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.

Filter by
Sorted by
Tagged with
6 votes
1 answer
727 views

Why doesn't a radar-equipped Tower say "radar contact"?

Most/all of the control towers in my area have radar displays, and I know from visits that it shows all the same things as in TRACON miles away--even aircraft on the ground. I hear them occasionally ...
StephenS's user avatar
  • 27.6k
6 votes
3 answers
928 views

Can ATC terminate flight following AND approve (arbitrary) frequency change while still inside Class C airspace?

Unusual (for me) event inside Class C. Can ATC terminate flight following inside Class C and approve frequency change. Background: Requested and received VFR FF at 6500 msl prior to approaching ONT ...
Jim S's user avatar
  • 83
1 vote
1 answer
456 views

Where can I find flight plan records for a private flight in the 1970s?

How would I find a record of a private plane flight from Canada to the US in the early to mid 1970's? I am researching records of my father.
Mike's user avatar
  • 11
4 votes
2 answers
1k views

On a flight with short stops, do you terminate flight following at each stop?

On a cross-country trip, is it normal to terminate FF at each stop and reacquire it (potentially just a few minutes later) for the next leg, or would ATC prefer that you advise them it'll be a short ...
StephenS's user avatar
  • 27.6k
37 votes
2 answers
2k views

How can I find my grandmother's OLD instrument rating documentation?

This is my grandmother, Nathalie Myrtle Brown: The big-eared kid she's posing with is my dad. She has a claim to fame in that she was the first female instrument-rated pilot in the state of Iowa, a ...
Jolenealaska's user avatar
0 votes
1 answer
2k views

For how long are state and federal aircraft registrations valid?

How long is a state registration valid for and how long is a federal registration valid for? and for state I mean North Dakota if any of you know where to look for that.
Scott Pearce's user avatar
3 votes
1 answer
374 views

Within the US: When, and by whom, is the Transition Level determined/published?

There are several SE Q&As that deal with the terms Transition Altitude, Transition Layer, and Transition Level. The very-brief, paraphrased definition of the Transition Level (TL) is: The ...
Jimmy's user avatar
  • 2,819
0 votes
2 answers
209 views

Can you broadcast a very low power nav vor signal in air?

Are there any FCC restrictions on broadcasting a test nav signal on 108.0 in the air? Or perhaps on other nav frequencies that can be received within the navigation band?
Tyler Horan's user avatar
9 votes
1 answer
358 views

Ferry Permit for aircraft outside the U.S

The aircraft originally had a U. S. airworthiness certificate then was exported to Brazil. It is now being sold to a company in the U. S. for U. S. operations. Can this aircraft be issued an "N" ...
Richard Gorton's user avatar
15 votes
1 answer
3k views

Why is the aiming point distance shorter in the US vs. Europe for long runways?

In essence, if you compare EGLL and KJFK (but it works for other airports too) you would see that US airports generally adhere to the rule of 1000 ft in distance between threshold and aiming point ...
user2530062's user avatar
2 votes
1 answer
599 views

What is the procedure following a near miss?

This is a follow-up to this question - in particular, to this video posted in MichaelK's answer. What would be the correct procedure for the pilot to follow in this situation? (That is, after a near ...
Tevildo's user avatar
  • 512
3 votes
2 answers
2k views

Why are TFRs issued around stadiums during games in the U.S.?

I want to know the FAA's reasoning behind issuing TFRs whenever a game is going on in a stadium. Is it just because of a large crowd of people? Do engine noises just bother people? Could an aircraft's ...
wecsam's user avatar
  • 195
5 votes
3 answers
825 views

USA: Why don't airports raise landing fees to make up for low passenger fees?

A question from travel.stackexchange.com about luggage carts prompted a discussion on the economics of airports. The gist was: American airports have much lower passenger service fees which are ...
RoboKaren's user avatar
  • 8,031
10 votes
1 answer
590 views

Denver International Airport pneumatic tube systems

Wikipedia says: Denver International Airport uses many pneumatic tube systems, including a 25 cm diameter system for moving aircraft parts to remote concourses, a 10 cm system for United Airlines ...
Nicolas Raoul's user avatar
1 vote
2 answers
2k views

How to become a helicopter pilot? [closed]

I once had a dream of becoming a helicopter pilot. Then life happened: married young, kids, school, career, etc. I'm working in a good career while finishing a Ph.D. in engineering. But still, I find ...
mitchute's user avatar
  • 205
2 votes
3 answers
410 views

Where can I find runway usage statistics of USA airports? [closed]

Ok I’m looking for stats and data of planes arriving at various airports and what runways they use most. I need to know the most used runways for arrivals in airports here in the States. Can anyone ...
Rob's user avatar
  • 39
3 votes
2 answers
1k views

Why are some non-towered airports charted with an empty circle?

Guntly Memorial Airport (62C) is shown as an empty circle with four hash marks around the edges. Why is it empty versus some of the other airports around (such as 96C, C89, BUU, etc.) that have a ...
slantalpha's user avatar
  • 4,193
0 votes
1 answer
300 views

What does this wind symbol mean? [duplicate]

At https://www.aviationweather.gov on the Forecasts puldown, then the Aviation Forecasts selection, the chart opens and often shows what looks like a letter R with a tail in the lower right, in ...
CrossRoads's user avatar
  • 8,765
6 votes
2 answers
9k views

What is the average number of flight hours that US private pilots require before passing their checkride?

It's easy to find comments and claims online (including on this site) about the average number of hours that's required for a new US private pilot to pass their checkride. Some are very precise - 67 ...
Pondlife's user avatar
  • 71.6k
1 vote
1 answer
88 views

Where can I find data on the number of single propeller aircraft currently in operation in the EU and US?

Are there publicly available data for aircraft registered in operation? Specifically I am looking for number of single propeller aircraft in US/EU, ideally with aircraft types as well. However, any ...
LuTze's user avatar
  • 19
-1 votes
1 answer
257 views

Where are the planes going that fly west over Niagara Falls at night?

Where are the planes landing that fly over Niagara Falls, New York late at night heading in a western direction? And what altitude are they flying at? Between 10pm and 12am Wondering if they are going ...
markie mark's user avatar
3 votes
2 answers
610 views

Is a ground station radio license required for UAS operations in the US?

When conducting UAS operations would a PIC or Spotter be considered a ground station or an air station? The communications would concern a sUAS in the air, but the radio is physically on the ground. ...
Reid Crowe's user avatar
8 votes
1 answer
4k views

Do U.S. aircraft carriers still include a Marine Corps squadron?

When I was in the 3rd Marine Air Wing back in the early 70s, there was one Marine Corps squadron on each navy aircraft carrier, but on some shows I've seen recently (mostly on the Smithsonian Channel) ...
BillDOe's user avatar
  • 1,624
5 votes
1 answer
968 views

How big was the F-14 fleet compared to other US carrier-based aircraft in 1981?

Back in the 80's I was away jesting about the F-14 are here to protect the carriers and the carriers to deploy F-14. I know there are a number of other aircraft here for other purposes but I really ...
jean's user avatar
  • 268
1 vote
0 answers
109 views

Has the United States started a drone crop spraying program for farmers?

On "NHK World" (2018.06.01), a news segment showed Chinese farmers being taught to use drones to spray chemicals on their crops. The Chinese Government hopes to train all the farmers in an entire ...
jwzumwalt's user avatar
  • 11.3k
12 votes
5 answers
3k views

What is this abandoned airport between Montague and Rothbury, Michigan?

It appears to have had two intersecting paved runways, each very roughly 2000 feet long (give or take); the one that runs closer to north-south is still legibly numbered as runway 17/35, but the other ...
Vikki's user avatar
  • 28.1k
2 votes
2 answers
467 views

Are all IFR flights assigned squawk codes in US controlled airspace?

In the US, all IFR aircraft need a clearance to be in class A, B, C, D, and E airspace. Does this mean that all aircraft with clearances need to be assigned squawk codes by ATC when they enter?
slantalpha's user avatar
  • 4,193
4 votes
1 answer
325 views

Are landing fees due for an aborted landing in USA?

Suppose I receive landing clearance for an airport that charges a landing fee, and begin my decent. Then, for some reason I have to abort the landing and instead of going around and landing there I ...
Ch654's user avatar
  • 169
7 votes
5 answers
6k views

What is the correct ATC phraseology in the US for an immediate - no delay takeoff?

Just wondering - what's the correct ATC phraseology for a takeoff where a plane does not stop first after lining up with the runway centerline before starting their takeoff roll? Redwood five-two-six-...
slantalpha's user avatar
  • 4,193
2 votes
2 answers
1k views

How is a Class E airport distinguished from a Class G airport, based on the identifier?

Some small uncontrolled airports have "K" identifiers such as KPHK (Palm Beach County Glades) "Pahokee". Others such as 42M (Thayer Mem) "Thayer" have a numeric identifier. Both have 122.9 CTAF listed....
Richard Herbst's user avatar
7 votes
1 answer
156 views

Why are some US STAR fixes/waypoints included in FAA's legacy files but not in FAA's published STAR procedures?

I have noticed that some US STAR procedures include (slightly) different number of waypoints, depending on which source material is consulted. Take for example the CAMRN4 STAR and its corresponding ...
Vector Zita's user avatar
  • 1,853
6 votes
1 answer
204 views

Has there ever been a US airport with identifier PM2?

I have an old entry in my logbook having landed and departed from an airport with identifier PM2. I think I either can't read my handwriting or I made a mistake because I can find no record of such an ...
ryan1618's user avatar
  • 14.8k
5 votes
2 answers
1k views

Does currency in one C172 model apply to other models?

If I am current on one model of a Cessna 172, am I also legally meeting the currency requirements for a different version of the same aircraft model? For example, if I have many hours in a Cessna 172M,...
ironpilot's user avatar
  • 185
9 votes
2 answers
1k views

Which official document lists active airport identifiers?

Is there an official FAA document with which I can find an airport by its identifier code if I do not have a name or location? In the Chart Supplement I can find the airport if I know the city and ...
Pugz's user avatar
  • 3,658
3 votes
0 answers
167 views

How are foreign militaries regulated in the USA?

I believe the US military is not officially subject to the FARs, but what about foreign military aviation? What about aviation activities of the various National Guard outfits? Example...the Belgium ...
Junior Hinkle's user avatar
4 votes
1 answer
2k views

Do I need 35 hours of ground school for knowledge test for PPL?

New US student here. I'm starting part 141 flight training soon for my private pilot license, but for now prepping for the knowledge test. I am going with self-study and had a question about ...
KGo's user avatar
  • 141
5 votes
1 answer
312 views

Why does this statement about intrastate aviation in Alaska appear in airworthiness directives?

Airworthiness directives typically include a claim that they... Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska to the extent that it justifies making a regulatory distinction What's the reasoning ...
user avatar
1 vote
1 answer
286 views

Does a previous AFSP approval get invalidated when making a new training request?

If I've already been approved, and started training in one school and then create a training request to switch to another school, does the previous approval expire? In other words, can I be ...
GJ.'s user avatar
  • 512
8 votes
1 answer
2k views

Can a lost aircraft get a DF Steer?

When I got my pilots license in 1975, a lost airplane could call almost any FSS and get a DF (Directional Finder) steer. The range was probably upto 30mi. I would request a practice one every 3-4 ...
jwzumwalt's user avatar
  • 11.3k
14 votes
1 answer
2k views

Are there any "captains-only" airports in the U.S.?

Some airports in the world only allow captains to take off or land the aircraft, due to airport design or environmental conditions (obstacles, high winds). Examples include: Funchal (Madeira, ...
Stefan's user avatar
  • 4,692
1 vote
0 answers
182 views

Which American State Aircraft use the RVSM exemption?

Reading about RVSM, I noted the exemption for "state aircraft." This is summarize in wikipedia as "State aircraft", which includes aircraft used in military, customs and police service, are ...
user avatar
17 votes
2 answers
63k views

What is the history of "Joker" and "Bingo" fuel terms?

Why do we use, in military aircraft, the words "Joker" and "Bingo" to indicate the fuel status of the aircraft? What is the history of these two terms?
Carlo Nava's user avatar
6 votes
1 answer
813 views

Is Flight Following in the USA directly equivalent to Basic Service in the UK?

This is partially a question on terminology, I have flown in the USA and used a service which is commonly referred to as "Flight Following". I have read this question: Is there a European equivalent ...
Jamiec's user avatar
  • 31.8k
5 votes
2 answers
604 views

"Total time away from gate", "Longest time away from gate" - what does this mean?

In the US, airlines or airports report two figures regarding canceled flights: the total time away from the gate and the single longest time away from the gate. and regarding diverted flights: ...
einpoklum's user avatar
  • 546
3 votes
1 answer
301 views

What guidance is there for pilots when reporting braking action?

I was listening to "[REAL ATC] Eastern B737 (candidate Mike Pence) OFF RUNWAY at LaGuardia!"(1) and the LGA Tower asks for and receives reports of braking action from several landing pilots. I assume ...
CGCampbell's user avatar
  • 11.1k
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), ...
NIco Lauer's user avatar
1 vote
2 answers
1k views

Are the items in newbie "kits" actually used during or after training?

I want to start training for my Private certificate but I do not want to waste my money. I'm already purchasing an online course for ground school. Generally speaking, are the following used during ...
G. Deward's user avatar
  • 143
34 votes
5 answers
12k views

Why are visual approaches (in the US) preferred by US pilots, but not European pilots?

I listen to ATC a lot and often hear airliners cleared for visual approaches in the USA. Interestingly, if it's European airliner pilots they deny the visual approach and request ILS even if they are ...
Andrius's user avatar
  • 3,854
7 votes
1 answer
237 views

What does Hawaii ATC do in the case of ICBM warnings?

Recently somebody pushed the wrong button when testing the ICBM warning system in Hawaii and set off an ICBM warning statewide for 45 minutes. In all probability ...
Ron Beyer's user avatar
  • 36k
1 vote
1 answer
976 views

What VFR cruising altitude should be flown to the west below 4500 feet?

This is similar question to this question, but different scenario. Let me describe the situation: I am at KDYL in class G airspace. Accroding to ATIS the clouds are at 4700 scattered. I am going to ...
Igor Levashov's user avatar

1 2 3
4
5
9