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Thursday, March 24, 2016

FAA Releases 2016 to 2036 Aerospace Forecast

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FAA Releases 2016 to 2036 Aerospace Forecast

The FAA has released its annual Aerospace Forecast Report Fiscal Years 2016 to 2036 that finds a sustained increase in overall air travel and the use of Unmanned Aircraft Systems
(UAS).

 

A key portion of the forecast focuses on projections for the growth in the use of unmanned aircraft, also known as drones. The FAA estimates small, hobbyist UAS purchases may grow from 1.9 million in 2016 to as many as 4.3 million by 2020.  Sales of UAS for commercial purposes are expected to grow from 600,000 in 2016 to 2.7 million by 2020.  Combined total hobbyist and commercial UAS sales are expected to rise from 2.5 million in 2016 to 7 million in 2020.

 

Predictions for small UAS used in the commercial fleet are more difficult to develop given the dynamic, quickly-evolving nature of the market. Both sales and fleet size estimates share certain broad assumptions about operating limitations for small UAS during the next five years: daytime operations, within visual line of sight, and a single pilot operating only one small UAS at a time.  The main difference in the high and low end of the forecasts is differing views on how those limitations will influence the widespread use of UAS for commercial purposes.

 

Looking at commercial air travel, Revenue Passenger Miles (RPMs) are considered the benchmark for measuring aviation growth.  An RPM is one revenue passenger traveling one mile. The FAA forecast calls for system RPMs by mainline and regional air carriers to grow at an average rate of 2.6 percent a year between 2016 and 2036, with international RPMs projected to increase 3.5 percent a year, doubling over the forecast period. Domestic RPMs are forecast to increase by more than 50 percent over the same time.  In 2015, system RPMs by U.S. carriers grew from 857 billion to 889 billion, a 3.8 percent increase.

 

The FAA's NextGen program is helping to meet this consistent aviation growth. NextGen focuses on implementing technologies and procedures that utilize satellite-based aircraft navigation and phase out efficiency limitations of the current ground-based radar navigation system. For example, the environmental and economic gains of reduced fuel usage associated with NextGen advancements are projected to achieve a savings of billions of dollars in airline operational costs and achieve sustainable aviation growth.

 

Proven economic data that utilize sources such as generally accepted projections for the nation's GDP are used in the FAA annual forecast, which has consistently made it the industry-wide standard of U.S. aviation-related activities. The report looks at all facets of air travel including commercial airlines, air cargo, private general aviation, and fleet sizes. 

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Wednesday, March 23, 2016

FAA Acts to Reduce Bird Fatalities

March 23 - Agency revises tower lighting standards to prevent birds from flying into lighted structures
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FAA Acts to Reduce Bird Fatalities

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) expects thousands of birds may be saved each year because of changes the agency has made to its communication tower lighting standards.

 

The FAA has developed a number of tower lighting configurations for tall structures to warn pilots they are approaching an obstruction, particularly during nighttime hours and in bad weather. The configurations include white and red steady-burning lights, flashing lights and strobe lights, as well as various combinations of the three types of lights. Over the past few years, wildlife biology research has determined that migratory birds appear to be particularly attracted to non-flashing red tower lights. The research concluded the birds are drawn toward that type of light and become confused and exhausted or collide with the towers and their supporting guy wires, killing thousands of birds every year.

 

As a result of the research conclusions, wildlife organizations, the telecommunication industry, and the Federal Communication Commission collectively asked the FAA to consider changing its lighting standards to reduce migratory bird fatalities by developing configurations that feature flashing lights instead of steady-burning lights, or completely omit the steady-burning lights in some cases.

 

After evaluating the proposal, the FAA conducted flight tests in northern Michigan to compare the traditional steady-burning lighting with a variety of different types of flashing lights. The results showed that the new configurations that featured flashing lights provided acceptable warnings for pilots and were likely to result in a significant decrease in bird fatalities.

 

Based on that determination, the FAA updated its Advisory Circular (AC) for obstruction marking and lighting in December 2015. New tower lighting schemes should now follow the revised guidance, and operators of towers with the old lighting system should submit plans explaining how and when they will transition to the new standards.

 

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AirMed & Rescue – News Alert

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A man was left critically injured after he fell five metres from a supermarket rooftop in Fochville, South Africa.

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Monday, March 21, 2016

Huerta, Whitaker Headline NATCA Safety Conference

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Huerta, Whitaker Headline NATCA Safety Conference

LAS VEGAS, March 21 – Beginning today, top officials from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) are participating in the annual National Air Traffic Controllers Association's (NATCA) annual conference, Communicating for Safety, to highlight intense, collaborative efforts between the agency and air traffic controllers that are making the world's safest aviation system even safer.

 

 

FAA Administrator Michael Huerta, Deputy Administrator Mike Whitaker, Air Traffic Organization Chief Operating Officer Teri Bristol and UAS Senior Advisor Mark "Hoot" Gibson are among the agency officials attending the conference that will be attended by over 1,500 aviation industry leaders.

 

 

"I want to thank our entire controller workforce for everything they do to keep our system the safest in the world," said Administrator Huerta. "The proof of that success is in our unparalleled safety record. We all know it is a direct result of the dedication and professionalism shown by our controller workforce every day."

 

 

"Aviation safety is a team effort, and when it comes to keeping our skies safe NATCA is one of our most important members," said Deputy Administrator Mike Whitaker. "We're proud of our partnership with NATCA and proud to take part in this conference."

 

 

One of the best examples of the FAA-NATCA collaboration is the continuing, successful rollout of the Standard Terminal Automation Replacement System (STARS), which upgrades the computer system used by air traffic controllers at terminal facilities to a single, state-of-the-art platform. STARS, which enhances safety and increases efficiency, gives controllers a complete, precise picture of their airspace, enabling them to manage aircraft being tracked either by radar or the satellite-based Automatic Dependent Surveillance – Broadcast (ADS-B)

.

 

Large, complex facilities like Chicago TRACON and New York TRACON, along with many smaller facilities, are slated to install and operate STARS later this year. STARS will be in place at all terminal facilities by the end of 2019.

 

The STARS display booth at CFS gives controllers the hands-on opportunity to see the benefits of this system.

 

Check out the following videos to learn more about STARS from the air traffic controllers who are using the technology:

 

STARS in 60 Seconds: Benefits of a Standard Platform
ATO controllers discuss the benefits of a standard automation platform for career progression and training, at TRACONs and terminals.

 

STARS in 60 Seconds: Testimonial: RSW
ATO controllers discuss the positive impact of STARS at Fort Myers Tower/TRACON.

 

STARS in 60 Seconds: General Benefits
ATO controllers discuss the general benefits of STARS automation system at TRACONs and towers, including how the new tools and state-of-the art technology enables them to safety and efficiently manage traffic.

 

STARS in 60 Seconds: Transitioning to STARS
ATO controllers discuss the ease of the process involved in the transition to STARS at TRACONs and towers.

Please do not reply to this message. See our Contact FAA page for contact information.


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Friday, March 18, 2016

Drones and Cherry Blossoms Don't Mix

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Drones and Cherry Blossoms Don't Mix

Spring in the Nation's Capital brings with it the extraordinary beauty of the cherry trees blooming around the Tidal Basin. At the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), we want you to shoot all the photos and video you want – but leave your drone at home.

 

The FAA today released a new video reminding visitors to this year's National Cherry Blossom Festival that the Washington, D.C., area is a NO DRONE ZONE.

 

The prohibition against flying any type of unmanned aircraft, or "drone," without specific approval includes the District of Columbia and cities and towns within a 15-mile radius of Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA).

 

The FAA is conducting the "No Drone Zone" campaign so visitors and residents understand that operating an unmanned aircraft in this area – for any purpose – is against the law.

 

The airspace around Washington, D.C. is more restricted than in any other part of the country. Rules put in place after the 9/11 attacks establish "national defense airspace" over the area and limit aircraft operations to those with an FAA and Transportation Security Administration (TSA) authorization. Violators face stiff fines and criminal penalties.

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FAA Proposes $917,000 Civil Penalty Against Puerto Rico Ports Authority

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Press Release

For Immediate Release

Date: March 18, 2016

Contact: Ian Gregor

Phone: (310) 725-3580; Email: ian.gregor@faa.gov

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WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) proposes a $917,000 civil penalty against the Puerto Rico Ports Authority for alleged aircraft rescue and firefighting violations at three of its commercial airports.

 

"Maintaining required aircraft rescue and firefighting capabilities is critical to safe airport operations," said FAA Administrator Michael Huerta.  "Emergency response is one of the most important safety functions that commercial airports perform."

The allegations are as follows.

 

Rafael Hernandez Airport

  • The airport is required to have two aircraft rescue and firefighting (ARFF) vehicles based on the type of aircraft it serves.  On March 25, 2015, one of the vehicles was unable to perform its required functions because it failed to correctly mix firefighting foam and water.  As a result, the airport did not provide the required ARFF capability.
  • During a demonstration the same day, ARFF personnel failed to begin applying extinguishing agent within the required three minutes of an alarm sounding.  Moreover, the airport's ARFF vehicles did not have two-way voice communications to maintain contact with other emergency vehicles and with the airport fire station.  And one firefighter had a damaged fire suit so was therefore not equipped to perform his duties.
  • The airport failed to ensure that 13 firefighters received recurrent aircraft familiarization training.
  • The airport did not inspect its tenant fueling facilities between July 2014 and March 26, 2015.
  • The airport on 14 dates conducted daily self-inspections at night rather than at sunrise, as required by its Airport Certification Manual.
  • On Sept. 26, 2015, one of the airport's two ARFF vehicles was not operational because the roof turret did not work and duct tape was used to seal cracks in a waterline to the roof turret.

 

The FAA also alleges the airport's air carrier runway had a larger than permitted hole in it on March 25, 2015.

 

 

Mercedita Airport

  • On nine dates in March 2015, the airport conducted daily self-inspections in the afternoon or at night rather than at sunrise, as required by its Airport Certification Manual.


Antonio Rivera Rodriguez Airport

  • The airport's ARFF vehicles did not have required two-way radio communications with the airport fire station on March 24, 2015.

The Puerto Rico Ports Authority has 30 days from receipt of the FAA's enforcement letter to respond to the agency.

 

 

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