WingsOfun.com Newsletter #27 (January 13, 2014)
WELCOME PILOTSWe are looking forward to presenting the seminar “Pilot and Aircraft Performance” at the Sebring (FL) Light Sport Expo this weekend (see schedule below). Our next newsletter will be published on Wednesday, January 22nd in-order to give you a full report from Sebring.
In the Pilot Safety Minute video series pilots can learn the basics of how and why to integrate Cockpit Resource Management into recreational flying. Our article tackles the rapidly evolving subject of ADS-B. We will address pilots that simply want to meet minimum requirements along with those wishing to experience the full benefits of ADS-B. You’ll learn which aircraft do not have to install ADS-B by the FAA year 2020 mandate.
The FAA has announced in a recent NPRM that seeks to limit the use of flight simulators (Approved flight Training Devices) for training. See the details: http://www.safepilots.org/comment-on-proposed-policy-change-docket-faa-2013-0809/. We are a big believer in the efficiency and effectiveness of flight simulators. Stay tuned.
~TC Freeman
Chief Executive Aviation Ambassador (CEAA)
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Your opportunity to continue the dialog is on FaceBook:
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PILOT SAFETY MINUTE VIDEO #26 ~ COCKPIT RESOURCE MANAGEMENT II
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NEW AUDIO PRESENTATION AVAILABLE:
(Roll-Out Special $1.99)
With the issue of sequestration, the shut-down of many Air Traffic Control Towers is a possibility. Regardless, it is important to know how to safely and efficiently operate at Non-Towered Airports. In this audio book TC Freeman discusses; straight in approaches, dealing with aircraft on extended downwind and traffic pattern entries.
(Run time: 34 minutes)
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WHAT PILOTS NEED TO KNOW ABOUT ADS-B (Part II)
BY TC FREEMAN
In our continuation of our discussion regarding Automatic Dependent Surveillance Broadcast (ADS-B) systems we want pilots to know about the best way to comply with the year 2020 requirement. Because there are so many operators with thirty-five-year-old-plus aircraft (affectionately called “steam gauge” aircraft), our primary focus centers on these aircraft but will touch on other areas.
To recap, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requires that all aircraft (minus those originally certified without an electrical system) have ADS-B “out” installed by 2020. This makes way for the FAA NextGen that allows more aircraft to be put in less airspace along with other benefits such as weather and traffic information. Will aircraft that don’t install ADS-B “out” be grounded?
If 2020 rolls around and a pilot doesn’t install ADS-B “out” he or she can fly below 2,500 AGL, in Class G, D and some E airspace. There is only one exemption noted by the FAA and it states, “The ADS-B Out rule does not apply in the airspace defined in items 1 and 2 above** for any aircraft that was not originally certificated with an electrical system or that has not subsequently been certified with such a system installed, including balloons and gliders.” Operations are allowed below 10,000’ MSL (Class D, E and G) and below 2500’ AGL.
FAA.gov
When installing full “in” and “out” ADS-B systems the aircraft will need;
1 - Mode S Transponder with Extended Squitter (ES). ES equates to more data outputs to relay additional aircraft information.
2 - 978 MHz Universal Access Transceiver (UAT). Corporate/Airline aircraft are using 1090 MHz systems.
3 – Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS) via a WAAS enabled GPS or through integrated WAAS, such as the Garmin GDL 88 with WAAS option.
4 - Multi-Function Display (MFD), for full ADS-B systems with “in” and “out” capabilities.
The challenge of upgrading is that the individual units have to be compatible with each other (Technical Standard Order, a.k.a. TSO certified) and approved by the FAA through a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) for use in a specific aircraft. While several other units are going through the process of STC approval the list of approved combinations are slim and can be viewed via the FAA ADS-B “out” Status Report:* http://www.faa.gov/nextgen/implementation/programs/adsb/media/Avionics_status_&_upgrades_03Jul13.pdf
Another popular method of compliance is what I like to call the “hybrid approach.” Owners meet the basic ADS-B “out” requirement but use non-FAA approved “in” units for free weather (watch weather service subscription fees when evaluating cost benefit) and traffic information. For instance, pilots will use a portable Appareo Stratus “in” unit (http://www.appareo.com/primarymenu/products/stratus/stratus2/) with an iPad loaded with the ForeFlight App (http://foreflight.com/stratus) for the full, while not FAA approved, ADS-B experience. Those with existing “out” will have additional enhancements in traffic information.
When a pilot uses a portable “in” system keep in mind that since the aircraft isn’t originating the signal through a permanently mounted system it’s relying on ADS-B equipped aircraft in the area to gleam information (unless you already have “out” installed). Economist would call portable “in” pilots “free riders,” meaning the portable units are piggybacking on fully equipped ADS-B operators in the area. This reminds me of my misspent youth where we would piggyback cable television from the neighbors box (trust me I’ve changes my wicked ways). However, in the case of ADS-B it is legal to scavenge information this way. But, if there are no ADS-B aircraft in the area, the portable pilots are out of luck (primarily traffic information).
One reason that ADS-B is so confusing in part is that manufacturers and jockeying for position when it comes to rolling out their units. Sure they may have a unit but the question remains; is it approved by TSO and is it approved to be installed as a group via STC in a specific aircraft? Be sure to read the fine print. In my book, if it doesn’t meet the criteria above don’t get too excited. However, keep your ear to the ground with respect to companies because as the deadline gets closer many will enter the market.
Let us get back to our original focus, the pilot that is flying a thirty year old Cessna 172 with “steam gauges.” Here is the bare bones requirement for this type of operator:
As 2020 approaches this technology will change and update rapidly. My best suggestion is to speak with an avionics shop you trust for the straight scoop regarding any purchase. There has been a lot of buzz about Garmin (330 Extended Squitter-ES/GDL 80 UAT), FreeFlight (RANGR UAT +WAAS). As far as portable “in” systems the hot manufacturers are; Appareo (Stratus II), Garmin (GDL 39), Sagetech (Clarity), Dual (XGPS 170) and SkyRadar.
To buy now or wait, that is the question. I’m a little perplexed as to how to best answer this question. On the one hand, who knows what will happen in the next six years with regards to technology, price, the FAA and getting a spot in line at the avionics shop. Many of you might remember that VOR ground based navigational facilities where scheduled to be closed down a little over ten years ago, but they are still operational. On the other hand, nobody wants to wait to the last minute to find out they are on a two-year waiting list at the local avionics shop. I don’t see any problem with taking advantage of some of the benefits of the ADS-B system through portable “in” systems.
Correction: We stated that aircraft would be "...relegated to flying below 2,500 AGL, in Class G and some E airspace..." which is incorrect. Aircraft can fly in Class G and some E airspace. We suggest using the quote from the FAA above as the best guide to understanding.
*The number of approved unit combinations is changing rapidly. While this list is from the current data from the FAA website it is a good idea to stay abreast of newly added ADS-B STC’s for aircraft.
** 1. Class A, B, and C. 2. Class E airspace within the 48 contiguous states and the District of Columbia at and above 10,000 feet MSL, excluding the airspace at and below 2,500 feet above the surface.
http://www.faa.gov/nextgen/implementation/programs/adsb/media/Avionics_status_&_upgrades_03Jul13.pdf
http://www.flyingmag.com/avionics-gear/instrumentaccessories/navworx-certifies-budget-ads-b-receiver
Garmin GDL 39 Pilot Report: http://ipadpilotnews.com/2012/08/pilot-report-flying-with-the-garmin-gdl-39-ads-b-receiver/
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Discuss OP: Fly NC with fellow pilots at: https://www.facebook.com/messages/?action=read&tid=alsnt5SzT1aq%2FJy8joa%2B7g#!/groups/189450767792238/
Congratulations to Mr. Donald Short of Arden, NC as our latest Bronze, Silver and Gold Level pilot! He completed the program in his Cessna 182Q.
Stamp NOTAMS
*Siler City (5W8), the stamp is in a mailbox with a Fly NC logo on a column outside the door to the FBO, so it can be accessed anytime.
*The stamp is missing from the mailbox at Hyde County (7W6).
*Tuesday, January 14, 2014 (6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.) Person Co. Pilots Association meeting. Seminar topic: Pilot and Aircraft Performance.
*Saturday, January 18, 2014 (9:30 a.m. – 10:45 a.m.) Sebring (Florida) Light Sport Expo. Seminar Topic: Operations at Non-Towered Airports for Recreational Pilots. See the complete schedule and information at: http://www.sport-aviation-expo.com/event-details/workshops/
*Sunday, January 19, 2014 (9:30 a.m. – 10:45 a.m.) Sebring (Florida) Light Sport Expo. Seminar Topic: Operations at Non-Towered Airports for Recreational Pilots. See the complete schedule and information at: http://www.sport-aviation-expo.com/event-details/workshops/
*(UPDATED!) Saturday, February 15, 2014 (12 p.m. - 4 p.m.) B Bar D Flight Training (Allegro), Raleigh Executive South Jetport (TTA). Seminar topic: Operations at Non-Towered Airports. Contact: B Bar D at: (919) 775-2224
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OUR FAVORITE VIDEOS FROM THE WEB ~ AIR MAIL SERVICE (Ca 1924)
It's hard to believe how far we have come in a little over 100 year since the first Wright Brother's powered flight. This film was from 1924, prior to “talkies,” a.k.a. sound.
