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Monday, April 9, 2007

Safety News In Brief

An FAA draft letter of interpretation addresses a request by AOPA that the FAA rescind a letter of interpretation dated June 6, 2006 regarding ``known icing conditions''. Because of the controversy surrounding this issue, the FAA is publishing a draft of its response to seek public comment on or before May 3, 2007 (see: tinyurl.com/yvt7jt - for the FAA's responses thus far)

Date Incident
03 Apr Federal Communication Commission has said it would no longer consider lifting the ban on in-flight use of mobile phones and other portable electronic devices (PEDs), which regulators fear could interfere with aircraft navigation and communication systems. In an order released Tuesday, the FCC noted that there was "insufficient technical information" available on whether airborne cellphone calls would jam networks on the ground.
03 Apr The FAA's final implementation of Advanced Technologies and Oceanic Procedures (ATOP) at the Alaska Air Route Traffic Control Center is in place. Aircraft flying over the Arctic Ocean will now fly more direct routes, save fuel and achieve better on-time performance. ATOP has already been deployed at FAA centers in Ronkonkoma, NY and Oakland, CA, providing air traffic service over the Atlantic and Pacific. It enables controllers to safely separate aircraft in areas outside radar coverage or direct radio communication, such as over oceans. It detects conflicts between aircraft and provides satellite data-link communication and position information to ATC.
02 Apr ICAO's 2nd environmental Colloquium 14-16 May in Montreal will focus on aviation emissions prior to high-level decision-making at the 36th Session of the ICAO Assembly in September 2007. Details @ tinyurl.com/yv4682
31 Mar ARINC's lightning avoidance system ALWS (also called ForeWarn) has helped Hong Kong Airport score no lightning-related injuries since installing the airport lightning warning system in 2003, despite an average of 40 to 50 thunderstorms each summer. The system combines local measurements of atmospheric electricity from sensors installed on the airport grounds with Vaisala regional lightning data, to produce a relative indicator of lightning risk that is depicted by yellow and red lights. Under a yellow light, staff and ramp personnel may be advised to stop non-essential activities. Under a red light, managers may halt all airport ramp activities including baggage handling, refueling, and catering. Airport employees, airline staff, and passengers may be advised to stay inside. To avoid data loss from lightning transients, the system uses fiber optics instead of wires.
31 Mar USMC is asking Yuma do something about balloons that auto dealers tether at their dealerships near Yuma International Airport. Marine officials say a fighter jet had to take evasive action Friday to avoid a cluster of balloons that had broken away. Marines Corps Air Station-Yuma shares space with the airport. Base spokeswoman Captain Beatriz Yarrish says the incident is the latest in a series of problems involving the balloons. USMC wants Yuma to pass an ordinance setting a height limit at 50 feet for tethered advertising balloons.

 

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