Following a recent trial, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has prepared the way for data link Air Traffic Control (ATC) communications over the global High Frequency Data Link (HFDL) network of ARINC Incorporated. The technology is known as FOH, an acronym for “FANS (Future Air Navigation System)1/A over HFDL.” In a January 12 letter,… Continue reading FAA Approves Use of ARINC’s HFDL Network for Air Traffic Control Data Link Communications
Category: Just to let you know…
Short items of reader interest
No Smell, No Taste, No Color – but Deadly. The dangers of CO are real.
Although Winter is coming to an end and with it the sad news about whole families dying of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning due to malfunctioning heating apparatus, the dangers of CO are anything but over. Piston engines in cars and aircraft all produce CO and there have been cases in apartment houses and shopping centers… Continue reading No Smell, No Taste, No Color – but Deadly. The dangers of CO are real.
The Real Cost of Flying
Since 2006, we have accepted the norm of zip-top-bagging our liquids, gels and aerosols, and ditching our water bottles at airport security checkpoints. Without going into the issue of whether or not these measures are effective from a security point of view, has anyone stopped to think about how these rules affect our wallets and… Continue reading The Real Cost of Flying
Check out the Aero Glossary
It is probably the sign of the times but we are being inundated by abbreviations. Just watch your son or daughter write an SMS and you will see how they have caught on to the old secret familiar also in aviation: use abbreviations to express what you want to say and you can say much… Continue reading Check out the Aero Glossary
Aviation theme Christmas cards
Do you like this greeting card? If yes, visit Kersten Cards where you will find plenty more like this with an aviation theme as well as others with more traditional themes. Kersten probably has the widest choice of really nice cards, so go ahead and order from them to surprise your loved ones this Christmas… Continue reading Aviation theme Christmas cards
Airbus Acquires Metron Aviation
Airbus has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Metron Aviation, a leading provider of advanced Air Traffic Management (ATM) products and services for the global aviation industry. This acquisition strengthens Airbus’ strategy to accelerate and support ATM programs that will dramatically improve global air transportation capacity, efficiency and environmental sustainability. The transaction is subject… Continue reading Airbus Acquires Metron Aviation
What a way to run a railroad – the FAA is shutting down!
The writing has been on the wall for some time. Approval of the reauthorization bill (the all important act of Congress that ensures funding to the FAA) has been a convoluted process year after year and there have been a few near misses already. But this time they have done it! The FAA went into… Continue reading What a way to run a railroad – the FAA is shutting down!
KLM Fokker 100 lands safely on Schiphol Airport’s panorama terrace
No, this was not an ATC error or a botched landing. The Fokker 100 is leaving the KLM fleet for good and one of them got a truly special destination for its days in pension. This Fokker 100 is there not only as a static specimen you can look at from the outside. She continues… Continue reading KLM Fokker 100 lands safely on Schiphol Airport’s panorama terrace
HOME SAFES AND OTHER SECURITY SAFES FOR TRAVEL BUGS
For frequent travelers, safety is a primary concern. It can be in the forms of safety before, during and after departure and safety of personal belongings. The fun and excitement disappear when cases of simple traveling become the start of habitual paranoia, more so a traumatic experience triggered by an obvious lack of security. Leaving… Continue reading HOME SAFES AND OTHER SECURITY SAFES FOR TRAVEL BUGS
CRDS Rising from the Ashes
Few of our readers will still remember the original goal of EUROCONTROL… It was to have been THE European air traffic control organization. Nice dream it was and we all know what happened. More recently there was CEATS, the Central European Air Traffic Services Program which was a bit like a Phoenix, the original EUROCONTROL… Continue reading CRDS Rising from the Ashes