim and Ben

 

 

The annual Christmas gathering will be on December 6^th,2013 at 6PM.

 

As in the past, we will be helping some less fortunate children from Vinemont School.

We will also help a child in the Christmas Love program.

This year there are two Children we would like to help.

Ben is requesting that we donate cash so he can be sure there are not duplicate items donated that he has to return.

 

Thank you for your concern for those less fortunate than us.

 

Bring a covered dish and the meat will be donated by Skydive Alabama, Alabama State Troopers and Wallace State College. 

 

THANKS FOR YOUR HELP AND WE HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE!

 

 

Ben Harrison

 

Boeing Projects 40,000 New Pilots Needed to Support Airplane Deliveries

http://www.alabamaaviator.com/news.asp?record_no=26097

The space station is now fully armed and operational with a cannon

http://sploid.gizmodo.com/the-space-station-is-now-fully-armed-and-operational-wi-1469085552/@barrett

What Is This Bizarre-Looking Flying Machine Doing Near Google HQ?

http://gizmodo.com/what-is-this-bizarre-looking-flying-machine-doing-near-1469207495

Pilot Who Landed On PA Turnpike Hit With Big Bill |

http://www.aero-news.net/index.cfm?do=main.textpost&id=643a06ce-a06b-4b5b-a5d1-565e087e8340

Volocopter Development Progressing

http://www.aero-news.net/index.cfm?do=main.textpost&id=90fc6d1f-44c1-4c18-80e5-e73f3b9103a4

"Somebody will be home for Christmas" because they landed Boeing's Biggest Plane at the Wrong Airport -

http://www.neatorama.com/2013/11/21/Boeings-Biggest-Plane-Landed-at-Wrong-Airport/#!orWNf

You've Never Seen GPS Data Look This Beautiful

http://gizmodo.com/youve-never-seen-gps-data-look-this-beautiful-1468837981

Mystery of Nashville plane crash deepens

http://www.wbir.com/story/news/2013/11/20/mystery-of-nashville-plane-crash-deepens/3659103/

Next Best Thing to a Helicopter: Watch as This Guy Lands a Plane on the Side of a Mountain!

http://www.core77.com/blog/transportation/next_best_thing_to_a_helicopter_watch_as_this_guy_lands_a_plane_on_the_side_of_a_mountain_25893.asp

Pilots wanted: How a pinched pilot pipeline is threatening aviation -

http://www.bizjournals.com/wichita/blog/2013/11/pilots-wanted-how-a-pinched-pilot.html?page=all

Florida Pilot Says Passenger Fell From Plane

http://web.orange.co.uk/article/news/florida_pilot_says_passenger_fell_from_plane

Fwd: (BHM) Operation Rain Check Birmingham, Al Shuttlesworth International Airport Control Tower - FAASafety.gov

This is the event that I told you in ground school that you need to look for. Here it is in Birmingham, so if you are interested, sign up now to insure a slot. They will probably go fast.

	FAA Safety Team | Safer Skies Through Education
You have asked us to notify you when a seminar is scheduled that meets your criteria. The following seminar may be of interest to you: "(BHM) Operation Rain Check Birmingham, Al Shuttlesworth International Airport Control Tower" Topic: Local Airspace Procedures and Letters to Airmen review along with ATC Control Tower and Approach Control Radar Room Tour On Sunday, November 24, 2013 at 9:00 AM Location: Birmingham Air Traffic Control Tower 5900 Messer Airport Hwy Birmingham, AL 35212 Select Number: SO0952730 Description: Birmingham Air Traffic Controllers will discuss local airspace procedures and review Letters to Airmen. Meet the folks you hear on your aircraft radio and get the answers to the questions you may be pondering.  This seminar will give you new insight how ATC functions, what some of the local limitations are and how to better use the National Airspace System. Learn some of the common arrival and departure routes around the local airports in the Birmingham area.     This seminar will be a great opportunity for instructors to introduce students to ATC and older pilots to understand the logic that makes our National Airspace System work. To view further details and registration information for this seminar, click here. The sponsor for this seminar is: FAASTeam The FAA Safety Team (FAASTeam) is committed to providing equal access to this meeting/event for all participants. If you need alternative formats or services because of a disability, please communicate your request as soon as possible with the person in the 'Contact Information' area of the meeting/event notice. Note that two weeks is usually required to arrange services. The following credit(s) are available for the WINGS/AMT Programs: Advanced Knowledge 2 - 1 Credit Click here to view the WINGS help page
Invite a fellow pilot to the next WINGS Safety Seminar in your area.

Incredible 'gannet cam' captures birds-eye view

http://phys.org/news/2013-11-incredible-gannet-cam-captures-birds-eye.html

Small Aircraft Lands Aboard Cargo Ship

http://www.avweb.com/avwebflash/news/Small-Aircraft-Lands-Aboard-Cargo-Ship220955-1.html

2013 Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

http://www.neatorama.com/2013/11/06/2013-Albuquerque-International-Balloon-Fiesta/#!n15Xl

FAA cautiously agrees to some use of civilian drones

http://news.cnet.com/8301-11386_3-57611439-76/faa-cautiously-agrees-to-some-use-of-civilian-drones/?part=rss&tag=feed&subj=

NBC Wins the Television Space Race

http://www.i4u.com/2013/11/57070/nbc-has-won-television-space-race#full_story

Satellite Falling to Earth may Cause Damage

http://www.i4u.com/2013/11/56972/satellite-falling-earth-may-cause-damage#full_story

Plane in Nashville crash not supposed to be in US -

http://www.seattlepi.com/news/us/article/Plane-in-Nashville-crash-not-supposed-to-be-in-US-4957444.php

Man plunges to his death from chopper off Calif. |

http://www.jconline.com/usatoday/article/3451053

FAA Seeks More Realistic Commercial Pilot Training

http://www.aviationtoday.com/categories/commercial/FAA-Seeks-More-Realistic-Commercial-Pilot-Training_80599.html#.UnlW1iewU2Y

Videos Emerge Of Skydivers' Midair -

http://www.avweb.com/avwebflash/news/Videos-Emerge-Of-Skydivers-Midair220918-1.html

American Airlines gets OK for electronic devices

http://www.lcsun-news.com/ci_24456557/american-airlines-gets-ok-electronic-devices

Hypersonic Successor to Legendary SR-71 Blackbird Unveiled |

http://www.wired.com/autopia/2013/11/lockheed-martin-sr-72/

Gah! They've Taught Drones How To Weave Giant Spider Webs Now

http://gizmodo.com/gah-theyve-taught-drones-how-to-weave-giant-spider-we-1456796988

City looks to keep copters in check

http://www.thedestinlog.com/news/city-looks-to-keep-copters-in-check-1.226284

New FAA Guidelines Permit More Device Use, All The Way From Take-Off To Landing

http://techcrunch.com/2013/10/31/new-faa-guidelines-permit-more-device-use-all-the-way-from-take-off-to-landing/

Fwd: Weather Challenge - FAASafety.gov

	FAA Safety Team | Safer Skies Through Education
You have asked us to notify you when a seminar is scheduled that meets your criteria. The following seminar may be of interest to you: "Weather Challenge" Topic: Weather Challenge On Wednesday, November 13, 2013 at 7:00 PM Location: Southern Museum of Flight 4343 73rd Street North Birmingham, AL 35206 Select Number: NR0351035 Description: You don't need a meteorologist-level understanding of weather to be a good pilot—though to judge from some of the educational materials out there, you might think so. Skew-T diagrams and moist adiabatic lapse rates are all well and good, but for most of us it's the practical stuff that matters.   With that in mind, our new seminar is aimed at bolstering your real-world weather wisdom—and having a little fun, too. As with our recent "Chart Challenge" seminar, we'll put your knowledge to the test, quizzing you on everything from METAR/TAF decoding to real-world weather scenarios. Along the way we'll cover:        -The most important weather resources for pilots     -Critical tie-ins with risk management and decision making     -Weather-related accidents that didn't need to happen     -The promise (and pitfalls) of cockpit weather To view further details and registration information for this seminar, click here. The sponsor for this seminar is: AOPA Foundation The FAA Safety Team (FAASTeam) is committed to providing equal access to this meeting/event for all participants. If you need alternative formats or services because of a disability, please communicate your request as soon as possible with the person in the 'Contact Information' area of the meeting/event notice. Note that two weeks is usually required to arrange services. The following credit(s) are available for the WINGS/AMT Programs: Basic Knowledge 3 - 1 Credit Click here to view the WINGS help page
Invite a fellow pilot to the next WINGS Safety Seminar in your area.

172 Crash At Nashville Airport Unnoticed For Hours

http://www.avweb.com/avwebflash/news/172-Crash-At-Nashville-Airport-Unnoticed-For-Hours220892-1.html

Several have asked me what would be a good preflight passenger briefing. This one looks pretty good to me.

http://mashable.com/2013/10/29/virgin-america-safety-video/?utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Mashable+%28Mashable%29&utm_cid=Mash-Prod-RSS-Feedburner-All-Partial&utm_medium=feed&utm_source=feedburner

Drone driver licenses? How to make flying robots safe for American skies

http://www.nbcnews.com/technology/drone-driver-licenses-how-make-flying-robots-safe-american-skies-8C11382275

Honda "Hands" - YouTube

https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/Dxy4n0UT82o?rel=0

Aviation Analyst To Hold Online Helicopter Conference

http://www.aero-news.net/index.cfm?do=main.textpost&id=11cc7d40-319c-47fa-9161-f6b2529e9260

New Space Tourism Option -- High-Altitude Balloons -

http://www.avweb.com/avwebflash/news/New-Space-Tourism-Option-High-Altitude-Balloons220846-1.html

TSA admits "terrorists in America are not plotting against aviation" -

http://boingboing.net/2013/10/17/tsa-admits-terrorists-in-ame.html

Aviation Exam - Android Apps on Google Play

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.aviationexam.AndroidAviationExam

First Flight For Aeromobil Flying Car

http://www.avweb.com/avwebflash/news/First-Flight-For-Aeromobil-Flying-Car220786-1.html

TSA loudspeakers threaten travelers with arrest for joking about security

http://www.policestateusa.com/2013/tsa-loudspeakers-threaten-travelers-arrest-joking-security/

King Schools Goes Mobile -

http://www.avweb.com/avwebflash/news/King-Schools-Goes-Mobile220764-1.html

HSV Wings Weekend

http://www.alabamaaviator.com/news.asp?record_no=25971

Free Cockpit Weather In The Works From CSC Duats

http://www.avweb.com/avwebflash/news/Free-Cockpit-Weather-In-The-Works-From-CSC-Duats220760-1.html

Chip Yates Sets 5 New Electric Plane World Records in 4 Weeks

http://www.wired.com/autopia/2013/10/yates-world-records/

This Unmanned Blimp Could Settle the Bigfoot Debate Once and For All

http://gizmodo.com/this-unmanned-blimp-could-settle-the-bigfoot-debate-onc-1442007152

Drone Pilot Fights for Right to Profit in the Unmanned Skies |

http://www.wired.com/threatlevel/2013/10/drones-at-a-crossroads/

Aircraft noise linked to heart disease, study suggests

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/10/131009100602.htm

Mooney Sold To Chinese Company: Report

http://www.avweb.com/avwebflash/news/Mooney-Sold-To-Chinese-Company-Report220708-1.html

Soar Through the Alps With This Interactive Video of a Wingsuit Flight

http://gizmodo.com/soar-through-the-alps-with-this-interactive-video-of-a-1442646589

New Air Force cargo planes fly straight into mothballs

http://www.foxnews.com/us/2013/10/07/new-air-force-cargo-planes-fly-straight-into-mothballs/

Flying Hovercrafts

http://hackedgadgets.com/2013/10/06/flying-hovercrafts/

Tablet, e-reader use on flights may be allowed

http://technews.tmcnet.com/news/2013/10/06/7460434.htm

Alaska National Weather Service office begs “please pay us” in secret message

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/capital-weather-gang/wp/2013/10/04/weather-service-office-begs-please-pay-us-in-secret-message/

RC Quadcopter Crashes In Manhattan

http://www.aero-news.net/index.cfm?do=main.textpost&id=7f178cef-a860-4865-b524-59e57c0f1989

Why Is China Testing Satellite-Hijacking Space Weapons?

http://gizmodo.com/why-is-china-testing-satellite-hijacking-space-weapons-1440744006

Southwest fires captain after hard landing at NYC airport

http://www.foxnews.com/us/2013/10/02/southwest-fires-pilot-after-hard-landing-at-nyc-airport/?intcmp=latestnews

Union: FAA furloughs airline safety inspectors |

http://www.wkyc.com/news/story.aspx?storyid=316333

The First Jetpack You'll Be Able to Buy Just Got a Slick New Design

http://gizmodo.com/the-first-jetpack-youll-be-able-to-buy-just-got-a-slic-1426255110

BASE Jumper Fatally Injured On Mt. St. Helena |

http://www.aero-news.net/index.cfm?do=main.textpost&id=e502d3cb-e742-47e8-a5c6-6a1f8661d509

What are These Giant Concrete Arrows Across the American Landscape? -

http://www.core77.com/blog/transportation/what_are_these_giant_concrete_arrows_across_the_american_landscape_25236.asp

The Drone Census

http://droneu.org/the-drone-census

A Map of Where All the Drones Live in the United States

http://gizmodo.com/a-map-of-where-all-the-drones-live-in-the-united-states-1343156089

The First Full-Size Helicopter That Takes Off and Lands All By Itself

http://gizmodo.com/the-first-full-size-helicopter-that-takes-off-and-lands-1344277755

Mind-Blowing NASA Photos Of Fighter Jets Show How A Shockwave Forms

http://jalopnik.com/mind-blowing-nasa-photos-of-fighter-jets-show-how-a-sho-1401674050/@barrett

A Man With a Plane: Journalist Captures the Scale of Destruction in Colorado

http://www.wired.com/rawfile/2013/09/colorado-journalist-captures-the-scale-of-destruction/#slideid-75221

Have you logged “startle” time? ATP training rules make the rating costly.

http://blog.aopa.org/blog/?p=5756

Pilotless F-16 Video

http://www.alabamaaviator.com/news.asp?record_no=25920

FAA to permit smartphone and ebook reader usage during takeoff and landing |

http://www.extremetech.com/electronics/167210-faa-to-permit-smartphone-and-ebook-reader-usage-during-takeoff-and-landing

The Air Force Is Converting Its Old F-16s Into a Fleet of Drones

http://gizmodo.com/the-air-force-is-converting-old-f-16s-into-a-fleet-of-d-1377651994

Patent for a Fire Escape Parachute

http://www.neatorama.com/2013/09/23/Patent-for-a-Fire-Escape-Parachute/#!j3q1J

Pilot Makes Emergency Landing on Downtown Chicago Street, Uses Traffic Signal to Time His Descent -

http://www.neatorama.com/2013/09/22/Pilot-Makes-Emergency-Landing-on-Chicago-Street-Uses-Traffic-Signal-to-Time-His-Descent/#!j3q48

Flight Plan Form

Change to AIM FAA Domestic Flight Plan Equipment Suffixes

 

PUBLICATION OF CHANGE TO AERONAUTICAL INFORMATION MANUAL – DOMESTIC FLIGHT PLAN EQUIPMENT SUFFIXES

Purpose: To modify the following Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM) paragraphs: 5-1-8. Flight Plan- IFR Flights 5-3-4 Airways and Route Systems

Background:

Since December 2003, non-radar Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) operations have been conducted within the Anchorage Air Route Traffic Control Center (ARTCC) domestic controlled airspace.  Based on risk analysis and continued operational experience in Alaska, it has been determined that similar provisions can be safely implemented throughout the National Airspace System (NAS).

 

As part of this change, it was determined that the single-letter equipment suffix filed in domestic flight plans, and displayed to controllers for all flights, needed to evolve to clarify GNSS capability and eliminate confusion between "advanced navigation" suffixes and Performance Based Navigation (PBN) capability.

 

Guidance:

Changes to the Equipment Suffixes and to the procedures for RNAV flights are expected to take effect on October 24^th, 2013.  Several weeks before the implementation date a National Flight Data Center (NFDC) NOTAM will be issued to confirm the date.

A summary of the changes:

1.      Sections 5-1-8, paragraph d. "Area Navigation (RNAV)" and 5-3-4, paragraph a, item 3 "Area Navigation (RNAV) Routes" are changed to indicate that GNSS equipped aircraft no longer require radar monitoring on RNAV routes, except for random impromptu routes.  A random impromptu routing is a direct course initiated by ATC or requested by the pilot during flight.  Aircraft are cleared from their present position to a NAVAID, waypoint, fix, or airport.

2.      /R, /Q, /E, /F, /J and /K suffixes are being deleted and will not be accepted as equipment suffixes in domestic flight plan messages.

3.      The following suffixes will be added:
/Z (for RNAV and RVSM)
/V (for GNSS and no transponder)
/S (for GNSS and transponder without Mode C)

 

The AIM will reflect these changes in the 2014 publication cycle.

Until then, the modifications to AIM pages 5-1-13, 5-1-15, and 5-3-6 can be found on the following web page:

http://www.faa.gov/ato?k=fpl

Suggested FDC NOTAM-

!FDC X/00XX (KFDC A0065/12) FDC EQUIPMENT SUFFIX CHANGES EFFECTIVE 1310240000 UTC AIRCRAFT EQUIPMENT SUFFIXES FILED IN DOMESTIC FORMAT FLIGHT PLANS (FP) MUST FOLLOW THE NEW DEFINITIONS SHOWN AT HTTP://WWW.FAA.GOV/ATO?K=FPL. NOTE THAT /R, /Q, /E, /F, /J, and /K WILL NO LONGER BE ACCEPTED.  ENQUIRIES SHOULD BE DIRECTED TO 9-AJE-FLIGHTPLANQUESTIONS@FAA.GOV. 

Heavy Lifting Copters - Hacked Gadgets

http://hackedgadgets.com/2013/09/19/heavy-lifting-copters/

U.S. pilot scares off Iranians with 'Top Gun'-worthy stunt: 'You really ought to go home'

http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2013/sep/19/us-pilot-scares-iranians-top-gun-worthy-stunt-you-/

German chancellor’s drone “attack” shows the threat of weaponized UAVs

http://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2013/09/german-chancellors-drone-attack-shows-the-threat-of-weaponized-uavs/

Fwd: "FAAST Blast" - FAASafety.gov

	FAA Safety Team | Safer Skies Through Education
FAAST Blast Notice Number: NOTC4969 FAAST Blast — Week of Sept 16 – Sept 22, 2013 Biweekly FAA Safety Briefing News Update New Rule Eliminates Restriction for CFI Flight Review Requirement             The FAA issued a new direct final rule, published September 16, 2013, that permits an airman who passes a practical test for issuance of a flight instructor certificate, a practical test for the addition of a rating to a flight instructor certificate, a practical test for renewal of a flight instructor certificate, or a practical test for the reinstatement of a flight instructor certificate, to meet the 24-calendar month flight review requirements. The rule overturns a previous legal interpretation from 2008 which concluded that a CFI practical test is not a pilot proficiency check and therefore not eligible to meet the 24 calendar month flight review requirements.             The rule was published as a direct final rule without prior notice and prior public comment since it alleviates unnecessary burdens by expanding the exceptions to flight reviews. It will go into effect on November 15, 2013, unless an adverse comment is received during a 30-day comment period ending October 16, 2013. To view the rule or submit a comment, go to http://www.regulations.gov/and reference docket number FAA-2013-0780.   Flight Advisory for UN General Assembly Affects New York Metro Airspace             Pilots should be advised that flight restrictions will be in place for the United Nations General Assembly, 68th session (UNGA-68) in New York from September 18-30, 2013. You can download the advisory at www.faa.gov/news/updates/media/UNGA_Flight_Advisory.pdf.             The Notices to Airmen (NOTAMs) discussed in this advisory may change with little or no notice. Pilots are advised to check NOTAMs frequently for possible changes prior to operations in the area. Pilots are strongly encouraged to contact a Flight Service Station at 1-800-WX-BRIEF (1-800-992-7433) prior to flight to check for all current NOTAMS. When "Rash" or "Brash" Leads to "Crash"             "We were at the airport when this guy did a low pass over the hangar — nearly rattled the doors off!"             Sound familiar? Sadly, a significant number of stories like this end up in NTSB accident reports. Take a closer look at some of the ways an aviator's rash decision could lead to a crash in the current issue of FAA Safety Briefing online at www.faa.gov/news/safety_briefing.

Fwd: Weather Challenge - FAASafety.gov

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	n
"Weather Challenge" Topic: Weather Challenge On Tuesday, October 1, 2013 at 7:00 PM Location: The Westin Huntsville 6800 Governors West NW Huntsville, AL 35806 Select Number: NR0350995 Description: You don't need a meteorologist-level understanding of weather to be a good pilot—though to judge from some of the educational materials out there, you might think so. Skew-T diagrams and moist adiabatic lapse rates are all well and good, but for most of us it's the practical stuff that matters.   With that in mind, our new seminar is aimed at bolstering your real-world weather wisdom—and having a little fun, too. As with our recent "Chart Challenge" seminar, we'll put your knowledge to the test, quizzing you on everything from METAR/TAF decoding to real-world weather scenarios. Along the way we'll cover:        -The most important weather resources for pilots     -Critical tie-ins with risk management and decision making     -Weather-related accidents that didn't need to happen     -The promise (and pitfalls) of cockpit weather To view further details and registration information for this seminar, click here. The sponsor for this seminar is: AOPA Foundation The FAA Safety Team (FAASTeam) is committed to providing equal access to this meeting/event for all participants. If you need alternative formats or services because of a disability, please communicate your request as soon as possible with the person in the 'Contact Information' area of the meeting/event notice. Note that two weeks is usually required to arrange services. The following credit(s) are available for the WINGS/AMT Programs: Basic Knowledge 3 - 1 Credit Click here to view the WINGS help page
Invite a fellow pilot to the next WINGS Safety Seminar in your area.
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Regional Airline Goes on Hiring Binge: 350 Pilots and 300 Flight Attendants

http://skift.com/2013/09/13/regional-airline-goes-on-hiring-binge-350-pilots-and-300-flight-attendants/

Man who tried to cross Atlantic with balloons ends journey

http://www.washingtonpost.com/posttv/national/man-who-tried-to-cross-atlantic-with-balloons-ends-journey/2013/09/13/a3779d0a-1c78-11e3-80ac-96205cacb45a_video.html

The Aluminum Airship of the Future Has Finally Flown

http://gizmodo.com/the-aluminum-airship-of-the-future-has-finally-flown-1301320903

This GPS-Based Plane Tracker Makes Highways in the Sky

http://gizmodo.com/this-gps-based-plane-tracker-makes-highways-in-the-sky-1290177096

Meet the Man Attempting to Cross the Atlantic Using Only Balloons

http://gizmodo.com/meet-the-man-attempting-to-cross-the-atlantic-using-onl-1303368425

Fwd: WINGS Proficiency Day - FAASafety.gov

	FAA Safety Team | Safer Skies Through Education
You have asked us to notify you when a seminar is scheduled that meets your criteria. The following seminar may be of interest to you: "WINGS Proficiency Day" Topic: Engine Care, Spins, Physiology, ATC Radar, GA Survival, 'Liars Table', Heart of the Aviator, Corrosion, Aviation Weather On Saturday, October 5, 2013 at 8:00 AM Location: Signature Flight Support, Huntsville International Airport (HSV) 2000 Houston Goodson Way Huntsville, AL 35824 Select Number: SO0951785 Description: Please plan to join us for an all day event with multiple safety seminars, aviation vendor displays, aircraft static displays, discussions with medical and pilot examiners, and an opportunity to fly for WINGS flight credit in a rental or your own airplane with volunteer CFIs.  Gates open at 7am with the event beginning at 8am continuing through approximately 5pm.  Food and drink will be available via catering by Granville's Gourmet Ribs and Barbeque throughout the day.  Pick and choose your favorite seminars for WINGS credit or attend all ! To view further details and registration information for this seminar, click here. The sponsor for this seminar is: FAASTeam The FAA Safety Team (FAASTeam) is committed to providing equal access to this meeting/event for all participants. If you need alternative formats or services because of a disability, please communicate your request as soon as possible with the person in the 'Contact Information' area of the meeting/event notice. Note that two weeks is usually required to arrange services. The following credit(s) are available for the WINGS/AMT Programs: Basic Knowledge 3 - 1 Credit Advanced Knowledge 2 - ½ Credit Click here to view the WINGS help page

Hybrid RotorWing Conducts In-flight Fixed/Rotary Transition

http://www.aviationtoday.com/categories/commercial/Hybrid-RotorWing-Conducts-In-flight-FixedRotary-Transition_80056.html

This GPS-Based Plane Tracker Makes Highways in the Sky

http://gizmodo.com/this-gps-based-plane-tracker-makes-highways-in-the-sky-1290177096

Soviet-Born Entrepreneur Preps Cargo Blimp for Maiden US Flight

http://en.rian.ru/business/20130912/183367806/Soviet-Born-Entrepreneur-Preps-Cargo-Blimp-for-Maiden-US-Flight.html

Fwd: "New Issue of FAA Safety Briefing Available" - FAASafety.gov

	FAA Safety Team | Safer Skies Through Education
New Issue of FAA Safety Briefing Available Notice Number: NOTC4954 The September/October 2013 issue of FAA Safety Briefing focuses on aviation citizenship. Articles highlight the shared values, customs, and culture we share as citizens of the general aviation community.   Among the feature articles in this issue include:   · "To Be, Rather Than to Seem"  - a look at how a personal SMS can help make you a good aviation citizen      (p.10)   · "Be Your Fellow Pilot's Keeper"  - how to develop safety intervention strategies (p. 14)   · and "A Heading Set for Success" - a Q&A with FAA Administrator Michael Huerta (p. 20)   Other features cover how the FAA makes use of social media to stay engaged with the aviation community (p. 6) as well as a look at what "not-so-model" behavior when flying could lead to (p. 22).   The issue's Vertically Speaking department(p. 28) covers the new Moral Courage Safety Award, while Nuts, Bolts, and Electrons (p. 26) covers the importance of being a good citizen in aviation maintenance.   The link to the online edition is: http://www.faa.gov/news/safety_briefing/. Also, be sure to follow us on Twitter - @FAASafetyBrief   FAA Safety Briefing is the safety policy voice for the non-commercial general aviation community.  The magazine's objective is to improve safety by:   · making the community aware of FAA resources   · helping readers understand safety and regulatory issues, and   · encouraging continued training

China Says It Is Developing High-Speed Rotorcraft

http://www.aero-news.net/index.cfm?do=main.textpost&id=6b456294-7dcb-45e3-8018-b563e8f0e08d

Fwd: "FAAST Blast" - FAASafety.gov

	FAA Safety Team | Safer Skies Through Education
FAAST Blast Notice Number: NOTC4948 FAAST Blast — Week of Sept 2 – Sept 8, 2013 Biweekly FAA Safety Briefing News Update New Beechcraft Airworthiness Directive             A new airworthiness directive, AD 2013-16-01, will affect an estimated 1,326 aircraft and includes certain Beechcraft Corporation Models 58, 95-C55, E55, and 56TC; and Hawker Beechcraft Corporation Models 58P and 58TC. This AD was prompted by reports of elevator balance weights becoming loose or failing because the balance weight material was under strength and did not meet material specifications. This AD requires inspections of elevator balance weights and replacement of defective elevator balance weights. This AD has been issued to correct the unsafe condition on these products and is effective September 24, 2013.             The assigned Docket (Docket No FAA-2012-1180) can be found through http://www.regulations.gov/.   Safety Alert for Operators (SAFO) on Using Runways as Taxiways A new SAFO has provided information on reducing the risk of runway incursions when taxiing on intersecting or active runways. It is a common practice for ATC at many airports to use active or inactive runways as a taxiway, however, due to runways typically being wider than taxiways, signs located on the edge of the runway may be more difficult for the pilot to see and identify. In addition, many of the visual cues typically present on taxiways such as signs, markings, and lighting, are frequently missed.             The FAA strongly urges directors of operations, safety, training and maintenance, as well as chief pilots, collaborate to: minimize distractions, promote awareness, distribute runway incursion prevention information, and ensure all training events and programs include realistic runway incursion prevention.             Click on http://www.faa.gov/airports/runway_safety/ for more information or contact Craig Botko, Part 121 Air Carrier Operations Branch, AFS-220, at (202) 267-8166. New Sept/Oct FAA Safety Briefing Highlights Aviation Citizenship             The September/October 2013 issue of FAA Safety Briefing focuses on aviation citizenship. Articles take a look at how a personal SMS can help make you a good aviation citizen and cover the importance of good citizenship in aviation maintenance. Among the featured articles in this issue are: "Be Your Fellow Pilot's Keeper" — an insight into how to develop safety intervention strategies (p. 14), "A Heading Set for Success" — a Q&A session with FAA Administrator Michael Huerta (p. 20), and a look at how the FAA makes use of social media to stay engaged with the aviation community in "Citizen Engagement" (p. 6).  The department Vertically Speaking highlights the new Moral Courage Safety Award, and Jumpseat discusses the fundamentals of the Aviators Model Code of Conduct. The link to the online edition is www.faa.gov/news/safety_briefing.   Produced by the FAA Safety Briefing editors, http://www.faa.gov/news/safety_briefing/