Pilot Insights – What’s Harder? Flying in Class B Airspace or Taxiing at a Complex Airport?
For many of us, landing at an airport in Class C or Class B airspace can be a challenge. For some pilots, talking to radar controllers seems intimidating. But, most pilots who fly into towered airports and who use flight-following on a regular basis find that the talking part does not seem so bad. In fact, most of the students that I take into Class B airspace find that it’s no big deal. It does require being attentive to the radio and listening for instructions regarding headings and altitudes, but these are not much different than calls we receive when
FAAST Blast-Sun ‘n Fun Fly-In, Combatting Crosswinds and Turbulence, and Mountain Flying
FAAST Blast — Week of April 6 – April 12, 2015 Biweekly FAA Safety Briefing News Update Aviation Safety Front and Center at 2015 Sun ‘n Fun Fly-In Headed to the 2015 Sun ‘n Fun International Fly-in and Expo this year? Be sure to check out the FAA Aviation Safety Center where you’ll find more than 20 safety forums to choose from. This year’s forum lineup will cover several important GA safety topics including loss of control, pilot deviations, ADS-B equipment, fuel management, and more. Several of the sessions will be hosted by NTSB officials, including NTSB Board Member
To All Pilot flying in the area of the Los Altos Rod Gun Club
To all Pilots flying in the area of the Los Altos Rod and Gun Club: The Los Altos Rod and Gun Club is located in Los Gatos, Ca. in the Santa Cruz Mountains (see location below) at an elevation of approximately 2800 MSL. Be aware of the hazards a live firing range presents to aircraft. Flight within 500 feet of the club presents potential small arms hazards to the aircraft flying over the gun club. Due to low over flights of the gun club recently, the FAA is monitoring flights in the area. Please choose a course and altitude which
Flying in Alaska
Flying in Alaska Special Considerations It has been said, there is nothing like flying in Alaska. There is a lot of truth in that statement. While Alaska offers a pilot unparalleled beauty, it also offers a very complex aviation environment in which to navigate. The challenges vary from the complex airspace around Anchorage to the vast, unpopulated areas that allow a pilot to operate in Class G airspace. Flying safely in Alaska requires thorough planning and special attention to detail. When preparing for a flight adventure, a pilot will consider such things as airspace, his or her capabilities, the weather
Los Angeles / Santa Barbara Low Flying Violations
There has been a significant number of minimum safe altitude violations in the Southern California area especially in the Los Angeles and Santa Barbara areas. Specific areas include Point Dume, Simi Valley, and coastal communities. Many of these flights are occurring during dual instruction flights using different practice areas. It is imperative that all pilots review and maintain the required minimum safe altitudes per 14 CFR 91.119. Flight Instructors providing dual instruction must maintain situational awareness as to their altitude, especially during low-level flight maneuvers. It is asked that Flight Instructors not utilize the same flight routes and practice areas multiple times daily or
Helene drone flight breaks records for data collection and flying time
As Hurricane Helene developed in the Gulf of Mexico, NOAA researchers gathered critical data from the sea and sky to better understand tropical cyclones and support the National Hurricane Center forecasters. This real time data gives meteorologists a clearer picture of the storm environment and structure, reducing forecast uncertainty. Satellite imagery shows Hurricane Helene as it travels north from the Yucatan Peninsula and towards the Gulf of Mexico. Researchers from NOAA’s Atlantic Oceanographic & Meteorological Laboratory (AOML) and University of Miami Cooperative Institute for Marine & Atmospheric Studies supported a series of NOAA Hurricane Hunter missions on September 25-26, 2024.