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News and Updates – FAA, Choctaw Nation Team Up to Advance UAS

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Oklahoma City, OK The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is partnering with the Choctaw Nation to study how Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) can best transport cargo, including parcels, at lower altitudes.

The FAAs Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center (MMAC), signed a three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma.

The agreement will enable the MMAC to work with the Choctaw Nation to study human factors, supply chain management and air traffic control. The parties will use virtual simulated urban environments for their research. One goal of the MOU is to promote interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics programs for students seeking possible careers in aerospace.

The FAA and the Choctaw Nation share an interest in safety, said Michelle Coppedge, Director of the MMAC. Our goal is to advance the development and integration of UAS into what is already a complex National Airspace System.

The MMAC plays a critical role in ensuring the safety of aviation operations in our nation, and we are excited to establish formal ties between our organizations to jointly support the development and safe integration of emerging aviation technologies into our national airspace system, said James L Grimsley, Executive Director of Advanced Technology Initiatives with the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma.

The Choctaw Nation is the only tribal government selected by the U. S. Department of Transportation to participate in the Unmanned Aerial System Integration Pilot Program. It was one of 9 active pilot sites in the United States selected to work in collaboration with the FAA and industry to conduct advanced UAS operations

The Nation also was the first tribal government to be recognized by the FAA as a Public Aircraft Operator. It was the only lead participant to work with the Volpe National Transportation Systems Center on acoustics testing for UAS used in agriculture, remote infrastructure inspections, public safety and other areas.

More than 6,300 employees, contractors and students work at the FAAs aeronautical center, which is located on the west side of Will Rogers World Airport in Oklahoma City. The center touches every aspect of the nations airspace by providing training, supply chain management, medical/educational human factors research and the national registration database of all U.S.-registered aircraft and pilots. It also offers financial management and acquisition services for a wide array of federal agencies.

News and Updates – Laser Strikes Increase Even with Fewer Planes Flying

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WASHINGTONLaser strikes against pilots increased in 2020 even with the overall decrease in air traffic operations. In 2020, pilots reported 6,852 laser strikes to the FAA. This is an increase from 6,136 laser strikes reported in 2019 and is the highest number reported to the agency since 2016.

The Federal Aviation Administration(FAA) remains vigilant in raising awareness about misuse of lasers when they are pointed towards aircraft. Intentionally aiming lasers at an aircraft poses a safety threat to pilots and violates federal law. Many high-powered lasers can incapacitate pilots flying aircraft that may be carrying hundreds of passengers.

The FAA works closely with federal, state and local law enforcement agencies to pursue civil and criminal penalties against people who purposely aim a laser at an aircraft. The agency takes enforcement action against people who violate Federal Aviation Regulations by shining lasers at aircraft and can impose civil penalties of up to $11,000 per violation. The FAA has imposed civil penalties up to $30,800 against people for multiple laser incidents.

Please watch ourvideoabout the dangers of lasers, statistics on laser strikes and read ourfact sheet for more information.

News and Updates – FAA Selects Five Airports to Test and Evaluate Unmanned Aircraft Detection and Mitigation Systems

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Airports will evaluate technologies and systems that could detect and mitigate safety risks posed by unmanned aircraft.

News and Updates – Fly Safe: Expanding Your Horizons

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The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the general aviation community national #FlySafe campaign helps educate airmen about safety.

This months topic explores ways for pilots to safely prepare and train for new or unfamiliar flight environments.

A recent study of general aviation accidents suggests that transition training and experience in diverse flight environments can improve a pilots ability to recognize and successfully respond to new challenges.

This article explores some ways to can expand your aeronautical skill set, whether its flying a new type of aircraft or in a totally new environment. Done properly, both can help bolster safety and foster the fun of flying.

Read more on this important topic on the FAA blog, Cleared for Takeoff.

News and Updates – Pilots and Air Traffic Controllers May Receive Johnson & Johnson's Vaccine, With Appropriate Precautions

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WASHINGTON Following the Emergency Use Authorization from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for Johnson & Johnsons Janssen COVID-19 vaccine, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has determined that pilotsand others who perform safety sensitive duties may receive the vaccine under the conditions of their FAA-issued airman medical certification. FAA and contract air traffic controllers, who are subject to FAA medical clearance, may also receive the vaccine.

To maintain the highest level of safety in the National Airspace System, the FAA will require the affected recipients of this single-dose vaccine to wait 48 hours before conducting safety sensitive aviation duties, such as flying or controlling air traffic. The waiting period, which accounts for potential side effects, applies to those holding an Airman Medical Certificate issued under 14 CFR Part 67 or a Medical Clearance issued under FAA Order 3930.3C.

The FAAs medical professionals will continuously monitor the initial distribution of the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine and will adjust the recommendations as needed.

The FAA will evaluate additional vaccines as they receive FDA emergency use authorization and will advise pilots and air traffic controllers of any required waiting periods. The agency previously cleared the FDA-approved Moderna and Pfizer vaccines for aviation use, subject to the same 48-hour waiting period.

The FAA applies similar brief waiting periods after administration of other vaccines, including those for tuberculosis and typhoid.

For more information, please visit the Medical Certification page on our website.