Posts Tagged ‘Aviation industry’

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Pilots Still Able to Fly Despite FAA Shutdown

Saturday, July 30th, 2011

Despite an FAA shutdown, essential services to pilots will continue. Photo courtesy of Brandon Farris, copyright 2011, http://www.flickr.com/photos/seahawks7757/.

After a recent Congressional adjournment, concerns grew that without reauthorizing the FAA’s operating authority essential services may not be available and aviation would grind to a halt.

Despite furloughs and other shutdowns, the FAA is committed to providing essential services like air traffic control and notam services. Unfortunately, nearly 4,000 employees of non-essential services, including research and development programs and Airport Improvement Programs, have been furloughed and the programs shuttered in the wake of Congress’ failure to pass a reauthorization.

As for essential functions, FAA officials have assured aviation groups that that ATC, notam and flight services, aeromedical branch, and the airman registry branch will to continue uninterrupted.

FAA Administrator Randy Babbitt blasted Congress for their failure to pass a reauthorization bill stating that “These are real people with families who do not deserve to be put out of work during these tough economic times.”

Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood added in a statement issued Friday, that he was “very disappointed that Congress adjourned today without passing a clean extension of the FAA bill. Because of their inaction, states and airports won’t be able to work on their construction projects, and too many people will have to go without a paycheck. This is no way to run the best aviation system in the world.”

According to Administrator Babbitt, Congress will have to decide whether to pay FAA employees who are laid-off for the time they spend on furlough. Furloughed employees include “engineers, scientists, research analysts, administrative assistants, computer specialists, program managers and analysts, environmental protection specialists, and community planners.”

Additionally, many other organization can expect to see effects from Congressional inaction. During the days preceding the shutdown, the FAA ceased processing Airport Improvement Program grants which are the life-blood for many airport projects. A number of state-level programs have also been effected by the shutdown which has terminated their access to millions in funds.

For more information on flight training and choosing the right school, check out our Flight Training Resource Center or find flight training near you.

Source: Update: FAA shuts down, flight ops unaffected
This article was written by Matthew Everett, a private pilot, aviation writer, and frequent contributor to AviationSchoolsOnline.com. You can follow him on twitter @leaving_tf or find his blog at http://leavingterrafirma.com.

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Posted in FAA News | No Comments »

Trouble for iPads in the Cockpit?

Friday, July 29th, 2011

The FAA is proposing an advisory circular that would severely curtail the use of EFBs, including the Apple iPad, in the cockpit. Photo courtesy Brandon Farris, copyright 2011 http://www.flickr.com/photos/seahawks7757/.

The FAA is proposing an advisory circular that would limit the use of iPads and other electronic flight bags (EFBs) in the cockpit below 10,000 feet. AOPA and GAMA, two large aviation advocacy groups, have voiced their opposition to the proposal. Such a proposal could stunt the growth of EFBs over the next few years.

The proposed advisory circular, known as “Guidelines for the Certification, Airworthiness, and Operational Use of Electronic Flight Bags EFB,” is concerned with the use and development of these devices under the Next Generation Air Transportation System. Advocacy groups are concerned that under the current proposal EFB use wouldn’t be allowed below 10,000 feet or that expensive testing programs would be required.

The groups are so put off by the proposal, that they have asked the FAA to scrap the current proposal and start anew. Both AOPA and GAMA have expressed their support for EFB technology, including iPad based solutions, believing that they are an affordable option to provide pilots with NextGen capabilities. Under the proposed advisory circular, however, these devices would no longer provide much benefit to the average pilot.

The concern is that, the proposal applies to “operational use” of all EFBs rather than current regulations which only require “operational approval” in certain situations. The groups are asking that the FAA limit the effect of this proposed change to Part 91 operations to subpart k.

Additionally, the groups feel that requiring a stringent and rigorous testing program for off-the-shelf electronics at the operator level is wasteful and impractical. Instead the groups suggest that the FAA limit these requirements to EFB solutions incorporating Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) and RNAV guidance. This would allow simpler devices, like iPads displaying charts or simple handheld GPS receivers, to  improve situational awareness while holding more advanced devices to a higher standard.

For more information on flight training and choosing the right school, check out our Flight Training Resource Center or find flight training near you.

Source: Electronic flight bag crusher?
This article was written by Matthew Everett, a private pilot, aviation writer, and frequent contributor to AviationSchoolsOnline.com. You can follow him on twitter @leaving_tf or find his blog at http://leavingterrafirma.com.

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Posted in Aviation Industry News, FAA News | No Comments »

Regional Meetings to Boost AOPA Flight Training Student Retention Initiative

Thursday, July 28th, 2011

AOPA will be hosting a number of regional meetings as part of their Flight Training Student Retention Initiative

AOPA is hosting a number of meetings in Chicago, Long Beach and Dallas as part of their Flight Training Student Retention Initiative. The meetings, which began in May, are intended to integrate the frontline practitioners, such as flight instructors and flight school owners, and the aviation community at large into the process of increasing student retention and success rates. The meetings consist of a presentation on the AOPA initiative followed by small group discussions that are the meat and potatoes of these meetings.

The meeting locations, which were chosen based on flight school density, will host two meetings in order to maximize participation. One meeting is intended to allow flight training providers, such as flight instructors, to offer their insights into how AOPA can help them succeed in growing the pilot population. The other is for members of the aviation community at large. The two meetings work hand-in-hand to gather perspectives from both sides of the flight training equation, instructor and student.

According to reports, AOPA estimates that nearly three in four people who start flight training do not complete their training and earn a pilot certificate. With an overall population in a state of decay, it is important to develop new pilots. These meetings will hopefully impart the AOPA initiative with the right stuff to sort out this completion issue.

For more information on flight training and choosing the right school, check out our Flight Training Resource Center or find flight training near you.

Source: Student Retention Initiative gains frontline perspective at regional meetings
This article was written by Matthew Everett, a private pilot, aviation writer, and frequent contributor to AviationSchoolsOnline.com. You can follow him on twitter @leaving_tf or find his blog at http://leavingterrafirma.com.

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Posted in Flight Training Info | No Comments »

Apple iPad: Making Its Way to a Cockpit Near You

Thursday, June 23rd, 2011

Photo courtesy of Brandon Farris, copyright 2011, http://www.flickr.com/photos/seahawks7757/

The next time you fly, Apple’s innovative tablet device could play a significant role in your trip. Since receiving approval from the FAA, the Apple iPad has become very popular with US airlines. According to recent reports, Alaska Airlines and American Airlines are eying the device for replacing paper charts, maps, and flight manuals.

Alaska Airlines has begun phasing out their paper flight manuals in favor of the PDF copies on the iPad. The devices will only initially replace the paper flight manuals, some 40 or more documents weighing almost 25 pounds, but the airline is considering also replacing charts and maps. The iPad is considered a Class 1 electronic device under FAA regulations and must be stowed during takeoff and landing, but otherwise it is a big hit with the airline.

The airline says adopting the iPad will save 2.4 million pieces of paper. According to their estimates, the cost of outfitting every pilot with an iPad will be offset by lower paper and printing costs as well as fuel savings from the weight reduction.

Following on the heels of Alaska Airlines, American Airlines has begun a six-month test of the iPad as an electronic flight bag. The testing currently consists of flights along two international routes out of Los Angeles.

While Alaska Airlines’ adoption of the iPad is more widespread, the American Airlines tests will replace both flight manuals and navigational charts and maps. If the tests work well, the airline intends to phase out the 35 pounds or more of paper manuals and charts that pilots must lug to and from the cockpit every day.

The test is a result of an initiative spearheaded by the Allied Pilots Association. The association called for electronic flight bags to replace pilots’ big black cases and it happens that the iPad might do the trick.

With weight savings, reduction in document production expenses, and near instantaneous updates, it is clear that the iPad’s use as a cost-effective electronic flight bag in commercial cockpits will only increase. In fact, it would come as no surprise to find that other carriers are looking over the shoulders of Alaska Airlines and American Airlines taking notes as those carriers begin to adopt the device.

What’s your take? Do you think the iPad makes a great, cost-effective electronic flight bag or are we setting ourselves up for Angry Birds and dead batteries at 30,000 feet?

For more information on flight training and choosing the right school, check out our Flight Training Resource Center or find flight training near you.

Sources:
American Airlines pilots to try out iPads as flight bags
Alaska Airlines Pilots Go Lean And Green With iPads
This article was written by Matthew Everett, a private pilot, aviation writer, and frequent contributor to AviationSchoolsOnline.com. You can follow him on twitter @leaving_tf or find his blog at http://leavingterrafirma.com.

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Posted in Airline News, Aviation Industry News | No Comments »

Flight Training Costs Creating Pilot Shortage

Saturday, February 12th, 2011

Market forecasts indicate skyrocketing demand for pilots in the next few years, but funding issues are grounding many would-be pilots. Photo courtesy Brandon Farris, Copyright 2011.

In spite of forecasts indicating skyrocketing demand for pilots in the next few years, flight training providers can’t find enough student pilots to keep the doors open. This begs the question, “why aren’t people signing up to fly?” The primary hurdle, or barrier to entry if you will, is a near complete lack of funding options for future career pilots.

While the profession isn’t as glorious as the old stereotype, being paid to fly is still a dream job. Pilots don’t have as many days off or make as much money as their neighbors think they do, but it’s all worth it for the view. Unfortunately, getting into the left seat of an airliner requires a set of demanding and varied skills that can cost a pretty penny to learn… money that many potential pilot trainees just don’t have.

When you consider the sheer amount of knowledge and skills required to be a proficient pilot – things like managing ever more complicated technology, knowing how to keep the plane in the air, and playing part-time meteorologist – flying can start to look daunting to say the least. Throw in that the cost to have the privilege of trying to make your brain explode by trying to cram in all that information is more than $75,000 and suddenly accounting is starting to look pretty attractive as a career.

The truth is, flight training is difficult and expensive, but it is worth it and there is always a way to make it happen. There are training programs available that meet the needs of nearly every aspiring aviator, but the relatively sparse funding programs are creating a shortage of full-time pilot trainees in favor of students taking a more part-time approach. These students typically take about twice as long to complete a standard ATP program of study compared to full-time students, but by stretching the costs out over a longer period of time they also typically graduate with less debt.

According to figures in Boeing’s Market Outlook for 2010 the aviation industry worldwide will require an average of 23,300 new pilots per year over the next two decades in order to cope with pilot retirements and fleet growth. While a significant portion of this expansion of the worldwide aviation market is very attractive for aircraft manufacturers and potential pilots, US-based pilots have even more going for them. In 2007, FAA pushed back the mandatory retirement age to 65 in order to cope with a similar potential shortage. While this has led to a number of furloughs among younger pilots in the short term, within the next five years nearly two out of every three pilots are facing retirement. Given such an excellent potential job market, this makes the training situation even more problematic for would-be pilots, airlines, and even aircraft manufacturers. Funding troubles aside, one thing is certain – now is the best time to start training if you have the funding.

For more information on flight training and choosing the right school, check out our Flight Training Resource Center or find flight training near you.

Source: Cost blamed as training lags pilot demand
This article was written by Matthew Everett, a private pilot, aviation writer, and frequent contributor to AviationSchoolsOnline.com. You can follow him on twitter @leaving_tf or find his blog at http://leavingterrafirma.com.

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Posted in Aviation Careers, Aviation Jobs, Flight Training Info | 1 Comment »

China Embraces GA, Opens Airspace

Tuesday, November 30th, 2010

China's State Council and Central Military Commision have announced the nation's low-alititude airspace, below 13,000 feet, will open over the next 5 years for civilian use.

China’s State Council and the Central Military Commission announced this week that the country’s low-altitude airspace, below 13,123 feet, will be opened for civilian use over the next five years. Under current regulations, aircraft are required to obtain clearance from the military, which are difficult to obtain via a process that is notoriously delayed. Under the new regulations, aircraft flying below 3,280 feet are free to take off and land without this approval; aircraft flying up to 13,123 feet must file a flight plan but are also not required to have the clearance. The announcement also included a circular that details China’s plans to develop their civilian aviation system.

The announcement has spawned a gold rush of sorts among potential general aviation operators. The Huaxi Village, which already owns two helicopters, intends to purchase up to twenty more aircraft for flight training and tourism. The village has been waiting for the airspace to open in hopes of boosting tourism income, such as the sightseeing flights they hope to begin next month, to their village.

China currently has about 1,000 general aviation aircraft registered, but they project a tenfold increase within the next two years. The airspace opening has aircraft manufacturers salivating over the estimated $150 billion market potential created in China. Manufacturers of piston aircraft and helicopters are hoping to grab some of the developing market, but with airspace over 13,000 feet still severely restricted, it is unlikely that jets will see much of an increase in sales.

The announcement highlights the Chinese Government’s commitment to driving growth in the aviation industry. While this is certainly good news for giants like Boeing and Airbus now, the rapidly developing Chinese aircraft manufacturing sector will likely see the most long-term benefit. For example, Commercial Aircraft Corp of China announced at the Zhuhai Airshow they have sales agreements with Chinese airlines for 100 aircraft. The company’s C919 airliner, a 150-seat aircraft, is scheduled to make its first flight in 2014. Eurocopter is predicting similar developments in the helicopter market as early as 2020.

This is certainly good news for ailing aircraft manufacturers who can look forward to the boost that will likely come as Chinese take to the sky. While companies who already have a presence in China, like Cessna and Boeing, will have an easier time of capturing some of the Chinese market, the projected demand is more than enough for everyone to get involved.

For more information on flight training and choosing the right school, check out our Flight Training Resource Center or find flight training near you.

Sources: China Opens Airspace For GA and Large GA aircraft sales to China should follow airspace opening
This article was written by Matthew Everett, a private pilot, aviation writer, and frequent contributor to AviationSchoolsOnline.com. You can follow him on twitter @leaving_tf or find his blog at http://leavingterrafirma.com.

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Posted in Airline News, Flight Training Info | No Comments »

New Pilot Fatigue Regulations Meet Criticism

Monday, November 29th, 2010

New pilot fatigue regulations have been criticized on both sides.

In the aftermath of the crash of Colgan Air flight 3407, the FAA was tasked with developing new regulations to prevent pilot fatigue. After embarking on a lengthy process including a thorough review of scientific studies, the FAA has released their proposed new regulations. Unfortunately, the new regulations are meeting criticism from all sides as both airlines and pilots disagree with certain elements.

Captain Chesley Sullenberger and First Officer Jeffrey Skiles, who landed their severely crippled Airbus in the Hudson River, spoke out against the new rules at a news conference last week. They said that the new rules were fundamentally flawed and that they should be changed “to protect the safety of the flying public.” Both were especially critical of the change in regulations that allows maximum daily flight time to increase from eight hours to 10 hours. “We’re here to tell you that you cannot reduce pilot fatigue by increasing the amount of time a pilot is at the controls,” Skiles said.

On the other side of the argument, the Air Transport Association, which represents airlines, has protested the new regulations proposed by the FAA on the grounds that they would “create onerous and duplicative regulations.” Additionally, the ATA indicated that implementing the regulations would put airlines on the hook for more than $20 billion dollars in the next decade, more than 15 times the cost estimates provided by the FAA.

There are some supporters of the new regulations such as the Air Line Pilots Association, who were supportive of the FAA’s proposal, which they say is “sorely needed” and based on the best available research. The ALPA expressed a concern that airlines would argue against the change on the grounds that costs would be prohibitive and indicated they felt actual costs incurred would be manageable.

The regulations, while indeed sorely needed and based on the latest research, do contain a few concerning changes. Their are several areas where the new regulations seem to contradict their intention are in the sections concerning duty time. Namely, the FAA has allowed maximum flight time to increase and they mandate only nine hours between shifts, which does not allow enough time for a full eight hours of sleep in addition to routine morning tasks like eating and commuting to work. While the public comment period is closed, we can still hope the FAA considers the concerns voiced and reconsiders some of the new regulations.

For more information on flight training and choosing the right school, check out our Flight Training Resource Center or find flight training near you.

Sources: FAA’s Fatigue Rules Critiqued
This article was written by Matthew Everett, a private pilot, aviation writer, and frequent contributor to AviationSchoolsOnline.com. You can follow him on twitter @leaving_tf or find his blog at http://leavingterrafirma.com.

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Posted in Airline News | 1 Comment »

TSA Regulations Stirring Controversy

Saturday, November 27th, 2010

The above image, released by the TSA, is the result of one type of advanced imaging device employed by the TSA nationwide.

If you flew home to be with family over this holiday weekend, chances are you encountered the newest screening procedures put in place by the TSA. If you didn’t, you’ve probably heard at least a mention on the news of the controversy that has been stirred up by the new procedures. The TSA, reacting to last year’s failed Christmas day bombing of Northwest Airlines Flight 253, has rushed the deployment of Advanced Imaging Technology Devices in every major US airport as well as developed new pat-down procedures. The new devices and procedures were implemented just prior to the holiday traveling season in the hopes of discouraging a similar attack.

Unfortunately for the agency, their less than stellar track record and the invasive nature of the new procedures have ignited the fires of revolt against the agency. From airline pilots and flight attendants, whose unions have been advising to decline the new procedures, to everyday fliers, the new regulations are being met with resistance.

According to US Airway’s and American Airline’s pilot unions, their members should decline the full-body scans in favor of the pat-down. The unions are concerned about exposing the pilots, who already receive a high level of radiation exposure, to even more radiation.

The AIT devices produce radiation known as ionizing radiation, which allows the machines to see through clothing. There are some questions about how safe the machines actually are, considering the fact that they focus potentially high doses of radiation onto the skin. The TSA and Department of Homeland Security maintain that the devices are perfectly safe, but they offer very little support for their stance.

In addition to health concerns, the body scanners and the pat-down protocol have elicited criticism of the invasive nature of the procedures. Considering a very early incident of improper use, it would seem that the body scanners, which can produce extremely detailed images of the body underneath clothing, were doomed from the start. While the devices aren’t supposed to store the captured images, the U.S. Marshals Service has already been the source of a well-publicized leak of images captured and stored by the devices. This means that we have only the agency’s word that there aren’t hundreds of thousands of images awaiting their freedom.

As for the pat-down, the more aggressive procedures have come under scrutiny for the demeaning nature of the pat-downs. Chief among the complaints is the fact that the TSA procedures border on institutionalized sexual assault and that they do it out in the open at the checkpoint. According to the pilot and flight attendant unions, those in uniform who submit to the pat-downs should should insist on a private screening. Michael Roberts, an airline pilot, does them one better and refused to submit to either procedure. He, his lawyers, and the TSA will be meeting in court in order to resolve the issue.

To the agency’s credit, the TSA isn’t bowing down to the criticism – they have made their statements and they are sticking to their policies. Unfortunately the critics, while highly vocal, are not as numerous as they would seem according to a recent CBS news poll showing that 80 percent of respondents support full-body scans. That doesn’t bode well for a grass-roots movement, but there is still hope that the courts can save us.

For more information on flight training and choosing the right school, check out our Flight Training Resource Center or find flight training near you.

Sources: Airline Pilots Resist New TSA Procedures and TSA to Air Travelers: Drop Dead
This article was written by Matthew Everett, a private pilot, aviation writer, and frequent contributor to AviationSchoolsOnline.com. You can follow him on twitter @leaving_tf or find his blog at http://leavingterrafirma.com.

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Bye Energy Eyes Flight Training Market for Electric 172

Sunday, November 21st, 2010

Bye Energy intends to market their electric Cessna 172 to flight training providers.

The new all-electric Cessna 172 Bye Energy recently announced is more than a proof-of-concept. The company intends to market the aircraft to flight training providers. According to a statement to AVweb, the company wants to “revolutionize the Part 23 training market,” and considering the unique characteristics of this aircraft, there are very few obstacles to prevent their success.

Unlike Light Sport Aircraft, which do not meet some of the requirements of certain flight training providers, Bye Energy is focusing on meeting the needs of traditional flight training providers who would ordinarily purchase a run-of-the-mill Cessna 172. According the company president George Bye, the aircraft is “ideal for training,” and they want the aircraft to be “the point of entry for new pilots.”

In contrast to a four-place, stock Cessna 172, Bye Energy’s aircraft will be a two-place. It will offer two hours of endurance generated by battery and solar power, wing-tip-mounted devices designed to reclaim power from wing tip vortices and, much like regenerative braking on popular hybrid cars, excess power generated by the propeller during descents.

Bye Energy chose the Cessna 172 as a platform for their new technologies, because of it’s wide-spread use world-wide. With over 10,000 having been produced since the 1950s, nearly every pilot on the planet has come across a Cessna 172 at some point in their training. The company has developed a laundry list of new technologies that convert the exceptionally popular aircraft into a fully electric aircraft and slash operating costs.

According to company projections, the all-electric 172 will boast energy costs of only $5-$10 per hour. Assuming a fuel burn of 9 gallons per hour and an average price for a gallon of aviation gas of about $4.90, stock Cessna 172 energy cost is more than $44 per hour. If 90% savings on energy costs isn’t enough, the company also cites a 25,000 hour TBO for their 180-horsepower powerplant, which weighs only 42 pounds. Unfortunately, for all the weigh savings offered by the powerplant, battery technologies are still relatively heavy and bulky. The lithium ion batteries required to power the aircraft, will cancel out any weight reductions, so weight and balance is unlikely to change.

The Bye-improved Cessna 172, which also features some aesthetic changes, will likely fly in early to mid 2011. Thanks to the significantly smaller powerplant, the cowling will be taper to almost nothing, increasing the amount of power generated by the propeller. Current models use a large portion of the propeller to drive airflow for engine cooling. While the proof of concept aircraft features a standard two-blade propeller, a six-blade, composite propeller will drive the conforming aircraft.

For more information on flight training and choosing the right school, check out our Flight Training Resource Center or find flight training near you.

Sources: Electric 172 Aimed At Training Market
This article was written by Matthew Everett, a private pilot, aviation writer, and frequent contributor to AviationSchoolsOnline.com. You can follow him on twitter @leaving_tf or find his blog at http://leavingterrafirma.com.

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Posted in Aircraft Announcements, Flight Training Info | No Comments »

Alaska Students Learning Math and Science Through Aviation

Wednesday, September 22nd, 2010

This year's challenge will look at the wing of a 747.

Students in Alaska have been given the opportunity to learn math and science through a hands-on aviation program.

The Real World Design Challenge program provides software to participating schools and challenges students to use their math and science skills to solve aviation problems. The challenge this year will allow students the opportunity to investigate the wing of a Boeing 747 and analyze fuel efficiency.

Schools from all over the country can participate, but the program has received an unprecedented level of support this year from Alaska where the Lt. Governor has announced that the program is being made available to every high school in the state at no cost.

Alaska as a state is one of the most active in aviation and aviation technology. Thanks to its varied and remote geography, things that work other places don’t always work in Alaska. This has led to quite a bit of aviation innovation that is often applied world-wide.

The stated goal of the program is to get young people involved in aviation. While the focus is on turning out engineers and scientists that will build the next generation of aircraft, it offers good press for the oft-maligned aviation industry.

Programs like this are needed throughout aviation industries in order to reach the next generation of pilots, mechanics, and aircraft designers. Aviation is a growth industry, but the learning curve in all aspects of aviation is often so steep that aviation industries are plagued with shortages of qualified personnel. For this reason, it is essential that programs like the Real World Design Challenge are created and nourished.

Find flight training or aircraft maintenance training training near you.
Source: Students to launch to top of aviation education

This article was written by Matthew Everett, a private pilot, aviation writer, and frequent contributor to AviationSchoolsOnline.com. You can follow him on twitter @leaving_tf or find his blog at http://leavingterrafirma.com

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Posted in Airline News | No Comments »

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