New Location for AD Databases
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has developed a new site for several of its Airworthiness Directives (AD) databases.
Effective Aug. 16, 2022, Emergency Airworthiness Directives (EAD), Airworthiness Directives (AD) and Airworthiness Directives: Biweekly (AD Biweekly) will only be available by going to the recently developed Dynamic Regulatory System (DRS) at https://drs.faa.gov/browse.
If you are already subscribed to receive notifications when ADS and EADs are posted or to receive a mailed copy of AD Biweekly, no further action is needed.
Canada Pushes Back ADS-B Out Mandate Schedule
Nav Canada in coordination with Transport Canada recently announced the dates for the Automatic Dependent Surveillance – Broadcast (ADS-B) Out Performance Mandate have been rescheduled due to supply chain limitations and backlogs related to the COVID pandemic.
The new mandate start dates will allow operators adequate time to equip their aircraft and are:
- Class A Canadian airspace – August 10, 2023
- Class B Canadian airspace – May 16, 2024
- Class C, D and E to occur no sooner than 2026 and will be determined pending further assessment.
The ADS-B Out mandates were put into place to enhance aircraft operations in domestic airspace – requiring aircraft operators flying in certain domestic airspace to meet ADS-B Out Performance Requirements.
Nav Canada said the adoption of satellite-based surveillance technology ensures long-term alignment with the global aviation system.
FAA Postpones Final Phase of Northeast Corridor ACR
The FAA has postponed the activation date for the final phase of its multi-year Northeast Corridor Atlantic Coast Routes (ACR) project from the previously scheduled Nov. 3, 2022, to April 20, 2023.
The new procedures will still be published in September but won’t be authorized for use until the new activation date. The changes will affect routes over 15 major airports along the Atlantic East Coast from Baltimore-Washington to Raleigh-Durham. The main change of the ACR project is that 150 new or modified routes are replacing the existing high-altitude route structure.
According to the FAA, the transition to performance-based navigation (PBN) decreases the reliance on ground-based navaids. Updates started in 2019 but implementation was delayed due to the pandemic, resulting in the inability to conduct controller training.
VNY Runway 16L/34R Reconstruction Complete
Van Nuys Airport (VNY), Southern California and the Los Angeles-area’s general aviation hub has completed its reconstruction project on Runway 16L/34R. The $13.1 million, six-month rebuild of the 4,000-foot runway used 100% recyclable materials for its base. Additional upgrades included the installation of 167 LED lights, enhanced signage and markings and the addition of an engine run-up area adjacent to the runway. The project which was funded by federal grants will continue by the rehabilitation of the airport’s 8,000-foot Runway 16R/34L.