Questions tagged [usa]
Use this tag for questions which are specific to the United States, but not regulatory in nature. For questions about aviation regulations in the US, use the faa-regulations tag.
430
questions
0
votes
2
answers
56
views
What authority does the owner of an aircraft have as a passenger?
If Alice, who owns an aircraft and may or may not be a certificated pilot, flies in her plane as a passenger with her friend Bob as PIC, what authority, if any, does Alice have over the flight that an ...
- 24.8k
8
votes
3
answers
679
views
Under FAA rules, can a private pilot act as PIC in aircraft furnished by someone else if they're not otherwise compensated?
Let's say I'm visiting a friend who happens to own an airplane, and I happen to be a private pilot holding a valid FAA PPL, as well as being familiar with the make and model my friend owns. Suppose my ...
CommunityBot
- 1
1
vote
2
answers
95
views
Applying back in the US as foreign with FAA Licenses
Just for context I’m currently sitting at about 250~ hours and applying to airlines back in South America. I did my training in the USA, therefore I have my instrument rating, MEL rating, and ...
CommunityBot
- 1
21
votes
5
answers
3k
views
Can the guard frequency be used by non-aircraft / general public?
I am part of an organisation which regularly flies high-powered rockets, and thus files a TFR when we do so prohibiting aircraft from the area where we launch these rockets up to 10,000 ft. This TFR ...
2
votes
1
answer
142
views
Does FAA part 91 require aircraft flight logs?
What are the record-keeping requirements for flight or operational use of an aircraft only flown under Part 91? Rental aircraft always have such a logbook, for obvious reasons, but are privately-owned-...
CommunityBot
- 1
7
votes
3
answers
2k
views
Is a passenger who is flying the aircraft liable for regulations that they violate?
Bob, a non-pilot, is flying as a passenger with Alice, who is a pilot. Alice is PIC, but she is letting Bob fly the plane. (He's not certificated, but he knows enough to be able to fly under ...
- 72.8k
2
votes
1
answer
266
views
Can You Transmit with Airband Transceiver
I am considering the purchase of two Dittel FSG-5 Airband (118-137 Mhz) transceivers. If I transmit from one radio to the other, and vice versa, am I breaking any rules or potentially causing an issue ...
- 6,564
10
votes
2
answers
3k
views
Is careless or reckless operation of an ultralight illegal?
Is flying an ultralight in a careless or reckless manner illegal?
- 1,037
6
votes
2
answers
362
views
What United States state and federal agencies generally participate in aerial weather modification?
Also wondering which agencies regulate weather modification activities? Any idea where I can find more information about this?
- 6,564
23
votes
5
answers
9k
views
Why are special aircraft used for the carriers in the United States Navy?
Why are aircraft such as the legacy F-14 and now the F/A-18 used by the US Navy carriers?
It seems to me that developing a new aircraft from the ground up is very expensive. Is it not possible to ...
- 1,293
4
votes
1
answer
208
views
Bordering towered airspaces
I'm looking for guidance on radio communications when taking off from Delta airspace and flying into Charlie that starts where the Delta ends. My aircraft can only monitor one frequency at a time. Can ...
CommunityBot
- 1
9
votes
1
answer
1k
views
Are Part 141 or Part 61 pilots safer?
Is there any statistical data showing whether private pilots trained at Part 61 or Part 141 schools are less likely to be involved in an accident, all else (including amount of experience, type of ...
- 12k
2
votes
2
answers
255
views
How does an ARTCC achieve radio coverage of its entire region?
I live close to the edge of the ARTCC region covering my area. There is no way I could talk on VHF to the control center at normal GA altitudes; it might be possible from airliner or bizjet cruise ...
- 6,564
1
vote
1
answer
137
views
Will a FAA 3rd class medical ever be issued to an airman on stimulants?
While the FAA's Do Not Issue list includes all controlled substances (including Stimulants), I am wondering if there are ever exceptions made.
I would like to fly but I am currently on Concerta (...
- 12k
12
votes
1
answer
3k
views
Are passengers required to obey pilots' commands?
If the pilot in command of a GA aircraft tells a passenger to do or not do something, is the passenger legally obligated to obey the pilot? For example, if the pilot tells a passenger "Stop ...
- 12k
10
votes
1
answer
616
views
How unusual is it for 3 or more E-6 planes to be airborne at the same time?
I noticed there are at least 3 x E-6 aircraft flying at present (call signs: MAYO38, NANA67, and one more which may have landed ...
- 10.6k
13
votes
5
answers
23k
views
What are concrete examples for class G up to 14500?
It is said that there are some places where class G goes up to 14500 and then class E starts. However, I find they all overplayed with some special use airspace by looking at NorCal and SoCal ...
- 43
2
votes
2
answers
506
views
What's the reason for not allowing private pilots to get paid for their services?
As per a recent answer:
A Private Pilot certificate removes a lot of the restrictions
of the recreational cert. You're no longer restricted in where you can
fly*, the number of passengers you can ...
- 12k
7
votes
2
answers
270
views
What class are amphibious aircraft? [duplicate]
Are amphibious airplanes considered land or sea planes for pilot certification? Can an ASEL-only pilot fly an amphibious single-engine plane if (s)he only takes off and lands on land? Can an ASEL-only ...
CommunityBot
- 1
0
votes
1
answer
162
views
Are there procedures for pilots to handle loss of ATC at normally-towered airports?
Are there procedures for pilots to safely handle a situation in which ATC loses the ability to communicate (complete loss of power, incapacitation of all controllers, etc.) at a busy towered airport?
- 126k
8
votes
2
answers
2k
views
In case of a drone strike with an airplane below 400 feet, who is at fault?
If a plane is flying VFR (see and avoid) below 400 ft, and the pilot collides with a drone due to not seeing the drone until it's too late to take evasive action, then would the pilot be at-fault for ...
- 6,564
11
votes
3
answers
1k
views
Are there any TLS approaches in the US? What does a TLS approach plate look like?
I've been reading about Transponder Landing System (TLS) approaches: https://www.anpc.com/instrument-landing-systems/
What would a TLS approach plate look like? I have ForeFlight and can also get ...
- 361
6
votes
1
answer
209
views
Victor route using an unusable sector of a VOR
V155 is an airway that terminates at the BROOKE VORTAC on the 214 radial.
The chart supplement says all of its radials are unusable (radials 001 thru 360). How could this be a valid route since no ...
- 12.2k
3
votes
1
answer
339
views
When is it required to enter an airway? (IFR)
Assuming I'm not using a computer program to generate a flight plan for me, for cross-country IFR flight planning in the United States, how quickly after finishing departure procedures is one supposed ...
- 133
12
votes
2
answers
4k
views
What about hours flown solo without a student pilot certificate?
My instructor has ruined my training. 2.5 months ago when I started private pilot training (FAR61) I had zero knowledge about aviation. After 1.5 months he signed me off for solo and I finished all ...
- 1
9
votes
1
answer
821
views
Should IFR flight plans in the USA still have one waypoint per sector in 2023?
Alternate title: How come ATC has cleared aircraft direct from Laredo to Columbus 17 times?
If you hop on ForeFlight today (Feb 20 2023) and search for suggested routes between KLRD and KCMH you'll ...
- 23.1k
10
votes
3
answers
10k
views
How much does the FAA private pilot's license checkride cost?
I can't find a strong number for this and I would like to know. I'm compiling a list of total cost for each part of getting a private license (training, study material, headset, medical exam, etc), ...
- 1
2
votes
1
answer
256
views
what is the actual infrastructure of the current US NOTAM system?
After a Jan 11 2023 NOTAM outage, FAA and news outlets have reported there was a "damaged database file" and a problem with the backup. A government contractor, Spatial Front, was connected ...
17
votes
4
answers
8k
views
Where I can get historical jet fuels prices?
I would like to analyze jet fuels prices in 2014.
Where can I get jet fuel prices for 2014, only in USA and Russia?
As there are different types of fuels, it would be okay to get prices for one (...
- 1,628
6
votes
0
answers
151
views
Can a non-US registered aircraft be based in the US?
I am a Swiss citizen and I might have to move to the US for a couple of years. I own a small plane in Switzerland (HB-registered) and I'd like to take it with me to the US. As my stay in the US would ...
- 1,627
25
votes
1
answer
7k
views
Why are there 6 airports that straddle the Canada–US border?
I read on the Wikipedia page for the Avey Field State/Laurier Airport:
Also known as Avey Field State/Laurier Airport, it is one of six airports that straddle the Canada–US border. The others are ...
- 2,021
3
votes
1
answer
244
views
Could medevac/air ambulance flights take off during the NOTAM system disruption?
While the NOTAM system was down on the morning of January 11, 2023, was there a way for medical flights to take off legally and safely?
- 6,564
0
votes
2
answers
292
views
What are "CIRCLING CATS"?
A NOTAM at Pensacola International Airport (KPNS) uses the phrase "CIRCLING CATS". What does this phrase mean?
- 6,564
-4
votes
1
answer
632
views
Is "MATON" real or did ChatGPT just make this up? [closed]
I was asking ChatGPT a few questions about NOTAMs, and decided to ask it what pilots use MATONs (NOTAM backwards) for. It "knew" from context that it had something to do with NOTAMs. It said ...
- 49.8k
0
votes
2
answers
172
views
Do other countries have the no-cell-phones-on-planes rule?
The answers to this question list mobile apps that presumably need Internet and are intended for use on small planes. I assume Cessnas and similar planes don't have satellite internet; how do these ...
- 6,487
16
votes
3
answers
10k
views
What is the range and accuracy of ATC radar systems?
What is the average range, accuracy, and update frequency of radar systems used to monitor airspace in the USA?
I'm primarily interested in capabilities for tracking smaller general aviation aircraft ...
- 1
1
vote
1
answer
277
views
24 hour access at general aviation airport
I was doing a night flight with my kids and one had to go to the bathroom. I was happy that when I landing at an airport (KVLA) and they had a door code so I could get to the bathroom. Is there a ...
- 140
2
votes
1
answer
541
views
Can I overfly Canada without a passport?
Can an American pilot without a passport fly in Canadian airspace as long as they don't land in Canada?
- 27.6k
20
votes
2
answers
4k
views
What are the regulations regarding plane spotting in the US?
I was told that certain plane spotting activities like taking photos of aircraft taking off and landing could be illegal in the US since 9/11? What are the regulations on this, and what should I be ...
0
votes
1
answer
952
views
Private airstrip regulations
Once a private airstrip has been certified, do you have to get faa approval to make changes to the runway such as adding crossings, access etc…?
CommunityBot
- 1
0
votes
0
answers
53
views
how can someone view fuel shortage alerts?
Quoting https://www.kvue.com/article/news/local/new-jet-fuel-tanks-at-austin-airport-will-be-built-as-planned-after-split-council-vote/269-d7490d00-01f7-4330-9026-71f619f7ad8b ,
Airport leaders have ...
- 101
10
votes
1
answer
1k
views
What jet is pictured on the FAA pilot certificate?
The front of the FAA pilot certificate shows two aircraft. One is the Wright Flyer. The other appears to be a 2 or 3 engine commercial jet. What model of aircraft is that jet? The engines look ...
CommunityBot
- 1
1
vote
1
answer
124
views
Can a pilot drive an ultralight with folded wings on the shouder of a country road
Saw an ultralight with power driven wheels the other day.
This begs the question, can a pilot legally slowly drive an ultralight with folded wings stationary prop and powered wheels on the shoulder of ...
- 24.8k
2
votes
2
answers
273
views
Can state police legally order a GA aircraft to immediately land?
In 1998, the Senate was considering adding language to the Coast Guard appropriations bill that would authorize State Police to issue orders that a GA aircraft must immediately land.
In that instance, ...
- 203
12
votes
4
answers
24k
views
What is the purpose of squawking 7777?
Aircraft use transponders to communicate to ATC their position and status. Some squawk codes are reserved, such as 7700 (emergency), 7600 (communication failure), 7500 (hijacking), 1202 (glider), 1200 ...
- 1
65
votes
2
answers
12k
views
Why isn't the Presidential 747 "Air Force One Heavy"?
Aircraft with a maximum takeoff weight of at least 300,000 pounds add the word "Heavy" to their callsign. (Example: Lufthansa 415 Heavy in this video.) The current Presidential 747's have a maximum ...
- 13.4k
6
votes
1
answer
2k
views
What are flight check operations?
KDCA/DCA is currently experiencing delays in both arriving and departing aircraft, and several sites list variations of "Flight check operations" as the reason.
The FAA itself provides the ...
CommunityBot
- 1
8
votes
3
answers
1k
views
How do I find all the frequencies for my local TRACON?
I'd like to program my hand held radio with all frequencies that I can expect to need around my area. Specifically, I'd like to find an official list of all the frequencies used by the local Tracon ...
- 13.4k
15
votes
4
answers
4k
views
Where can the airspace boundary coordinates for Fayetteville TRACON be found?
I would like a map depicting the airspace owned by Fayetteville TRACON that includes lat/long coordinates (i.e. not just a cartoon-y outline with no information). Ideally, I'd like to find a site ...
- 1
16
votes
4
answers
4k
views
What callsign should an ultralight use?
I plan to operate an ultralight aircraft domestically (in Oregon, USA) in uncontrolled airspace and will not venture out of the country nor will I come near the Canadian or Mexican borders.
I have ...
- 1