Readback: July 2021

IFR Staff

Tuesday, June 22, 2021 at 03:46 PM ET

Verified

** Courtesy of NTSB**

Key Takeaways:

A reader corrected the magazine on a physics point, clarifying that light in fiber-optic communication is electromagnetic, differing from radio waves and x-rays only in frequency.
A pilot expressed frustration over the lack of Garmin G1000/430W trainers for Mac devices, leading to a discussion on Garmin's Windows-centric development and limited Mac/iOS support for older products.
A pilot strongly criticized the FAA's revised chart publication schedule, arguing it negatively impacts aviation safety and pilot training by making paper charts less accessible and more quickly outdated, proposing a return to the previous schedule or a print-on-demand system.

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Only the Frequency Differs

Answer 5 to the Quiz in February 2021 explains that “[f]iber-optic communication is light and not electromagnetic.” James Clerk Maxwell would disagree. Radio waves, light, and x-rays are all the same thing, just at different frequencies. (I don’t dispute that the light signal in the fiber-optical cable is unaffected by space weather.) My apologies for what may seem like nitpicking to some. I love the magazine and the Quiz.

Wayne Rigby
Clifton Park, NY