Author: Admin
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Jul
22
2024
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Posted by Admin
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Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (SUAS) have become indispensable assets for U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), thanks to their unique capabilities that significantly enhance operational effectiveness. These systems occupy a critical operational niche, bridging the gap between fixed surveillance infrastructure and manned aircraft. The inherently low acoustic profile and smaller size of SUAS allows them to operate nearly undetected, providing real-time intelligence, which is critical for situational awareness and operational planning. The information collected through SUAS aids in the detection, tracking, identification, and resolution of illegal activities, such as smuggling or unauthorized border crossings. Moreover, SUAS enhance the safety of CBP personnel by allowing them to conduct reconnaissance and surveillance missions from a distance without exposing agents to direct threats or hazardous environments.
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Safety First
Safety SITREP
Categories:
Safety First
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Jul
22
2024
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Posted by Admin
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The U.S. Congress recently passed, and President Biden signed into law, the 2024 FAA Reauthorization Act. The bipartisan legislation reauthorizes the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) through Fiscal Year 2028 and requires the FAA to take actions on drone operations beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) and powered lift aircraft, along with dozens of other provisions that will move the industry forward safely.
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AUVSI
Uncrewed
Unmanned
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Jul
22
2024
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Posted by Admin
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In preparing to transition out of the military to the civilian aviation industry, you have likely done a plethora of research and preparation. After reading articles, attending networking events, assessing job postings and salaries, you encounter a major roadblock: you do not have enough flight hours or relevant flight time to qualify for any of the jobs on the market. So, now what?
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Mil2Civ
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Jul
22
2024
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Posted by Admin
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In this crazy world many people believe that it is acceptaåble to have low expectations and operate with low standards. I’m not one of those people. Helicopter mechanics must choose to step up to a higher level of service. Ziz Zigler said “ability is important in our quest for success, but dependability was critical.” I maintain that ability and skill and knowledge are imperative but what good are those if one is not dependable? How effective is an EMS helicopter mechanic who chooses to ignore the phone when a pilot calls; leaving the crew and aircraft stranded in a field or on a highway? Who does it serve if we don’t require our mechanics to be a cut above? Does it really matter if we have mechanics that will install bolts but only start the nuts without any torque or cotter pins?
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Maintenance Minute
Mark Tyler
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Maintenance Minute
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Jul
22
2024
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Posted by Admin
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Widespread drone operations are already providing important services to the American public. Without regulatory hurdles, drones hold immense promise to simultaneously provide benefits in efficiency, economic investments, job creation, and worker safety via remote aerial inspections.
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AUVSI
Uncrewed
Unmanned
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Jun
26
2024
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Posted by Admin
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If you are a CFI or practical flight test applicant, those three words will become synonymous with you regarding how designated pilot examiners conduct practical exams. That is because it is finally here: the long-awaited Airman Certification Standards (ACS) go into effect on 31 May 2024. By the time you read this, I will have administered several practical tests under the new system, and most of the former Practical Test Standards (PTS) will be a thing of the past. While it will take some focused review by CFIs and updating of plans of action by DPEs, don't you fret! The ACS doesn't lengthen the practical test. Subjectively speaking, the ACS provides a much cleaner and clearer "flight plan," on the material the FAA expects you to know and for the skills you must demonstrate. In this latest release, the Helicopter ACS for Private, Instrument, Commercial, and CFI were published. For now, the Helicopter ATP will remain under the Practical Test Standards as well as the CFI-I.
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Matt Johnson
Rotorcraft Checkride
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Rotorcraft Checkride
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Jun
26
2024
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Posted by Admin
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The year was 1972. At 12 years old, I spent most of my time playing baseball, fishing, and riding my dirt bike. I was living the dream, and I didn’t even know it. That was also the year the great movie Jeremiah Johnson was released. Robert Redford played the lead. If you haven’t watched it: stop right now and put it on your “to do” list.
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Maintenance Minute
Mark Tyler
Categories:
Maintenance Minute
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Jun
26
2024
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Posted by Admin
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In 1997, I was a relatively new FAA Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE) in the South Florida FAA District Office. On a beautiful Saturday in December, I was asked to complete an FAA private pilot added-rating exam for an applicant at a helicopter flight school at the Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport (FXE). As I had done many exams for this school, there was nothing unique about this day. At least, that was my thoughts prior to my arrival.
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My Two Cents Worth
Randy Rowles
Categories:
My Two Cents Worth
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May
27
2024
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Posted by Admin
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When a fatal aviation accident occurs, the tragedy takes a terrible toll on more lives than one can imagine. Not only are the lives of the victims lost, but the collateral damage heaped on hundreds of family members, friends, coworkers, and industry stakeholders is similarly devastating. Meanwhile, the in-depth and arduous efforts of the NTSB, FAA, involved parties, and other global aviation accident investigators have just begun. Their work comprises thousands of hours of investigating, interviewing, researching, and documenting the fruits of their efforts in a preliminary and final report. A report focused on telling us what happened, why, and how we can prevent it from happening again. The prevention component may include targeted recommendations emphasizing more urgent or critical actions that should take place to avoid a repeat event or address other deficiencies discovered during the investigation.
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Safety First
VAST
Categories:
Safety First
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May
27
2024
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Posted by Admin
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Last month the aviation industry lost a great man, and I lost one of my closest, most cherished friends. This guy was a everything… a friend, mentor, and brother. I say “lost” but he is not lost because I know where he is.
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Maintenance Minute
Mark Tyler
Categories:
Maintenance Minute