OF INTEREST TO PILOTS

·          The future of unleaded aviation gas.
30 percent of today’s piston fleet would require significant modifications to switch to a lower-octane, unleaded fuel. And those include high-compression and most turbocharged aircraft such as Cirrus SR22s, Bonanzas, Cessna 350s and 400s, Piper Navajos, and other high-performance airplanes that account for 70 percent of current avgas sales. Such business aircraft fly more hours, consume more fuel per hour, and require high-octane fuel to meet their range, altitude, and payload targets
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·          USAF rules request near Phoenix raises concerns
The U.S. Air Force is asking for a Special Flight Rules Area near Phoenix, but AOPA is objecting to the proposal on the grounds that it would unnecessarily complicate the already busy airspace in the region. The Air Force says the airspace is needed because of numerous near-miss incidents involving civilian and military aircraft. But AOPA points out that the Air Force data to support its claims is old, with no information about near-midairs after 2000. In addition, the Air Force is placing the entire burden for solving the problem on general aviation, refusing to change any of its own procedures. Read more >>

·          Question:  If satellites are going to stop monitoring 121.5 MHz ELTs on Feb. 1, 2009 and the FAA is not requiring me to transition to a 406 MHz ELT, do I still need to have my 121.5 MHz ELT inspected?

Answer: Yes you still need to comply with FAR 91.207, which requires that each emergency locator transmitter be inspected every 12 calendar months.

·          AOPA asks Canada to reconsider new ELT requirement
Thousands of U.S. pilots could stop flying to Canada if transport officials go ahead with plans to require all foreign-registered aircraft traveling in Canadian airspace to carry a 406 MHz emergency locator transmitter (ELT), AOPA warned Canadian aviation officials. In formal comments filed Oct. 23 with Transport Canada, AOPA proposed an alternative—allowing foreign-registered aircraft to carry a 406 MHz personal locator beacon in addition to the 121.5 MHz ELT already installed in most U.S. general aviation aircraft. Read more >>

·          Test your knowledge of the new TAF format
On Nov. 5, the format for terminal aerodrome forecasts (TAFs) will change to accommodate expanded 30-hour forecasts. Although the new 30-hour TAFs will only be available for 32 large U.S. airports, the coding change, including new date and time abbreviations, will affect all TAFs issued for more than 600 sites nationwide. Are you ready for the change? Learn about the new format here, then test your TAF savvy with the latest Safety Quiz from the AOPA Air Safety Foundation.

·          What could go wrong?
It may seem like having the latest technology makes your cockpit foolproof. But even the best technology can fail. Are you ready to recognize the signs and take action, or will you fall prey to complacency? Share your opinion on AOPA Air Safety Foundation Executive Director Bruce Landsberg's blog.

·          Delta/NWA Merger Cleared By US Justice Department
Regulators Sign Off On Acquisition Of Northwest 

·          Outlook for Eclipse Aircraft Grim

·          Ever wonder what happens to pilots after they retire? Click HERE to learn the awful truth
Courtesy of member Bob Earl

·          As winter approaches, days get shorter ... well, not shorter; they're still 24 hours each, but they do get darker. To master nighttime's dark side, shed light on the following questions
Take the quiz.