Category Archives: Discussion Topics

Topics

Groups express concern to FAA over changes to knowledge test questions

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The National Association of Flight Instructors and the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association have  asked the FAA to clarify or rescind apparent changes to airman knowledge test-bank questions that the agency made without notifying industry stakeholders.

FAA Knowledge Test cubicle setupThe request comes after an unusually high numbers of pilot-applicant failures in recent weeks.  Some testing centers recorded quadruple the failure rate, as compared to before the changes.

“We learned last week that the FAA’s Airman Testing Standards Branch recently implemented changes to the banks of questions the agency uses to compile knowledge tests for pilot candidates,” said NAFI Executive Director Jason Blair. “These include the airline transport pilot, flight engineer, and fundamentals of instruction tests—and possibly more—and they involved significant revisions to test-bank questions.” Continue reading →

Popularity: 22%

Model code of conduct issued for flight instructors

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Illustration of CFI teaching flight student, from Aviation Instructor's Handbook -- FAAThe permanent editorial board that oversees the work of the Aviators Model Code of Conduct has released its newest model code, for flight instructors.

“Developed by a team of aviation professionals and drawing upon decades of research and experience, the Code recommends operating practices designed to improve the quality of flight instruction and the safety of flight training operations,” the organization said in an April 18 news release.

The seven sections of the code cover topics including general responsibilities of instructors; students, passengers, and people on the surface; training and proficiency; security; environmental issues; technology; and advancement and promotion of aviation instruction.

Continue reading →

Popularity: 14%

PHX Practice Area Reporting Points

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The AFTW’s recommended Practice Area Reporting Points for the Phoenix area are now up for review and discussion.

The frequencies and points outlined on the Phoenix Terminal Area Chart are those that the group have generally agreed work best to improve safety in the intensive flight-training environments around the Valley.

Downloads (both web-friendly and very large TIF format) are available on the next page. (Click “continue reading” for the download links.)

This chart has been assembled by Matt Miller. Thanks Matt!

Continue reading →

Popularity: 100%

Do you really know when to stop moving on an airport?

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The  Aviator Alert Bulletin from the Phoenix Deer Valley Air Traffic Control Tower offers some excellent tips and information  on taxi-clearance requirements, holding short of a runway, and use of that pesky phrase “Roger” and what it really means.

DVT Tower’s Rob Smuda says the Aviator Alert is not a regular publication. Rather, it was distributed after a recent review of pilot deviation causal factors. Jim McMahon, the new DVT Air Traffic Manager is committed to keeping the aviation community informed on issues through various forums and attendance at user meetings.

Plus, find some timely excerpts from the AIM confronting pilots and flight instructors in the current airport operations environment.

PDF icon Link » (PDF, requires the free Adobe Reader.)

The Aviator Alert Bulletin appears as feature of the Deer Valley Pilots’ Association website at dvtpilots.com. Check it out!

Popularity: 27%

ATCA’s Aerobatic Box is Hot for Another Two Years

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The ATCA aerobatic training area waiver has been renewed for another two years.

The training area, on the west side of the Estrella Mountains, is displayed in the Airport Facility Directory, and has cautions on the sectional and terminal charts for intensive aerobatic activity.

excerpt of AFD training area chart

The area is primarily used by the German Air Force for initial flight training that includes high performance maneuvers, spin training, and formation flying.

Frequency 128.92 should be used when in this area. The ATCA flight ops number is (623) 932-1650 for hours of operation.

PDF iconDownload a copy of the Airport Facility Directory description of the training area here. (588 KB PDF, requires the free Adobe Reader.)

Popularity: 42%

FAA Notice – Change CGZ Communication Procedures

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As discussed in at our last meeting. The FAA does not agree with our previously published CGZ GPS approach instructions. I received a certified letter from them today.  In general this has to do with when to be on CTAF and when to be on the Practice Area frequency 122.85.

I’ve removed our recommendation at the request of the FAA. However, I have great concern on this topic. I’m concerned on what people are ACTUALLY doing. As we discussed, this area needs to be COMPLETELY evaluated for REAL world safety concerns. I’ve invited the FSDO to our next meeting, they have not yet accepted.

I’ve attached their letter here for your review and comments. I believe an open and honest conversation on this topic is warranted.

FAA Practice Area Notice

Popularity: 57%