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

-

	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.
FAASafety.gov | Email Preferences | Opt Out

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/

Piper Completes Flights On New 93 Octane Automotive -

http://www.avweb.com/avwebflash/news/Piper-Completes-Flights-New-93-Octane-Automotive220546-1.html

SpaceShipTwo Oscillates In 2nd Test Flight -

http://www.avweb.com/avwebflash/news/SpaceShipTwos-Second-Test-Flight-oscillations220545-1.html

Huntsville Wings Weekend Returns

http://www.alabamaaviator.com/news.asp?record_no=25878

Dual-Doppler Radar Sees More

http://www.wwaytv3.com/blog/george-dual-doppler-radar-sees-more/47304