Okay, folks. Set aside this date - Aprl 17th - it's a Saturday, and the FAA Safety program will be holding a four-part seminar. It's called "Safety Standown Day" and it will cover four areas where a high incidence of accidents are occurring.
Those are Maintenance; Risk Management; Approach to Landings and Surface deviations. In this area the same seminar is being held in New Castle, PA; Latrobe, PA; and Clarksburg, WV.
I'll put up more information as soon as times and locations are finalized.
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Sunday, March 21, 2010
News from the FAAsafety.gov World
Hello, to all safety-minded pilots and to those who will be more involved, I bring good news. The FAA Safety people have revamped the website to make it much more user-friendly. I sat through an overview webcast yesterday (yes, even though it was absolutely nice outside), I thought it would be a good thing to do. Bryan Neville of the FAASTeam showed us the new website and little tidbits we need to know as participants in the Wings Program.
I know, in the past, I've had quite a few people balk at participating in the Wings program. I realize a lot of pilots don't think it's important, but I believe that being involved with this aviation safety process is beneficial to the pilots and the reputation of the flying community as well as your wallet; especially when it comes to your aircraft insurance. I've had pilots, as well as instructors, give me all sorts of excuses why they aren't signed up - my dog ate my computer to I don't want to spend hours upon hours on the computer with this stuff.
Check out the website www.faasafety.gov. If you have questions, there's a directory of FAASTeam members in your area who will be happy to explain this program.
Fly safely!
I know, in the past, I've had quite a few people balk at participating in the Wings program. I realize a lot of pilots don't think it's important, but I believe that being involved with this aviation safety process is beneficial to the pilots and the reputation of the flying community as well as your wallet; especially when it comes to your aircraft insurance. I've had pilots, as well as instructors, give me all sorts of excuses why they aren't signed up - my dog ate my computer to I don't want to spend hours upon hours on the computer with this stuff.
Check out the website www.faasafety.gov. If you have questions, there's a directory of FAASTeam members in your area who will be happy to explain this program.
Fly safely!
Monday, March 15, 2010
Back from the brink
Well, the "cold from hell" turned into a four-week stint. After a doctor's visit and a diagnosis of a bronchial infection and dispensing a prescription for one of the 'cycline' family members, I'm now starting to feel better. Although, the doctor just confirmed my diagnosis and need for an antibiotic, it's interesting that even though I'm not a doctor and couldn't write up a drug store note to dispense me some healing drugs, I actually made the same diagnosis.
So I just wanted to bring up a few noteworthy items to keep in mind for this summer. Arnold Palmer Regional airport is hosting the Wings Weekend program the next three years. We met recently with the FAA and set up the weekend of September 17th, 18th and 19th, 2010. I'll provide more information in future blogs. I must add that this is a great program for pilots to get current, or proficient with CFIs who graciously volunteer their time in order to make this Program successful.
Also, Arnold Palmer Regional-Latrobe Airport is holding their Open House once again.The dates are August 14th-15th this summer. As soon as I get details on the event, I will definitely pass it on.
So I just wanted to bring up a few noteworthy items to keep in mind for this summer. Arnold Palmer Regional airport is hosting the Wings Weekend program the next three years. We met recently with the FAA and set up the weekend of September 17th, 18th and 19th, 2010. I'll provide more information in future blogs. I must add that this is a great program for pilots to get current, or proficient with CFIs who graciously volunteer their time in order to make this Program successful.
Also, Arnold Palmer Regional-Latrobe Airport is holding their Open House once again.The dates are August 14th-15th this summer. As soon as I get details on the event, I will definitely pass it on.
Saturday, February 27, 2010
White Out!!
Geez. For those of us here in southwestern Pennsylvania along with the East Coast, I'm sure you feel that this winter will never end. We shoveled 8" of snow this morning; there was a lull in the snowfall but I see it's back; there are more snow showers happening out there. I hear we're only to get 2" more but we shall see.
Are you bored? Go online to University of North Dakota and watch the awesome aviation training videos. Be careful, though, because you may be so engrossed in watching them, Spring may show up and you could miss it.
Enjoy.
Are you bored? Go online to University of North Dakota and watch the awesome aviation training videos. Be careful, though, because you may be so engrossed in watching them, Spring may show up and you could miss it.
Enjoy.
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Oh Lordy, what now?
Good Lord! It’s happened again. General Aviation has an incident that will forever go down in history as a black mark on its reputation. I’m sure everyone has heard about the Texas pilot with a grudge against the IRS and government and subsequently used his plane to “prove a point”. Although, I can understand his frustrations, he has chosen a path that could, forever, cause us law-abiding pilots to endure heavy restrictions. What irony… he hated the restrictions and frustrating interactions with dealing with the IRS (i.e. government). Then he goes out, using his plane as a weapon, and tries to show that he ultimately has control of the situation; or so he thought.
Did he not think about what would happen after the mayhem he caused? He complained about the loss of freedoms General Aviation went through after 9/11, yet he set forth a path that could force us into further restrictions. As my significant other, John has lamented; we’re probably going to have to file a flight plan any time we want to fly, no matter what. Or worse yet, a protected airspace will be placed around every federal building in the United States. Now that will only serve to inconvenience the pilots who abide by the rules; however, anyone intent on “proving a point”, will not give a rat’s a$$ about any stinkin rules; and therein lies the problem.
Let’s hope the government doesn’t go into their “knee-jerk reaction mode” and make hasty legislation that wouldn’t make sense. That process only adds fuel to the non-flying public perception that small airplanes are dangerous and should be banned.
For those of you who care about our flying freedoms, please keep close watch on AOPA.org to get the latest updates on the situation. Call your Congressman, Senator, or both, and let them know about your concerns about them going on the legislative-restriction bandwagon and make up restrictions that only serve to hurt us. We need to look at issues pertaining to General Aviation with a reasonable thought process.
Geez, it’s hard enough out there jumping through the hoops and hurdles laid out for us to follow.
Okay… that’s my rant for the day.
Did he not think about what would happen after the mayhem he caused? He complained about the loss of freedoms General Aviation went through after 9/11, yet he set forth a path that could force us into further restrictions. As my significant other, John has lamented; we’re probably going to have to file a flight plan any time we want to fly, no matter what. Or worse yet, a protected airspace will be placed around every federal building in the United States. Now that will only serve to inconvenience the pilots who abide by the rules; however, anyone intent on “proving a point”, will not give a rat’s a$$ about any stinkin rules; and therein lies the problem.
Let’s hope the government doesn’t go into their “knee-jerk reaction mode” and make hasty legislation that wouldn’t make sense. That process only adds fuel to the non-flying public perception that small airplanes are dangerous and should be banned.
For those of you who care about our flying freedoms, please keep close watch on AOPA.org to get the latest updates on the situation. Call your Congressman, Senator, or both, and let them know about your concerns about them going on the legislative-restriction bandwagon and make up restrictions that only serve to hurt us. We need to look at issues pertaining to General Aviation with a reasonable thought process.
Geez, it’s hard enough out there jumping through the hoops and hurdles laid out for us to follow.
Okay… that’s my rant for the day.
Monday, February 8, 2010
Still another Webinar presenter - Bob Miller
Below is a sampling of an email I receive from Bob Miller, a flight instructor up in Lancaster, NY (for those of you geographically challenged, it's east of Buffalo, NY) You can get a heck of a lot of valuable tips from this guy's monthly newsletter. Check his website out and subscribe to his newsletter. As I have mentioned before: this guy is like having a personal flight instructor 24/7.
Over the Airwaves -
The Journal for the Proficient Pilot
Dear OTA Readers and Aviation Enthusiasts:
Next Sunday's issue of Over the Airwaves - The Journal for the Proficient Pilot is packed with new, provocative flight safety information. Below is a sample of what is included:
Headline: Pressure to Go!
Of all the many risks associated with aviation, there is none so hazardous as that powerful little voice deep within us that says it is safe to launch . . . when it really isn't.
Traffic Information Systems (TIS) - Enhancing safety!
Mid-air collisions, in the grand scheme of things, do not happen that often thanks, in part, to new technology now becoming commonplace in many late model aircraft. But when they do happen . . . the outcome is nearly all bad.
Air Work - Engine failure in flight
What to do next when the engine quits is easily answered by the proficient pilot. For the less than proficient pilot, his decision could easily kill him.
FAASafety.gov is the place to be!
Admittedly one of its most vocal critics, Over the Airwaves is pleased to enthusiastically support what appears to be happening over at FAASafety.gov
Near Miss - ATC or Pilot Error???
We have a dramatic simulation of a near-tragic collision between an airliner and a GA aircraft that occurred at the Charlotte-Douglas International Airport on May 29, 2009. Can you determine who screwed up - Pilot or ATC?
Passenger briefing is more than talking. Checking is also required!
How many times have we pilots said, "Everybody ready?," then launched?
That's standard behavior for most GA pilots. Unfortunately, such behavior can lead to disaster. Why? Because we assume that our passengers, even our frequent passengers, know what pre-flight actions they should be taking.
Bravo . . . the FAA is finally linking errant pilot behavior to who their last instructor was!!!!!
At long last, the FAA is making an effort hold flight instructors accountable for possible gaps or omissions in their teaching skills.
Bob Miller Flight Training, Inc. - The Bold Experiment Continues!
We're doing things at BMFT that have never been done before to improve the face of flight training. Follow along with us as we shake the very foundations of traditional flight training here in the USA. Learn more about what's happening at BMFT by clicking on http://bobmillerflighttraining.com
Quotable:
"My personal standard is, I would not sign off on any applicant that I personally would not want flying with my family in the back of an airplane."
-- Mary Colgan Finnigan, Cogan Air
Flight Training Webinar Coming Soon!
Many of our OTA readers have been encouraging me to broadcast my popular "12 Week Private Pilot/Refresher Ground Course" via Webinar to pilots and aviation enthusiasts around the world. Yes . . . you'll be able to partipate with me in this "live" weekly ground training program from the comfort of your home or office! Details concerning dates and times will be announced soon.
Remember - The current January 2010 OTA issue is still available at http://overtheairwaves.com.
Fly Safe,
Bob Miller, CFII, ATP
Over the Airwaves - The Journal for the Proficient Pilot
Over the Airwaves -
The Journal for the Proficient Pilot
Dear OTA Readers and Aviation Enthusiasts:
Next Sunday's issue of Over the Airwaves - The Journal for the Proficient Pilot is packed with new, provocative flight safety information. Below is a sample of what is included:
Headline: Pressure to Go!
Of all the many risks associated with aviation, there is none so hazardous as that powerful little voice deep within us that says it is safe to launch . . . when it really isn't.
Traffic Information Systems (TIS) - Enhancing safety!
Mid-air collisions, in the grand scheme of things, do not happen that often thanks, in part, to new technology now becoming commonplace in many late model aircraft. But when they do happen . . . the outcome is nearly all bad.
Air Work - Engine failure in flight
What to do next when the engine quits is easily answered by the proficient pilot. For the less than proficient pilot, his decision could easily kill him.
FAASafety.gov is the place to be!
Admittedly one of its most vocal critics, Over the Airwaves is pleased to enthusiastically support what appears to be happening over at FAASafety.gov
Near Miss - ATC or Pilot Error???
We have a dramatic simulation of a near-tragic collision between an airliner and a GA aircraft that occurred at the Charlotte-Douglas International Airport on May 29, 2009. Can you determine who screwed up - Pilot or ATC?
Passenger briefing is more than talking. Checking is also required!
How many times have we pilots said, "Everybody ready?," then launched?
That's standard behavior for most GA pilots. Unfortunately, such behavior can lead to disaster. Why? Because we assume that our passengers, even our frequent passengers, know what pre-flight actions they should be taking.
Bravo . . . the FAA is finally linking errant pilot behavior to who their last instructor was!!!!!
At long last, the FAA is making an effort hold flight instructors accountable for possible gaps or omissions in their teaching skills.
Bob Miller Flight Training, Inc. - The Bold Experiment Continues!
We're doing things at BMFT that have never been done before to improve the face of flight training. Follow along with us as we shake the very foundations of traditional flight training here in the USA. Learn more about what's happening at BMFT by clicking on http://bobmillerflighttraining.com
Quotable:
"My personal standard is, I would not sign off on any applicant that I personally would not want flying with my family in the back of an airplane."
-- Mary Colgan Finnigan, Cogan Air
Flight Training Webinar Coming Soon!
Many of our OTA readers have been encouraging me to broadcast my popular "12 Week Private Pilot/Refresher Ground Course" via Webinar to pilots and aviation enthusiasts around the world. Yes . . . you'll be able to partipate with me in this "live" weekly ground training program from the comfort of your home or office! Details concerning dates and times will be announced soon.
Remember - The current January 2010 OTA issue is still available at http://overtheairwaves.com.
Fly Safe,
Bob Miller, CFII, ATP
Over the Airwaves - The Journal for the Proficient Pilot
You're expired! The latest scoop on photo IDs
Soooooo. Who has recently tried to access the gates of hangar or tarmac paradise, after your birthday, only to find the little gate troll uncooperative? We have new rules for all photo ID's that adorn each pilot who sets foot on the tarmac at Latrobe airport. Previously, when you got your ID updated, they were good for two years. Thanks to those pesky terrorists, we now have to fill out a Threat Assessment form which will be sent to TSA for approval. I'm told the approval takes 3 - 5 days... unless you mention to the friendly security guard that you're thinking about setting up an insurgent camp. They may want to take a long, close look at you.
The photo IDs will only be good for a year. For those who have a 2011 expiration, your pass will be good until then. I'm told they are grandfathered in. Those of you whose ID expires this year, when you get it updated, will now be good for a year. To all new applicants, you get the picture.
You'll be able to get your cards renewed on weekdays and weekends from 6:00AM to 10:00PM; though, the ideal times will be from 6:00AM to 2:00PM. If you're going to travel a far distance to get your ID renewed, especially after 2:00PM, perhaps a phone call would be in order. (They'll probably want a heads up to get the bright lights set up for interrogation). The phone number is 724.640.7234 in case they aren't in the office when you stop by. I would suggest you look at your card and plan to get your card updated ahead of the expiration date.
....I'm off to help shovel even MORE global warming that we got over the weekend.
The photo IDs will only be good for a year. For those who have a 2011 expiration, your pass will be good until then. I'm told they are grandfathered in. Those of you whose ID expires this year, when you get it updated, will now be good for a year. To all new applicants, you get the picture.
You'll be able to get your cards renewed on weekdays and weekends from 6:00AM to 10:00PM; though, the ideal times will be from 6:00AM to 2:00PM. If you're going to travel a far distance to get your ID renewed, especially after 2:00PM, perhaps a phone call would be in order. (They'll probably want a heads up to get the bright lights set up for interrogation). The phone number is 724.640.7234 in case they aren't in the office when you stop by. I would suggest you look at your card and plan to get your card updated ahead of the expiration date.
....I'm off to help shovel even MORE global warming that we got over the weekend.
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