SkyCatcher Crashes! 

Flying a Smurf in New Mexico 9-17-08 Every now and then, I have to go to El Paso Texas on assignment to Juarez Mexico. A few years ago, on a trip down there I found a Cessna 152 to fly around the desert. This time, I found a smurf.... well not exactly. Actually, it's a Cessna Skyhawk. It's one of the work horses for Blue Feather Aero at Dona Ana Airport in Santa Teresa New Mexico, and about 6 miles north of the Mexican border. So, I found myself with Suzie Azar, flight instructor for Blue Feather, and off we go in the smurf. After an extensive check ride, (steep turns to the left, right, stalls, slips, touch and go's. wheww...) Suzie finally releases the smurf to me, and we're off to Las Cruces. Click on the icon to see the scenery.

NOAA Recommends Switching To 406-MHz ELT's 9-13-08 According to AOPA, the FAA is not planning to mandate the 406-MHz ELT. However, Canada and Mexico plan to require the unit, although Mexico has agreed to an alternative for U.S.-registered aircraft. AOPA opposes any mandate for the 406-MHz ELT, believing that the option should be left to pilots. Hmmm, I wonder what we are supposed to do with all the 121.5 ELT's? If you own an aircraft you were supposed to have received a postcard from NOAA recommending you switch to 406-MHz ELT. For more info click on the 121.5 icon.

9-9-08 The FAA safety seminars coming up offer quite a list of topics. At the Southern NH University 2500 N. River Road Hooksett, NH 03106 there is one called, "Mastering Takeoffs and Landings".  How about "Traps for the Unwary Pilot!"
That sounds a little scary. This seminar is in Portsmouth, Alpha Flying 115 Flightline Drive 
Portsmouth, NH 03801. It's a fly-in event. Click on the FAA logo for a list.

Goodbye VOR's?  8-31-08 The FAA is talking about starting to shut down VOR's. A few years ago I remember ready an article talking about starting the shutdown in 2008. Now they are talking about starting in 2010. However, it's my understanding that even if you have GPS you still need a VOR as a backup unless your GPS has WAAS, hmmm.... If only 10 to 15% of the GA fleet has GPS, two years doesn't sound like a lot of time to get the rest of the 35+ year old trainers and VFR renters up to date. Here's some typical panels I usually see... CLICK HERE TO SEE THE AOPA article.

TAF Format Changes Coming ~ 8-23-08 AOPA advises the National Weather Service is going to be changing the TAF format. However, the way I understand it, is that the change will affect only the date and times. Click here to see the AOPA article.