Podcast – Page 2 – Aviation News Talk

336 Cirrus SR22T CAPS Parachute Pull over Seattle with Jim Simon + GA News

Max talks with CFI Jim Simon, about an incident involving a Cirrus SR22T and a parachute deployment. On a clear winter day in March, Simon and a learner pilot embarked on a six-month recurrency flight. The day started routinely with pre-flight checks showing all systems in the green. They took off from Renton Airport on runway 34, following the East Channel departure, which took them over Lake Washington. As they climbed to 2,500 feet MSL, Simon noticed two engine surges followed by a loud bang. The propeller stopped, and the engine seized, plunging them into an emergency situation.

Simon describes the eerie silence following the engine failure and his immediate assumption of control when the learner froze. He methodically executed the ABCDE emergency checklist: Airspeed, Best place to land, Checklist, Declare emergency, and Execute. With urban areas and a busy highway nearby, Simon decided against landing on the highway or pulling the parachute over water, as he disliked the prospect of swimming post-ditching. Instead, he aimed for a greenbelt area, Creek Parkway, avoiding dense urban zones.

During the descent, Simon determined they would pull the parachute at 1,500 feet MSL, approximately 1,000 feet AGL. After a brief glide, they pulled the parachute at the designated altitude, experiencing a violent jerk as the CAPS (Cirrus Airframe Parachute System) deployed. The plane initially pointed nose-down, oscillating between level and downward pitches. Simon vividly recalls the dramatic view of power lines, but they narrowly avoided them by about 50 feet. The parachute slowed their descent, and they landed softly in a marshy area with blackberry bushes and dead trees.

Simon reflects on the remarkable softness of the landing, comparing it to falling on a bed of pillows. After ensuring there was no fire or fuel smell, he and the learner evacuated the plane. They navigated through blackberry bushes to reach a nearby neighborhood, where they were met by concerned residents. The emergency services arrived swiftly, and the incident transitioned to the administrative phase, involving the FAA, NTSB, and insurance companies.

Simon highlights the role of CAPS in ensuring their survival, stating that without the parachute, a safe outcome in such a densely populated area would have been impossible. The NTSB took the engine for analysis, and Simon remains in close contact with them to determine the failure’s cause. He discusses the thorough administrative processes of the FAA and NTSB, contrasting them with the insurance company’s meticulous demand for precise flight hours.

Despite the incident, Simon experienced no fear during the emergency, attributing his calm response to extensive training and preparation. He emphasizes the critical importance of emergency training for pilots, especially instructors who regularly practice these scenarios. Simon’s learner, initially frozen during the incident, later struggled to process the experience, highlighting the different impacts such events can have on individuals based on their experience levels.

Simon underscores the importance of procedural and emotional preparation for emergencies. He advocates for the use of simulators in training, allowing pilots to experience and manage critical situations safely. He also discusses the cultural shift needed among pilots flying Cirrus aircraft, encouraging reliance on CAPS over attempting risky landings in emergencies.

Throughout the interview, Simon’s account is both a testament to the effectiveness of the CAPS system and a call to action for continuous training and preparedness. Simon’s story serves as an educational and inspirational narrative for pilots and aviation enthusiasts alike, emphasizing that preparation, training, and the right equipment can make all the difference in an emergency.

If you’re getting value from this show, please support the show via PayPal, Venmo, Zelle or Patreon.

Support the Show by buying a Lightspeed ANR Headsets
Max has been using only Lightspeed headsets for nearly 25 years! I love their tradeup program that let’s you trade in an older Lightspeed headset for a newer model. Start with one of the links below, and Lightspeed will pay a referral fee to support Aviation News Talk.
Lightspeed Delta Zulu Headset $1199
Lightspeed Zulu 3 Headset $899
Lightspeed Sierra Headset $699
My Review on the Lightspeed Delta Zulu

Send us your feedback or comments via email

If you have a question you’d like answered on the show, let listeners hear you ask the question, by recording your listener question using your phone.

News Stories

Mentioned on the Show
Buy Max Trescott’s G1000 Book Call 800-247-6553
Buy Max Trescott’s G3000 Book Call 800-247-6553
USC Aviation Safety & Security Certificate Program
Flying Magazine article by Peter Garrison

Free Index to the first 282 episodes of Aviation New Talk

So You Want To Learn to Fly or Buy a Cirrus seminars
Online Version of the Seminar Coming Soon – Register for Notification

Check out our recommended ADS-B receivers, and order one for yourself. Yes, we’ll make a couple of dollars if you do.

Get the Free Aviation News Talk app for iOS or Android.

Check out Max’s Online Courses: G1000 VFR, G1000 IFR, and Flying WAAS & GPS Approaches. Find them all at: https://www.pilotlearning.com/

Social Media
Like Aviation News Talk podcast on Facebook
Follow Max on Instagram
Follow Max on Twitter
Listen to all Aviation News Talk podcasts on YouTube or YouTube Premium

“Go Around” song used by permission of Ken Dravis; you can buy his music at kendravis.com

If you purchase a product through a link on our site, we may receive compensation.

335 Mental Health Issues: What Pilots Need to Know – with Dr. Victor Vogel + GA News

Max talks with Dr. Victor Vogel about mental health issues and what pilots need to know when getting a pilot medical certificate. He also talks about how somatogravic illusion nearly brought down Southwest flight 2786, which nearly crashed while flying the missed approach at Lihue, Hawaii. He also discusses two fatal twin engine accidents that occurred this week in Colorado and New York.

If you’re getting value from this show, please support the show via PayPal, Venmo, Zelle or Patreon.

Send us your feedback or comments via email

If you have a question you’d like answered on the show, let listeners hear you ask the question, by recording your listener question using your phone.

News Stories

Mentioned on the Show
Buy Max Trescott’s G1000 Book Call 800-247-6553
Buy Max Trescott’s G3000 Book Call 800-247-6553
#156 Atlas Air Crash Flight 3591 Explained & Somatogravic Illusion
#157 5 Ways Somatogravic Illusion is Killing Pilots
Book: Why We Sleep on Amazon
National Association of Flight Instructors – NAFI
Susquehanna STEM to the Skies

Free Index to the first 282 episodes of Aviation New Talk

So You Want To Learn to Fly or Buy a Cirrus seminars
Online Version of the Seminar Coming Soon – Register for Notification

Check out our recommended ADS-B receivers, and order one for yourself. Yes, we’ll make a couple of dollars if you do.

Get the Free Aviation News Talk app for iOS or Android.

Check out Max’s Online Courses: G1000 VFR, G1000 IFR, and Flying WAAS & GPS Approaches. Find them all at: https://www.pilotlearning.com/

Social Media
Like Aviation News Talk podcast on Facebook
Follow Max on Instagram
Follow Max on Twitter
Listen to all Aviation News Talk podcasts on YouTube or YouTube Premium

“Go Around” song used by permission of Ken Dravis; you can buy his music at kendravis.com

If you purchase a product through a link on our site, we may receive compensation.

334 Making Flight Training Safer – Tips for CFIs and Pilots with John Fiscus + GA News

Max talks with John Fiscus discuss about strategies for flight instructors when teaching in the traffic pattern. These tips are also useful for pilots flying by themselves.

John begins by addressing a fundamental issue he has noticed among new John highlights a common issue among new CFIs: teaching based on qualitative feelings rather than quantitative data. He emphasizes the importance of providing concrete numerical guidance to students. John introduces the concept that “energy equals time,” stressing that the amount of energy (airspeed, power, altitude) affects reaction time, especially as the aircraft gets closer to the ground.

John recounts how he was invited by Cirrus to give a presentation focused on accidents involving CFIs during traffic patterns. The positive feedback from this presentation led him to create a more detailed 54-minute video to expand on the subject. While the initial presentation was tailored for Cirrus instructors, John clarifies that the principles he discussed are applicable to any CFI, regardless of the aircraft they teach in.

Max and John both stress the continuous learning aspect of being a CFI. They agree that even seasoned instructors can learn new techniques and perspectives from both experienced and new CFIs. John shares how he constantly updates his teaching methods based on interactions with other instructors.

A key concept John introduces is “energy equals time.” He explains that in the context of traffic patterns, the amount of energy (in terms of airspeed, engine power, and altitude) directly correlates to the amount of time available to react to any issues. He emphasizes the need for CFIs to monitor the total energy state of the aircraft constantly. As the aircraft gets closer to the ground, the available reaction time diminishes, requiring more precise control and quicker correction of errors.

Max concurs, adding that CFIs must strike a balance between allowing students to make mistakes and ensuring safety. He shares an anecdote where he allowed a student to struggle with starting the engine during a phase check, highlighting the importance of letting students experience and solve problems independently.

John expands on this by describing the different “hats” an instructor wears: teacher, coach, and evaluator. The evaluator role is particularly challenging because it involves observing without intervening unless absolutely necessary. This approach helps students build confidence and competence.

The conversation then shifts to the practical aspects of flight instruction. Max asks John about the “ready position” and “guard position,” where an instructor is prepared to take over the controls if needed. John explains that while it’s essential to be ready to intervene, being too visibly prepared can distract students and make them nervous. Instead, he suggests a more relaxed position, where the instructor’s hand is close enough to the controls to act quickly but not so close that it’s obvious to the student.

John also discusses the importance of setting specific tolerances for errors at different stages of the traffic pattern. On the downwind leg, for instance, he allows a greater margin for altitude and airspeed deviations, using these moments to gauge a student’s awareness and response time. As the aircraft moves closer to the runway, he tightens these tolerances, particularly on the base and final legs where the consequences of errors are more critical.

John advocates for allowing minor deviations and observing how quickly students correct themselves. If they don’t, he makes verbal corrections, and if those are ignored, he physically takes over the controls. This method not only ensures safety but also reinforces the importance of precise flying.

The discussion also covers techniques for physically guarding the controls, especially in critical phases like takeoff and landing. John shares strategies for subtly positioning hands near the throttle and control yoke, ready to intervene without alarming the student. Max adds insights from his own experience, including an instance where he had to take over when a student’s seat slid back during takeoff. Throughout the podcast, Max and John emphasize the dynamic nature of flight instruction and the necessity for CFIs to remain adaptable, observant, and committed to continuous learning.

If you’re getting value from this show, please support the show via PayPal, Venmo, Zelle or Patreon.

Send us your feedback or comments via email

If you have a question you’d like answered on the show, let listeners hear you ask the question, by recording your listener question using your phone.

News Stories

Mentioned on the Show
Buy Max Trescott’s G1000 Book Call 800-247-6553
Buy Max Trescott’s G3000 Book Call 800-247-6553
Netflix: Pepsi, Where’s My Jet?

Free Index to the first 282 episodes of Aviation New Talk

So You Want To Learn to Fly or Buy a Cirrus seminars
Online Version of the Seminar Coming Soon – Register for Notification

Check out our recommended ADS-B receivers, and order one for yourself. Yes, we’ll make a couple of dollars if you do.

Get the Free Aviation News Talk app for iOS or Android.

Check out Max’s Online Courses: G1000 VFR, G1000 IFR, and Flying WAAS & GPS Approaches. Find them all at: https://www.pilotlearning.com/

Social Media
Like Aviation News Talk podcast on Facebook
Follow Max on Instagram
Follow Max on Twitter
Listen to all Aviation News Talk podcasts on YouTube or YouTube Premium

“Go Around” song used by permission of Ken Dravis; you can buy his music at kendravis.com

If you purchase a product through a link on our site, we may receive compensation.

333 FAA Compliance Program – What You Need to Know with Mark Kolber + GA News

Max talks with Mark Kolber, an aviation lawyer and CFI, about the FAA’s compliance program. The conversation starts with Max highlighting an interesting piece Mark wrote, stating that he prefers to assist clients such that the FAA Flight Standards District Office (FSDO) remains unaware of his involvement. Mark explains that lawyers can often be off-putting in such scenarios, and sometimes it’s best to guide clients on how to handle the situation themselves rather than intervening directly. He assesses each case to determine the necessity of his involvement based on its severity and likelihood of formal enforcement.

Max then inquires about the history and evolution of the FAA’s compliance program. Mark outlines that the compliance program, which started in 2015, added a new dimension to the existing system. Previously, pilot deviations, such as altitude infringements or airspace violations, led to investigations that could escalate to formal enforcement, involving warning notices, letters of investigation, and potentially trials before the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) or even federal courts.

With the compliance program, the FAA shifted from a punitive approach to a more rehabilitative one. The program aims to handle deviations through retraining and discussion rather than punishment. This change encourages a more open dialogue between pilots and the FAA, promoting safety culture where pilots are more willing to report mistakes without fear of severe repercussions.

Mark recounts an example from 2016 where a pilot violated a Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) during the presidential election period. By being proactive and logging the necessary remedial training with his instructor, the pilot was able to resolve the issue without formal enforcement. This example underscores Mark’s advice to be proactive and address issues head-on through training relevant to the violation.

Max and Mark discuss how the compliance program’s non-punitive philosophy aligns with broader safety programs in aviation, emphasizing the importance of open communication and remedial training to improve overall safety. Mark notes that the program has been generally successful, though it has also allowed the FAA’s legal department to focus more on serious violations due to reduced caseloads from minor infractions being handled at the FSDO level.

Max asks about the process pilots should follow if they receive a call from the FAA. Mark advises not to answer immediately but to listen to any voicemails first. This approach allows the pilot to consider their response carefully. He also stresses the importance of filing a NASA form, which can offer protections if the case goes to formal enforcement. Mark highlights that seeking professional advice at this stage is crucial, even if it’s just for guidance rather than full legal representation.

The conversation shifts to the types of cases that might not be suitable for the compliance program. Mark explains that egregious violations, such as fraud, logbook falsification, and repeat offenses, are typically not handled within the compliance program. Instead, these cases often lead to formal enforcement actions. He emphasizes that the FAA prioritizes compliance and safety, and non-compliant or deceitful behavior is treated more severely.

Max and Mark then explore various scenarios and outcomes within the compliance program. Mark illustrates how being proactive about training and addressing issues can often result in favorable outcomes, such as avoiding formal enforcement. However, he notes that in some cases, particularly severe or fraudulent ones, formal enforcement might be unavoidable.

Mark advises against the old notion of avoiding FAA contact to escape identification, pointing out that with modern technology like ADS-B, the FAA can track aircraft movements accurately. He shares anecdotes of pilots attempting to evade detection but ultimately being found by the FAA. He asserts that cooperation and transparency are generally more effective approaches.

The discussion concludes with practical advice for pilots who receive a Brasher warning, which is an ATC request for a pilot to contact the tower following a deviation. Mark recommends making the call but keeping it brief and factual, providing only necessary information. He stresses the importance of not making any admissions during the call, which could be used against the pilot later.

If you’re getting value from this show, please support the show via PayPal, Venmo, Zelle or Patreon.

Send us your feedback or comments via email

If you have a question you’d like answered on the show, let listeners hear you ask the question, by recording your listener question using your phone.

News Stories

Mentioned on the Show
Buy Max Trescott’s G1000 Book Call 800-247-6553
Buy Max Trescott’s G3000 Book Call 800-247-6553
Mark Kolber’s articles in IFR Pilot Magazine

Free Index to the first 282 episodes of Aviation New Talk

So You Want To Learn to Fly or Buy a Cirrus seminars
Online Version of the Seminar Coming Soon – Register for Notification

Check out our recommended ADS-B receivers, and order one for yourself. Yes, we’ll make a couple of dollars if you do.

Get the Free Aviation News Talk app for iOS or Android.

Check out Max’s Online Courses: G1000 VFR, G1000 IFR, and Flying WAAS & GPS Approaches. Find them all at: https://www.pilotlearning.com/

Social Media
Like Aviation News Talk podcast on Facebook
Follow Max on Instagram
Follow Max on Twitter
Listen to all Aviation News Talk podcasts on YouTube or YouTube Premium

“Go Around” song used by permission of Ken Dravis; you can buy his music at kendravis.com

If you purchase a product through a link on our site, we may receive compensation.

332 FAA Reauthorization Effects on Training and DPEs with Jason Blair and Friday Mailbag Special

Max interviews Jason Blair about the FAA reauthorization bill and its implications for flight training and pilot certification. And Max reads listener stories and emails.

Blair opens the discussion by addressing the establishment of an enhanced qualification program for restricted Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificates. Traditionally, these certificates were available only through collegiate aviation programs, which allowed for a reduced flight hour requirement to obtain a restricted ATP. The new bill, however, extends this pathway to include programs developed directly by or in coordination with airlines under FAA-approved training sectors (Part 141 or 142). This change potentially levels the playing field, offering non-collegiate entities the opportunity to develop similar programs, thereby increasing access and flexibility for aspiring pilots.

Blair also highlights a provision that allows flight instructors, registered owners, and lessees of covered aircraft to conduct flight training without needing a letter of deviation authority from the FAA, provided they are not offering commercial training services. This reduces bureaucratic hurdles and simplifies the process for private aircraft owners seeking training.

Discussing examiner-related changes, Blair delves into the implications for Designated Pilot Examiners (DPEs). The new bill allows DPEs to operate under basic medical standards, expanding their eligibility and potentially retaining more experienced examiners in the system. Blair explains that while this change won’t immediately affect a large number of examiners, it provides flexibility and helps sustain the examiner workforce.

Moreover, the bill proposes the creation of a national oversight office for examiners to standardize selection, deployment, and training processes. This national office aims to ensure consistency in practical tests across different regions, improving the overall quality and reliability of the examination process. Blair emphasizes the need for standardized testing to ensure that pilot evaluations are consistent regardless of location.

Blair touches on recommendations from the 2021 DPE Aviation Rulemaking Advisory Committee, including improving the DPE locator system. The goal is to make it easier for candidates to find available examiners, potentially integrating scheduling tools to optimize examiner utilization and reduce backlogs.

Blair provides practical tips for those seeking examiners, advising against assuming that the local examiner is the only option. He encourages candidates to explore the FAA’s designee management site, reach out to multiple examiners, and provide detailed information when making inquiries to improve response and scheduling efficiency. He also suggests the possibility of scheduling backup dates to account for weather-related delays.

Lastly, Blair addresses changes to flight instructor certificates, specifically the removal of the expiration date on the plastic certificate. While this change aims to reduce administrative costs, it doesn’t eliminate the need for flight instructors to maintain their currency through refresher courses. Blair clarifies that flight instructors will still need to adhere to the same standards, but the process will be streamlined to reduce the frequency of certificate renewals.

Send us your feedback or comments via email

If you have a question you’d like answered on the show, let listeners hear you ask the question, by recording your listener question using your phone.

Mentioned on the Show
Buy Max Trescott’s G1000 Book Call 800-247-6553
Buy Max Trescott’s G3000 Book Call 800-247-6553
Jason Blair’s Website
Schedule a Checkride with Jason
Jason Blair’s YouTube Channel

Free Index to the first 282 episodes of Aviation New Talk

So You Want To Learn to Fly or Buy a Cirrus seminars
Online Version of the Seminar Coming Soon – Register for Notification

Check out our recommended ADS-B receivers, and order one for yourself. Yes, we’ll make a couple of dollars if you do.

Get the Free Aviation News Talk app for iOS or Android.

Check out Max’s Online Courses: G1000 VFR, G1000 IFR, and Flying WAAS & GPS Approaches. Find them all at: https://www.pilotlearning.com/

Social Media
Like Aviation News Talk podcast on Facebook
Follow Max on Instagram
Follow Max on Twitter
Listen to all Aviation News Talk podcasts on YouTube or YouTube Premium

“Go Around” song used by permission of Ken Dravis; you can buy his music at kendravis.com

If you purchase a product through a link on our site, we may receive compensation.

331 New ACS Changes and How They’ll Affect Your Next Checkride – Jason Blair + GA News

Max and Jason Blair discuss recent changes in the FAA’s aviation testing standards, notably the transition from PTS to ACS. Key updates include the conversion of the CFI test to ACS, introducing scenario-driven evaluations. New maneuvers, such as demonstrating flight characteristics under various conditions, have been added for CFIs. Instructors can now use pre-developed lesson plans, easing the preparation burden.

Instrument rating changes allow using approaches with decision altitudes like LNAV/VNAV and mandate partial panel approaches to reflect real emergency scenarios. GPS databases must remain current. For commercial pilots, precision in power-off 180-degree landings is emphasized, and understanding ballistic parachute systems is required.

These updates aim to modernize testing, aligning it with current industry practices and technology without drastically altering training content. The use of electronic flight bags (EFB) for planning and in-flight operations is now permitted, enhancing practicality. Jason assures that these changes will improve the evaluation process while maintaining consistency with previous standards, providing a seamless transition for candidates.

If you’re getting value from this show, please support the show via PayPal, Venmo, Zelle or Patreon.

Send us your feedback or comments via email

If you have a question you’d like answered on the show, let listeners hear you ask the question, by recording your listener question using your phone.

News Stories

Mentioned on the Show
Buy Max Trescott’s G1000 Book Call 800-247-6553
Buy Max Trescott’s G3000 Book Call 800-247-6553
Simulators Save Lives (FAA Helicopter)
Skydiving instructor at CA site found guilty of fraud
Who regulates sky diving? USPS website
Jason Blair’s Website
Schedule a Checkride with Jason
Jason Blair’s YouTube Channel

Free Index to the first 282 episodes of Aviation New Talk

So You Want To Learn to Fly or Buy a Cirrus seminars
Online Version of the Seminar Coming Soon – Register for Notification

Check out our recommended ADS-B receivers, and order one for yourself. Yes, we’ll make a couple of dollars if you do.

Get the Free Aviation News Talk app for iOS or Android.

Check out Max’s Online Courses: G1000 VFR, G1000 IFR, and Flying WAAS & GPS Approaches. Find them all at: https://www.pilotlearning.com/

Social Media
Like Aviation News Talk podcast on Facebook
Follow Max on Instagram
Follow Max on Twitter
Listen to all Aviation News Talk podcasts on YouTube or YouTube Premium

“Go Around” song used by permission of Ken Dravis; you can buy his music at kendravis.com

If you purchase a product through a link on our site, we may receive compensation.

330 Prop Safety, Twin Comanche Crash & IFR Listener Stories – A Friday Mailbag Special

Max reads a number of listeners stories and emails from listeners. Several of the stories are in response to #328, in which we talked about a tragic aviation accident involving a CFI who purchased his dream airplane, a Piper Twin Comanche, and crashed it on the way home.

Bill commented on the FAA reauthorization bill discussed in episode 329. He pointed out that historically, only a small fraction of initiatives from previous reauthorization bills are completed on time, with many never completed at all.

John asked about the proper method for rotating a prop by hand. Max explained that the primary goal is to prevent the prop from accidentally starting, which could happen if the mag key is not in the off position or if a P lead is broken. He emphasized turning the prop in the opposite direction of its normal rotation to avoid generating a spark, which could cause the engine to start.

Sam praised episode 328 but expressed concerns about the insurance checkout the accident pilot received.

Steven shared his experience of buying a Twin Comanche 30 years ago and the benefits of joining the International Comanche Society (ICS). He highlighted how the ICS training and publications helped him handle a gear issue shortly after purchasing his plane. Steven recommended all Comanche owners join the ICS to gain valuable knowledge about their aircraft. He also mentioned an incident where a new Comanche owner misunderstood the gear light dimming at night, underscoring the importance of specific training and publications.

Stefan shared his standard procedure for dealing with gear problems, which includes informing ATC, engaging the autopilot, and then troubleshooting.

John, nearing 61 years old, inquired about starting flight training and the potential hurdles, especially regarding medical certification and medications.

Send us your feedback or comments via email

If you have a question you’d like answered on the show, let listeners hear you ask the question, by recording your listener question using your phone.

Mentioned on the Show
#328 Crash on the way home of newly purchased Piper Twin Comance
International Comanche Society
FAA AME Guide for Medical Examiners

Max’s Books – Order online or call 800-247-6553 to order.
Max Trescott’s G3000 and G5000 Glass Cockpit Handbook
Max Trescott’s G1000 & Perspective Glass Cockpit Handbook

Free Index to the first 282 episodes of Aviation New Talk

So You Want To Learn to Fly or Buy a Cirrus seminars
Online Version of the Seminar Coming Soon – Register for Notification

Check out our recommended ADS-B receivers, and order one for yourself. Yes, we’ll make a couple of dollars if you do.

Get the Free Aviation News Talk app for iOS or Android.

Check out Max’s Online Courses: G1000 VFR, G1000 IFR, and Flying WAAS & GPS Approaches. Find them all at: https://www.pilotlearning.com/

Social Media
Like Aviation News Talk podcast on Facebook
Follow Max on Instagram
Follow Max on Twitter
Listen to all Aviation News Talk podcasts on YouTube or YouTube Premium

“Go Around” song used by permission of Ken Dravis; you can buy his music at kendravis.com

If you purchase a product through a link on our site, we may receive compensation.

329 FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024 and How It Impacts GA Pilots

In this episode, Max discusses the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024 and the dozens of provisions that may impact GA pilots. Here’s are the main points covered:

Remote Towers: Rob Mark’s investigation into Remote Towers, discussed in episode 292 may be bearing fruit. Section 621 mandates the FAA to create a program and publish milestones for the design and operational approval of remote tower systems. By the end of 2024, the FAA is required to expand this approval process to at least three airports, prioritizing airports without permanent control towers, those serving small and rural communities, and those newly accepted into the Contract Tower Program.

Airport Surface Situational Awareness: The FAA must deploy technologies like Airport Surface Detection Equipment to enhance situational awareness and prevent runway collisions, tracking both aircraft and vehicle movements.

Low-Altitude Routes for Vertical Flight: Section 627 emphasizes the need for additional rotorcraft, powered-lift aircraft, and low-altitude routes. Within three years, the FAA must start updating low-altitude routes and procedures to ensure safe operations, incorporating performance-based navigation and minimizing conflicts with other airspace users and communities.

Drones and UAS Regulations: The bill includes various references to drones and Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS). Notably, drones can operate in Class G airspace up to 400 feet without prior FAA authorization, and above that with authorization. Section 930 directs the FAA to propose regulations for Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations within four months, setting standards for remote pilots and ensuring safety for manned aviation.

Section 800 General Aviation: Reexamination of Pilots: The FAA must notify pilots about reexaminations within a year, with restrictions on passenger operations if not conducted within 30 days.

GAO Review: A report on the implementation of the Pilot’s Bill of Rights.

Aircraft Privacy: The FAA must establish processes to withhold registration and identifiable information for private aircraft owners.

Registration Numbers: Ensures fair access to aircraft registration numbers, preventing automated systems from bulk reserving numbers.

Investigations: The FAA must finalize any investigation open for more than two years unless an extension is necessary, approved by senior FAA officials.

All Makes and Models Authorization: The FAA must reauthorize mechanics and inspectors to work on a wide range of aircraft types.

Response to Investigations: Individuals have at least 30 days to respond to FAA letters of investigation.

ADS-B Out Equipage Study: A study on the implementation and impact of ADS-B Out equipment, examining costs, benefits, and potential incentives for aircraft owners.

Off-Airport Operations: Section 809 prevents the FAA from enforcing regulations that would require a pilot to continue an unsafe landing, referencing the case of Trent Palmer who faced suspension for a low-altitude inspection pass.

Airshow Safety Team: Section 811 proposes the creation of an Airshow Safety Team to enhance safety at airshows and aerial events through non-regulatory measures and best practices.

Registration Validity: Allows aircraft to operate on expired registrations if a renewal application is in process.

Temporary Airman Certificate: Permits immediate issuance of a temporary certificate while awaiting a replacement.

LODA Exemption: Expands the Letter of Deviation Authority exemption for flight training in certain experimental aircraft.

BasicMed for Examiners: Allows examiners to administer tests if they meet BasicMed requirements.

FAA Process Improvements: Sections 816-819 aim to improve various FAA processes:

Designee Locator Tool: Enhancements to the public search function for locating FAA designees.

Registration Backlog: Reduces the aircraft registration backlog, ensuring applications are processed within 10 business days.

Part 135 Certificate Backlog: Establishes a timeline for processing Part 135 air carrier certificates.

Aircraft Conformity: Simplifies the conformity process for Part 135 operators.

Flight Instructor Certificates: Section 820 requires the removal of the expiration date on flight instructor certificates, replacing it with recent experience requirements, thus easing the burden on instructors who need to renew their certificates regularly.

Regulatory Consistency: Sections 821-823 address the consistency in the application of FAA policies and regulations, ensuring uniform interpretation and application across different regions and offices.

Other Provisions

MOSAIC Rulemaking: Modernization of Special Airworthiness Certification within 24 months.

Gyroplane Regulations: Excludes gyroplanes from certain rotorcraft fuel system requirements.

Logging Flight Time: Allows logging of flight time for certain public aircraft operations.

EAGLE Initiative: Continues efforts to eliminate leaded aviation gasoline by 2030.

BasicMed Expansion: Increases allowable weight and passenger limits for BasicMed aircraft.

ADS-B Data Use: Prohibits the FAA from initiating investigations based solely on ADS-B Out data.

Charitable Flight Exemptions: Validates exemptions for fuel reimbursement for charitable flights for five years, with provisions for rescinding exemptions under specific conditions.

This comprehensive legislation aims to modernize aviation regulations, improve safety, enhance efficiency, and ensure fair processes across various aspects of aviation.

If you’re getting value from this show, please support the show via PayPal, Venmo, Zelle or Patreon.

Send us your feedback or comments via email

If you have a question you’d like answered on the show, let listeners hear you ask the question, by recording your listener question using your phone.

Mentioned on the Show
Episode #292 Remote Towers with Rod Mark
FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024
AOPA’s Summary of GA Related Provisions

Free Index to the first 282 episodes of Aviation New Talk

So You Want To Learn to Fly or Buy a Cirrus seminars
Online Version of the Seminar Coming Soon – Register for Notification

Check out our recommended ADS-B receivers, and order one for yourself. Yes, we’ll make a couple of dollars if you do.

Get the Free Aviation News Talk app for iOS or Android.

Check out Max’s Online Courses: G1000 VFR, G1000 IFR, and Flying WAAS & GPS Approaches. Find them all at: https://www.pilotlearning.com/

Social Media
Like Aviation News Talk podcast on Facebook
Follow Max on Instagram
Follow Max on Twitter
Listen to all Aviation News Talk podcasts on YouTube or YouTube Premium

“Go Around” song used by permission of Ken Dravis; you can buy his music at kendravis.com

If you purchase a product through a link on our site, we may receive compensation.

328 Buying a Plane and Crashing on Way Home – N8924Y Piper Twin Comanche

Few tragedies are more poignant than the loss of a pilot on what should have been a routine flight. Many pilots dream of buying their own airplane. But for some pilots, this dream turns into a nightmare all too soon. They never make it home. Instead, they crash along the way, their hopes and aspirations shattered in an instant. This scenario, sadly, is not uncommon. A quick search of the NTSB database reveals numerous accidents involving recently purchased aircraft, many of which occurred shortly after the new owners took possession.

One such tragedy involved the crash of N8924Y, a Piper Twin Comanche, and serves as a sobering reminder of the risks inherent in aviation. The pilot, Rob Prestininzi, had recently acquired the aircraft and was flying it home when disaster struck. The circumstances surrounding the crash share eerie similarities with other accidents of its kind: a long day of flying, fatigue, the pressure to reach a destination, limited experience in the aircraft make and model, and challenging nighttime conditions.

In the case of N8924Y, the pilot’s journey began at Savannah Hardin County Airport in Tennessee, where he picked up the aircraft after a friend had flown him there earlier in the day. Despite encountering various issues, including a landing gear problem and deteriorating weather, the pilot pressed on with the flight. As darkness fell, he found himself struggling to troubleshoot the landing gear issue while simultaneously hand-flying the aircraft and communicating via cell phone.

Tragically, the aircraft ultimately stalled and crashed, claiming the life of the pilot. The NTSB investigation revealed a series of factors that contributed to the accident, including the pilot’s failure to monitor airspeed, the presence of a burned-out landing gear indicator bulb, and the challenges of troubleshooting the issue in low-light conditions.

One of the most haunting aspects of the accident is the realization that it could have been prevented. Had the pilot been more experienced in the aircraft or taken steps to address the landing gear problem earlier in the flight, the outcome might have been different. Additionally, the pressure to complete the journey and the reluctance to deviate from the original plan likely clouded the pilot’s judgment and contributed to his decision to press on despite the challenges he faced.

As aviators, we must recognize the importance of maintaining situational awareness and making sound decisions, especially when faced with adversity. It’s essential to prioritize safety above all else and be willing to reassess our plans in the face of changing circumstances.

The tragic loss of Rob Prestininzi serves as a somber reminder of the need for constant vigilance and adherence to best practices. It highlights the dangers of get-home-it-is, which under the right circumstances can affect any of us. His memory lives on as a cautionary tale for pilots everywhere, urging us to learn from his mistakes and strive to be better, safer aviators.

If you’re getting value from this show, please support the show via PayPal, Venmo, Zelle or Patreon.

Send us your feedback or comments via email

If you have a question you’d like answered on the show, let listeners hear you ask the question, by recording your listener question using your phone.

Mentioned on the Show
Flightaware.com ADS-B data for N8924Y flight data

Free Index to the first 282 episodes of Aviation New Talk

So You Want To Learn to Fly or Buy a Cirrus seminars
Online Version of the Seminar Coming Soon – Register for Notification

Check out our recommended ADS-B receivers, and order one for yourself. Yes, we’ll make a couple of dollars if you do.

Get the Free Aviation News Talk app for iOS or Android.

Check out Max’s Online Courses: G1000 VFR, G1000 IFR, and Flying WAAS & GPS Approaches. Find them all at: https://www.pilotlearning.com/

Social Media
Like Aviation News Talk podcast on Facebook
Follow Max on Instagram
Follow Max on Twitter
Listen to all Aviation News Talk podcasts on YouTube or YouTube Premium

“Go Around” song used by permission of Ken Dravis; you can buy his music at kendravis.com

If you purchase a product through a link on our site, we may receive compensation.

327 N84R Beech A36 Crash in KY – Pilot Breaks multiple FAA Rules + GA News

Max discusses a tragic accident that involved a 55-year-old physician who crashed his Beech A36 aircraft, N84R, at Tucker Guthrie Memorial Airport in Harlan, Kentucky, on November 3, 2022. The pilot departed from Knoxville at around 9:32 a.m. with the purpose of attending scheduled appointments at a medical office near the destination airport.

Despite low instrument flight conditions at the time of arrival, the pilot did not file a flight plan, communicate with ATC, or receive a weather briefing before departure. Upon arrival in the airport area, he announced over the CTAF his intention to circle for landing. However, subsequent flight track data revealed that the airplane completed a total of three approaches to the runway, none of which were consistent with the published instrument approach procedure, and all were conducted in low instrument flight conditions.

Witness accounts and flight track data suggested that the pilot routinely landed at the airport under similar weather conditions in the past, displaying a pattern of circling approaches not consistent with published procedures. Additionally, the investigation revealed that the pilot was not instrument current and had a history of conducting circling maneuvers in instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) without clearance.

The NTSB’s final report identified the pilot’s hazardous anti-authority attitude as a contributing factor to the accident, along with his decision to fly into IMC without proper clearance or adherence to established procedures. Furthermore, toxicology testing revealed the presence of methamphetamine and phentermine in the pilot’s system, both of which are substances prohibited by the FAA for pilots due to their potential to impair judgment and performance.

The NTSB emphasized the importance of recognizing and countering hazardous attitudes, such as anti-authority, through adherence to regulations and good decision-making practices. It also highlighted the necessity of effective risk management and honest self-assessment, particularly regarding medical fitness and proficiency in flying. Psychological factors such as risk-taking tendencies, normalization of deviance, and overconfidence were also discussed as potential influences on the pilot’s decision-making process.

Ultimately, the probable cause of the accident was determined to be the pilot’s decision to continue visual flight into IMC during an approach to land, resulting in controlled flight into terrain. The NTSB’s findings underscored the critical importance of adherence to regulations, proper training, and vigilant risk management to ensure aviation safety and prevent avoidable accidents.

If you’re getting value from this show, please support the show via PayPal, Venmo, Zelle or Patreon.

Send us your feedback or comments via email

If you have a question you’d like answered on the show, let listeners hear you ask the question, by recording your listener question using your phone.

News Stories

Mentioned on the Show
Buy Max Trescott’s G1000 Book Call 800-247-6553
Buy Max Trescott’s G3000 Book Call 800-247-6553

Free Index to the first 282 episodes of Aviation New Talk

So You Want To Learn to Fly or Buy a Cirrus seminars
Online Version of the Seminar Coming Soon – Register for Notification

Check out our recommended ADS-B receivers, and order one for yourself. Yes, we’ll make a couple of dollars if you do.

Get the Free Aviation News Talk app for iOS or Android.

Check out Max’s Online Courses: G1000 VFR, G1000 IFR, and Flying WAAS & GPS Approaches. Find them all at: https://www.pilotlearning.com/

Social Media
Like Aviation News Talk podcast on Facebook
Follow Max on Instagram
Follow Max on Twitter
Listen to all Aviation News Talk podcasts on YouTube or YouTube Premium

“Go Around” song used by permission of Ken Dravis; you can buy his music at kendravis.com

If you purchase a product through a link on our site, we may receive compensation.