pilotscafe

GPS and RNAV approach terminology can be very confusing since modern RNAV procedures usually accommodate more than one type of navigational equipment (such as basic GPS, WAAS, LAAS or multi-sensor FMS) on the same chart. With older types of approach procedures, the specific equipment required is stated in the chart title. For example, you could only fly a “VOR RWY XX” approach with VOR equipment, or an ILS approach with ILS equipment.

Starting tomorrow (September 30th 2010), the ATC radio phraseology "taxi into position and hold" will no longer be issued to aircraft at US airports. Instead, tower controllers will instruct pilots to "line up and wait" when cleared onto a runway prior to takeoff. This is part of a series of changes the FAA enacted in an effort to streamline procedures and regulations with other ICAO countries. Just a few weeks ago, the agency issued changes concerning runway taxi clearances. Under the ne...

The FAA announced today, September 10th 2010, a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) intended for fighting pilot fatigue. Once approved, the new rule will change part 121 airline pilots rest and duty requirements.

The new FAA runway taxi phraseology went into effect on June 30th, 2010. This article highlights the changes. Visit http://www.faa.gov/documentLibrary/media/Notice/N7110.528.pdf for more information. You'll be issued a specific instruction to either cross or hold short of each runway on your taxi route. ATC will no longer let you cross multiple runways. Instructions to cross each runway would be given one at a time. The phrase "taxi to" will no longer be used for taxiing to departure runwa...

Effective July 24, 2008, the FAA extended the validity period of pilot medical certificates. This change will allow some pilots to visit the aviation medical doctor less often.

Colgan Airlines flight 3407 accident on February 12 exposed big problems with pilot fatigue, training, and work conditions at regional airlines. This Wednesday, FAA administrator, Randy Babbitt, announced an FAA plan to expedite the creation of new rules dealing with pilot rest and fatigue. The first draft should be completed by September 1st.

Several of the U.S Major airlines joined in a petition against the FAA's plan to increase crew rest requirements for long haul flights longer than 16 hours.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) extended the deadline to comply with the International Civil Aviation Organization's (ICAO) Language proficiency requirement to March 5 2009.

As of the 28th of January 2008, Local NOTAMs in the United States will be reclassified as Distant NOTAMs. This comes as part of the first stage of an FAA plan to modernize the Notices to Airmen system.

The goals of the program are to:

The Fair Treatment for Experienced Pilots Act, signed yesterday by the president of the United States, raised the mandatory retirement age of commercial pilots on passenger flights to 65.