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.

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Can a US state declare an airplane unairworthy?

(This arguably is a question for SE.Law, but because it's so aviation-specific I figured I would ask it here first) A partner got this in a routine excise tax email from the Massachusetts Department ...
Kenn Sebesta's user avatar
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20 votes
5 answers
6k views

May an airplane with folding wings legally taxi on the street?

In order for any vehicle larger than a bicycle to be street legal, it must be registered under the state/province's Department/Bureau of Motor Vehicles as a highway vehicle. There already exist light ...
CoastCity Lapse 00crashtest's user avatar
0 votes
2 answers
175 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 ...
Someone's user avatar
  • 7,087
2 votes
1 answer
328 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-...
Jacob Marble's user avatar
6 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 ...
Someone's user avatar
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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?
Someone's user avatar
  • 7,087
2 votes
2 answers
120 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 ...
CES's user avatar
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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 ...
Someone's user avatar
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1 vote
1 answer
163 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 (...
lvinco's user avatar
  • 13
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 ...
Someone's user avatar
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4 votes
1 answer
213 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 ...
Mandela008's user avatar
2 votes
2 answers
631 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 ...
JonathanReez's user avatar
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7 votes
2 answers
340 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 ...
Someone's user avatar
  • 7,087
2 votes
2 answers
275 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 ...
Someone's user avatar
  • 7,087
2 votes
1 answer
337 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 ...
Gary Brant's user avatar
0 votes
1 answer
167 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?
Someone's user avatar
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6 votes
1 answer
254 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 ...
Name's user avatar
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3 votes
1 answer
445 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 ...
acker9's user avatar
  • 133
9 votes
1 answer
837 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 ...
Steve V.'s user avatar
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8 votes
3 answers
892 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 ...
mathrick's user avatar
  • 296
2 votes
1 answer
339 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 ...
300D7309EF17's user avatar
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25 votes
1 answer
8k 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 ...
Franck Dernoncourt's user avatar
6 votes
0 answers
179 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 ...
Shadow_Heart's user avatar
0 votes
2 answers
312 views

What are "CIRCLING CATS"?

A NOTAM at Pensacola International Airport (KPNS) uses the phrase "CIRCLING CATS". What does this phrase mean?
Someone's user avatar
  • 7,087
-4 votes
1 answer
652 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 ...
Someone's user avatar
  • 7,087
3 votes
1 answer
259 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?
Someone's user avatar
  • 7,087
0 votes
2 answers
174 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 ...
Someone's user avatar
  • 7,087
2 votes
1 answer
637 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?
Someone's user avatar
  • 7,087
0 votes
0 answers
55 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 ...
neubert's user avatar
  • 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 ...
BlueRonin's user avatar
  • 203
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 ...
Azendale's user avatar
  • 1,313
1 vote
1 answer
127 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 ...
Fred's user avatar
  • 1,243
2 votes
2 answers
315 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, ...
William Walker III's user avatar
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 ...
mmathis's user avatar
  • 652
0 votes
1 answer
1k 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…?
Cynthia Wall's user avatar
15 votes
1 answer
2k views

Why was the second runway at Sea-Tac Airport built so close to the first?

The second runway (the eastern 16L/34R) was built 800ft. to the east of the original runway 16C. Almost immediately it was criticised as being unusable for simultaneous operations unless using VFR ...
jchwebdev's user avatar
  • 251
4 votes
1 answer
1k views

Are there any "VFR corridors" in the US apart from the one in San Diego?

As far as I can tell, the only VFR Corridor (see AIM 3-5-5(b)) that exists is in San Diego. Is that correct or are there others elsewhere in the US?
Claudia's user avatar
  • 41
3 votes
1 answer
467 views

Since 9/11, for international flights, have any airlines made regular technical stops in the US?

Since 9/11, has any airline had scheduled international passenger flights with a technical stop at any US airport? (A technical stop means all passengers and crew stay on the plane without going ...
StephenS's user avatar
  • 27.7k
10 votes
1 answer
703 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 ...
stevec's user avatar
  • 369
13 votes
2 answers
3k views

Why do U.S. METARS give visibility in statute miles?

Training to be an ATC on VATSIM. I live in the Boston area, so I'm training with VATUSA. In the US, METAR visibility data is the only exception to 'miles' = 'nautical miles' rule (that I've learned ...
William Walker III's user avatar
4 votes
1 answer
911 views

Is Flight Service Station the same as En Route Flight Advisory Service?

As title suggests, is "Flight Service Station" the same as "En Route Flight Advisory Service?" In regards to VFR, I was told that if I get lost in flight and general lost ...
Jonathan's user avatar
  • 1,137
3 votes
3 answers
292 views

How can I re-certify my PPL?

I have: a US PPL issued circa 1980 (for about $1600.00 total cost) 120 hours ASEL pilot in command last flight in 1987 type rated for Cessna 150/152/172/172RGII 30 hours of IFR instruction and flight/...
johnnycake's user avatar
8 votes
1 answer
727 views

How does an airspace class change from E to D affect already airborne aircraft?

In the US, there are some airports with a part-time tower. When the tower is in operation, the airspace around the airport is class D and requires communication with the tower. When the tower is ...
Azendale's user avatar
  • 1,313
1 vote
1 answer
299 views

What were the typical military training aircraft of the mid- to late-1930s in USA?

I am writing a novel that includes 1939 to present. I am interested in what pilots in training first used when they were entering flight school during the mid-late 1930s in USA. Can you advise me?
Philmb's user avatar
  • 19
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 ...
Goulash's user avatar
  • 313
2 votes
1 answer
160 views

How to Start Flying? [closed]

I am a teenager(mid teen) who wants to learn how to fly and recently discovered this website. I currently want to learn to fly just for my own pleasure. I don't exactly know what I want to do as a ...
Nitinmath's user avatar
1 vote
2 answers
498 views

Do study aids for the private pilot knowledge test include the actual questions that will be in the test?

I have been working with the Sporty's course for a while, and doing their FAA Test preps. What are the chances that the questions I am learning on are the same on the actual test? Are the questions on ...
Jesh Kundem's user avatar
0 votes
2 answers
334 views

How do I get access to images and diagrams during the private pilot knowledge test?

I am not sure if the testing center is online or paper based. However, on the private pilot knowledge test, how would one manage the questions related to density altitude, ground roll distance etc., ...
Jesh Kundem's user avatar
-1 votes
1 answer
3k views

What are all the frequencies on the sectional chart?

See the image below of a screenshot of DFW - Dallas Fortworth Sectional chart. There are a multiple frequencies. Based on what I learnt on Sportys so far, a CTAF has a (C), then UNICOM has a UNICOM ...
Jesh Kundem's user avatar
10 votes
1 answer
2k views

Why do so many airports have the same CTAF frequency?

In the United States, many non-towered airports have CTAF frequencies (often shared with UNICOM as well) that tend to overlap with various other airports within a 50-100 nm radius, at least in more ...
aviator's user avatar
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