Airman Certification Standards (ACS) Becoming Effective June 15, 2016

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Get Ready for the ACS – Airman Certification Standards! These represent exciting improvements are on the horizon for airman testing and training.

Effective June 15, applicants for the private pilot certificate (airplane category) and the instrument rating (airplane category) will use the corresponding airman certification standards (ACS) in lieu of the practical test standards (PTS).

Developed by an FAA collaboration with a diverse group of aviation industry experts, the ACS is an enhanced version of the PTS. The ACS integrates and clearly defines the aeronautical knowledge and risk management elements that support each PTS skill task. It also incorporates today’s PTS “special emphasis” items into the appropriate ACS task. The ACS thus offers clear guidance on what an applicant must know (SKILL), consider (RISK MANAGEMENT), and do (SKILL) to qualify for certificate or rating.

For detailed information on the ACS, please visit the Airman Testing web page (http://www.faa.gov/training_testing/testing/) and watch this space for updates as the ACS effective date approaches.

The Unique Consideration of Personal Minimums in Public Benefit Flying

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When we fly as pilots in volunteer organizations such as those that fly patients for medical treatment, veterans for memorial services, wounded warriors, or even animals to places of new homes, we do so with the trust of those people that we are capable and that we will safely get them to their destinations.

They are not pilots, they do not necessarily know us or our aircraft, and they probably have no idea of how to evaluate whether we are proficient to complete the flights we are undertaking. It is up to us to be responsible in our decisions on whether we, our aircraft, or they, are safe to complete any particular flight.

Choosing appropriate minimums is a significant part of this process. And we have to do it with added pressure not present on our pleasure flights, the pressure to complete the flight based on external pressures. Continue reading →

‘Tis the Season for Carbon Monoxide in Flying

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While this winter has been warm to start, it will get colder. And winter flying increases the likelihood that pilots will experience carbon monoxide while flying.

The FAR/AIM details some information in section 8-1-4 (Click here to see more – https://www.airresearch.com/Pilots/AIM-08/Chap8/aim0801.html), defining it as “a colorless, odorless, and tastelass gas contained in exhaust fumes.” This gas “can significantly reduce the ability of the blood to carry oxygen,” which adversely affect pilot health with major symptoms being headache, drowsiness, or dizziness which can lead to loss of consciousness or even death.

Most light aircraft that we fly have heaters that operate by air flowing over the manifold or fuel fired heaters that, if cracks are present, can potentially allow exhaust fumes into the cabin of the aircraft.

As we all go into flying in the winter season, an added awareness of the potential symptoms is encouraged. Continue reading →