Jan. 20, 2015

Expanded Use of Aviation Training Devices

Pilots will welcome a direct final rule that allows them to log more time in aviation training devices (ATDs) as a way of acquiring VFR and IFR aeronautical experience and visual and instrument training toward certification. The FAA said these devices have proved to be an “effective, safe and affordable means of obtaining pilot experience” and is adopting this direct final rule without prior notice and without an opportunity for prior public comment. In view of “the relieving nature of the provisions,” the agency says it does not anticipate any adverse comments. Additionally, despite the limitations on the use of ATDs contained in a 2009 final rule, the agency has issued hundreds of letters of authorization permitting ATDs to be used more widely than set forth in current regulations.

Feb. 4, 2015

EASA Proposes Changes to Relief-pilot Requirements

The European Aviation Safety Agency has proposed training and certification requirements for relief pilots and copilots on long-haul operations of commercial aircraft. One specific objective is to ensure that a relief copilot is adequately qualified to operate an aircraft during the cruise segment of flight. Another is to be certain that appropriate operating procedures are established for the transfer of authority from the captain to the copilot and that the regulations are consistent across the European Union. The rule would also address handover procedures and command delegation between pilots; task sharing; seat positions during various phases of flight; and minimum altitudes for transferring aircraft control to another crewmember. Comments are due by February 14.

Feb. 5, 2015

North Atlantic Datalink Equipment Mandated

In December 2013 the FAA published a notam detailing plans for the rollout of Phase 2 of the North Atlantic datalink mandate. Implementation is scheduled to begin with Phase 2A on Feb. 5, 2015, at which time flights within the North Atlantic Tracks (NAT) between FL350 and FL390 must be equipped with Fans 1/A controller-pilot datalink communications and ADS-C systems. The program expands to these altitudes in the entire ICAO NAT region on Dec. 7, 2017 with Phase 2B, and to all flights in this region above FL290 on Jan. 30, 2020 with Phase 2C. During these stages, any aircraft not equipped with Fans 1/A (or equivalent) systems may request to climb or descend through NAT DataLink Mandate (DLM) airspace.

Feb. 6, 2015

Lithium Battery Transportation Requirements Stiffened

To prevent lithium battery fires and explosions, the FAA is modifying the requirements governing their carriage as cargo. This final rule revises hazard communication and packaging procedures and harmonizes Hazardous Materials Regulations with applicable provisions of the United Nations, ICAO and the International Maritime Dangerous Goods organization.

April 22, 2015

Corrections to New Helicopter Operating Rules

On February 21, 2014, the FAA published a final rule titled “Helicopter Air Ambulance, Commercial Helicopter, and Part 91 Helicopter Operations.” In that final rule, the agency addressed helicopter ambulance operations and all commercial helicopter operations conducted under Part 135. The FAA also established new weather minimums for helicopters operating under Part 91 in Class G airspace. It has corrected Part 91.155 and removed duplicative flight visibility requirements for operations in Class G airspace. Also, the FAA fixed Part 135.609 to delineate VFR and IFR operations. Finally, the agency corrected Part 135.621(b) by clarifying the intended list of topics that must be included in the certificate holder’s FAA-approved medical personnel training program.

Apr. 23, 2015

New Approvals Required for Extended Ops in WATRS Airspace

The FAA recently revised OpSpec/MSPec/LOA B045, Extended Overwater Operations Using a Single Long-Range Communication System. The changes affect Part 91K, 121, 125 and 135 operators using a single long-range com system in the West Atlantic Route System, Caribbean or Gulf of Mexico. Operators must obtain the mandatory new approval by April 23, 2015. The current template for B045 is combined for Parts 121, 125 and 135, “which causes confusion with respect to operational control organizations,” the agency said. “The new templates are tailored to the operational control organization and communication requirements of each part.”

Dec. 31, 2015

Deadline to Meet Stage 3 Noise Levels

Less than a year remains to the Dec. 31, 2015 deadline after which jets with an mtow of 75,000 pounds or less may no longer operate in the contiguous U.S. unless they meet Stage 3 noise levels. When the rule was published on July 2, 2013, the FAA said the mandate affects 457 registered owners of 599 principally Stage 2 business jets, though several models can now be hush kitted or re-engined to meet Stage 3 standards or will be able to be outfitted appropriately before the deadline. Of the 17 airplane models affected by this ban, hush kits are currently available for at least seven: the Dassault Falcon 20; Learjet 23, 24 and 25; Sabreliner 80; and Gulfstream II and III.

June 8, 2016 and June 7, 2020

Europe Delays ADS-B out Mandate

The earliest ADS-B out requirement in Europe was Jan. 8, 2015, for new aircraft, with retrofit installations due Dec. 7, 2017. The new dates are June 8, 2016, for new aircraft and June 7, 2020, for retrofit. The revised date for retrofits is more closely aligned with the U.S. ADS-B out mandate, which requires the equipment to be operational in aircraft that fly under IFR and where transponders are currently required starting Jan. 1, 2020.