[AlaskaRC] FW: "FAAST Blast- FAA Model A/C update, EFAS Changes, Keeping Your Head in the Clouds" - FAASafety.gov

[Marty Hall]

From: FAASafety.gov [mailto:info_mhall=evertsair.com at faasafety.gov] 
Sent: Thursday, September 10, 2015 12:43 PM
To: Marty Hall
Subject: "FAAST Blast- FAA Model A/C update, EFAS Changes, Keeping Your Head in the Clouds" - FAASafety.gov

 

	
FAA Safety Team | Safer Skies Through Education


FAAST Blast- FAA Model A/C update, EFAS Changes, Keeping Your Head in the Clouds
Notice Number: NOTC6185

FAAST Blast — September 10, 2015
Biweekly FAA Safety Briefing News Update 
  
FAA Updates AC on Model Aircraft Operations 
On September 2, 2015, the FAA published updated guidance on model aircraft operations that reflects current law governing hobby or recreational use of unmanned aircraft. 
  
Advisory Circular (AC) 91-57A <http://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/advisory_circulars/index.cfm/go/document.information/documentID/1028086>  replaces the previous guidance that, as written in 1981, did not reflect the rules Congress wrote into Section 336 of the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012. 
  
The updated advisory circular details the 2012 law’s description of a “model aircraft operation:” 
  

*	The aircraft is flown strictly for hobby or recreational use; 
*	The aircraft operates in accordance with a community-based set of safety guidelines and within the programming of a nationwide community-based organization (CBO); 
*	The aircraft is limited to not more than 55 pounds, unless otherwise certified through a design, construction, inspection, flight test, and operational safety program administered by a CBO; 
*	The aircraft operates in a manner that does not interfere with, and gives way to, any manned aircraft; and 
*	When flown within five miles of an airport, the operator of the model aircraft provides the airport operator or the airport air traffic control tower (when an air traffic facility is located at the airport) with prior notice of the operation. Model aircraft operators flying from a permanent location within five miles of an airport should establish a mutually agreed upon operating procedure with the airport operator and the airport air traffic control tower (when an air traffic facility is located at the airport). 


  
The guidance stresses model aircraft operators must comply with all Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFR), that they may not fly in any type of restricted airspace without prior authorization, and that they should be aware of Notices to Airmen (NOTAMS) that address flights near federal facilities, stadiums, and other public and industrial areas. 
  
The guidance also makes it clear that model unmanned aircraft operations that endanger the safety of the nation’s airspace, particularly careless or reckless operations and interference with manned aircraft, may be subject to FAA enforcement action. 
 
 
Enroute Flight Advisory Service (EFAS) merges with Inflight Service 
Beginning September 24, 2015, EFAS, known as “Flight Watch” in air-to-ground communications will be available on the Flight Service Common Frequency 122.2 and all Remote Communication Outlet (RCO) frequencies. Realigning EFAS to the Inflight position is part of an effort by Flight Service to provide increased benefit to the flying public and streamline its service delivery. With this transition, pilots will have access to all flight services with one call simplifying his or her  ability to obtain critical safety of flight information and to take advantage of flight planning services. This change includes discontinuing service over Flight Service Common Frequency 122.0 and the EFAS high altitude discrete frequencies.  During a six month transition period, Lockheed Martin Flight Service (LMFS) will monitor current EFAS frequencies and will provide an RCO frequency to use in order to receive enroute [AE1] weather and advisories, allowing pilots time to adjust to the new procedures.  For more information: www.faa.gov/go/flightservice
  
Keeping Your Head in the Clouds 
In the September/October 2015, “All Things IFR” issue of FAA Safety Briefing, Aviation Safety Inspector Jeffrey Smith looks at how you can maintain instrument currency. Smith goes over the currency requirements and some of the ways to meet those requirements. He also highlights the need to be not only current but also proficient. Smith explains what you should look for in your Instrument Proficiency Check (IPC) to make sure you meet both of those goals. The issue is available online: http://www.faa.gov/news/safety_briefing/
  
  
  
Produced by the editors, FAA Safety Briefing, http://www.faa.gov/news/safety_briefing/
Address questions or comments to: SafetyBriefing at faa.gov. 


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