News and Updates – FAA Announces Application Period for LAANC

/0 Comments/in /by

The FAA announced the application period for entities to become FAA Approved UAS Service Suppliers of the Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability (LAANC). The application period opens on May 3, 2021.

LAANC is a collaboration between the FAA and the drone industry that directly supports the safe integration of drones into the nations airspace. Launched in 2017, the capability covers 80 percent of controlled National Airspace at 400 feet or below and expedites the time it takes for drone pilots to receive near real-time authorizations to fly in this space. All drone pilots operating in LAANC-enabled areas under the FAAs small drone rule or under the exception for limited recreational operations can access the capability through FAA Approved LAANC Service Suppliers.

LAANC provides drone pilots with industry developed applications to obtain near real-time airspace authorizations for operations in a controlled airspace below 400 feet. LAANC does not provide entities with the authority to regulate the airspace or grant access without FAA approval.

The Schedule is:

  • Application Period: May 3 June 4, 2021
  • FAA Submission Review: June 7 July 9, 2021
  • Technical Interviews: June 12 August 13, 2021
  • Formal Onboarding: August 16 October 15, 2021

The FAA is announcing the application date more than two months in advance to help applicants prepare, as they must have a mature product at time of application. Information on requirements and the onboarding process can be found on FAA.gov.

News and Updates – FAA Statement on Pratt & Whitney Engine Emergency Airworthiness Directive

/0 Comments/in /by

The FAA issued an Emergency Airworthiness Directive (AD) tonight that requires U.S. operators of airplanes equipped with certain Pratt & Whitney PW4000 engines to inspect these engines before further flight.

The FAA is taking this action as the result of a fan-blade failure that occurred Saturday on a Boeing 777-200 that had just departed from Denver International Airport. Although the aircraft landed safely, the failure resulted in damage to the engine, an in-flight engine fire, and damage to the airplane.

After reviewing the available data and considering other safety factors, the FAA determined that operators must conduct a thermal acoustic image (TAI) inspection of the large titanium fan blades located at the front of each engine. TAI technology can detect cracks on the interior surfaces of the hollow fan blades, or in areas that cannot be seen during a visual inspection.

As these required inspections proceed, the FAA will review the results on a rolling basis. Based on the initial results as we receive them, as well as other data gained from the ongoing investigation, the FAA may revise this directive to set a new interval for this inspection or subsequent ones.

The previous inspection interval for this engine was 6,500 flight cycles. A flight cycle is defined as one takeoff and landing.

This AD is effective immediately upon receipt. The FAA will share this information with other international civil aviation authorities.

News and Updates – FAA Seeks TRUST Administrators for Drone Pilot Test

/0 Comments/in /by

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) today opened the application period for entities interested in serving as test administrators for The Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST). Potential test administrators must submit their applications by March 31, 2021.

The FAA will designate qualified third parties to administer the test and make it accessible to all recreational drone flyers. Entities involved with recreational pilots such as educational institutions, manufacturers and aeromodelling organizations are encouraged to apply.

Interested parties are encouraged to review the selection criteria on the FAA website. The FAA will announce selected test administrators in June 2021 and expects selected test administrators to begin offering the test to recreational drone pilots at that time.

TRUST will provide recreational drone flyers with information on best practices and educational resources to ensure safe drone operations.

The test was developed with input from the drone community in response to requirements included in the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 that required development of a test to demonstrate a recreational flyer’s understanding of aeronautical safety knowledge and rules for operating unmanned aircraft.

As drones become more popular and accessible, the FAA is committed to ensuring that the public is aware of regulations and how to operate safely in the nations airspace.

News and Updates – U.S. DOT Announces $76 Million in Airport Improvement Grants

/0 Comments/in /by

DOT announces first three grants for infrastructure projects through the FAA’s FY 2021 Airport Improvement Program.

News and Updates – FAA to Implement Las Vegas Metroplex Project

/0 Comments/in /by

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) will implement the Las Vegas Metroplex projecton Feb. 25, 2021.

The comprehensive project will use satellite navigation to move air traffic more safely and efficiently through the area. New routes forMcCarran International Airport, Henderson Executive Airport, and North Las Vegas Airportwill bemore direct, automatically separated from each other and have efficient climb and descent profiles.It is one of 11 Metroplex projects nationwide.

Community involvement was a critical part of the projects environmental process. TheFAA conducted a thorough environmental review and extensive public engagement for the project, including 11 public workshops in 2017 and 2019.The agency also held four public comment periods totaling more than 120days,and evaluated and responded to more than 140comments.

After the FAA implements the new procedures, some flight track dispersion will continue to occur as it does today. Additionally, air traffic controllers will continue to sometimes direct aircraft off published routesfor safety or efficiency or to reroute them around weather systems.

The FAA issued theFinding of No Significant Impact-Record ofDecision(FONSI-ROD)for the Las Vegas Metroplex project in July 2020. Theagencys initial plan to implement the new routes in November 2020 was delayed by theCOVID-19 public health emergency.

After issuing the FONSI-ROD, the FAAmade minor adjustmentsto five procedures that are part of the project. The agency conducted athorough review of the changesand confirmed they did not warrant a supplement to the final Environmental Assessment, consistent with FAA environmental policy.

The Las Vegas Metroplex environmental website includes Google Earth features that enablethe publicto viewhistoricand projected flight paths associated with the project, as well as the noise analysis theFAA conducted at more than 172,000 grid points throughout the projected General Study Area.