Not far removed from the holiday chaos of Southwest Airlines cancelling more than 16,700 flights which reportedly could cost the airline nearly $1B, a different kind of chaos ensued Wednesday morning as the FAA grounded flights after the Notice to Air Missions (NOTAM) system crashed. The FAA advisory noted:
“THE UNITED STATES NOTAM SYSTEM FAILED AT 2028Z. SINCE THEN NO NEW NOTAMS OR AMENDMENTS HAVE BEEN PROCESSED. TECHNICIANS ARE CURRENTLY WORKING TO RESTORE THE SYSTEM AND THERE IS NO ESTIMATE FOR RESTORATION OF SERVICE AT THIS TIME.”
Why would the crash of the NOTAM system ground flights?
Not only is consulting NOTAMs before a flight necessary and prudent, it’s a requirement of § 91.103 (Preflight action) for each PIC to “become familiar with all available information concerning that flight.” Thankfully, shortly before 9am eastern the same day, the FAA issued a statement indicating that normal operations were resuming gradually and the cause would be investigated. Initially, it appears the crash was not a result of an attack or sabotage.
Even with the NOTAM system restored, providers were still processing a backlog of NOTAMs Wednesday and advising users to check the FAA NOTAM site for the most up-to-date information. And while the stoppage was relatively short, the effects will linger for days and it offers a reminder of how important (and delicate) the NOTAM system is to pilots and our entire aviation system.
A NOTAM is a notice containing information essential to personnel concerned with flight operations but not known far enough in advance to be publicized by other means. It states the abnormal status of a component of the National Airspace System (NAS). NOTAM information classifications include Domestic (NOTAM D) and Flight Data Center (FDC).
NOTAM (D) information is disseminated for all navigational facilities that are part of the NAS, all public use aerodromes, seaplane bases, and heliports listed in the Chart Supplement U.S. NOTAM (D) information includes such data as taxiway closures, personnel and equipment near or crossing runways, and airport lighting aids that do not affect instrument approach criteria, such as a VASI or PAPI. There are several types of NOTAM Ds:
Airport activity and conditions, to include field conditions.
Airspace to include special use airspace and general airspace activity like UAS or pyrotechnics.
Visual and radio navigational aids.
Communication and services.
Pointer NOTAMs. NOTAMs issued to point to additional aeronautical information. When pointing to another NOTAM, the keyword in the pointer NOTAM must match the keyword in the original NOTAM. Pointer NOTAMs should be issued for, but are not limited to, TFRs, Airshows, Temporary SUA, major NAS system interruptions, etc.
FDC NOTAMs. On those occasions when it becomes necessary to disseminate information that is regulatory in nature, an FDC NOTAM is issued. FDC NOTAMs include NOTAMs such as:
Amendments to published IAPs and other current aeronautical charts.
Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFR). Pilots should read NOTAMs in their entirety as some TFRs may allow pilots to fly through the flight restriction should they request permission to do so and subsequently receive it. Pilots are encouraged to use online preflight resources as they provide graphics and plain language interpretations for TFRs.
High barometric pressure warning.
Laser light activity.
ADS-B, TIS-B, and FIS-B service availability.
Satellite-based systems such as WAAS or GPS.
Special Notices.
It’s important for all stakeholders to have access to the latest information via the NOTAM system which is why the recent outage had such immediate and drastic ramifications for air traffic. NOTAMs can be retrieved through your favorite flight planning app or online at https://pilotweb.nas.faa.gov/PilotWeb/. NOTAM information is also available enroute via ADS-B or from Flight Service.
https://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/05174242/taxi-notam.jpg7851046Eric Radtkehttps://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/05155154/FTC-logo-horizontal-fianl.pngEric Radtke2023-01-13 09:30:372023-01-13 10:38:29Grounding of flights reminds us of the importance of NOTAMs
The FAA recently issued a new Aviation Weather Handbook, FAA-H-8083-28. This handbook consolidates the weather information from the following Advisory Circulars (ACs) into one source document. The ACs will remain in effect for now, but they will eventually be canceled at a later date:
Now that the last of the Christmas cookies are gone, many of us look forward to the year ahead with the encouragement and enthusiasm of resolutions. The standard resolutions: losing weight, read more books (watch less television), volunteer, etc. are all noble causes. But for pilots, we should include our own aviation resolution category. Here are five resolutions from your Flight Training Central team.
Get Current
I can almost guarantee that you won’t be able to fly as much as you intend. Inevitably, there will be some part of your skill set that will wither. For me, it’s IFR currency. I let it slip and now must recruit a CFI-I to conduct an instrument proficiency. While I’ll be a better pilot for it in the end, I’ll aim to stay instrument current during the year.
If you haven’t flown at night for a few months, you may consider three landings (must be to a full stop) before your spouse requests a weekend getaway. Tailwheel, seaplane, glider, multi-engine… all require a different skill set. Resolve to get current (or maybe even earn a new rating) in at least one of those areas.
Attend a Fly In
As they say, birds of a feather flock together. Pilots certainly qualify as such birds and airports are where we flock. This year, make it a point to experience aviation at its finest. Even if you can’t make it to the granddaddy of them all, Airventure in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, try to make it to a regional fly-in or at least a pancake breakfast. For a list of Fly-ins, check out socialflight.com. There are so many good options to choose.
Take a friend flying
Hobbies are more fun when you have more people to share in the pleasures. Spread the joy of aviation by taking someone flying. I’m sure you probably remember your first flight. Give someone else that special memory by introducing them to the wonders of flight. If you are really generous and passionate, connect with your local EAA chapter and fly Young Eagles. Giving youth their first taste of flight will be mutually beneficial.
Fly for a weekend getaway
What good is a pilot’s license if you don’t use it? Aviation adventures abound within a couple hours of flight time from your home airport. Go find that special place and create your next “remember that time…” story. Looking for some good ideas? AOPA offers some suggestions here. Some of my favorites? Anywhere along the Florida coast.
Log time in an aircraft you’ve never flown before
Expand your horizons (yep, another pun intended) this year. Instead of logging time in the same old FBO Cherokee or Skyhawk, try something new. There are lots of flight schools that will provide an hour flight in an aircraft you’ve never flown. Try your hand at a Cirrus; introduce yourself to a old multi-engine trainer; or hop in a glider or tail-dragger. You might learn something new, be a better pilot for it, and create a lasting “remember when” story.
If you’re feeling obligated to make the standard “lose weight” resolution this year, at least shape the resolution around your passion for flying. For example, improving your aircraft useful load by 20 pounds sounds much appealing than skipping dessert for the next three months.
https://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/05164638/172-clouds-1-scaled.jpg19202560Eric Radtkehttps://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/05155154/FTC-logo-horizontal-fianl.pngEric Radtke2023-01-02 10:00:032023-01-02 10:40:355 flying resolutions for the New Year
Thank you for subscribing to Sporty’s Flight Training Central. As 2022 comes to a close, and we reflect on the progress we’ve made as pilots, here is a look at some of our most popular posts from 2022. We hope your year has been filled with aviation adventure. Best wishes for a safe and prosperous New Year from the team at Sporty’s Flight Training Central! – Ed.
Every generation seems to think the next generation doesn’t work as hard, isn’t as talented, or doesn’t have the same motivation that their generation did when they were younger. I don’t think that has been any different in aviation training historically.
As a student pilot, before you even solo, your flight instructor will teach you the basic concept behind a speed known as Best Glide Speed. You will likely be taught that this is a speed that will allow you to cover the most distance in gliding flight. This basic concept will probably follow you through your Private Pilot certificate.
A question that prospective flight training students and their families may have about learning to fly is, “Is it safe?” A knowledgeable flight instructor should have a thoughtful and honest answer to this question, but it is not as cut and dried as you might think.
When it comes to night vision, we aren’t very good because we weren’t built for it. In fact, if it weren’t for rods, we wouldn’t be able to see anything in the dark. Rods (photoreceptor cells scattered across the retina) do well in peripheral vision and are much more sensitive to light which makes them a necessity for our nighttime flying. But rods can’t process color which is why our night vision isn’t very colorful.
If “flight following” is a new term, don’t worry, you’re not alone. It’s not exactly a staple in many Private pilot training programs and don’t expect much attention on flight following in a checkride. But not to diminish its importance, because it’s a service that every VFR pilot should take advantage of and it could even be a lifesaver.
https://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/05164528/ChrisRadioCall-1.jpg5631000Eric Radtkehttps://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/05155154/FTC-logo-horizontal-fianl.pngEric Radtke2022-12-30 10:00:412022-12-29 22:30:30Our top stories of 2022
Welcome to the latest edition of the Flight Maneuver Spotlight series. Here we’ll highlight the various maneuvers you’ll practice during your flight training and be expected to demonstrate during your private pilot checkride.
Each maneuver is part of Sporty’s 2023 Learn to Fly Course and includes a narrated video animation, along with step-by-step instructions that include performance standards and common errors. Study them while on the ground or print them for quick reference in the airplane.
These step-by-step instructions are from Sporty’s 2023 Learn to Fly Course, which includes over 15 hours of HD and 4K video that demonstrates how to fly each maneuver, along with complete FAA test prep features.
The place: Clermont County Airport (I69), Batavia, OH
The aircraft: Cessna 172RG Cutlass
The pilot: anonymous
The memory: The next best thing to Santa’s sleigh and nine reindeer is the 172 Cutlass. There was just enough cargo room for my early morning departure to Chicago to spread some Christmas cheer!
Want to share your “Friday Photo” of your solo or checkride moment? Send your photo and description (using the format above) to: [email protected]
Grounding of flights reminds us of the importance of NOTAMs
/in News/by Eric Radtke“THE UNITED STATES NOTAM SYSTEM FAILED AT 2028Z. SINCE THEN NO NEW NOTAMS OR AMENDMENTS HAVE BEEN PROCESSED. TECHNICIANS ARE CURRENTLY WORKING TO RESTORE THE SYSTEM AND THERE IS NO ESTIMATE FOR RESTORATION OF SERVICE AT THIS TIME.”
Why would the crash of the NOTAM system ground flights?
Not only is consulting NOTAMs before a flight necessary and prudent, it’s a requirement of § 91.103 (Preflight action) for each PIC to “become familiar with all available information concerning that flight.” Thankfully, shortly before 9am eastern the same day, the FAA issued a statement indicating that normal operations were resuming gradually and the cause would be investigated. Initially, it appears the crash was not a result of an attack or sabotage.
Even with the NOTAM system restored, providers were still processing a backlog of NOTAMs Wednesday and advising users to check the FAA NOTAM site for the most up-to-date information. And while the stoppage was relatively short, the effects will linger for days and it offers a reminder of how important (and delicate) the NOTAM system is to pilots and our entire aviation system.
A NOTAM is a notice containing information essential to personnel concerned with flight operations but not known far enough in advance to be publicized by other means. It states the abnormal status of a component of the National Airspace System (NAS). NOTAM information classifications include Domestic (NOTAM D) and Flight Data Center (FDC).
NOTAM (D) information is disseminated for all navigational facilities that are part of the NAS, all public use aerodromes, seaplane bases, and heliports listed in the Chart Supplement U.S. NOTAM (D) information includes such data as taxiway closures, personnel and equipment near or crossing runways, and airport lighting aids that do not affect instrument approach criteria, such as a VASI or PAPI. There are several types of NOTAM Ds:
FDC NOTAMs. On those occasions when it becomes necessary to disseminate information that is regulatory in nature, an FDC NOTAM is issued. FDC NOTAMs include NOTAMs such as:
It’s important for all stakeholders to have access to the latest information via the NOTAM system which is why the recent outage had such immediate and drastic ramifications for air traffic. NOTAMs can be retrieved through your favorite flight planning app or online at https://pilotweb.nas.faa.gov/PilotWeb/. NOTAM information is also available enroute via ADS-B or from Flight Service.
FAA updates Aviation Weather Handbook
/in News/by Eric RadtkeThe updated handbook is available within your Sporty’s online course portal and also directly from the FAA.
5 flying resolutions for the New Year
/in Having fun/by Eric RadtkeHappy New Year!
Now that the last of the Christmas cookies are gone, many of us look forward to the year ahead with the encouragement and enthusiasm of resolutions. The standard resolutions: losing weight, read more books (watch less television), volunteer, etc. are all noble causes. But for pilots, we should include our own aviation resolution category. Here are five resolutions from your Flight Training Central team.
I can almost guarantee that you won’t be able to fly as much as you intend. Inevitably, there will be some part of your skill set that will wither. For me, it’s IFR currency. I let it slip and now must recruit a CFI-I to conduct an instrument proficiency. While I’ll be a better pilot for it in the end, I’ll aim to stay instrument current during the year.
If you haven’t flown at night for a few months, you may consider three landings (must be to a full stop) before your spouse requests a weekend getaway. Tailwheel, seaplane, glider, multi-engine… all require a different skill set. Resolve to get current (or maybe even earn a new rating) in at least one of those areas.
As they say, birds of a feather flock together. Pilots certainly qualify as such birds and airports are where we flock. This year, make it a point to experience aviation at its finest. Even if you can’t make it to the granddaddy of them all, Airventure in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, try to make it to a regional fly-in or at least a pancake breakfast. For a list of Fly-ins, check out socialflight.com. There are so many good options to choose.
Take a friend flying
Hobbies are more fun when you have more people to share in the pleasures. Spread the joy of aviation by taking someone flying. I’m sure you probably remember your first flight. Give someone else that special memory by introducing them to the wonders of flight. If you are really generous and passionate, connect with your local EAA chapter and fly Young Eagles. Giving youth their first taste of flight will be mutually beneficial.
Fly for a weekend getaway
What good is a pilot’s license if you don’t use it? Aviation adventures abound within a couple hours of flight time from your home airport. Go find that special place and create your next “remember that time…” story. Looking for some good ideas? AOPA offers some suggestions here. Some of my favorites? Anywhere along the Florida coast.
Expand your horizons (yep, another pun intended) this year. Instead of logging time in the same old FBO Cherokee or Skyhawk, try something new. There are lots of flight schools that will provide an hour flight in an aircraft you’ve never flown. Try your hand at a Cirrus; introduce yourself to a old multi-engine trainer; or hop in a glider or tail-dragger. You might learn something new, be a better pilot for it, and create a lasting “remember when” story.
If you’re feeling obligated to make the standard “lose weight” resolution this year, at least shape the resolution around your passion for flying. For example, improving your aircraft useful load by 20 pounds sounds much appealing than skipping dessert for the next three months.
Our top stories of 2022
/in News, Tips and technique/by Eric RadtkeThank you for subscribing to Sporty’s Flight Training Central. As 2022 comes to a close, and we reflect on the progress we’ve made as pilots, here is a look at some of our most popular posts from 2022. We hope your year has been filled with aviation adventure. Best wishes for a safe and prosperous New Year from the team at Sporty’s Flight Training Central! – Ed.
Every generation seems to think the next generation doesn’t work as hard, isn’t as talented, or doesn’t have the same motivation that their generation did when they were younger. I don’t think that has been any different in aviation training historically.
Continue reading.
As a student pilot, before you even solo, your flight instructor will teach you the basic concept behind a speed known as Best Glide Speed. You will likely be taught that this is a speed that will allow you to cover the most distance in gliding flight. This basic concept will probably follow you through your Private Pilot certificate.
Continue reading.
A question that prospective flight training students and their families may have about learning to fly is, “Is it safe?” A knowledgeable flight instructor should have a thoughtful and honest answer to this question, but it is not as cut and dried as you might think.
Continue reading.
When it comes to night vision, we aren’t very good because we weren’t built for it. In fact, if it weren’t for rods, we wouldn’t be able to see anything in the dark. Rods (photoreceptor cells scattered across the retina) do well in peripheral vision and are much more sensitive to light which makes them a necessity for our nighttime flying. But rods can’t process color which is why our night vision isn’t very colorful.
Continue reading.
1) VFR Flight Following – a pilot’s guide
If “flight following” is a new term, don’t worry, you’re not alone. It’s not exactly a staple in many Private pilot training programs and don’t expect much attention on flight following in a checkride. But not to diminish its importance, because it’s a service that every VFR pilot should take advantage of and it could even be a lifesaver.
Continue reading.
Soft-Field Takeoff – Flight Maneuver Spotlight
/in Flight Maneuvers, Tips and technique/by Bret KoebbeWelcome to the latest edition of the Flight Maneuver Spotlight series. Here we’ll highlight the various maneuvers you’ll practice during your flight training and be expected to demonstrate during your private pilot checkride.
Each maneuver is part of Sporty’s 2023 Learn to Fly Course and includes a narrated video animation, along with step-by-step instructions that include performance standards and common errors. Study them while on the ground or print them for quick reference in the airplane.
These step-by-step instructions are from Sporty’s 2023 Learn to Fly Course, which includes over 15 hours of HD and 4K video that demonstrates how to fly each maneuver, along with complete FAA test prep features.
Friday Photo: Christmas delivery
/in Friday Photo/by Chris ClarkeThe moment: loading my sleigh with gifts
The place: Clermont County Airport (I69), Batavia, OH
The aircraft: Cessna 172RG Cutlass
The pilot: anonymous
The memory: The next best thing to Santa’s sleigh and nine reindeer is the 172 Cutlass. There was just enough cargo room for my early morning departure to Chicago to spread some Christmas cheer!
Want to share your “Friday Photo” of your solo or checkride moment? Send your photo and description (using the format above) to: [email protected]