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Engine Failure with Runway Remaining
One of the most intimidating parts of flight training is the unlikely possibility that a single-engine training airplane could develop a single engine failure, thereby leaving no other engines available to help bring the airplane to a safe landing position. While engine failures and emergency procedures are widely discussed and practiced within the general aviation community, not…
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Reaching 1,000 Hours
There is no time to celebrate. For most new pilots, career advancement means flying 1,500 hours as fast as possible. Having a nice view is one of the daily thrills of flying professionally.
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Denial of R-ATP Exemption for MSU Denver
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) this week denied an exemption to the Metropolitan State University of Denver that would allow graduates of Part 61 flight training to become eligible for restricted ATP (R-ATP) certification. This is a complete reversal from the decision issued last week to Purdue University. In denying MSU Denver, the FAA writes, “the…
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R-ATP Part 61 Exemption for Purdue University
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) this week granted an exemption to Purdue University allowing graduates of Part 61 flight training to become eligible for restricted ATP (R-ATP) certification with reduced experience requirements. This exemption is retroactive. It is effective for all Purdue graduates from 2009 through 2016. The R-ATP check rides can be conducted through…
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Pilot Shortage Update
The release of December 2013 airmen statistics indicated another increase in the number of airline-qualified pilots in the United States. Labor statistics also showed an increase in pilot employment last year. As a country, we do not seem to be running out of pilots by any numerical measure. A deeper analysis is always more interesting, of…
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April in Brief
There are good changes happening behind the scenes here. After the recent redesign of the Aviation Weather Center website, I updated my Prog Charts Archive to include the mid-range prog charts. Those are the 3 through 7-day forecast charts issued once daily. In the Missed Approach Point Study Guide, I expanded some of the explanations…
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Restricted ATP Minimums
Easy-to-read details about the new ATP rules? You found them! I understand the need for simple explanations. There are six ways to get an ATP license now, each with different requirements. This is my summary and comparison of the R-ATP minimums from 14 C.F.R. § 61.159 and § 61.160. 160 (a) 160 (b) 160 (c)…
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R-ATP Exemption for Part 61 Training
My searches on federal websites found four petitions by universities seeking R-ATP authorization without a required part 141 ground school certificate. The petitioners are, in alphabetical order: Eastern Michigan University, Jacksonville University, Metropolitan State University of Denver, and Purdue University. Letters and documents filed by these universities seem to be routine. I will point out…
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Reaching 500 Hours
Goals, time building, industry changes, and future advancement. A look at the modern career pilot. At the 500-hour milestone, experience comes more quickly for me. I enjoy six days per week at the airport, often arriving at 6:45 am and returning home by 8 or 9 pm. My schedule is not consistent, though. If I…
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New Detroit Airspace Effective April 3
The FAA finalized last week the redesigned Class B airspace over Detroit, Michigan, as proposed August 2012, effective 3 April 2014 to coincide with the next chart cycle. With this new rule came another discussion of the impact on flight training activities at EMU: The Class B airspace established southwest of DTW is required to…