AVWEB

Third SpaceX Starship Prototype Fails Fuel Tank Tests

Elon Musk's prediction of multiple failures of SpaceX's Starship program came true again on Thursday with a different kind of utter destruction. The SN3 prototype of the silo-like vehicle that is purported to be the future of interplanetary space travel this time appeared to implode before collapsing in a heap of twisted stainless steel. The […] The post Third SpaceX Starship Prototype Fails Fuel Tank Tests appeared first on AVweb.

Dassault Halts Wilmington Operations

Dassault Aircraft Services announced on Friday that it is temporarily suspending operations at its facility in Wilmington, Delaware, after an employee tested positive for coronavirus. The company says it will be implementing furloughs but intends to keep enough staff “to ensure basic FBO, administrative, facility and security functions.” The halt is effective immediately. “As we […] The post Dassault Halts Wilmington Operations appeared first on AVweb.

Top Letters And Comments, April 3, 2020

This week's letters brought comments from readers about the FAA pausing medical enforcement, the effect of COVID-19 on flight instruction, homebuilt aircraft and plans to attend AirVenture. The post Top Letters And Comments, April 3, 2020 appeared first on AVweb.

Boeing Initiates Voluntary Layoff Plan

Boeing has announced the initiation of a voluntary layoff (VLO) plan as a means to address financial difficulties caused by the coronavirus pandemic. According to the company, the plan “aims to reduce the need for other workforce actions” by allowing eligible employees who want to leave do so with a pay and benefits package. As […] The post Boeing Initiates Voluntary Layoff Plan appeared first on AVweb.

Picture of the Week, April 2, 2020

Taken with a simple point and shoot film camera. Late 1980s over Woolverton Field, Buchanan MI. From a Rotec Rally III. Photo by Ralph Ballard. The post Picture of the Week, April 2, 2020 appeared first on AVweb.

Aviation Safety

Download the Full April 2020 Issue PDF

Where's It Say That? Lift Theories Cockpit Smoke Listen To ATC Charting Errors The post Download the Full April 2020 Issue PDF appeared first on Aviation Safety.

Shimmy, Shimmy Shake

Cessna 208A Cargomaster Failed Shimmy Dampener During takeoff roll, the crew experienced a severe nosewheel shimmy at approximately 40 knots and aborted takeoff. Troubleshooting revealed a failed shimmy dampener (p/n 26940022). Removed old-style shimmy dampener and replaced with upgraded Lord component (p/n SE0170-7) per SK208-164A. Ops and taxi checks performed with no defects. Part total […] The post Shimmy, Shimmy Shake appeared first on Aviation Safety.

My First Cross-Country

It was a bright sunny morning in Sarasota, Florida, as I headed out on my first solo cross-country fight. I was in a Cessna 152 I had flown many times; my destination was Ft. Myers, and I had flown there several times with my instructor as well. As I neared Ft. Myers, Florida's unpredictable summer […] The post My First Cross-Country appeared first on Aviation Safety.

NTSB Reports

January 1, 2020, Ada, Okla. Cessna T210L Turbo Centurion At about 1545 Central time, the airplane was substantially damaged during an off-field forced landing following a loss of engine power. The pilot and passenger sustained minor injuries. Visual conditions prevailed for the flight, which originated in Denver, Colo., with Shreveport, La., as its destination. At […] The post NTSB Reports appeared first on Aviation Safety.

Bad Bounce

If the primary yardstick determining what constitutes a “bad” landing is the number and magnitude of its bounces, my worst landing ever was in a Cessna 182 at a beachside airport in North Carolina, with all the seats filled. I dropped it in pretty good, and the airplane's eloquent reflection of my ineptitude resulted in […] The post Bad Bounce appeared first on Aviation Safety.

FAA

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information from the FAA

FAA issues guidance to FAA inspectors on factors to consider regarding COVID-19 effects on certification and training.

Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update

4/3/2020 11:00amThe FAA issued guidance to FAA inspectors about factors to consider when determining whether to:Extend the certification of aircraft repair stations that are located outside the U.S.Deviation to FAA Order 8900.1 for 14 CFR Part 145 Repair StationsExtend the recurrent training due dates for designees and Flight Standards Organization Designation Authorization (ODA)members that cannot attend in-person recurrent training courses due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The memorandum also authorizes Flight Standards personnel to, at their discretion and based on certain performance criteria, temporarily allow designees to continue performing their delegated activities when FAA oversight of the designees is overdue.Flight Standards Designee Oversight and Recurrent Training RequirementsAllow air carrier personnel to temporarily perform flight dispatch and flight following duties from their homes on a case by case basis, provided the carrier can show this can be done safely.Operational Control Part 121 Air CarriersAllow training centers to temporarily use alternative methods to conduct certain emergency procedures that require pilots to don protective breathing equipment or oxygen masks in recurrent training, checking, or evaluation.COVID-19 Deviation for 14 CFR Part 142 Training Center Certificate HoldersAuthorize pilot schools to temporarily use distance learning programs or suspend operations for a period of time.Part 141 Training Interruptions Related to COVID-19 and Applicable Deviations to Order 8900.1Allow Aircraft Dispatcher Certification Course providers to deviate from some standard practices, including instituting or expanding distance-based training for currently enrolled students and suspending course administration.COVID-19 14 CFR Part 653/31/2020 7:00pmThe Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) will award approximately $10 billion in funds to commercial and general aviation airports from the Trump Administrations newly created Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES) Airport Program.The funds will provide economic relief to airports around the country affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.The CARES Act provides funds to increase the federal share to 100 percent for Airport Improvement Program (AIP) and supplemental discretionary grants already planned for fiscal year 2020. Under normal circumstances, AIP grant recipients contribute a matching percentage of the project costs. Providing this additional funding and eliminating the local share will allow critical safety and capacity projects to continue as planned regardless of airport sponsors current financial circumstances.Additionally, the CARES Act provides new funds distributed by various formulas for all airports that are part of the national airport system. This includes all commercial service airports, all reliever airports and some public-owned general aviation airports.Under this new CARES Airport Program:Primary commercial service airports, with more than 10,000 annual passenger boardings, will receive additional funds based on the number of annual boardings, in a similar way to how they currently receive AIP entitlement funds.All commercial service airports will receive funds based on the number of passengers that board aircraft there, the amount of debt an airport has, and the amount of money the airport has in reserve.General aviation airports will receive funds based on their airport categories, such as National, Regional, Local, Basic and Unclassified.The FAA plans to make these funds available in April, and airport sponsors should work with their local Office of Airports field office. The FAA will provide additional guidance on the CARES Airport Program next week.3/31/2020 4:40pmFAA Announces Additional Pilot Medical Certificate ExemptionsThe FAA is granting an exemption that extends until June 30, 2020, the duration of medical certificates for certain pilots and flight engineers who conduct scheduledand on-demandoperations outside the United States if those medical certificates expire between March 31, 2020, and May 31, 2020.COVID-19 is placing a severe burden on the U.S. healthcare system. Requiring pilots to undergo in-person medical examinations would further stress the healthcare system, and would increase the risk of transmitting the virus through personal contact between the doctor and the applicant. The FAA last week issued a policy stating it will not take enforcement action (PDF) against certain pilots or flight engineers who fly domestically with medical certificates that expire between March 31, 2020 and June 30, 2020.3/30/2020FAA announces additional COVID-19 guidance on drug and alcohol testing, air transport restrictions and airport closures and restrictions.Drug and Alcohol TestingThe FAA has issued guidance to companies whose drug and alcohol testing programs are disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic. DOT guidance can be viewed at www.transportation.gov.Guidance for States, Localities, and Territories Considering Air Transportation RestrictionsThe FAA has prepared guidance for states, localities, and territories that have implemented or may consider implementing quarantine, travel restrictions, and screening requirements on individuals entering from certain locations within the United States and territories. The guidance states there should be coordination with aviation stakeholders 48 hours before a restriction is imposed; air transportation workers, federal aviation and security personnel are exempt from any restrictions; and no measure can be taken to close a federally funded airport without FAA approval.Guidance for Airport Sponsors Considering Airport Closures or RestrictionsThe FAA has prepared guidance for airport sponsors contemplating airport closures or restricting airport access at federally funded airports. The FAA wants airport sponsors to closely review and understand what the guidance allows them to do, what they cannot do, and what they should consider before taking any action. In any instance, the FAA must be notified and approve any airport closure.3/27/2020FAA Takes Steps to Address the Effects of COVID-19 on the Aviation IndustryThe Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is proactively taking steps to help address the widespread economic and health effects that the COVID-19 pandemic is having on the aviation industry. The FAA continues to evaluate a large number of requests from across all aviation industry sectors to help address COVID-19-related effects.To date, the FAA has taken the following actions:Air Traffic Control FacilitiesThe FAA is temporarily closing and thoroughly cleaning air traffic control facilities where employees have tested positive for COVID-19. Every air traffic control facility in the country has a contingency plan (PDF) to keep air traffic moving safely when events impede normal operations. In some cases, this means transferring duties to adjacent facilities.Air Carrier Training ExemptionsThe FAA granted certain training exemptions to scheduled and on-demand air carriers due to the unprecedented circumstances associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. The exemptions give operators grace periods for completing certain training and qualification requirements, and give crewmembers relief from having to don protective breathing equipment or oxygen masks in training, checking, or evaluation. The exemptions can be viewed at https://www.regulations.gov/. The docket numbers are FAA-2020-0291; FAA-2020-0292; FAA-2020-0307; and FAA-2020-0308.Pilot Medical CertificatesThe FAA will not take enforcement action against certain pilots or flight engineers who fly with medical certificates that expire between March 31, 2020 and June 30, 2020. COVID-19 is placing a severe burden on the U.S. healthcare system. Requiring pilots to undergo in-person medical examinations would further stress the healthcare system, and would increase the risk of transmitting the virus through personal contact between the doctor and the applicant.Airport Slot-Use WaiversThe FAA is temporarily waiving minimum slot-use requirements at U.S. airports to help airlines that cancel flights due to the Coronavirus. Under normal circumstances, airlines can lose their slots at congested airports if they dont use them at least 80 percent of the time. The FAA is waiving the 80-percent-use requirement through May 31, 2020 for U.S. and foreign airlines that have affected flights, and is proposing to extend the waiver through Oct. 24, 2020.FAA Construction ProjectsThe Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has temporarily stopped most construction projects at agency facilities to ensure the safety of employees, contractors and the public during the COVID-19 pandemic. The agency is continuing projects that are in critical phases and would affect operations or safety if not completed. For now, the FAA is delaying the start of new projects. Design work on future projects will continue. Airport Construction ProjectsThe FAA is working with airport sponsors across the countryto determine the impacts COVID-19 is having on current and planned airport construction. Airport sponsors and the FAA will review all executed Airport Improvement Program (AIP) grants and determine which projects are safety critical, phase of the project, estimated length of project delay, additional costs if the project is delayed, and impacts to overall airport or system operations.The FAA will identify how it may be able prioritize safety-critical projects through funding or process adjustments. The FAA and airport sponsors will work collaboratively to do whatever is reasonably possible to avoid delays in project construction and reduce the delay time when possible. Once a project is ready for construction, the airport owner is responsible for completing construction.Airport Improvement ProgramThe FAA is working to ensure there are no delays awarding Airport Improvement Program (AIP) funds for 2020 because of COVID-19. Employees with the FAAs Office of Airports are in constant contact with airport sponsors to award all appropriated AIP funds by September 30, 2020. The FAA has worked to automate the AIP process, which enables employees to work remotely and continue to process AIP grants under the current circumstances.Temporary Parking of Overflow AircraftThe global COVID-19 pandemic has led to flight reductions throughout the airline industry. As a result, the FAA issued CertAlert #20-02 Temporary Parking of Overflow Aircraft, for airport operators who are working with airlines on temporary parking plans for their aircraft. The CertAlert contains a list of recommendations an airport operator should consider when making decisions for overflow aircraft parking. To maintain the highest level of safety, the FAA is working with airport operators to ensure additional safety mitigations are put in place for temporary parking of aircraft.Airport Safety InspectionsThe FAAs airport certification safety inspections will continue within required timeframes during the COVID-19 pandemic. The airport certification safety inspectors will complete inspections by September 30, 2020, as required by Part 139 and FAA Order 5280-5D. There will be no impact to safety. The inspections will be conducted using social-distancing measures to protect both FAA and airport personnel.Aviation Maintenance Technician SchoolsThe FAA is working withstaff and students atAviation Maintenance Technician Schools(AMTS)to allow greater flexibility during the COVID-19 pandemic. TheFAAsguidance to AMTSallows deviations from FAA policy onclass schedules,electronic delivery of assignments, andthe maximum number of absences. EachAMTS school is affected differently, andthe FAA is addressing any deviation from policyor regulationon a case-by-case basis.COVID-19 InformationThe FAA is posting extensive information about COVID-19 on its website and on social media. Follow us on Twitter @FAANews, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram for updates.Sharing Heath Safety MessagesThe FAA is amplifying health safety messages from other federal agencies including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Federal Management Agency, Department of State and Department of Homeland Security.Pilot Oxygen Mask RequirementsThe FAA has amended its cockpit oxygen-mask regulation to reduce the potential for pilots to be exposed to any pathogens that may be on the masks. The amendment fulfills the requirement of Section 579 of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018.Expanded Drone OperationsThe FAA has received inquiries about expanded drone operations to respond to COVID-19. We are addressing the inquiries using our existing Part 135 on-demand certificationprocess. Follow us on Twitter @FAADroneZone and Facebook @FAADroneZonefor the latest drone news.Puerto Rico Flight Restriction RequestThe Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has approved certain requirements for passenger flights to Puerto Rico to help with the response to the COVID-19 pandemic. All scheduled and unscheduled commercial air carrier flights will be required to land at Luis Munoz Marin International Airport (SJU) where public health officials will screen arriving passengers. This includes air carriers that operate under Part 121 of the Federal Aviation Regulations. All domestic and foreign general aviation and charter flights arriving from a location outside Puerto Rico will be required to land first at SJU, Isla Grande Airport (SIG) or Rafael Hernandez Airport (BQN) in Aguadilla for passenger screening before continuing to their final destinations. The restrictions do not apply to air cargo or maintenance flights into Puerto Rico.3/24/2020CDC Adds More Countries to Level 3 Nonessential Travel ListingThe CDC has expanded their Level 3 nonessential travel notice to include Australia, countries in South America, parts of Asia and the Middle East. These countries are experiencing widespread transmission of therespiratory illness caused by the novel (new) coronavirus (COVID-19). The CDC recommends that travelers avoid all nonessential travel to all countries in the below list. AustraliaBrazilCanadaChileJapanIsraelMalaysiaPakistanSouth KoreaThailandTurkeyTravelers returning from these countries should stay home for 14 days after returning from travel, monitor their health,and practice social distancing.3/23/2020Only Rely on Official Sources for Accurate COVID-19 InformationDue to the large amount of speculation regarding COVID-19, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is reminding everyone to rely on OFFICIAL sources for accurate information. You can help control the spread of rumors by sharing FEMAs web page with your friends, family and colleagues.Additional InformationCoronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)Coronavirus.govWhat the U.S. Government is Doing3/20/2020FAA Statement on COVID-19 cases at FAA FacilitiesLike much of the country, the Federal Aviation Administration is experiencing an increase in COVID-19 cases at air traffic facilities and other offices across the nation.Despite the challenges, our commitment to safety will not waver.Our air traffic system is resilient and flexible. Every air traffic control facility in the country has a contingency plan to keep air traffic moving safely when events impede normal operations. In some cases, this means transferring duties to adjacent facilities.Air traffic controllers, technicians and safety inspectors are highly trained professionals who play critical roles in safely and efficiently moving tens of thousands of aircraft and millions of passengers 24 hours a day, every day.Our agencys mission is to operate the worlds largest and most complex airspace system. But we have an equal obligation to ensure the health and safety of our employees.Each disruption has a distinct impact on the air traffic system. We are experiencing this at the handful of facilities already affected by COVID-19. This is frustrating and inconvenient, but is necessary in the interest of safety.We will do our best to keep the public abreast of a rapidly changing situation. Passengers can check fly.faa.gov for real-time updates about how the air traffic system is performing.We appreciate the publics support and patience.3/19/2020Department of State advises U.S. Citizens to avoid all international travel due to COVID-19.The Department of State advises U.S. citizens to avoid all international travel due to the global impact of COVID-19. In countries where commercial departure options remain available, U.S. citizens who live in the United States should arrange for immediate return to the United States, unless they are prepared to remain abroad for an indefinite period.U.S. citizens who live abroad should avoid all international travel.Many countries are experiencing COVID-19 outbreaks and implementing travel restrictions and mandatory quarantines, closing borders, and prohibiting non-citizens from entry with little advance notice.Airlines have cancelled many international flights and several cruise operators have suspended operations or cancelled trips.If you choose to travel internationally, your travel plans may be severely disrupted, and you may be forced to remain outside of the United States for an indefinite timeframe.For more information, review the full advisory.3/17/2020CDC Expands Virus-Related Travel Advisory to UK and IrelandThe CDC updated their Level 3 Travel Health Notice to include the United Kingdom and Ireland. The United Kingdom is experiencing widespreadongoing transmissionofrespiratory illness caused by the novel (new) coronavirus (COVID-19). Because the United Kingdom shares an open border with the Republic of Ireland (Ireland),CDC recommends that travelers avoid all nonessential travel to all countries in the United Kingdom and Ireland.Affected countries include:EnglandScotlandWalesNorthern IrelandRepublic of Ireland (Ireland)Travelers returning fromthe United Kingdom or Ireland shouldstay home for 14 days after returning from travel, monitor their health,and practice social distancing. Please review the latest about Level 3 Travel Health Notices.3/15/2020DHS Outlines New Process for Americans Returning from Certain European Countries, China, and IranIn order to help prevent the spread of travel-related cases of coronavirus in the United States, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issued a Notice of Arrival Restrictionsoutlining the process for American citizens, legal permanent residents, and their immediate families who are returning home after recently visiting certain European countries, China, and Iran.These European countries, known as the Schengen Area, include: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.Effective for flights taking off at 11:59 PM EDT on Friday, March 13th, Americans returning from all restricted countries will now be required to travel through the following 13 airports:Boston-Logan International Airport (BOS), MassachusettsChicago OHare International Airport (ORD), IllinoisDallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), TexasDetroit Metropolitan Airport (DTW), MichiganDaniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL), HawaiiHartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), GeorgiaJohn F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), New YorkLos Angeles International Airport, (LAX), CaliforniaMiami International Airport (MIA), FloridaNewark Liberty International Airport (EWR), New JerseySan Francisco International Airport (SFO), CaliforniaSeattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), WashingtonWashington-Dulles International Airport (IAD), VirginiaUpon arrival, travelers will proceed to standard customs processing. They will then continue to enhanced entry screening where the passenger will be asked about their medical history, current condition, and asked for contact information for local health authorities. Passengers will then be given written guidance about COVID-19 and directed to proceed to their final destination, and immediately home-quarantine in accordance with CDC best practices.In order to ensure compliance, local and State public health officials will contact individuals in the days and weeks following their arrival.Additional InformationCoronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)Coronavirus.govWhat the U.S. Government is Doing3/13/2020Coronavirus Travel Advisories Expanded to Include Most of EuropeCDC has expanded its Level-3 travel advisory and now recommends that travelers avoid all nonessential travel to most countries in Europe. See the full list of countries.3/9/2020Guidance for Travelers from Countries with Widespread Sustained (Ongoing) Transmission Arriving in the United StatesTo slow the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) into the United States, CDC is working with state and local public health partners to implement after-travel health precautions.Depending on your travel history, you will be asked to stay home for a period of 14 days from the time you left an area with widespread or ongoing community spread (Level 3 Travel Health Notice).Countries that have a Level 3 Travel Health Notice (widespread, ongoing transmission):ChinaIranItalySouth KoreaTake these steps to monitor your health and practice social distancing:Take your temperature with a thermometer two times a day to monitor for fever. Also watch for cough or trouble breathing.Stay home and avoid contact with others. Do not go to work or school for this 14-day period. Discuss your work situation with your employer before returning to work.Do not take public transportation, taxis, or ride-shares during the time you are practicing social distancing.Avoid crowded places (such as shopping centers and movie theaters) and limit your activities in public.Keep your distance from others (about 6 feet or 2 meters).Download the CDCs COVID-19 Traveler Information Card.3/5/2020Air travel plans may be affected by the virus. Check with your airline before heading to the airport.The evolving Coronavirus (COVID-19) situation may impact your air travel plans. Many airlines have posted travel alerts for passengers on their websites and have instituted flexible travel policies. Please check with your airline about the status of your flight before you leave for the airport. The following links are to airline-specific flight status updates:American AirlinesDelta AirlinesJetBlue AirlinesSouthwest AirlinesUnited Airlines3/3/2020CDC Recommends Travelers Avoid All Nonessential Travel to ItalyThe State Department and CDCrecommend avoiding all nonessential travel to Italy due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19).Travel advisoriesrelated to the virus now include the following countries:ItalySouth KoreaJapanChinaIranThe CDC has established an interactive map with country-specific travel health information about the virus. Travelers can also sign up to receive email updates about the virus on this same CDC webpage.2/23/2020Travel Advisories for South Korea and JapanThe State Department and CDC recommend travelers exercise increased caution when traveling to South Korea and Japan due to the virus.The CDC also recommends that high risk travelers to South Korea and Japanexercise special precautions.Travelers should also enroll in the State Departments Smart Traveler Enrollment Program to receive alerts and updates while traveling.2/2/2020Guidance from the CDC on What the Public, Air Carriers and Crews Can DoThe current outbreak of 2019 novel coronavirus originated in China but has now spread internationally, impacting an increasing number of countries. In the coming days and weeks, we expect more confirmed cases in the United States, including more person-to-person spread.The goal of an aggressive ongoing public health response is to prevent spread of this virus in the community in the United States. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provide the following guidance to the public:What You Should DoStay informed CDC is updating its website daily with the latest information and advice for the public. (www.cdc.gov/ncov)Currently, there is no vaccine to prevent 2019-nCoV infection.CDC recommends routine preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses.These are everyday habits that can help prevent the spread of several viruses.These actions include:Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.Avoid close contact with people who are sick.Stay home when you are sick.Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.CDC also has specific guidance for travelers.The federal government has our best people working on this problem.And we have one of the strongest public health systems in the world.What You Should Not DoCDC does not currently recommend the use of facemasks for the general public. This virus is not spreading in the community. While it is cold and flu season, we dont routinely recommend the use of facemasks by the public to prevent respiratory illness and we certainly are not recommending that at this time for this virus.We understand the recent recommendations including avoiding travel to China and the quarantine of U.S. citizens returning from Wuhan is concerning. The actions the federal government is taking are science-based and with the aim of protecting the health and safety of all Americans.Please do not let fear or panic guide your actions. For example, please dont assume that just because someone is of Asian descent that they have this new coronavirus. There are about 4 million Chinese-Americans in the United States.Guidance for Air Carriers and Crews

FAA Air Traffic Report

Today's Air Traffic Report:Wind and low clouds could delay flights today in Boston (BOS) and the New York area (EWR, JFK, LGA). Low clouds are forecast in Denver (DEN), Los Angeles (LAX), Minneapolis-St. Paul (MSP) and Seattle (SEA). Thunderstorms could slow traffic in Dallas-Fort Worth (DAL, DFW) and Houston (HOU, IAH).Pilots: Check out the new Graphical Forecasts for Aviation (GFA) Tool from the Aviation Weather Center.For up-to-the-minute air traffic operations information, visit fly.faa.gov, and follow @FAANews on Twitter for the latest news and Air Traffic Alerts.The FAA Air Traffic Report provides a reasonable expectation of any daily impactsto normal air traffic operations, i.e. arrival/departure delays, ground stoppages, airport closures. This information is for air traffic operations planning purposes and is reliable as weather forecasts and other factors beyond our ability to control.Always check with your air carrier for flight-specific delay information.

Fly Safe: Addressing GA Safety

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the general aviation (GA) communitys national #FlySafe campaign helps educate GA pilots about safety, including loss of control (LOC), powerplant failure, and controlled flight into terrain (CFIT).Stay safe! Thisserieswill show you how you can incorporate safety into every flight.Do You Have Your WINGS?Regular readers of this space recognize our message of safety. Take your commitment to education one step further by participating in the FAAs WINGS pilot proficiency program.The objective of the WINGS program to prevent the primary causes of GA accidents. WINGS is not an award program. It is a proficiency program designed to help improve pilot skills and knowledge. We feel that pilots who maintain their currency and proficiency will enjoy a safer flight experience.The WINGS program consists of learning activities and flight tasks selected to address the documented causal factors of aircraft accidents. You can participate by selecting the category and class of aircraft in which you wish to receive training. Requirements for each aircraft category and class include specific subjects and flight maneuvers.All pilots holding a U.S. pilot certificate may participate in the WINGS program.To participate:Create an account on FAASafety.govComplete your WINGS profileAttend a WINGS seminar or take a WINGS flight with your flight instructorWhen each training event is completed, pilots record their achievements on FAASafety.gov to track their progress. When a pilot completes three qualifying ground or knowledge events and three qualifying flight activities, they earn a phase of WINGS.With the FAASTeams recently added WINGS Topic of the Quarter (WTOQ) program, its now even easier to earn your next phase of WINGS. The WTOQ are preselected courses and flight activities that add up to getting a phase of WINGS. In addition to helping you sharpen your flying skills, completing a phase of WINGS also satisfies your flight review requirement. Please note that you may also continue to select your own flight events and knowledge topics for WINGS according to your own personal preference.WINGS will also provide you with opportunities to complete online courses, attend seminars, and participate in webinars. Many third party activities, including those offered by the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, Aviation Supplies and Academics Inc., Sportys and others qualify for WINGS credit.In order to keep playing your A game, get good coaching, and stick with it. Fly regularly with a flight instructor who will challenge you to review what you know, explore new horizons, and to always do your best.Of course, youll have to dedicate time and money to your proficiency program, but its well worth it for the peace of mind that comes with confidence.WINGSPros at Your ServiceNeed more info or help with WINGS?Contact a WINGSPro by visiting the FAASTeam directory. Next, type wingspro in the Keywords field and enter your state abbreviation in the state field. Press search and then scroll down to find WINGSPros in your state.Feel free to contact them or your local FAASTeam Program Manager or Rep.They love to make new pilot friends and help with WINGS.Did you know?Loss of Control happens in all phases of flight.It can happen anywhere and at any time. There is an average of one fatal accident involving Loss of Control every four days.Resource Guide:TheWINGS Pilot Proficiency Programhelps pilots build an educational curriculum suitable for their unique flight requirements. It is based on the premise that pilots who maintain currency and proficiency in the basics of flight will enjoy a safer and more stress-free flying experience.The WINGS Pilot Proficiency Users Guide will give you more information about WINGS.The FAASTeam has also put together several videos on WINGS:Got WINGS?Pilot Proficiency TrainingSoaring With WINGSCurious about FAA regulations (Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations)? Its a good idea to stay on top of them.You can find current FAA regulations on this website.TheFAASafety.govwebsite has Notices, FAAST Blasts, online courses, webinars, and more on key general aviation safety topics.TheGeneral Aviation Joint Steering Committee (GAJSC)is comprised of government and industry experts who work together to use data to identify risk, pinpoint trends through root cause analysis, and develop safety strategies to reduce the risk of GA accidents. The GAJSC combines the expertise of many key decision makers in the FAA, several government agencies such as the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, and stakeholder groups. Industry participants include the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, Experimental Aircraft Association, General Aviation Manufacturers Association, Light Aircraft Manufacturers Association, National Business Aviation Association, National Air Transportation Association, National Association of Flight Instructors, Society of Aviation and Flight Educators, and the aviation insurance industry. The National Transportation Safety Board and the European Aviation Safety Agency participate as observers.

FAA Projections Show Strong U.S. Air Travel Demand

NOTE: The FAA prepared this data before COVID-19 restrictions were placed on air travel to, from, and within the United States.WASHINGTON Commercial air travel passenger levels grew 4.2 percent on U.S. airlines in the last fiscal year (FY), from 780 million in FY 2018 to 813.3 million in FY 2019, according to The Federal Aviation Administration(FAA) Aerospace Forecast FY 2020-2040 released today.Revenue Passenger Miles (RPMs) are the industry standard for measuring air travel demand. An RPM represents one paying passenger traveling one mile. Domestic RPMs by mainline (large) and regional air carriers increased 4.5 percent, from 719.8 billion 752.2 billion. In the United States, RPMs are projected to increase an average of 2.2 percent per year during the 20-year forecast period.Increase in FAA workloads will coincide with the growth in air travel. According to the agencys forecast, total operations (landings and take-offs) at air traffic control towers will increase from 53 million in 2019, grow at an annual rate of 0.94 percent, and reach nearly 64 million in 2040.The Department of Transportation (DOT) and the FAA are meeting the growth in air travel with robust infrastructure investments through Airport Improvement Program grants. In addition, the FAA is deploying satellite-based, air traffic modernization technologies and procedures that are enhancing safety while improving the efficiency of the nations airspace system.The forecast also provides data on the projected five-year growth of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), or drones. The FAA projects the small/model recreational fleet will grow from 1.32 million aircraft in 2019 to 1.48 million in 2024, an average annual growth rate of 2.2 percent. The small/commercial UAS fleet is forecast to grow from 385,450 in 2019 to 828,337 in 2024, an annual growth rate of 17 percent.Another rapidly growing aerospace sector is commercial space transportation. The FAA, which licenses and regulates this industry, projects that commercial space launch and re-entry operations will increase from 32 in 2019 to an estimated 40 to 56 in 2021.The FAA forecast is the industry-wide standard of measuring U.S. aviation-related activities. The agency uses data, trends and other factors to develop the forecast, including generally accepted economic projections and information that airlines send to the DOT. The scope of the report looks at all facets of aerospace including commercial airlines, air cargo, general aviation, drones and commercial space transportation.To learn more about the projected growth in aviation, an Aerospace Forecast fact sheet is also available.