Briefing: March 2017

After years of lobbying by general-aviation advocates, the FAA issued new rules in January that aim to make it easier for many pilots to maintain their medical certification. SpaceX successfully launched a rocket in January that deployed 10 IridiumNext satellites, the first of 66 that will expand real-time global coverage for tracking airplanes in flight by mid-2018. The avionics industry will rise to the challenge of equipping the U.S. aircraft fleet with ADS-B Out by the Jan. 1, 2020, deadline, according to industry leader Ric Peri. The NTSB issued a rare urgent safety recommendation in January, warning pilots that Piper PA-31T-series aircraft may have unsafe wiring that could lead to arcing and fires.

Editorial Staff

Wednesday, February 08, 2017 at 12:00 AM ET

Verified

Key Takeaways:

The FAA introduced BasicMed, a new, simplified medical certification renewal option for general aviation pilots, effective May 1.
SpaceX deployed satellites equipped with ADS-B units to expand real-time global aircraft tracking for enhanced safety and operational efficiency.
The NTSB issued an urgent safety recommendation warning of a fire hazard in Piper PA-31T series aircraft due to unsafe wiring.
The nearly three-year search for Malaysian Airlines Flight 370 was suspended after failing to locate the missing Boeing 777.

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FAA Issues New GA Medical Rules

After years of lobbying by general-aviation advocates, the FAA issued new rules in January that aim to make it easier for many pilots to maintain their medical certification. The FAA third-class medical, which GA advocates have long argued is a nuisance to pilots that does little to advance safety, will still be required, but starting May 1 pilots can choose a new renewal option called BasicMed. “The BasicMed rule will keep our pilots safe but will simplify our regulations and keep general aviation flying affordable,” said FAA Administrator Michael Huerta. Under BasicMed, a pilot will be required to complete an online medical education course every two years, undergo a medical exam every four years, and comply with aircraft and operating restrictions.

SpaceX Launches ADS-B Satellites

SpaceX successfully launched a rocket in January that deployed 10 IridiumNext satellites, the first of 66 that will expand real-time global coverage for tracking airplanes in flight by mid-2018. Each satellite is equipped with an ADS-B unit. The system aims to provide not only enhanced safety but also more efficient operations worldwide, especially in remote areas and across oceans, where services now are minimal. Air traffic organizations in Canada, Ireland, Denmark, Italy, the U.K., Singapore, South Africa and Iceland, among others, have signed on to use the system.