Category: Aviation News

SMAC125 Remote Pilot Certificate Explained

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Preflight Checklist:

RyanJWallaceWe are at Lakeland Linder Airport at Polk State College with Dr. Ryan Wallace to discuss the new Remote Pilot Certificate.

Cruise Flight:

  • FAA estimates that there will be 7 million UAS by 2020, including commercial and recreational use.
  • The FAA estimates about 100 incidents per month involving a visual sighting of unmanned aircraft systems by pilots. These are not necessarily collisions, near misses, or other problems, just sighting which could potentially be a problem.
  • UAS are allowing for faster, safer, more economical missions and services.
  • Those with a pilot’s certificate have a relatively easy transition to obtaining the Remote Pilot Operator Certificate. So anyone holding any certificate other than a student is eligible to apply for a job in this area.
  • Although anyone may earn a Remote Pilot Certificate, those with an existing pilot’s certificate (excluding student pilot certificate) have a relatively easy transition to obtaining the newly-created sUAS Remote Pilot Certificate.
  • A UAS is an overall system, as opposed to just a model aircraft. The difference is what you use the plane for.
  • Videography, hurricane and weather observance, law enforcement, etc. The applications are only limited by the imagination of the designers.
  • Part 333 FAA Modernization Act of 2012, new small UAS regulations.
  • New, less restrictive rules for UAS education rules.
  • Part 107 Fly for Hire rules including the new Part 107 SUAS Remote Pilot Certificate.
  • Why you should consider becoming a UAS Pilot.
  • FAA Summary of Unmanned Aircraft Rule (Part 107)
  • FAA Advisory Circular on Small Unmanned Aviation Systems (sUAS)
  • “The Rebirth Of Aviation” – Article
  • FAASafety.gov
  • Part 107 sUAS Course Link.

After Landing Checklist:

~Picks of the Week~

No picks of the week this episode, as this is an interview show.

AvGas: Now $1 A Gallon!

BVY 6-4 006

No, your eyes are not playing tricks on you.

In an effort to determine if the current cost of avgas makes flying prohibitive, a month long experiment is currently underway at the Redbird Skyport (KHYI) in San Marcos, Texas. For all of October 2013 the airport will be selling avgas for $1 per gallon with hopes that flying activity increases during this generous discount period.

Now don’t get all excited thinking you can borrow your uncles KC-135 and load it up with cheap fuel to hedge your future flying addiction. Sorry. The rules are that the airport will ONLY fuel standard aircraft tanks in piston-powered GA aircraft; no bladders, ferry tanks, or milk jugs allowed! 200 gallons per airplane, per day. Anything above 200 gallons will be charged at normal market fuel prices.

Fueling operations will be available from 6AM to 10PM daily from October 1st through October 31st. Surveys will be distributed to pilots to help Redbird collect additional data during this experiment.

Because of the expected high demand for fuel at Redbird, you have the option to call ahead on the phone (512.878.6670) or pre-register online to skip to the front of the line.
Not too shabby, eh?

Let us know in the comments below if you had the chance to benefit from this wild fuel experiment. We’d love to hear about your experience!

Also – would you fly more if avgas was in fact cheaper than current market prices? Let us know in the comments below.