Tag Archives: regulations

Hiatus and Return

Posted on April 10, 2011 by David Megginson

I took a six month break from flying — basically, work, a long wait for new fuel caps at my annual, and a family vacation in London (UK) got in the way. I also managed to prove the third rule … Continue reading →

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Ottawa TFR for President Obama's visit

Posted on February 12, 2009 by David Megginson

Four and a half years ago I complained about a Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) for President Bush’s visit to Ottawa. I like President Obama a lot better than I liked President Bush — and I’m very excited that he’s making … Continue reading →

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Class A airports

Posted on February 3, 2009 by David Megginson

Update: removed Le Bourget. ICAO Class A (“class alfa”) airspace is the strictest of all, allowing only IFR operations (without special permission). In the U.S. and southern Canada, most airspace between FL180 and FL600 is class A (the floor is … Continue reading →

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A legal precedent for airspace

Posted on January 7, 2009 by David Megginson

A few days ago, a woman went into labour and gave birth on a scheduled airline flight from Amsterdam to Boston [story]. At the time of the birth, the airliner was in Canadian airspace. The flight crew had considered diverting, … Continue reading →

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Threats to general aviation

Posted on January 26, 2007 by David Megginson

According to AOPA, the biggest issue facing general aviation in the U.S. is the risk of user fees. I agree with Phil Boyer that user fees could hurt GA, especially if they are per use (as in Australia) rather than … Continue reading →

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UNSAR

Posted on October 23, 2006 by David Megginson

Update: The ELT is back and recertified with a new battery, but the forecast tomorrow calls for cloud and ice from about hilltop level to 9,000 ft, so the Hope Air flight is canceled. UNSAR is the Transport Canada acronym … Continue reading →

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Canadian TSB backs NTSB on Caravan Icing Restriction

Posted on January 31, 2006 by David Megginson

Because of the accident record, the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) sent a letter to the FAA suggesting a temporary restriction on Cessna’s single-engine turboprop, the Cessna 208 Caravan, from flying into any known icing conditions worse than light … Continue reading →

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Canada/US descent below minima

Posted on November 30, 2005 by David Megginson

I was discussing this approach with some U.S. pilots before I revised the numbers up — at the time, I remembered not seeing the runway until below 100 feet, though now I’m fairly certain I saw it at 130 feet. … Continue reading →

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A low approach, and the lights

Posted on November 29, 2005 by David Megginson

[Update: after a night’s rest, I’ve gone back to the approach plate to get the threshold elevation, and have tried to remember the exact reports I gave North Bay radio; as a result, I’ve revised all altitudes up a little.] … Continue reading →

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"VFR not recommended" not recommended

Posted on September 24, 2005 by David Megginson

Like most Canadian pilots, I’m running pretty late updating my AIP, so I just noticed the contents of Aeronautical Information Circular 10/05 from last April. It’s worth quoting in full: Removal of the phrase “VFR flight not recommended” in pilot … Continue reading →

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