John Sheridan

Among the operational topics for the technical committee at the triennial ICAO Assembly were significant safety issues. One paper from the Russian delegation provided a description of extensive studies of wake vortices, and the development of a wake vortex safety system that would use outputs from ADS-B, Swim and two Aviation System Block Upgrades 1 elements, with pilot alerts transmitted over the anticipated datalinks in that period–that is, by 2018. The Russian presenter suggested that the uncertainty of wake turbulence today causes unnecessarily large longitudinal approach spacing that could be significantly reduced if real-time wake measurements could be provided to pilots, thereby increasing capacity and airport throughput. Better wake-turbulence forecasting at high cruise altitudes would also allow more flexibility in planning future trajectory operations. 
A separate Russian paper discussed training to prevent of loss-of-control accidents stemming from undetected high-altitude stalls caused by icing, IAS failure, incorrect weight entry or lack of angle-of-attack information, particularly during autopilot operation, where the classic symptoms of stick shaker, warning horns and buffet may actually lag the actual stall itself, with the aircraft already descending in a high pitch attitude and possibly rolling. Currently, according to the presenters, even advanced flight simulators cannot adequately simulate high-altitude stalls and are only moderately able to simulate “traditional” lower-altitude ones.

News about bills, laws, regulations and other governmental decisions affecting aviation and aerospace. Topics include FAA re-authorizations, taxes on fuel and aviation activities, environmental legislation, ICAO decisions, governmental mediation of labor conflicts and World Trade Organization disputes and decisions.

Ensuring Safe Operations

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Kerry Lynch

News and issues relating to business, corporate and private aviation, primarily regarding turbine-engine-powered airplanes and helicopters. Subjects include aircraft, engines, maintenance, operations, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security, and training.

Some 800 aircraft had been grounded 

FAA Issuing New Registrations for Grounded SACI Aircraft

Amy Wilder

News about simulators and training procedures, as well as workforce.

Series targets global international regulatory compliance for operators

Flight Pro Introduces Global Compliance Video Series

News and issues relating to international air transport and cargo carriers, national airlines and regional airlines, including aircraft, engines, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security and training.

Reorganization is largest ever undertaken by the FAA, according to the agency

FAA Reorg Creates SMS, AAM Units, Streamlines Activities

News and issues regarding all manner of civil and military rotorcraft and their powerplants, including helicopters, tilt rotors and unmanned air vehicles.

News and information on safety procedures and concerns.

News and issues relating to the aerospace industry that are related to the science, engineering and business of flight in space involving civil, industrial and military applications, and similar topics related to flight in the atmosphere of the Earth that are not covered more directly by other AINonline subject channels. In other words, both astronautical and aeronautical subjects, except for those aeronautical topics that are specifically covered elsewhere on this website.

Interim rule implements urgent March 2025 NTSB safety recommendation

FAA Makes KDCA Helicopter Restrictions Permanent

Congress has until end of week to act

FAA Facing Yet Another Shutdown after ICE Turmoil

News and issues concerning general aviation, specifically airplanes and helicopters powered by piston and alternative engines (i.e., non-turbine powered aircraft). Subjects include aircraft, engines, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security and training.

More In Regulations and Government

FAA Issuing New Registrations for Grounded SACI Aircraft

Some 800 aircraft had been grounded

Flight Pro Introduces Global Compliance Video Series

Series targets global international regulatory compliance for operators

FAA Reorg Creates SMS, AAM Units, Streamlines Activities

Reorganization is largest ever undertaken by the FAA, according to the agency

FAA Makes KDCA Helicopter Restrictions Permanent

Interim rule implements urgent March 2025 NTSB safety recommendation

FAA Facing Yet Another Shutdown after ICE Turmoil

Congress has until end of week to act

Guidance Covers Intoxicated Pax on Part 91, 135 Flights

Recommendations focus on flight crew recognition, response

House Panel Okays Bill for Digital Pilot Certificates

T&I Committee also approved a bill to support military transition to FAA ATC roles

Congress To Consider FAA Budget Bill

Bill would avert government shutdown

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