Saturday, May 1, 2010

Sport SX Debuts

GRT Avionics debuted Sports Sex, Electronic Flight Information Systems (EFIS) for light sport and experimental aircraft. It has features such as EFIS, AHRS, synthetic vision and color map.
  
Information http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i7oZwUL_P0I http://www.grtavionics.com/default.aspx?id=1 

Tuesday, April 27, 2010

Yard Work

I did yard work on Monday, April 26, 2010 and Tuesday, April 27, 2010.  Monday, April 26, 2010 I cut the grass. After that I took a shower and then watched the Chicago Blackhawks games (as I try to catch as many as I can), win 5-3 to wins the series 4-3 in the Western Conference Quarterfinals to advance to the Western Conference Semifinals against the Vancouver Canucks. Tuesday, April 27, 2010 raked the yard (picked up dead grass), and re cut the grass. So once again I am unable to tend to my blog. I will try to tend to my blog tomorrow and post news. Sorry for all these convinces. 

Monday, April 26, 2010

Sick all Weekend

I just finally started getting better with my cold. I will blog and post news tomorrow.

Wednesday, April 21, 2010

FAA AD Targets Thielert Engines

[Federal Register: April 5, 2010 (Volume 75, Number 64)]
[Proposed Rules]               
[Page 17084-17085]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr05ap10-22]                         

=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2010-0308; Directorate Identifier 2010-NE-17-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64

 
Airworthiness Directives; Thielert Aircraft Engines GmbH (TAE) 
Model TAE 125-01 Reciprocating Engines

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the 
products listed above. This proposed AD results from mandatory 
continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) issued by an aviation 
authority of another country to identify and correct an unsafe 
condition on an aviation product. The MCAI describes the unsafe 
condition as: Service has shown that the small outlet of the blow-by 
oil separators, part number 02-7250-18100R1; 02-7250-18100R2; 02-7250-
18100R3; 02-7250-18100R4; 02-7250-18300R1; 02-7250-18300R2; 02-7250-
18300R3; 02-7250-18300R4; or 02-7250-18300R5, may cause a blow-by gas 
pressure increase inside the crankcase of the engine in excess of the 
oil seal design pressure limits. Leaking engine oil may adversely 
affect the gearbox clutch or the engine lubrication system. This 
condition, if not corrected, could lead to in-flight cases of engine 
power loss or ultimately, shutdown. We are proposing this AD to prevent 
loss of engine power or uncommanded engine shutdown during flight due 
to excessive crankcase blow-by gas pressure.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by May 20, 2010.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments by any of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://
www.regulations.gov and follow the instructions for sending your 
comments electronically.
     Mail: Docket Management Facility, U.S. Department of 
Transportation, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., West Building Ground 
Floor, Room W12-140, Washington, DC 20590-0001.
     Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail address above between 9 
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
     Fax: (202) 493-2251.
    Contact Thielert Aircraft Engines GmbH, Platanenstrasse 14 D-09350, 
Lichtenstein, Germany, telephone: +49-37204-696-0; fax: +49-37204-696-
55; e-mail: info@centurion-engines.com for the service information 
identified in this proposed AD.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://
www.regulations.gov; or in person at the Docket Operations office 
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal 
holidays. The AD docket contains this proposed AD, the regulatory 
evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The street 
address for the Docket Operations office (phone (800) 647-5527) is the 
same as the Mail address provided in the ADDRESSES section. Comments 
will be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Tara Chaidez, Aerospace Engineer, 
Engine Certification Office, FAA, Engine and Propeller Directorate, 12 
New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803; e-mail: 
tara.chaidez@faa.gov; telephone (781) 238-7773; fax (781) 238-7199.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

    We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments about this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address 
listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2010-0308; 
Directorate Identifier 2010-NE-17-AD'' at the beginning of your 
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this proposed AD. We 
will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend 
this proposed AD based on those comments.
    We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://
www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. We 
will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact 
with FAA personnel concerning this proposed AD. Using the search 
function of the Web site, anyone can find and read the comments in any 
of our dockets, including, if provided, the name of the individual who 
sent the comment (or signed the comment on behalf of an association, 
business, labor union, etc.). You may review the DOT's complete Privacy 
Act Statement in the Federal Register published on April 11, 2000 (65 
FR 19477-78).

Discussion

    The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical 
Agent for the Member States of the European Community, has issued AD 
2010-0020, dated February 8, 2010 (referred to after this as ``the 
MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for the specified products. The 
MCAI states:

    Service has shown that the small outlet of the blow-by 
separators, part number 02-7250-18100R1; 02-7250-18100R2; 02-7250-
18100R3; 02-7250-18100R4; 02-7250-18300R1; 02-7250-18300R2; 02-7250-
18300R3; 02-7250-18300R4; or 02-7250-18300R5, may cause a blow-by 
gas pressure increase inside the crankcase of the engine in excess 
of the oil seal design pressure limits. Leaking engine oil may 
adversely affect the gearbox clutch or the engine lubrication 
system. This condition, if not corrected, could lead to in-flight 
cases of engine power loss or ultimately, shutdown.

You may obtain further information by examining the MCAI in the AD 
docket.

Relevant Service Information

    TAE has issued Service Bulletin No. TM TAE 125-0019, Revision 1, 
dated March 5, 2009. The actions described in this service information 
are intended to correct the unsafe condition identified in the MCAI.

FAA's Determination and Requirements of This Proposed AD

    This product has been approved by the aviation authority of Germany 
and is approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant to our 
bilateral agreement with Germany, EASA has notified us of the unsafe 
condition described in the MCAI. We are proposing this AD because we 
evaluated all information provided by EASA and determined the unsafe 
condition exists and is likely to exist or develop on other products of 
the same type design. This proposed AD would require removing from 
service certain part number blow-by oil separators, within the next 110 
flight hours after the effective date of the proposed AD.

Costs of Compliance

    Based on the service information, we estimate that this proposed AD 
would affect about 250 engines installed on airplanes of U.S. registry. 
We also estimate that it would take about 1.5 work-hours per engine to 
comply with this proposed AD. The average labor rate is $85 per work-
hour. Required parts would cost about $1,500 per engine. Based on these 
figures, we

[[Page 17085]]

estimate the cost of the proposed AD on U.S. operators to be $406,875.

Authority for This Rulemaking

    Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to 
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the 
authority of the FAA Administrator. ``Subtitle VII: Aviation 
Programs,'' describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's 
authority.
    We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in 
``Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: General 
requirements.'' Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with 
promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing 
regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator 
finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within 
the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition 
that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this 
rulemaking action.

Regulatory Findings

    We determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism 
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would not 
have a substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship 
between the national government and the States, or on the distribution 
of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify this proposed 
regulation:
    1. Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order 
12866;
    2. Is not a ``significant rule'' under the DOT Regulatory Policies 
and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); and
    3. Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or 
negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria 
of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.
    We prepared a regulatory evaluation of the estimated costs to 
comply with this proposed AD and placed it in the AD docket.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by 
reference, Safety.

The Proposed Amendment

    Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part 39 as follows:

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

    1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:

    Authority:  49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.


Sec.  39.13  [Amended]

    2. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by adding the following new AD:

Thielert Aircraft Engines GmbH: Docket No. FAA-2010-0308; 
Directorate Identifier 2010-NE-17-AD.

Comments Due Date

    (a) We must receive comments by May 20, 2010.

Affected Airworthiness Directives (ADs)

    (b) None.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to Thielert Aircraft Engines GmbH (TAE) 
model TAE 125-01 reciprocating engines with any of the following 
part number blow-by oil separators installed:

                            Table 1--Part Numbers of Affected Blow-By Oil Separators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
02-7250-18100R1                            02-7250-18100R2               02-7250-18100R3.
02-7250-18100R4                            02-7250-18300R1               02-7250-18300R2.
02-7250-18300R3                            02-7250-18300R4               02-7250-18300R5.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    These engines are installed in, but not limited to, Diamond 
Aircraft Industries Model DA 40, Piper PA-28-161 (Supplemental Type 
Certificate (STC) No. SA03303AT), and Cessna 172 (STC No. SA01303WI) 
airplanes.

Reason

    (d) Service has shown that the small outlet of the blow-by oil 
separators, part number 02-7250-18100R1; 02-7250-18100R2; 02-7250-
18100R3; 02-7250-18100R4; 02-7250-18300R1; 02-7250-18300R2; 02-7250-
18300R3; 02-7250-18300R4; or 02-7250-18300R5, may cause a blow-by 
gas pressure increase inside the crankcase of the engine in excess 
of the oil seal design pressure limits. Leaking engine oil may 
adversely affect the gearbox clutch or the engine lubrication 
system. This condition, if not corrected, could lead to in-flight 
cases of engine power loss or ultimately, shutdown. This AD results 
from mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) issued by 
an aviation authority of another country to identify and correct an 
unsafe condition on an aviation product. We are issuing this AD to 
prevent loss of engine power or uncommanded engine shutdown during 
flight due to excessive crankcase blow-by gas pressure.

Actions and Compliance

    (e) Unless already done, do the following actions.
    (1) Remove the blow-by oil separators listed by part number in 
Table 1 of this AD within the next 110 flight hours after the 
effective date of this AD.
    (2) Use the Measures section of TAE Service Bulletin No. TM TAE 
125-0019, Revision 1, dated March 5, 2009, to do the removal from 
service.

FAA AD Differences

    (f) None.

Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (g) The Manager, Engine Certification Office, FAA, has the 
authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the 
procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19.

Related Information

    (h) Refer to European Aviation Safety Agency AD 2010-0020, dated 
February 8, 2010, and TAE Service Bulletin No. TM TAE 125-0019, 
Revision 1, dated March 5, 2009, for related information. Contact 
Thielert Aircraft Engines GmbH, Platanenstrasse 14 D-09350, 
Lichtenstein, Germany, telephone: +49-37204-696-0; fax: +49-37204-
696-55; e-mail: info@centurion-engines.com, for a copy of this 
service information.
    (i) Contact Tara Chaidez, Aerospace Engineer, Engine 
Certification Office, FAA, Engine and Propeller Directorate, 12 New 
England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803; e-mail: 
tara.chaidez@faa.gov; telephone (781) 238-7773; fax (781) 238-7199, 
for more information about this AD.

    Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on March 30, 2010.
Peter A. White,
Assistant Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2010-7590 Filed 4-2-10; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

FAA Makes Corrections To Sport Pilot Rule

Federal Register Volume 75, Number 60 (Tuesday, March 30, 2010)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 15609-15610]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2010-7039]


=======================================================================
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 61

[Docket No. FAA-2007-29015; Amdt. No. 61-125A]
RIN 2120-AJ10


Certification of Aircraft and Airmen for the Operation of Light-
Sport Aircraft; Modifications to Rules for Sport Pilots and Flight 
Instructors With a Sport Pilot Rating; Correction

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule; correction.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The FAA is correcting a final rule published on February 1, 
2010. In that rule, the FAA amended its regulations for sport pilots 
and flight instructors with a sport pilot rating to address airman 
certification and operational issues that have arisen since regulations 
for the certification of aircraft and airmen for the operation of 
light-sport aircraft were implemented in 2004. This document corrects 
errors in the codified text of that document.

DATES: The final rule and this correction will become effective April 
2, 2010.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For technical questions concerning 
this rule, contact Larry L. Buchanan, Light-Sport Aviation Branch, AFS-
610, Regulatory Support Division, Flight Standards Service, Federal 
Aviation Administration, 6500 South MacArthur Blvd., Oklahoma City, OK 
73169; telephone (405) 954-6400; Mailing address: Light-Sport Aviation 
Branch, AFS-610, P.O. Box 25082, Oklahoma City, OK 73125.
    For legal questions concerning this rule, contact Paul G. Greer, 
Regulations Division, AGC-200, Federal Aviation Administration, 800 
Independence Ave., SW., Washington, DC 20591; telephone (202) 267-3073.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Background

    On February 1, 2010, the FAA published a final rule entitled, 
``Certification of Aircraft and Airmen for the Operation of Light-Sport 
Aircraft; Modifications to Rules for Sport Pilots and Flight 
Instructors With a Sport Pilot Rating'' (75 FR 5204).
    In that final rule, the FAA revised Sec.  61.327. Paragraph (a) 
introductory text of Sec.  61.327 referenced endorsement requirements 
for a sport pilot operating ``a light-sport aircraft that has a 
VH less than or equal to 87 knots CAS.'' Paragraph (b) 
introductory text of Sec.  61.327 referenced endorsement requirements 
for persons operating ``a light-sport aircraft that has a VH 
greater than 87 knots CAS.'' In the revision to Sec.  61.315(c)(14)(i) 
and (c)(14)(ii), however, references to those paragraphs of Sec.  
61.327 were incorrectly cited.
    Additionally, the FAA revised Sec.  61.327 to require a sport pilot 
who seeks to operate a light-sport aircraft that has a VH 
less than or equal to 87 knots CAS to receive and log training in an 
aircraft that has a VH less than or equal to 87 knots CAS. 
In the preamble to the final rule, the FAA noted that it ``does not 
believe that receiving training in an airplane with a VH 
greater than 87 knots CAS will adequately prepare a sport pilot to 
operate a low-speed, high-drag airplane with a VH less than 
or equal to 87 knots CAS without additional training.'' The agency did 
not intend to require specific endorsements for other categories and 
classes of aircraft, such as powered parachutes and weight-shift-
control aircraft that typically have a VH that does not 
exceed 87 knots CAS. Accordingly the FAA is correcting Sec.  61.327(a) 
and (c) to reflect the agency's intent and is making conforming 
corrections in Sec. Sec.  61.315(c)(14), 61.415(f), and 61.423 
(a)(2)(iii)(C).
    Sections 61.319 and 61.323 were revised to eliminate the 
requirement that persons exercising sport pilot privileges have an 
aircraft make-and-model endorsement to operate an aircraft within a 
specific set of aircraft. The FAA therefore also should have included a 
conforming amendment to Sec.  61.317 Is my sport pilot certificate 
issued with aircraft category and class ratings? to remove reference to 
the words ``make and model.''
    Lastly, Sec. Sec.  61.315(c)(14)(ii) and 61.327(c) contained 
provisions that permit a sport pilot to operate an aircraft with a 
VH less than or equal to 87 knots CAS if that person has 
logged flight time

[[Page 15610]]

as pilot in command of an aircraft with a VH less than or 
equal to 87 knots CAS prior to March 3, 2010. The FAA is correcting 
this date to read ``April 2, 2010,'' to correspond with the effective 
date of the final rule.

Corrections

    In final rule FR Doc. 2010-2056, beginning on page 5204 in the 
Federal Register of February 1, 2010, make the following corrections:

0
1. On page 5222, in the first column, revise Sec.  61.315(c)(14) to 
read as follows:


Sec.  61.315  What are the privileges and limits of my sport pilot 
certificate?

* * * * *
    (c) * * *
    (14) If the aircraft:
    (i) Has a VH greater than 87 knots CAS, unless you have 
met the requirements of Sec.  61.327(b).
    (ii) Has a VH less than or equal to 87 knots CAS, unless 
you have met the requirements of Sec.  61.327(a) or have logged flight 
time as pilot in command of an airplane with a VH less than 
or equal to 87 knots CAS before April 2, 2010.
* * * * *

0
2. On page 5222, in the first column, add amendment 15A to read as 
follows:


Sec.  61.317  [Amended]

0
15A. Amend Sec.  61.317 by removing the words ``logbook endorsement for 
the category, class, and make and model of aircraft'' from the last 
sentence and adding in their place the words ``logbook endorsement for 
the category and class of aircraft''.


Sec.  61.327  [Corrected]

0
3. On page 5222, in the first column, amend Sec.  61.327 by:
0
a. Amending paragraph (a) introductory text by removing the words 
``light-sport aircraft that has'' and adding in their place the words 
``light-sport aircraft that is an airplane with''.
0
b. Amending paragraph (a)(1) by removing the word ``aircraft'' and 
adding in its place the word ``airplane''.
0
c. Amending paragraph (a)(2) by removing the words ``light-sport 
aircraft'' and adding in their place the words ``light-sport aircraft 
that is an airplane''.
0
d. Amending paragraph (c) by removing the word ``aircraft'' and adding 
in its place the word ``airplane'' and by removing the date ``March 3, 
2010'' and adding in its place the date ``April 2, 2010''.


Sec.  61.415  [Corrected]

0
4. On page 5222, in the second column, in Sec.  61.415(f), remove the 
words ``light-sport aircraft'' and add in their place the words 
``light-sport aircraft that is an airplane''.


Sec.  61.423  [Corrected]

0
5. On page 5222, in the third column, in Sec.  61.423(a)(2)(iii)(C), 
remove the words ``light-sport aircraft'' and add in their place the 
words ``light-sport aircraft that is an airplane''.

    Issued in Washington, DC, on March 25, 2010.
Pamela Hamilton-Powell,
Director, Office of Rulemaking.
[FR Doc. 2010-7039 Filed 3-29-10; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

Vance Brand Municipal Airport gets Master Plan Update

Colorado Aeronautical Board granted Vance Brand Municipal Airport in Longmont, Colorado $38,000 which will be for the update its masters plane for the airport. The airport manager is still waiting for FAA funding. It'll cost about $192,000 to hire people for the master plan, FAA will pay 95% of that and  Longmont have to help out and spend in $12,000. Longmont gets 10 cents per gallon (6 cents for businesses, 4 cents from state).

FAA Proposes New Policy on Antidepressants for Pilots

For Immediate Release

April 2, 2010
Contact: Alison Duquette or Les Dorr
Phone: (202) 267-3883

FAA Proposes New Policy on Antidepressants for Pilots

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) today announced that it will consider the special issuance of a medical certificate to pilots who are taking medication for mild to moderate depression, conditions that now bar them from all flying duties.

On a case-by-case basis beginning April 5, pilots who take one of four antidepressant medications – Fluoxetine (Prozac), Sertraline (Zoloft), Citalopram (Celexa), or Escitalopram (Lexapro) – will be allowed to fly if they have been satisfactorily treated on the medication for at least 12 months. The FAA will not take civil enforcement action against pilots who take advantage of a six-month opportunity to share any previously non-disclosed diagnosis of depression or the use of these antidepressants.

“I’m encouraging pilots who are suffering from depression or using antidepressants to report their medical condition to the FAA,” said FAA Administrator Randy Babbitt. “We need to change the culture and remove the stigma associated with depression.  Pilots should be able to get the medical treatment they need so they can safely perform their duties.”

The FAA’s policy is consistent with recommendations from the Aerospace Medical Association, Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, Air Line Pilots Association and the International Civil Aviation Organization. The Civil Aviation Authority of Australia, Transport Canada and the U.S. Army already allow some pilots to fly using antidepressant medications. 

Psychiatrists and Aviation Medical Examiners who have specialized training under the Human Intervention and Motivation Study (HIMS) program will help the FAA evaluate and monitor pilots under this new policy. The HIMS program was established 40 years ago and has been highly effective for the assessment, treatment, and medical certification of pilots who need help with alcohol and drug issues.

The policy statement is on display in the Federal Register at http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/public-inspection and allows for public comment until May 3. A notice regarding the special enforcement action related to the new policy is available at the same website.