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The cost of IFR paper charts is expected to rise significantly in the next few months.  The increase applies specifically to terminal procedures publications (TPP), which include instrument approach procedures (IAP), departure procedures (DP), standard terminal arrivals (STAR), airport diagrams, as well as takeoff, radar, and alternate minimums.

This will not affect the freely-accessible charts available on iFlightPlanner.com or in iFlightPlanner for iPad.  All charts, including VFR Sectionals and Terminal Area Charts (TAC), will continue to be available to all pilots at no cost through iFlightPlanner.

Instrument approaches, SIDs, STARs, airport diagrams and minimums can all be printed from the Documents tab for each airport in the Airport/Facility Directory.

Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the iFlightPlanner Crew!

The FAA has again delayed the implementation of the international flight plan form (ICAO) for all civil domestic flights.  Barring another postponement, the FAA will eliminate use of the domestic format flight plan and make the transition to ICAO format in January 2017.

ICAO flight plans contain specific information relating to the proposed flight of an aircraft and controllers use them to provide air traffic services based on the capabilities of each aircraft. Today pilots file flight plans in the U.S. under either the domestic or ICAO format, and the use of one format will simplify the process and align U.S. flight plans with ICAO standards.

This flight planning QuickTip will show you how to easily update your iFlightPlanner aircraft profiles and enjoy a seamless transition to the new ICAO flight plan format when creating and filing flight plans with iFlightPlanner.  iFlightPlanner is, and has been ready since this change was first proposed in 2012!

As referenced in the video, there is a lot of aircraft-specific information required to file the ICAO flight plans.  However, if you are only flying domestically the FAA requires less ICAO data.

The FAA has issued an informal guidance document that highlights changes specific to the international flight plan form that pertain exclusively to flight within the National Airspace System.

Should you have any questions specific to filing ICAO flight plans in iFlightPlanner, please don't hesitate to contact us!

The iFlightPlanner Crew
PLAN. FLY. LOG.

iFlightPlanner for iPad users may now download airport and navigation data as well as aeronautical charts, georeferenced airport diagrams and terminal procedures for the FAA Data Cycle that goes into effect on August 18, 2016.  Simply tap the button in the upper-left corner of the Downloads tab to "Check For Updates".

Pilots using iFlightPlanner.com or mobile.iFlightPlanner.com from their smartphones will see the iFlightPlanner Cloud automatically make the transition to the new data at 9:01Z on August 18.

The FAR-FC and FAR-AMT books are available and shipping now from ASA. The FAR/AIM (which includes new 14 CFR Parts 48 and 107 pertaining to both manned aircraft and remote pilot operations) will begin shipping on August 10.

The ASA FAR/AIM Series books are indexed and show clearly-marked changes since the last release for quick reference.

The July/August 2016 issue of FAA Safety Briefing focuses on the world of student pilots and airmen-in-training.  This issue provides tips and resources for success in initial pilot certification. It also explores the new Airman Certification Standards (ACS) which begins rolling out this summer. The ACS lists the standards for what an applicant needs to know, consider, and do in order to pass both the knowledge test and the practical test for a certificate or rating.

Get your fully compatible PDF, ePub for iOS, Nook and Android, or MOBI file for your Kindle of this issue at faa.gov!

Official airport, navigation and chart data for the FAA's 56-day cycle beginning 7/21/16 became current today as of 09:01Z.  This includes updated georeferenced data for airport diagrams and instrument approach procedures available in iFlightPlanner for iPad.

Anytime you access iFlightPlanner.com or mobile.iFlightPlanner.com you can be confident that you are seeing the most current and accurate data available.  To ensure that iFlightPlanner for iPad is current, simply tap "Check for Updates" in the upper-left corner of the Downloads tab.  The app will quickly tell you which packages need to be updated!

The iFlightPlanner Crew
PLAN. FLY. LOG.

The 2016 AirVenture NOTAM specifies sign codes used to inform ground personnel of your desired parking area at Wittman Regional Airport.  You'll need to display one of these signs for your arrival and another for departure based on your aircraft type and parking or camping preference.

Arrival Signs

• Homebuilt Camping (HBC)
• Homebuilt Parking (HBP)
• Vintage Aircraft Camping (VAC)
• Vintage Aircraft Parking (VAP)
• General Aviation Camping (GAC)
• General Aviation Parking (GAP)
• Warbird Area (WB)
• Basler FBO (FBO)
• Seaplane (Amphibian) Area (SP)
• International Aerobatic Club (IAC)

Departure Signs

• VFR Departure (VFR)
• IFR Departure (IFR)
• NORDO (NORDO)

The AirVenture NOTAM is required reading and should be part of every pilot's preflight preparation.  Remember to print your arrival and departure signs before your trip and fly safe!

The iFlightPlanner Crew
PLAN. FLY. LOG.

iFlightPlanner for iPad users may now download airport and navigation data as well as aeronautical charts, georeferenced airport diagrams and terminal procedures for the FAA Data Cycle that goes into effect on July 21, 2016.  Simply tap the button in the upper-left corner of the Downloads tab to "Check For Updates".

Pilots using iFlightPlanner.com or mobile.iFlightPlanner.com from their smartphones will see the iFlightPlanner Cloud automatically make the transition to the new data at 9:01Z on July 21.

While most pilots understand the inherent dangers of operating a motor vehicle — airplane included — while attempting to fire off a quick text message, the FAA says text-based ATC, also known as controller-pilot datalink communications (CPDLC), is the wave of the future and is taking hold at airports around the United States. The agency expects CPDLC to be installed and operating at all California airports next month.

The system, now operable on most airliners and many business jets, allows text-based messages to replace dozens of repetitive verbal ATC instructions normally passed via VHF radio. The system also saves valuable radio airtime by eliminating regular pilot requests to repeat instructions because messages display directly on a small cockpit screen. CPDLC messages aren’t subject to interference by other pilots' radio calls either.

» More on FLYING

Official airport, navigation and chart data for the FAA's 28-day cycle beginning 6/23/16 became current today as of 09:01Z.  This includes updated georeferenced data for airport diagrams and instrument approach procedures available in iFlightPlanner for iPad.

Anytime you access iFlightPlanner.com or mobile.iFlightPlanner.com you can be confident that you are seeing the most current and accurate data available.  To ensure that iFlightPlanner for iPad is current, simply tap "Check for Updates" in the upper-left corner of the Downloads tab.  The app will quickly tell you which packages need to be updated!

The iFlightPlanner Crew
PLAN. FLY. LOG.

iFlightPlanner for iPad users may now download airport and navigation data as well as aeronautical charts, georeferenced airport diagrams and terminal procedures for the FAA Data Cycle that goes into effect on June 23, 2016.  Simply tap the button in the upper-left corner of the Downloads tab to "Check For Updates".

Pilots using iFlightPlanner.com or mobile.iFlightPlanner.com from their smartphones will see the iFlightPlanner Cloud automatically make the transition to the new data at 9:01Z on June 23.

The FAA this week issued its final policy on the non-aeronautical use of hangars at grant-assured airports, and fears of a sterile, draconian policy eliminating anything but aircraft storage have proved unfounded, as the agency has adopted a common-sense approach. The public comment period on the policy elicited more than 2,400 responses.

Aimed at ensuring the availability of hangars for aviation needs, the new policy, which will take effect July 1, acknowledged that the rental of such structures for non-aviation activities allows airport sponsors to be economically independent when aviation demand is low. Provided there is no immediate aviation use for the structure, sponsors must apply to the FAA to approve an interim non-aviation use of a hangar for a specified period. Non-aviation tenants may be issued month-to-month leases until and unless there is aviation need.

» Policy on the Non-Aeronautical Use of Airport Hangars

In an effort to spur adoption of ADS-B avionics ahead of the 2020 equipment mandate, the FAA announced a rebate program for owners of U.S.-registered piston airplanes — but as you might guess, there’s a catch.

Once the incentive program goes into effect in September, the first 20,000 aircraft owners to equip with ADS-B Out avionics will receive the cash incentive worth $500. It must be for new ADS-B avionics and not software updates or ADS-B gear in new airplanes. The program will run for one year or until the FAA distributes the 20,000 rebates.

» More from FLYING

The May/June 2016 issue of FAA Safety Briefing focuses on the rapidly changing world of technology and the important role it plays in general aviation safety. Articles in this issue cover everything from unmanned aircraft to commercial space operations, to how the FAA helps champion the power of technology in making flying safer and more efficient. We also discuss some of the possible pitfalls of technology, including its ability to distract and disrupt our decision-making skills.

Get your fully compatible PDF, ePub for iOS, Nook and Android, or MOBI file for your Kindle of this issue at faa.gov!

Official airport, navigation and chart data for the FAA's 56-day cycle beginning 5/26/16 became current today as of 09:01Z.  This includes updated georeferenced data for airport diagrams and instrument approach procedures available in iFlightPlanner for iPad.

Anytime you access iFlightPlanner.com or mobile.iFlightPlanner.com you can be confident that you are seeing the most current and accurate data available.  To ensure that iFlightPlanner for iPad is current, simply tap "Check for Updates" in the upper-left corner of the Downloads tab.  The app will quickly tell you which packages need to be updated!

The iFlightPlanner Crew
PLAN. FLY. LOG.

iFlightPlanner for iPad users may now download airport and navigation data as well as aeronautical charts, georeferenced airport diagrams and terminal procedures for the FAA Data Cycle that goes into effect on May 26, 2016.  Simply tap the button in the upper-left corner of the Downloads tab to "Check For Updates".

Pilots using iFlightPlanner.com or mobile.iFlightPlanner.com from their smartphones will see the iFlightPlanner Cloud automatically make the transition to the new data at 9:01Z on May 26.

Official airport, navigation and chart data for the FAA's 28-day cycle beginning 4/28/16 became current today as of 09:01Z.  This includes updated georeferenced data for airport diagrams and instrument approach procedures available in iFlightPlanner for iPad.

Anytime you access iFlightPlanner.com or mobile.iFlightPlanner.com you can be confident that you are seeing the most current and accurate data available.  To ensure that iFlightPlanner for iPad is current, simply tap "Check for Updates" in the upper-left corner of the Downloads tab.  The app will quickly tell you which packages need to be updated!

The iFlightPlanner Crew
PLAN. FLY. LOG.

iFlightPlanner for iPad users may now download airport and navigation data as well as aeronautical charts, georeferenced airport diagrams and terminal procedures for the FAA Data Cycle that goes into effect on April 28, 2016.  Simply tap the button in the upper-left corner of the Downloads tab to "Check For Updates".

Pilots using iFlightPlanner.com or mobile.iFlightPlanner.com from their smartphones will see the iFlightPlanner Cloud automatically make the transition to the new data at 9:01Z on April 28.

The Senate overwhelmingly passed a long-term FAA reauthorization bill on Tuesday, sending the measure to the House of Representatives, where previous legislation stalled over plans to privatize ATC.

Lawmakers approved by a vote of 95-3 an amended measure that would fund the FAA through fiscal year 2017.

The Senate bill includes a number of provisions that are being championed by general aviation, including third-class medical reform, and would authorize annual increases in Airport Improvement Program funding, streamline certification for light GA aircraft, support a transition to unleaded aviation fuel, and make it easier to install modern safety equipment in legacy aircraft.

GA groups applauded the Senate bill’s passage for scrapping the ATC privatization proposal.

» Read more from FLYING

The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association’s (AOPA) Air Safety Institute has released Personal Minimum Contracts for both VFR and IFR pilots.  The program helps pilots document personal minimums to become the basis for a contract pilots make with themselves.

“Personal Minimum Contracts will help VFR and IFR pilots take some of the guess work out of tough decisions,” said George Perry, senior vice president, AOPA Air Safety Institute. “Instead of relying on a hunch or feelings, having a written contract that pilots keep with them becomes a promise to themselves, their passengers, and their families. This contract will give pilots a safety tool to help them make smart decisions when it matters most.”

After determining which contract would apply, pilots are encouraged to review the questions with their CFI, update the information regularly, and keep a copy with flight planning materials for reference.

Search by aircraft make and model in this FAA database of ADS-B equipment designed to meet the requirements of 14 CFR 91.225 and 91.227, either as separate components or complete installation solutions. The database includes both FAA-certified equipment and equipment not yet approved. See Definitions Legend at the bottom of the page for additional details.

» ADS-B Compliant Equipment Search Tool

The FAA issued two direct-to-final-rule Airworthiness Directives this week that affect nearly 6,000 general aviation aircraft.

An Airworthiness Directive (AD) for Cessna addresses the elevator trim tabs in roughly 5,000 twin-engine T310Q, 310Q, and 402B aircraft.  Textron already has issued a service bulletin and the FAA is allowing 90 days for owners to make the fix, with the clock starting on April 26.  Replacing the elevator trim push-pull rod hardware should cost around $100, the FAA said.

The Piper AD addresses reports of rib cracks found in the wings of PA-28 Cherokees that occurred during production, and extends a previous directive to include upwards of 700 aircraft.  Per the FAA, operators should expect to pay $85 for an inspection and $125 if repairs are needed.  If not corrected, could result in reduced structural integrity of the wing.  Operators must comply with the AD within 25 hours of flying after the effective date of April 26, with the exception of those airplanes listed in the previous AD, which have 25 hours after last October 29 to comply.

GPS testing scheduled for April 11-15, 18-23, and 25-29 may result in unreliable or unavailable GPS signals in the Midwest per Flight Advisory GAFC 16-02.

The location of the testing is centered at 402520N/902006W or the Spinner VORTAC (SPI) 321 degree radial at 46NM and will occur at the following dates and times:

• 11–15 APR 16 1300Z – 2100Z
• 18–23 APR 16 1300Z – 2100Z
• 25–29 APR 16 1300Z – 2100Z

The NOTAMs discussed in this advisory may change with little or no notice, and the FAA encourages pilots to check NOTAMs frequently for possible changes prior to operations in the area which will be published at least 24 hours in advance of any GPS tests.

» Flight Advisory GAFC 16-02

Not planning with an iFlightPlanner Premium or iFlightPlanner Premium Plus membership is likely costing you - using these four simple planning tools will help save you fuel, time, and money every time you fly!

Detailed Aircraft Performance Profiles

iFlightPlanner offers the most detailed aircraft performance profiles of any flight planning solution.  Not only can you input performance data by altitude, but as an iFlightPlanner Premium or iFlightPlanner Premium Plus member, you're able to create and plan usingmultiple performance profiles that will maximize your aircraft's range or cruise speed.  The flight planner is so robust that it interpolates aircraft performance based on all available data, and gets more precise as you add details to the profile for each altitude. 

Do you have performance profiles that you've perfected for your aircraft?  Let us know, the iFlightPlanner Crew will be happy to help add it to your account!

Altitude Efficiency Comparison Tool

Leveraging your detailed aircraft performance profiles, iFlightPlanner can compare every altitude (up to your aircraft's maximum) to identify the quickest, and most fuel-efficient altitudes for your flight.  Simply click the Compare Altitudes button in the online Flight Wizard or in iFlightPlanner for iPad to discover the fuel savings waiting for you enroute!

Aircraft Fuel Range Mapping

Instantly see if you can reach your destination non-stop, or know when you'll begin burning your predetermined reserve fuel with our fuel range identifiers.  The orange marker shows where you'll tap into your reserve, while the red marker indicates the maximum range of your aircraft given your route, aircraft performance, and forecasted winds.  Each fuel setting is available when editing an aircraft from your My Aircraft list, allowing the markers to appear on the map automatically for iFlightPlanner Premium and iFlightPlanner Premium Plus members.

Graphical Fuel Price Map Layers

Turn on the fuel price layers in any of our interactive maps, including iFlightPlanner for iPad, to get a look at the most recently reported fuel prices across the country.  Each fuel price links to our comprehensive Airport/Facility Directory for each airport, complete with FBO details, runway information, and printable airport diagrams and instrument approach procedures.

Using another EFB but want to switch to iFlightPlanner and take advantage of these great features?  Our Competitive Upgrade Program allows you to trade-in your existing subscription and have the time remaining on it added to your new iFlightPlanner Premium or Premium Plus membership.

If you have any questions, please send us a message.  We are always happy to help and want you to get the most out of your iFlightPlanner experience!

Official airport, navigation and chart data for the FAA's 56-day cycle beginning 3/31/16 became current today as of 09:01Z.  This includes updated georeferenced data for airport diagrams and instrument approach procedures available in iFlightPlanner for iPad.

Anytime you access iFlightPlanner.com or mobile.iFlightPlanner.com you can be confident that you are seeing the most current and accurate data available.  To ensure that iFlightPlanner for iPad is current, simply tap "Check for Updates" in the upper-left corner of the Downloads tab.  The app will quickly tell you which packages need to be updated!

The iFlightPlanner Crew
PLAN. FLY. LOG.

iFlightPlanner for iPad users may now download airport and navigation data as well as aeronautical charts, georeferenced airport diagrams and terminal procedures for the FAA Data Cycle that goes into effect on March 31, 2016.  Simply tap the button in the upper-left corner of the Downloads tab to "Check For Updates".

Pilots using iFlightPlanner.com or mobile.iFlightPlanner.com from their smartphones will see the iFlightPlanner Cloud automatically make the transition to the new data at 9:01Z on March 31.

GPS testing scheduled for March 21, 30, and 31 may result in unreliable or unavailable GPS signals on the east coast per Flight Advisory CSG4 GPS 16-01.

The location of the testing is centered at 322655N0793719W or the Charleston VORTAC (CHS) 150 degree radial at 34NM and will occur on March 21 from 1100-1900Z, and March 30-31 from 1100-1700Z.

The NOTAMs discussed in this advisory may change with little or no notice, and the FAA encourages pilots to check NOTAMs frequently for possible changes prior to operations in the area which will be published at least 24 hours in advance of any GPS tests.

» Flight Advisory CSG4 GPS 16-01

While all of the information provided in the publication will remain the same, the FAA’s familiar green Airport/Facility Directory is changing its official name with the March 31 editions to the "Chart Supplement" per a Charting Notice dated March 31, 2016.

The newly named supplements for the lower 48 states, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands will continue to contain complete airport data highlighting navigation, communication, weather sources, runways, obstacles, and other information necessary for safe flight.  The FAA said the change will bring the Airport/Facility Directory in line with Interagency Air Cartographic (AICC) 8 specifications for printed products. Additionally, all knowledge tests, literature, and other references will soon reflect the new name, which has already been implemented for the country’s northwest region.

The change will not effect the Airport/Facility Directory available online at iFlightPlanner.com/Airports or in iFlightPlanner for iPad.

iFlightPlanner for iPad users may now download airport and navigation data as well as aeronautical charts, georeferenced airport diagrams and terminal procedures for the FAA Data Cycle that goes into effect on March 3, 2016.  Simply tap the button in the upper-left corner of the Downloads tab to "Check For Updates".

Pilots using iFlightPlanner.com or mobile.iFlightPlanner.com from their smartphones will see the iFlightPlanner Cloud automatically make the transition to the new data at 9:01Z on March 3.

iFlightPlanner for iPad users may now download airport and navigation data as well as aeronautical charts, georeferenced airport diagrams and terminal procedures for the FAA Data Cycle that goes into effect on February 4, 2016.  Simply tap the button in the upper-left corner of the Downloads tab to "Check For Updates".

Pilots using iFlightPlanner.com or mobile.iFlightPlanner.com from their smartphones will see the iFlightPlanner Cloud automatically make the transition to the new data at 9:01Z on February 4.

Under a new rule released by the FAA, student pilots will no longer get their student pilot certificate from an aviation medical examiner.  Instead, they can apply in person at a FSDO, through a designated pilot examiner, with a Part 141 flight school or a CFI.  The TSA will vet the application, and then a plastic certificate will be sent to the student by the Civil Aviation Registry.

Student pilots who already have a paper certificate can continue to use it until it expires, according to the new rule which began with an NPRM issued in November 2010.  The FAA received about 470 comments on that proposal.

The FAA is considering a request from the 180th Fighter Wing of the Ohio Air National Guard to establish the Stinger Temporary Military Operations Area (MOA).  This new MOA would provide airspace support for rapid ingress and egress of clean configured aircraft into and out of the area for Exercise Solemn Stinger.

The proposed temporary MOA would be effective from June 7 to August 6, 2016, five days per week, not to exceed 45 days total, from 0930-1100 and 1330-1500, Tuesday through Saturday by NOTAM four hours in advance.

Execution of missions will be from Toledo Air National Guard Base (KTOL) in Swanton, Ohio. A maximum of eight F-16 sorties per day will be performed during the exercise from 6,000 feet MSL up to, but not including, 18,000 feet MSL. 

Members who wish to comment on the proposal may send them to 9-NATL-CSA-Public-Notice-Airspace@faa.gov.  Comments must be received on or before February 1, 2016.

The FAA will be applying additional flight restrictions to the Washington, D.C. Special Flight Rules Area (SFRA) and Flight Restricted Zone (FRZ) for President Obama’s State of the Union address on January 12.  Click the image for an interactive map of the changes.

Pilots in the Washington, D.C. area are urged to read the flight advisory issued by the FAA, which describes the additional restrictions in more detail.

Official airport, navigation and chart data for the FAA's 28-day cycle beginning 1/7/16 became current today as of 09:01Z.  This includes updated georeferenced data for airport diagrams and instrument approach procedures available in iFlightPlanner for iPad.

Anytime you access iFlightPlanner.com or mobile.iFlightPlanner.com you can be confident that you are seeing the most current and accurate data available.  To ensure that iFlightPlanner for iPad is current, simply tap "Check for Updates" in the upper-left corner of the Downloads tab.  The app will quickly tell you which packages need to be updated!

The iFlightPlanner Crew
PLAN. FLY. LOG.

The January/February 2016 issue of FAA Safety Briefing focuses on the FAA’s new Compliance Philosophy and what its foundational concepts mean to the general aviation community. Articles in this issue discuss how the agency and aviation community can identify a problem in the NAS, use the most effective tools to correct that problem, and monitor the situation to be sure it stays fixed into the future.

Feature articles include:

• How do You do Safety? – Developing Sound Risk-Based Decision Making Practices in Aviation
• In Data We Trust: Does Flight Data Monitoring Hold the Key to Improving GA Safety?
• Compliance Philosophy with General Aviation – FAA’s Evolving Culture on Aviation Safety

Get your fully compatible PDF, ePub for iOS, Nook and Android, or MOBI file for your Kindle of this issue at faa.gov!

iFlightPlanner for iPad users may now download airport and navigation data as well as aeronautical charts, georeferenced airport diagrams and terminal procedures for the FAA Data Cycle that goes into effect on January 7, 2016.  Simply tap the button in the upper-left corner of the Downloads tab to "Check For Updates".

Pilots using iFlightPlanner.com or mobile.iFlightPlanner.com from their smartphones will see the iFlightPlanner Cloud automatically make the transition to the new data at 9:01Z on January 7.

The FAA is seeking comments on two draft advisory circulars (ACs), AC 00-45H and AC 00-6B, that update the agency’s reference material on aviation weather.  The new drafts would replace weather guidance dating to 1943.  The weather guidance was completely rewritten in 1975, and updated again in 2015.

“Basic weather science has not changed significantly since 1975.  However, new capabilities now necessitate the incorporation of new science. In 1975, aviation users were not directly touched by radar and satellite weather.  In 2015, much of what a pilot understands about the current atmosphere comes from these ubiquitous data sources,” the FAA said.

To review the new documents and submit comments by January 20, visit this page on the FAA website, where the individual email and mailing addresses for sending comments on the drafts are provided.

The iFlightPlanner Crew is excited to announce that we will be fully supporting the Bad Elf ADS-B receivers at product launch!

In 2010, Bad Elf brought aviation-grade GPS to the iPad.  The Bad Elf GPS receivers became the best selling Apple approved external GPS accessory providing high performance GPS data to location-based iOS applications.  Now Bad Elf is announcing their affordable ADS-B weather and traffic receiver with support from Kickstarter.

After five years of portable ADS-B receivers being on the market, less than 10% of pilots are flying with real-time, subscription-free weather and traffic in the cockpit.  They cite high price and restricted compatibility as the two main reasons that they have not yet purchased an ADS-B receiver.  

With Bad Elf taking a fresh approach and building their ADS-B receiver around open standards, iFlightPlanner is fully on board.  We’ve never been a fan of exclusivity and we absolutely love the path that Bad Elf and others are forging with ADS-B device interoperability.  Together we recognize that pilots want a choice, and a chance to find the solution that best suits their needs.

The next version of iFlightPlanner for iPad is in the final stages of testing, and we've pushed its release back to include this new opportunity with Bad Elf.  Including the to-be-released Bad Elf ADS-B device, iFlightPlanner for iPad will support ADS-B connectivity for nine different manufacturers and at least thirteen different receivers, including both portable devices and certified ADS-B installations.

Be sure to keep an eye on the iFlightPlanner Blog for the latest updates on iFlightPlanner, as well as Kickstarter to learn more about the Bad Elf campaign!

The FAA recently issued a revised Advisory Circular 70/7460-1L that updates guidelines for the proper way to light and mark obstructions affecting navigable airspace.

Among the changes include the requirement for the FAA to determine whether a structure that is 200 feet above ground level (AGL) or higher, or near an airport, does not pose an airspace hazard. Also included are new lighting specifications for wind turbines, new lighting and marking standards for reducing the impact on migratory bird populations, and standards for voluntary marking of meteorological evaluation towers lower than 200 feet.

» Advisory Circular AC 70/7460-1L

Official airport, navigation and chart data for the FAA's 56-day cycle beginning 12/10/15 became current today as of 09:01Z.  This includes updated georeferenced data for airport diagrams and instrument approach procedures available in iFlightPlanner for iPad.

Anytime you access iFlightPlanner.com or mobile.iFlightPlanner.com you can be confident that you are seeing the most current and accurate data available.  To ensure that iFlightPlanner for iPad is current, simply tap "Check for Updates" in the upper-left corner of the Downloads tab.  The app will quickly tell you which packages need to be updated!

The iFlightPlanner Crew
PLAN. FLY. LOG.

iFlightPlanner for iPad users may now download airport and navigation data as well as aeronautical charts, georeferenced airport diagrams and terminal procedures for the FAA Data Cycle that goes into effect on December 10, 2015.  Simply tap the button in the upper-left corner of the Downloads tab to "Check For Updates".

Pilots using iFlightPlanner.com or mobile.iFlightPlanner.com from their smartphones will see the iFlightPlanner Cloud automatically make the transition to the new data at 9:01Z on December 10.

Official airport, navigation and chart data for the FAA's 28-day cycle beginning 11/12/15 became current today as of 09:01Z.  This includes updated georeferenced data for airport diagrams and instrument approach procedures available in iFlightPlanner for iPad.

Anytime you access iFlightPlanner.com or mobile.iFlightPlanner.com you can be confident that you are seeing the most current and accurate data available.  To ensure that iFlightPlanner for iPad is current, simply tap "Check for Updates" in the upper-left corner of the Downloads tab.  The app will quickly tell you which packages need to be updated!

The iFlightPlanner Crew
PLAN. FLY. LOG.

The FAA has announced a new plan to ensure that pilots have all the information they need as the agency phases out world aeronautical charts (WACs), with new Alaska and Caribbean charts being created to fill the gaps.

In an October 29 announcement, the FAA said it will produce an Alaska VFR Wall Planning Chart to help pilots as they plan long-distance flights. The wall chart will show all of Alaska as well as the Canadian territory between Washington State and Alaska. The FAA also will produce two new Caribbean VFR Aeronautical Charts that will provide more coverage than is available with the three WACs they will replace. The scale for the Caribbean charts will be 1 to 1 million.

The new charts should be available in early January 2017, when the existing WACs for those areas expire.

» Read more on AOPA.org

iFlightPlanner for iPad users may now download airport and navigation data as well as aeronautical charts, georeferenced airport diagrams and terminal procedures for the FAA Data Cycle that goes into effect on November 12, 2015.  Simply tap the button in the upper-left corner of the Downloads tab to "Check For Updates".

Pilots using iFlightPlanner.com or mobile.iFlightPlanner.com from their smartphones will see the iFlightPlanner Cloud automatically make the transition to the new data at 9:01Z on November 12.

Looking for a great leather bag for day trips or a deluxe headset case to match?  Check out the great selection of PilotMall-branded leather bags being highlighted as our Products of the Month for the month of November!

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Pilots have requested clarification and legal interpretations regarding what constitutes a “loggable” instrument approach.  

Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) Part 61 § 61.57(c) requires a pilot, rated to fly under instrument flight rules (IFR), to remain current in order to act as pilotin-command (PIC) of a flight conducted under IFR or flight conditions less than the minimums prescribed for visual flight rules (VFR).  Accordingly, § 61.57(c)(1)(i) specifies that an instrument-rated pilot must conduct and log a minimum of six IAPs every 6 months in order to maintain his or her IFR currency.  This requirement ensures instrument-rated pilots exercise IFR privileges to an acceptable level of proficiency and safety.   To meet this requirement, pilots must understand the conditions that permit logging an IAP.

Section 61.57(c)(1-5) permits a pilot to use one of four methods to conduct and then log IAPs:

1. Actual instrument flight conditions flown in an aircraft;
2. Simulated instrument flight conditions, using a view-limiting device, flown in an aircraft with a safety pilot;
3. Simulated instrument flight conditions conducted in any FAA approved:
• Flight Simulator/Full Flight Simulator (FFS),
• Flight Training Device (FTD),
• Aviation Training Device (ATD), or
4. A combination of methods 1 through 3 as prescribed by § 61.57(c)(4), or (5)

» InFO (Information for Operators) #15012

U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx and FAA Administrator Michael Huerta today announced the creation of a task force to develop recommendations for a registration process for Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS).

The task force will be composed of 25 to 30 diverse representatives from the UAS and manned aviation industries, the federal government, and other stakeholders.  The group will advise the Department on which aircraft should be exempt from registration due to a low safety risk, including toys and certain other small UAS.  The task force also will explore options for a streamlined system that would make registration less burdensome for commercial UAS operators.

The task force may make additional safety recommendations as it deems appropriate.  Secretary Foxx directed the group to deliver its report by November 20, 2015.

» Read More

Official airport, navigation and chart data for the FAA's 56-day cycle beginning 10/15/15 became current today as of 09:01Z.  This includes updated georeferenced data for airport diagrams and instrument approach procedures available in iFlightPlanner for iPad.

Anytime you access iFlightPlanner.com or mobile.iFlightPlanner.com you can be confident that you are seeing the most current and accurate data available.  To ensure that iFlightPlanner for iPad is current, simply tap "Check for Updates" in the upper-left corner of the Downloads tab.  The app will quickly tell you which packages need to be updated!

The iFlightPlanner Crew
PLAN. FLY. LOG.

By Dan Namowitz, AOPA

The National Weather Service said the weather product, long familiar to pilots as a major component of preflight weather briefings, will be discontinued for the continental United States and Hawaii in the second half of 2016.  Area forecasts will continue to be issued for Alaska, the Caribbean, and the Gulf of Mexico.

The FAA, in a June 2014 Federal Register notice of a proposed transition to digital and graphical alternatives, explained that area forecasts “tend to produce a broad forecast of limited value. While the Area Forecast (FA) met aviation weather information needs for many years, today NWS provides equivalent information through a number of better alternatives.”

» Read More

iFlightPlanner for iPad users may now download airport and navigation data as well as aeronautical charts, georeferenced airport diagrams and terminal procedures for the FAA Data Cycle that goes into effect on October 15, 2015.  Simply tap the button in the upper-left corner of the Downloads tab to "Check For Updates".

Pilots using iFlightPlanner.com or mobile.iFlightPlanner.com from their smartphones will see the iFlightPlanner Cloud automatically make the transition to the new data at 9:01Z on October 15.