Starting December 1st 2015 if you fly a Large Aircraft into EU Airspace, you need to be equipped with Version 7.1 of Traffic Alert and Collision Avoidance System. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) authorizes, but does not mandate TCAS II Version 7.1 software [yet] for use in the National Airspace System (NAS). Version 7.1 is defined by FAA […]
FAA propose new rules for Small UAS

The Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) proposed a framework of regulations for all operators of small unmanned aircraft systems (UAS). The FAA proposal offers safety rules for small UAS (under 55 pounds) conducting non-recreational operations. The rule would limit flights to daylight and visual-line-of-sight operations. It also addresses height restrictions, operator certification, optional […]
Etihad will take over ADAT

Surprisingly Mubadala Development Co (Mubadala) has agreed to sell ADAT (Abu Dhabi Aircraft Technologies) to Etihad Airways. The transaction includes maintenance and engineering teams, hangars, component workshops, and paint facilities in Abu Dhabi, which will enhance Etihad Airways capability to undertake airframe and component maintenance on its growing fleet of modern aircraft, including the […]
TWA Flight 800 Misinformation, If True, Cost Airline Industry $Billions

Recent news of a documentary, which will air on EPIX TV network July 17th, about 1996 explosion that brought down TWA Flight 800 offers “solid proof that there was an external detonation,” its co-producer said. “Of course, everyone knows about the eyewitness statements, but we also have corroborating information from the radar data, and the radar […]
CPDLC will be mandatory above FL-285

With the advancement in digital communications since 1990’s and years of tests, airlines are now facing some mandates for digital communication. Starting 2014, if you plan to fly above FL-285, your aircraft needs to be capable of Controller – Pilot Data Link Communication, or CPDLC, which is essentially using text messaging between aircraft and Air […]
Nav Database Update by Pilot

Part 43 is amended to allow pilots update database of the navigation system without a mechanic signoff, effective 28 Jan., 2013. This is a good idea, and should improve dispatch reliability and/or prevent out dated Nav-Database on MEL. Airlines and private operators should have some kind of training and procedures in place to be reviewed […]
FAA acts on ELT velcro straps

The FAA has banned the use of Velcro-type straps to secure emergency locator transmitters designed and built after Nov. 26 of this year. The new rule came two years after a high-profile crash that killed Alaska Sen. Ted Stevens and four others. The ELT aboard the Otter they were on came loose on impact and […]