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Antonov An-225 TEST FLIGHT 1989

NYPD Aviation Unit Pulls off Daring Rescue in Westchester County

The NYPD pulled off a daring rescue to save a hiker's life in Westchester County.

Police say a 59-year-old man had a cardiac emergency during a hike on Bear Mountain Sunday. It was then when the NYPD’s Aviation Unit flew into action to help .... (Watch the video on)

NBC New York

Lockheed Martin to upgrade IRST21

Lockheed Martin has received two contracts from Boeing to upgrade the Infrared Search and Track 21 (IRST21) sensor system used on the US Navy's F/A-18E/F fleet, the company announced on 19 October.

The Block II upgrade contracts, totalling up to $100 million, will see...... (Read More On)

Shephard Media

Where spaceships go to die: Nasa's watery graveyard in the South Pacific 1600 miles from land

Nasa has a 'spacecraft cemetery' where it buries used satellites by crashing them into a remote region in the Pacific Ocean.....
Read More On - DailyMail

State Treasurer State Of Michigan Sells A Lot More Lockheed Martin Corporation (LMT) Stock

State Treasurer State Of Michigan lowered its stake in Lockheed Martin Corporation shares by 48.4% as of the end of the last quarter. Its investment stood at $26,256,000 a decrease of 42.3% as of the end of the quarter.

Here are a few institutional investors who have updated their positions. As of the end of the quarter Shell Asset Management CO had ....... (Read More On)

HighlightPress

Lockheed Martin to Engineer Air Force C-5 Navigation, Surveillance Tech

Lockheed Martin‘s aeronautics business unit has secured a $14.7 million contract modification to support engineering and manufacturing development work on communications, navigation, surveillance and air traffic management systems for ........ (Read More On)

ExecutiveBiz

PSI’s Prettyman Receives NASA Medal For Dawn Research

PSI Senior Scientist Thomas Prettyman was honored for his work on NASA’s Dawn mission that explored the asteroid Vesta and the dwarf planet Ceres.

The NASA Exceptional Scientific Achievement Medal was presented Sept. 6 to Prettyman “For exceptional scientific return and major discoveries that resulted at Vesta and Ceres from the successful..... (Read More On)

PSI

SAFO 17011, Runway Status Lights (RWSL), is now published

This SAFO serves to ensure that aircraft operators, pilots and airport personnel are aware of the installation, meaning, and use of RWSLs.

The SAFO can be viewed by downloading the attached .pdf file or by clicking on the following link

FAA

THE LOCKHEED MARTIN CORP. (LMT) UPGRADED TO “BUY” BY THE VETR INC.

Vetr upgraded shares of Lockheed Martin Corp. (NYSE:LMT) from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report sent to investors on Monday. The brokerage currently has $260.42 price objective on the stock.

A number of other equities research analysts also recently.... (

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Bangalore Weekly

NASA Finds Mars Has A 'Twisted Tail'

NASA reported Thursday that new research suggest that Mars has an invisible magnetic tail.... (Watch More On)

MSN

NASA administrator due at Von Braun symposium

Acting NASA administrator Robert Lightfoot is among the speakers scheduled to appear this week in Huntsville at a meeting on space exploration.

The 10th annual Wernher von Braun Memorial Symposium is set to begin Wednesday. The two-day event named... (Read More On)

CHRON

Lego unveils 'Women of NASA' set with astronauts, scientists

The 231-piece set features Sally Ride, the first American female astronaut, and Mae Jemison, the first black woman to travel in space. Also included in the set are figures of astronomer and educator Nancy Grace Roman and computer scientist Margaret Hamilton.

Lego versions of the Space Shuttle..... (Read More on)

WPXI

Stolen car 'skids 80m on wrong side of road' before driver flees

Video has captured the moment a stolen car skidded across the wrong side of a Melbourne road for nearly 80 metres.

The exclusive footage, obtained by 9NEWS, captures the terrifying moment the car careered towards other vehicles on Station Street, in Box Hill, yesterday afternoon.

A witness was driving when the Commodore skidded towards him.

Watch the News on:

9NEWS

Su 30MKM Engine Startup Cold War Era Soviet Planes

Hard Hard Bouncy Landing of Aircraft

Parallel Approach at San Francisco airport

Airbus A300 600ST Takeoff and Landing

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New Satellite Images Reveal Probable Crash Site of MH370

The mystery behind the disappearance of Malaysian airlines flight MH370 may have a new lead.

Images from a French satellite that were previously discarded may provide ground breaking evidence.

The geographic crash site of the MH370 aircraft wreckage may now be pinpointed by using refined ocean drift modeling.

Geoscience Australia, a government research body has come out with a new satellite imagery analysis report and the Australian Transportation Safety Bureau (ATSB) has come out with a refined ocean surface drift study.

Four areas of the Indian Ocean have been pinpointed which were previously believed to be “probably Man-made” items. These areas are to the north of the original search area and have been linked to the separate pieces of debris that washed up on African beaches previously.

You can read the complete news here:

MH370: New Satellite Evidence Reveals Probable Crash Site

No Agreement Signed Between India and Lockheed Martin for F-16 Production

A lot of noise was created by Lockheed Martin, the US based aerospace giant, but the reality is that no agreement has been signed between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the US for the production of F-16 Block 70 / 72.

Lockheed Martin wanted to move the production of its F-16 fighter aircraft from Texas, US to India with the view to fulfill Indian and global requirement. 

However, a condition has been placed, i.e. Indian Air Force (IAF) will have to include this fighter aircraft in its fleet.

According to sources, no decision to fulfill the particular requirement of the IAF is expected to be taken in the next six months. 

It is worth noting here that there is no difference between the Block 70 / 72 F-16 fighter aircraft and the Block 60 aircraft that are being manufactured for the UAE air force.

These are the same aircraft that had taken part in the Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft competition to supply 126 of such aircraft to the Indian Air Force (IAF) and were rejected.

One of the prominent reasons for the failure of F-16 during that time, as explained by a former fighter pilot, was that there was no way improvements or changes can be made to those aircraft.

Also Read: Lockheed Martin Meets TATA Group May Build F-16 Fighters in India

Source: FinancialExpress  

BAE System Redefines Type 26 Bid for Australian

The latest decision from UK to procure from BAE Systems the first batch of Type 26 frigates has given a momentum to the company's bid to deliver the platform to the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) in fulfilling its requirement for future frigate.

Glyn Philips, the chief executive, BAE Systems Australia, stated that the new contract means the proposal from the company for the RAN will be de-risked significantly by way of support provided by the “live programme” from the UK.

He also stated that the RAN programme will also be beneficial due to technological advancements and wider growth margins.

Contracts worth USD 4.8 billion has been signed by UK with BAE Systems on June 29 under which construction of the first three of the eight ships that have been planned will be carried out.

The production of these three frigates will be started by BAE System later this month in Glasgow, Scotland. Contract for the five ships in the second batch is expected to be negotiated by the UK in the early 2020s.

The schedule of construction coincides with the requirement from RAN for nine frigates under Project SEO 5000. Construction of these vessels has been planned to start in 2020, and will be based at Osborne, South Australia.

Also Read: Challenges and Rewards of Keeping An Old Aircraft in Flying Condition

Source: Janes

These Aviation Photographs Will Leave You Speechless

A four wheeler moving through a desert creates a distinct stream behind it. Well, almost the same thing is created by an aircraft moving through the air. This photograph of contrails from an aircraft will leave anyone speechless.

Do you know how an aircraft creates that soothing atmosphere inside? This is the technology that is used:

Multiple Use of Engine Bleed Air in Aircraft

The Big Boeing 747 is Feeling Hungry, Bring in Lots of Cargo! Quick!!

The big bird is ready to eat!!! With such a big body, this big bird must be having a big diet. And what this big Boeing 747 eats is loads of cargo and once its full, it flies with it and delivers that cargo where it is destined to.

Have You Seen A Boeing 747 More Colorful Than This

It looks like a painter made this Boeing 747 as his canvas. The already beautiful looking airplane is made to look more beautiful.

Boeing 747 That Carries The Cargo on its Back

This is one unique airplane that carried its load on its back. The stuff carried on its back is also unique. Boeing 747 is the most beautiful airplane ever built. Well, at least as per my personal opinion. Do you have any doubts?

This aircraft has the capability to takeoff and land anywhere. It is a rough and tough airplane just like the Boeing 747. You know what is it called?

The Formidable Praga Alfa Made its First Flight

Gyrating Engine of Boeing 787 Marvelous Ocean Beneath

Is it the expertise in clicking the perfect shot or that of photo editor or the beauty of flying? A look outside the window gives a spectacular view of the sky and ocean. A combination of colors that garners instant admiration.

Here is a story of beautiful little flying bird Light Sport Aircraft 'Sport Cruiser':

Lets Go Fly Czech Light Sport Aircraft Sport Cruiser

This Airplane is Really Lucky

Come One Raise Your hand!! Don't Feel Shy. How many of you guys feel that you had been that airplane!!!!??? The beautiful lady certainly made the day for this airplane.

Talking about flying, do you have interest in purchasing, owning or flying a light sport aircraft? Well, if you have, here are 7 options in Light Sport Aircraft that you can choose from:

7 Famous Light Sport Aircraft

Big Winglets of Big Airbus A 380

We are looking at the tip of the wings of one of the biggest commercial passenger aircraft Airbus A 380. This huge flying bird has admiration guaranteed from all corners. Well, talking about the size, Airbus A 380 is indeed a whale of the skies.

The Mean Look of Airbus A 380

This big big flying bird sure gives a very mean look. And why not it is after all one of the biggest passenger commercial aircraft in the world. It is difficult to take eyes away from this shinning spotless airplane. Don't worry, there is no charge for looking at it... Keep Looking!!!

Sure Many people will be inspired when they look at these birds. Many also dream of building them. So why not make a career as an aircraft designer!! Here are some details:

A Career as An Aircraft Designer

What an attitude of this airbus A350!!

The windows of this Airbus A 350 gives the impression that it is wearing a mask. These pitot tubes all around the nose of the airplane gives the impression of moles on face. Never mind, they are looking beautiful.

These aircraft is a beautiful piece of engineering. Aircraft companies make lot of effort in creating these flying machines. Do you want to make a career in aviation? Here is what you can do:

How About a Career as Factory Demonstration Pilot?

How Much Do you Think About Aviation?

How much passionate you are about your flying? How much do you think about it? How much of your brain is occupied with aviation? Do you agree with the above photograph?

Which is Your Favorite Plane?

Su-35 and F-22 are marvelous fighting machines. They are two good examples of engineering prowess. Both Su-35 and F-22 are good in their own respect. However, just for the sake of personal preference, which aircraft is your favorite one? Please answer in comment.

Also Read: Lockheed Martin, the leading aircraft manufacturer in the world, and TATA Group, one of the top companies in India partner to manufacture F-16 fighters. You can read more about this news here -

Lockheed Martin Meets TATA Group May Build F-16 Fighters in India

Tips on Night Flying for Student Pilots

Flying during night time brings in new set of challenges and calls for using different techniques from student pilots who have only flown during the day time.

Jason Archer Berkshire Aviation Enterprise certificated flight instructor and ground instructor and he shares some tips to put the anxiety of night flying at ease. These tips have certainly worked well for his students at Walter J. Koladza airport in Great Barrington, Massachusetts.

These night flying tips have been picked up after looking at the experience his students had during the first few night flights.

Sit Tight

Sit in the cockpit of the aircraft one evening before you go for your first night flight. Experience how the lights in the cockpit look and how things look on the outside. Make sure not to leave the master on for a long time or the battery will be exhausted.

It will be a good idea to take a back seat with another instructor and student or flying along with fellow pilot on their maiden night flight. Doing so will give you a better chance to experience night flight when you don’t have the responsibility to fly the airplane.

Let There be Light

Jason Archer points out that it is good to have sufficient lighting, neither too much nor too few, and that too at the right places. Always carry a flashlight with you during night flight, you never know when the bulbs burn out or the batteries die down.

If you can, wear a headlamp, it will not only keep your hands free for work but you will have light wherever you will see. When you spend time in the cockpit find out how you can control the brightness of the instrument panel and the intensity of the portable electronic flight bags.

Take Your Time

According to Jason Archer flying during night time is more difficult so make sure to give more time even on the easiest of tasks. It will be better to preflight the aircraft before night falls or in a well lit-hangar. Your cockpit should be organized and things that will be needed should be handy.

In Night Flying, Flight Instruments are Your Friends

During night flying there will be lack of outside visual references as compared to flying during day time. You will be all absorbed in the new environment during the first few night flights. Most of the night flight will be through flight instruments.

It will be better to become thoroughly familiar with the information provided by six packs of instruments before you will need them the most. You cannot really trust the light reference on the ground unless you are 100% sure.

Fly Higher in Heavenly Weather

Fly higher than you usually do during the day time, recommends Archer. It is not just about getting a better view of the terra firma but, in case any problem occurs, you will have more time to react.

You don’t necessarily have to be an astronomer, but it will be good to spend some time looking at the sky and become familiar with the stars and their patterns. This was how it was done by aviation legends of the past. When you are flying away from city lights and in dark landscape, these twinkling buttons can help you navigate.

Perception Alert

The last word of advice from Jason Archer is that the airplane doesn’t know that it is flying during night time, it’s you who knows. Your perceptions will be put to test when you fly during night time.

Listen to the airplane sound, learn to find your way in the ocean of taxiway lights and train your eyes to perform better during night time. Abundance of patience and time will be required as you acclimate and enjoy night flying.

Go-Around Or Not?

Numerous variables passes through a pilot’s mind when he or she is in command of the airplane. All these variables must be properly ascertained by the pilot to ensure a safe flight.

Sometimes the decisions to be made are simple, like adjusting to a gusty crosswind in a light trainer. Other times, it can be as challenging as controlling an airliner when the electric trim decides to take a rest. There are numerous other situations between these two extremes.

In this long list of situations there is one item that is often undervalued except when it pops up. This is the decision whether to go around or not?

Some pilots decide to go around only when things are really bad. Now, there is no standard to define as to what is “really bad”.

There is a group of pilots who claim that they know the situation when they see it. There is a third group who reason that executing a go around points to the inability of pilots to make a successful landing the first time.

Whether it is blue sky or the one filled with clouds, we should be aware as to when to say it is enough. It is an important moment during flying for which we need to be trained.

In most cases pilots are not trained to be as good in executive go-around as in landing their airplane. Instructors are of the belief that they will be criticized for their teaching techniques that led a pilot to execute a go-around.

As has been confirmed by many accident reports, most pilots are not good in executing a go-around. In the first place they are not able to decide as to exactly when a go-around needs to be executed.

Secondly, most of them are out of practice, so much so that it is never thought of as an option in most of the cases.

In July 2010 three people including the pilot lost their lives while landing a Cirrus SR22 in clear weather and calm winds. The runway was 4,552 foot long but the plane was high and touched halfway down. The pilot executed a go-around only after the airplane bounced.

The airplane was then pitched up and entered a left turn only to nose dive back on the runway.

No evidence of mechanical failure or malfunction was found in investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board. The flaps were, however, in full extended position.

According to the pilot operating handbook of Cirrus flaps need to be retracted to 50% at the time of go-around. Once the obstacles are cleared they are required to be retracted completely.

The probable cause of the accident was determined to be pilot’s inability to maintain control of aircraft at the time of go-around. What caused the accident was improper use of flaps and un-stabilized final approached followed by the pilot.

Lack of proper training or poor training to overcome undesirable situation is a problem associated not just with low-time pilots.

In July 2013, A Boeing 777 hit the seawall at the San Francisco International Airport near the approach end of the Runway 28L. The airplane was flown by three type rated pilots and none of them noticed the bleeding airspeed as the airplane approached the runway. When the go-around was attempted by the pilots it was already too late and the airplane touched the ground with its tail first.

In August 2016, another Boeing 777 made an unsuccessful go-around and crashed at Dubai International Airport. The plane was engulfed by flames soon after impact, however, everyone managed to escape by the time flames busted.

The final report is still being written by the General Civil Aviation Authority of UAE. However, the decisions taken by the pilots during the final few minutes certainly need attention.

The crew was alerted for wind shear by the automated system on final approach as the winds changed back and forth almost 180 degrees. The crew was also alerted by the onboard computer of the long landing.

The captain attempted for a second landing and pitched the plane for a climb. The gear starts to retract after six seconds. The 777 climbed only for 85 feet before it started sinking again. The two giant Rolls-Royce Trent engines gyrated in full power, but were unable to silence the “Don’t sink, don’t sink” siren in the cockpit.

With a speed of only 125 knots and landing gear still in transit, the fate of this Boeing aircraft was sealed.

Where are we doing wrong?

It is not easy to determine as to why a go-around fail. Take the example of August Emirates crash. It is important to take a closer look at the automation system of aircraft along with pilot’s understanding on how to use that technology.

In the case, the automation system of Boeing 777 worked exactly the way it was meant to. What looks like the crew was of the belief that auto-throttles will bring the engines to full power in case of a go-around. It was a mistake that was realized too late.

The auto-throttles will not get activated once the main gear of Boeing touched the concrete. It is because of this reason the engines were idle for so long.

The question that arises here is that how come pilot are ignorant or do not have the right information on how the automation system will behave in the wake of a go-around. The required level of proficiency can only be reached when the go-around maneuver is practiced regularly in a variety of arrival situations.

Stable Approach

The best indicator of a good landing is a stable approach. It is a rule that is recited many times over, whether you are a Beechcraft Bonanza pilot or of an Airbus 380. It is easy to define “stable”, but when it not easy to define the final decision when an approach is considered unstable enough to execute a go around.

“Stable”, according to transport-category pilots, can be defined as 1,000 AGL point with gears down, final flaps in position and the speed of the aircraft is within the safety margin. In case the pilot has to correct to the standard still, than a go-around need to be executed.

However, in real life things are not as clear as the above lines read and pilots have continued with their approach in clearly unstable indications.

In case of Cirrus SR22, a stable approach means final flaps in position by 300 to 500 AGL with speed at 75 plus or minus 5. But, when a go-around will be necessary in case the aircraft is flying outside these parameters? Is there a need to worry in case the aircraft is flying at 74 knots?

It is clear that standards have been set for every maneuver, but as most of the pilots will agree, no two days are similar in the life of a pilot.

The only problem is that a go-around is the least practiced maneuver. This is the reason why so many pilots fail to execute one when they fall in such a situation. Only sufficient practice and experience can equip a pilot to answer the question “when”.

Knowing “when” is only half the battle won as the remaining half battle is to set the plane for the right go-around according to the prevailing conditions.

Even while practicing go-around, the pilot should put himself in different situations every time. In case a pilot want to be really effective in executive go-around, than it should be practiced in an unexpected manner in the simulator.

If you know that you will execute a go-around, your mind is half prepared, which is quite different from the real life situations. The unique feature of a go-around is that a pilot doesn’t know to the last point that it has to be executed.

Ask your instructor to throw you in a go-around situation on any day that is when you will learn on how to come out of it.

Conclusion

The researchers have realized that the maneuver is a rare one even for most commercial pilots. A short haul pilot may execute a go-around only one or two times in a year. In case of long haul pilot it may happen only once in two or three years.

Statistics have indicated that less than 5% pilots execute a go-around even in these rare occurrences. It has also been indicated that nearly 10% of the go-around have ended up in a hazardous outcome.

To prevent accidents arising out of a go-around, pilots need to train more often. Maintaining situational awareness is of utmost importance to pilots. Regardless of the type of aircraft we are flying, the safety margins have been created with the hope that they will never be needed actually.

Every pilot should create his or her own standard which should never be violated. Proper training will keeps us mentally and physically sharp to overcome the situation as and when it arises.

In the end, always remember, when you execute a go-around, your credibility as a pilot will never be put to question.

True, Tried and New Model Lines from Georgia Company Maule ASir

Maule Air Inc. is a family owned aircraft making company. The manufacturer has added four new variations to its product line. It comes with a design that has worked quite successfully in the past that includes 900 pounds of useful load along with seating for two. The last salient feature is the introductory price of $199,000.

Maule Air has been manufacturing planes from 55 years. It delivered its first plane in 1962 which was known as Jetasen. This makes Maule Air the oldest aircraft manufacturer in continuous production.

The family head of this Georgia based company, B. D. Maule designed the tail dragger for those who are seriously in love with flying.

The rugged machine provided by the aircraft maker that features short field capabilities and rugged steel tube truss fuselage has sustained it through highs and lows. The new models can be recognized instantly as they carry the company’s heritage.

Maule Air was once dubbed as the “Potato Head Factory” by an FAA official as there was distinguishable similarity in every model.

The company celebrated its golden anniversary in 2012 with M-9-235 sported a golden stripe. Maules are flying in more than 50 countries and good maintenance has helped the family business stood the test of time, when other aircraft manufacturer became history.

The company is in aviation business for 75 years and has been continuously producing aircrafts for 55 years. It continues to stay committed to produce reliable, rugged and capable aircrafts that can fly well and can be used in various missions.

New variations of the long-running theme were announced in January by Maule Air. The original four seater and two seater M-4-180V S2 and S4 were also re-launched with Lycoming O-360 180-hp engine turning a constant speed propeller from Hartzell.

Brent Maule, the vice president of sales and grandson of B.D. Maule said in an interview that it’s different. The new M-4 models are much similar to the original model, featuring the classic round tail, with many changes.

The new M-4 models have all-metal wings and a 38-cubic-foot cargo area that can carry 900 pounds of useful load. The cargo area can be accessed through two big doors.

The aircraft can fly on automotive fuel with supplemental type certificate.

The new M-4 180V S2 comes with an introductory price tag of $199,900.

According to Maule the aircraft is already in production and will be available from late spring or early summer.

Two new variations of the bigger aircraft, M-9 have also been announced by Maule Air.

The M-9-260 gets its power from a fuel-injected Lycoming IO-540 260 HP engine. The M-9-235 model now comes installed with a carbureted O-540 that can fly on automotive fuels provided it has supplemental type certification.

The M-9 models can fly with four people and can also accommodate a fifth person in the cargo area jump seat. With the capability to fly with around 1,100 pounds of useful loads depending on equipment options, this model is for serious business.

M-9s can fly with four adults and 100 pounds of cargo for four hours or it can fly for 7 hours with two adults and 250 pounds of baggage, the aircraft maker stated.

The base prices of these beautiful and capable flying machines are:

• M-9-235 (carbureted) – $297,900
• Fuel-injected M-9-235 certified in 2012 – $307,900

All the models are equipped with modern engine instrumentation JPI EDM 930 engine analyzer and a full gyro panel.

There is lot of room for customizing the panel.

Looking at these remarkable features, it is easy to reason why Maule models are flying in every continent except in Antarctica.

Maule Air continues to make aircraft as per customer requirements.

Lesson from Accident Report - Improper Weather Judgement

When I learned flying, my instructor often used to tell me – it is better to be on land, than to be in air and wishing to be on land.

Some airmen learn this rule the hard way.

A flight instructor and a student pilot in Zionsville, Indiana suffered minor injuries as they learned this rule the hard way.

The thunderstorms were there at the northwest of the airport.

Lightning was reported in the vicinity of the airport by the automated weather equipment.

The flight instructor still decided to take the instructional flight, although he remained in the traffic pattern.

The flight took off and the student pilot was at the controls.

They had only climbed the downwind leg and the storm along with heavy rain was much closer than the two airmen had expected.

The flight instructor asked the student pilot to reduce power and descend as he noted that they were 300 feet above pattern altitude.

To his surprise, the airplane was not descending, even though throttle was on idle. Heavy rain is not without windshear, bringing strong updrafts and downdrafts.

As the plane turned on base leg, the airmen were surprised further as they saw a corporate jet at the end of the runway executing a go-around.

Things got worse for the flight instructor when he glanced at the primary flight display which showed the airplane was going down at the rate of 1,500 feet per minute.

Fearing the worst, the flight instructor, with full power and a climb attitude, chose to conduct a go-around.

He turned the plane towards southeast, trying the escape the storm.

Unfortunately, time and luck were not his side.

Later on, the flight instructor explained that they encountered heavy rain as the plane was around 200 feet above ground level.

The visibility had reduced to almost 0.

Just moments before the airplane impacted a plowed field, he heard ‘pull up’ from the student pilot.

No mechanical failure or malfunction was reported in the airplane before impact.

Lesson and Probable Cause:

Improper judgement from the flight instructor leads to an impact during go-around. Lesson is – we should never try to brave the weather or take chances with it.

Third Class Medical Reform Rule Accepted by FAA

Are You a Pilot?

Have you held an FAA Medical Certificate in the past 10 years?

According to FAR Part 68, known as BasicMed, you now have an alternative to certify that you are healthy enough to fly.

BasicMed will become effective from May 1, 2017.

FAA supports the new rule as it simplifies regulations and makes general aviation flying affordable.

As per the new Part 68 rule, pilots can now fly some aircrafts without holding a medical certificate, provided they follow a number of FAA provisions.

Pilots who decide to go through the no-medical-certificate route will need to fulfill the following requirements:

• Posses a valid driver’s license
• Complete a medical education course in the past 24 months

Restrictions on Pilots

The BasicMed rule applies some restrictions on pilots:

• Carry no more than 6 people and less than 6,000 pounds weight
• No faster than 250 kias and below 18,000 feet
• VFR and IFR day / night flights allowed

The new rule applies both for turbine-powered and rotorcraft airplanes.

Under BasicMed, pilots are still required to clear a medical examination every 4 years, however, it need not be from an FAA medical examiner.

The agency has asked pilot to refer the AOPA website for the aeromedical course and it has no plan to create a separate course.

Pilots are not required to become a member of AOPA to take up the free course.

How to become eligible for BasicMed?

Hold a valid FAA medical certificate in the past 10 years, including a special issuance medical

Pilot who never had a medical or did not held one in the past 10 years will have to obtain a third-class medical certificate. Thereafter, they can become eligible for BasicMed.

Pilot who fly for compensation or hire are not eligible for this new rule.

Parts 61 and 91 are still being amended by the FAA to reflect the changes.

According to Michael Huerta, FAA administration, an alternative path has been provided to traditional medical certificate. It will enable airmen to maintain required level of safety.

If you previously held a medical, you can only use BasicMed.