FAA weather cams now operational statewide
After 15 years, the Federal Aviation Administration's Alaska Aviation Weather Camera Program is now fully deployed, with a website that allows easy access to cameras in 221 locations statewide. Initiated in 1999, the final camera was placed on Prince of Wales Island last September, bringing the program in ahead of schedule and on budget according to the agency. Combined with data collected by the National Weather Service, pilots can now make preliminary decisions about going on a flight by logging onto a computer before they even call Flight Service.
Updated every 10 minutes, the cameras -- which the FAA emphasizes are for informational purposes only -- provide multiple points of view of sky conditions at airports and within some mountain passes. According to the FAA, the most extreme camera location is in Misty Fjords, about 52 miles from Ketchikan.
Inspection Authorization renewal seminars
An Inspection Authorization renewal seminar will be held on March 6, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. in room 109 of the University of Alaska Fairbanks' Butrovich Building, for interested parties. Registration is required online and seats are filling up fast. For more information contact Lisa Ann Asplin (lisa.asplin@faa.gov) at 907-457-9241.
This seminar is being "simocast" from UAF to Juneau, Sitka and Ketchikan. Check with Dan Billman (danny.b.billman@faa.gov) at 907-271-5335 for site information.
A seminar will also be held on March 13 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the University of Alaska Anchorage's Wendy Williamson Auditorium. The four scheduled speakers are Ron Humphrey, Dr. David Swartz, Tony Alsworth and Howard Martin. Almost 100 people have already signed up for this all-day event.
Registration is required online, where a renewal application form 8610-1 can be downloaded. More information can be obtained from the registration website or by contacting Billman by email or at 907-271-5335.
Meeting for de Havilland Beaver and Otter owners
On March 27, the FAA Anchorage Aircraft Certification Office is hosting the biannual meeting with the New York Aircraft Certification Office, the Small Airplane Directorate, Transport Canada, and Viking in Ketchikan for owners of de Havilland Beaver and Otter aircraft.
According to the FAA Safety Team, discussion topics will include vibration study on Otter lift struts, powder coating dos and don'ts, alternative method of compliance to Airworthiness Directives process and strategies to keep aging aircraft operating safely. The meeting will take place at the Best Western Hotel in Ketchikan from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and all owners are invited. For more information, contact Della Swartz at 907-271-2672.