Author Archives: skysmith

EXPANDED PILOT PROFICIENCY CENTER

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

EXPANDED PILOT PROFICIENCY CENTER ACTIVITIES DURING EAA AIRVENTURE OSHKOSH 2019

Growing popularity brings upgraded training devices, scenarios

EAA AVIATION CENTER, OSHKOSH, Wisconsin — (June 11, 2019) — Expanded hands-on activities and equipment are coming to the EAA Pilot Proficiency Center in 2019, as this popular area at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh meets the demands of pilots for opportunities to build their flying skills and safety awareness. EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, the 67th annual Experimental Aircraft Association fly-in, is July 22-28 at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.

“Using feedback from previous years, our emphasis this year is on a year-round proficiency initiative called EAA Proficiency365, where the lessons learned here can be applied when piloting,” said Radek Wyrzykowski, EAA’s manager of flight proficiency. “We have also improved the quality of scenarios and materials presented, and have built a close integration with the FAA WINGS safety program. It adds up to focused proficiency education for pilots, regardless of their individual experience level.”

Centrally located in the AirVenture grounds’ Four Corners area, the Pilot Proficiency Center this year features:

  • 14 upgraded Advanced Aviation Training Devices by Redbird, with larger displays and faster graphics;
  • Improved menu of scenarios for VFR and IFR pilots that require solid decision-making processes;
  • Historic weather data to practice avoidance of VFR flight into IMC conditions;
  • One-to-one attention by each flight instructor in individual sessions to focus on specific pilot needs.

All scenarios will qualify individually for FAA WINGS credits, as will the center’s TechTalks, both of which will be available year-round following AirVenture. Pilots who complete a WINGS credit, such as a Tech Talk or flight scenario, during AirVenture at the Pilot Proficiency Center will be eligible for prizes through the WINGS Industry Advisory Committee without having to complete a full WINGS phase, thanks to the support from a foundation created by Paul and Fran Berger.

The Pilot Proficiency Center also welcomes volunteer Certificated Flight Instructors to assist pilots during AirVenture. AirVenture volunteer benefits are available, based on the number of hours volunteered. More details and application materials are available in the center’s online registration area at eaa.org/pilotproficiency.

The EAA Pilot Proficiency Center at AirVenture is sponsored by Hartzell Propeller, Redbird Flight Simulations, BOSE, and Jeppesen, with support from the National Association of Flight Instructors, Society of Aviation and Flight Educators, National Air Traffic Controllers Association, Cloud Ahoy, Community Aviation, Mindstar Aviation, PilotEdge, and Plane & Pilot magazine.

About EAA AirVenture Oshkosh

EAA AirVenture Oshkosh is “The World’s Greatest Aviation Celebration” and EAA’s yearly membership convention. Additional EAA AirVenture information, including advance ticket and camping purchase, is available online at www.eaa.org/airventure. EAA members receive lowest prices on admission rates. For more information on EAA and its programs, call 1-800-JOIN-EAA (1-800-564-6322) or visit www.eaa.org. Immediate news is available at www.twitter.com/EAA.

BURT RUTAN TO BE FEATURED AT EAA AIRVENTURE OSHKOSH

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LEGENDARY AIRCRAFT DESIGNER BURT RUTAN TO BE FEATURED AT EAA AIRVENTURE OSHKOSH

EAA AVIATION CENTER, OSHKOSH, Wisconsin — (June 4, 2019) — Renowned aircraft designer and aerospace engineer Burt Rutan will be honored and celebrated at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2019. The 50th consecutive EAA fly-in convention at Oshkosh is July 22-28 at Wittman Regional Airport.

Rutan Is highly regarded among the aviation community after founding two ground breaking aerospace companies: Rutan Aircraft Factory and Scaled Composites, where he designed and developed 48 different aircraft. He is a two-time recipient of the Collier Trophy and has also been inducted into the International Air and Space Hall of Fame as well as the National Aviation Hall of Fame.

“I’m looking forward to returning to Oshkosh and taking part in EAA AirVenture 2019,” Rutan said. “Since debuting the VariViggen at EAA Oshkosh in 1972, Oshkosh has been an important part of my career and life and I always enjoy interacting with homebuilders, EAA members, and aviation enthusiasts in general.”

Rutan will be featured during the Theater in the Woods evening programming on Thursday, July 25, while also joining in other events during the convention such as the Homebuilts in Review session and participating in three additional forums throughout the week.

Rutan’s passion and innovations in aviation has continued to draw him back to AirVenture nearly every year. From 1972 to 2010, Rutan and his companies unveiled 24 separate research prototypes at EAA fly-in conventions.

“We’re thrilled to honor Burt Rutan, who has been at the forefront of aerospace innovation for decades, this year at AirVenture,” said Rick Larsen, EAA vice president of communities and member programs, who also coordinates AirVenture features and attractions. “His work in the aviation industry has continuously pushed the envelope in terms of design and energy efficiency and has inspired many to think outside the box.”

About EAA AirVenture Oshkosh

EAA AirVenture Oshkosh is “The World’s Greatest Aviation Celebration” and EAA’s yearly membership convention. Additional EAA AirVenture information, including advance ticket and camping purchase, is available online at www.eaa.org/airventure. EAA members receive lowest prices on admission rates. For more information on EAA and its programs, call 1-800-JOIN-EAA (1-800-564-6322) or visit www.eaa.org. Immediate news is available at www.twitter.com/EAA.

EAA

FAA- New Changes to Recreational Drone Flying in the United States

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Reprinted from the FAA website at – https://www.faa.gov/uas/recreational_fliers/

Recreational Flyers & Modeler Community-Based Organizations

You are considered a recreational user if you fly your drone for fun. It is important to know when and where you can fly and how to register your drone.

New Changes to Recreational Drone Flying in the United States

There’s a new law (PDF) that describes how, when, and where you can fly drones for recreational purposes. Following these rules will keep you and your drone safe and will help keep the airspace available to everyone.

Here’s what you need to do:

  1. Register your drone, mark it on the outside with the registration number (PDF), and carry proof of registration with you.
  2. Fly only for recreational purposes.
  3. Follow the safety guidelines of a community based organization.
  4. Fly your drone at or below 400 feet when in uncontrolled or “Class G” airspace. This is airspace where the FAA is not controlling manned air traffic. To determine what type of airspace you are in, refer to the mobile application that operates your drone (if so equipped) and/or use other drone-related mobile applications. Knowing your location and what airspace you’re in will also help you avoid interfering with other aircraft.
  5. Do NOT fly in controlled airspace (around and above many airports) unless:You are flying at a recreational flyer fixed site that has an agreement with the FAA. The FAA has posted a list of approved sites (MS Excel) and has depicted them as blue dots on a map. Each fixed site is limited to the altitude shown on this map, which varies by location.

    NOTE: Flight in controlled airspace is temporarily limited to these fixed fields. The FAA is upgrading the online system, known as LAANC (the Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability), so that recreational operations can get automated airspace authorizations to fly in controlled airspace. This system is currently only available for certified Part 107 drone pilots.

    NOTE: If your organization is interested in establishing a letter of agreement for a fixed flying site, please contact us at ajt-9-uas-integration@faa.gov.

  6. Keep your drone within your line of sight, or within the visual line-of-sight of a visual observer who is co-located and in direct communication with you.
  7. Do NOT fly in airspace where flight is prohibited. Airspace restrictions can be found on our interactive map, and temporary flight restrictions can be found here. Drone operators are responsible for ensuring they comply with all airspace restrictions.
  8. Never fly near other aircraft, especially near airports.
  9. Never fly over groups of people, public events, or stadiums full of people.
  10. Never fly near emergencies such as any type of accident response, law enforcement activities, firefighting, or hurricane recovery efforts.
  11. Never fly under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Recreational flyers should know that if they intentionally violate any of these safety requirements, and/or operate in a careless and reckless manner, they could be liable for criminal and/or civil penalties.

Read the Authorization for limited recreational operations as described in section 44809 (PDF). All limited recreational operations should be conducted in accordance with this authorization.

Changes Coming in the Future

The FAA is upgrading the online system, known as LAANC (the Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability), so that recreational operations can get automated airspace authorizations to fly in controlled airspace.

The new law also requires:

  1. Drone operators to pass an online aeronautical knowledge and safety test and carry proof of test passage.
  2. The FAA to issue guidance for how it will recognize community based organizations.

The FAA plans to have all of these features and requirements fully implemented by the summer of 2019.

Recreational Drone