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Aug
29
2024
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Posted by Admin
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About a year ago, I was conducting pilot training for a Part 135 company, which was a relatively new customer. Prior to FAA approval to conduct this training, I conducted a review of their Part 135 training program to determine their differences from our training. Most often, a VFR Part 135 helicopter operators training program is going to be quite like another. Of course, some differences will always exist. The question is whether those differences require additional training and checking.
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Tags:
My Two Cents Worth
Randy Rowles
Categories:
My Two Cents Worth
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Aug
29
2024
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Posted by Admin
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When I was growing up it was common for people to work for the same company for an entire career. Today people seem to come and go from jobs as fast as a spinning tail rotor. The decision to invest in young inexperienced mechanics is sometimes met with opposition when history shows they will not hesitate to move on to the next shiny thing.
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Maintenance Minute
Mark Tyler
Categories:
Maintenance Minute
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Aug
26
2024
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Posted by Admin
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When I was commissioned as an officer in the Marines, I had no intention of staying in beyond the required time commitment that I had to fulfill, but life as a Cobra helicopter pilot grew on me. Supporting our Marines on the ground was an awesome responsibility and one that we all took quite seriously. The military provides great training, support and mission focus – an entire system that we take for granted at times. I had no plans to continue flying post-service, but time and space aligned. I was not only able to stay in the cockpit, but to do so in another model of Cobra that was retrofitted for firefighting operations. I got to do nearly the same job without being shot at! Was I fully prepared to make the transition? In my mind, I was more than ready to leave “Big Green” behind and take on this challenging new mission, but there was a lot more luck than planning. What I would like to offer are just a couple points that may require less luck and for you as you make your transition in a more thoughtful and intentional way.
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Mil2Civ
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Aug
26
2024
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Posted by Admin
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In July, AUVSI President and CEO Michael Robbins was invited as an expert witness to testify before the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee's Aviation Subcommittee at a hearing focused on the aviation workforce. At the hearing, Robbins highlighted to key members of Congress some of the workforce opportunities and challenges ahead for the drone and advanced air mobility (AAM) industries.
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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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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
Categories:
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
Categories:
Rotorcraft Checkride