Friday, March 11, 2016

Eye in the Sky Reminds Us That Being a Drone Pilot Is Absolutely Brutal [feedly]

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Eye in the Sky Reminds Us That Being a Drone Pilot Is Absolutely Brutal
// io9

Military drones can kill enemies from miles above in the sky—but they can also kill innocent civilians. The people controlling these weapons are often continents away, and a new movie shows us the agonizing decisions that these people face.

Read more...









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Wednesday, March 2, 2016

The US government just banned electronic cigarettes from airplanes [feedly]

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The US government just banned electronic cigarettes from airplanes
// The Verge

The use of electronic cigarettes on commercial airplanes is now banned under a new rule finalized by the US Department of Transportation, which applies to all domestic and foreign carriers with flights scheduled to and from the US. The ban applies to all e-cigarettes, including electronic cigars, pipes, and devices designed to look like everyday products such as pens. It does not apply to nebulizers, which are used to treat cystic fibrosis and asthma.

It's not clear, however, whether the rule applies to vaporizers, some of which look like pens, while others look like smartphones with tubes attached. The Federal Aviation Administration hasn't made an official ruling, but it stands to reason that the DOT's new rule will also apply to vaporizers. (A spokesperson for the agency did not immediately respond to a request for comment.)

"unwanted exposure to aerosol fumes."

The House of Representatives is considering legislation to ban vaping on planes. A recent hearing on the measure featured one congressman, California Representative Duncan Hunter, taking a drag of his vaporizer in protest and declaring, "This is the future."

DOT Secretary Anthony Foxx said the ban is intended to protect passengers from "unwanted exposure to aerosol fumes" that is the product of smoking e-cigarettes. While the DOT said it considers its regulatory smoking ban to include e-cigarettes, the rule does not explicitly define "smoking," so the department took this step to eliminate any confusion. Research about the health effects of e-cigarettes and vaping is still ongoing — the Food and Drug Administration recently said there's a lack of scientific consensus — but rather than wait for more studies to come out, the agency said a precautionary approach was best.

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Sunday, February 28, 2016

Fwd: [WP0567365] FREE WEBINAR How to use the NEW 1800wxBrief website Register Now - 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:

"FREE WEBINAR How to use the NEW 1800wxBrief website Register Now"
Topic: Learn how to use all the new amazing tools from Lockheed Martin on 1800WXBrief.com.
On Wednesday, March 2, 2016 at 18:30 Central Standard Time
Location:
ONLINE ONLY WEBINAR
online only

Nashville, TN 37217

Select Number:
WP0567365

Description:

Spend a fun and educational 90 minutes with 5,500 hour ATP & Master Instructor, Gary Reeves, as he teaches you how to use all the new amazing tools from Lockheed Martin on 1800WXBrief.com. Did you know you can now activate and close flight plans from any cell phone by text? Learn how to use new planning tools that help you pick the best time and altitudes to fly. Also covers accounts, flights and plans, weather and airport conditions, alerts, and other advanced services that are all FREE!

Click Here to Register Now

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 1 - 1 Credit
Master Knowledge 1 - 1 Credit

Click here to view the WINGS help page

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Sunday, February 21, 2016

Man Imprisoned For Shooting Crop Duster [feedly]

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Man Imprisoned For Shooting Crop Duster
// AVweb Top News

A Missouri man has been sent to prison for six and a half years, without chance of parole, for trying to shoot down an aerial application aircraft flying near his home.
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Thursday, January 28, 2016

Fwd: [SO0967034] Air Traffic Control Services - 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:

"Air Traffic Control Services"
Topic: An overview of Huntsville air traffic control services.
On Saturday, February 13, 2016 at 13:15 Central Standard Time
Location:
Signature Flight Support, Huntsville International Airport (HSV)
2000 Houston Goodson Way Huntsville, AL

Huntsville, AL 35824

Select Number:
SO0967034

Description:

Part of the Huntsville Airport Open House and "Squawking and Talking" seminar series.  A fun day at the Huntsville airport with several seminars, free food, and mingling with pilots, examiners, and ATC personnel.  This seminar will provide an overview of air traffic control services, review the limitations of radar coverage, look into weather detection capabilities, and discuss operations such as traffic advisories and separation.

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



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Fwd: [SO0966888] A glance into ADS B - 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:

"A glance into ADS B"
Topic: A review of ADS-B mandates, its' operation, safety features, and equipment requirements.
On Saturday, February 13, 2016 at 12:00 Central Standard Time
Location:
Signature Flight Support, Huntsville International Airport (HSV)
2000 Houston Goodson Way Huntsville, AL

Huntsville, AL 35824

Select Number:
SO0966888

Description:

Part of the Huntsville Airport Open House and "Squawking and Talking" seminar series.  A fun day at the Huntsville airport with several seminars, free food, and mingling with pilots, examiners, and ATC personnel.  This seminar will review ADS-B theory, talk about the 2020 ADS-B mandate, and investigate ADS-B In/Out functions.  Additionally, we'll address UAT verses 1090ES datalinks, explore all the safety benefits associated with this new capability, and evaluate hardware options.  

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


Invite a fellow pilot to the next WINGS Safety Seminar in your area.
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Monday, January 25, 2016

Fwd: [WP0166881] FREE WEBINAR - Get a Better Preflight Briefing! - 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:
>
> "FREE WEBINAR - Get a Better Preflight Briefing!"
> Topic: How to prepare for and receive a better preflight briefing.
> On Monday, February 8, 2016 at 17:30 Pacific Standard Time
> Location:
> ONLINE ONLY--Webinar
> 16501 Sherman Way
>
> Van Nuys, CA 91406
>
> Select Number:
> WP0166881
>
> Description:
>
> In this 90 minute webinar you will significantly improve the quality of your preflight briefings and your understanding of the information provided to you. We'll also explore 1800wxbrief.com, and discuss how to do an effective pre-brief. Lastly, you will  learn the differences in various forecasts and  what to look for to begin to identify hazardous weather conditions. Click here to register.
>
> 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 - 1 Credit
> Master Knowledge 1 - 1 Credit
>
> Click here to view the WINGS help page
>

Tuesday, January 12, 2016

FAA Issues New Student-Pilot Rules [feedly]

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FAA Issues New Student-Pilot Rules
// AVweb Top News

Under a new rule released today by the FAA, student pilots will no longer get their student pilot certificate from an aviation medical examiner. Instead, they can apply in person at a FSDO, through a designated pilot examiner, with a Part 141 flight school, or a CFI. The TSA will vet the application, and then a plastic certificate will be sent to the student by the Civil Aviation Registry. Earlier proposals to charge a $22 fee and require a photo have been withdrawn. Student pilots still will have to visit an AME to acquire a separate medical certificate. The new rule takes effect April 1.
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Monday, January 11, 2016

FAA Wants GA Hand Flying Skills Checked -

Fwd: [SO0966505] The Importance of V Speeds - FAASafety.gov



FAA Safety Team | Safer Skies Through Education


"The Importance of V Speeds"
Topic: The Importance of V Speeds: A refresher into the understanding of performance and design speeds.
On Thursday, January 28, 2016 at 18:30
Location:
Signature Flight Support, Huntsville International Airport (HSV)
2002 Houston Goodson Way Huntsville, AL

Huntsville, AL 35824

Select Number:
SO0966505

Description:

We'll dive into discussions of various airplane performance and design speeds, exploring definitions and the importance of understanding these airspeeds.  The "power curve" will be used to review climb speeds, climb capability, and to define the airplane's "happy place".  Our look into a typical flight envelope will assist in defining design points, stall speeds, and maneuvering speed.  So, you can't miss this one!  It's a fun and interactive review of a crucial piece to our flying world.  Seating is limited so please register on line at www.faasafety.gov

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 2 - 1 Credit







Friday, January 8, 2016

Homeland Security sets 2018 deadline for accepting old drivers licenses at airports [feedly]

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Homeland Security sets 2018 deadline for accepting old drivers licenses at airports
// The Verge

The Department of Homeland Security announced today that US fliers in select states and territories may use drivers licenses that do not meet newer federal security standards at TSA checkpoints until January 22nd, 2018. After that deadline passes, airline passengers will need an alternative identification document like a passport if they don't have a drivers license that is compliant with the Real ID Act. The law, passed by Congress in 2005, enacted regulations designed to prevent counterfeit ID cards in the wake of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, but getting states to start complying has taken more than a decade.

So far 23 states and US territories have complied with Real ID standards, while 27 states and territories have been granted an extension, with some states' deadlines stretching to October 1st, 2020. Minnesota, Illinois, Missouri, New Mexico, Washington, and American Samoa have not made an effort to meet the new standards, which include running background checks on license issuers and putting anti-counterfeit tech into the license itself. So the TSA did not grant those areas an extension, and they now have two years to become compliant.

Five states and American Samoa have a hard January 2018 deadline

"Over the next two years, those states that are not Real ID compliant are strongly encouraged to meet the requirements of the law for the benefit of their residents," Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson said in a statement. "Given today's threat environment, this requirement is as relevant now as it was when the 9/11 Commission recommended it." Homeland Security is now urging fliers to check their state's Real ID compliance on its website, as well as looking into obtaining a new card from licensing agencies in currently compliant states.

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