iFlightPlanner

 

...

Blog

Thursday, October 31, 2024

FAA Airport, Navigation & Chart Data is Current for October 31 Cycle

Thursday, October 31, 2024 @ 8:00 AM

Official airport, navigation and chart data for the FAA's 56-day AIRAC cycle beginning October 31, 2024 became current today as of 09:01Z.  This includes updated georeferenced data for airport diagrams and instrument approach procedures available in iFlightPlanner for iPad and iFlightPlanner for iPhone.

Anytime you access iFlightPlanner or iFlightPlanner for AOPA from your desktop, laptop, or smartphone browser you can be confident you're seeing the most current and accurate data available.

To ensure iFlightPlanner is current on your iPhone or iPad, simply tap "Check for Updates" in the upper-left corner of the Downloads tab.  Each app will quickly tell you which packages need to be updated!

The iFlightPlanner Crew
PLAN. FLY. LOG.

Monday, October 28, 2024

FAA Airport, Navigation & Chart Data is Available for October 31 Cycle

Monday, October 28, 2024 @ 8:00 AM

iFlightPlanner for iPad and iFlightPlanner for iPhone users may now download airport and navigation data as well as aeronautical charts, georeferenced airport diagrams and terminal procedures for the FAA Data Cycle that goes into effect on October 31, 2024.  Simply tap the button in the upper-left corner of the Downloads tab to "Check For Updates."

Pilots using iFlightPlanner for AOPA or iFlightPlanner on their desktop, laptop, or mobile device will see the iFlightPlanner Cloud automatically make the transition to the new data at 9:01Z on October 31.

Thursday, October 24, 2024

Signature Flight Support Caps Handling Fees for Piston Aircraft

Thursday, October 24, 2024 @ 8:00 AM

Great news for general aviation pilots! Thanks to AOPA’s advocacy, Signature Flight Support has announced a new policy capping handling fees for piston singles and twins at select locations. Even better, these fees will be waived entirely with a qualifying fuel purchase.

Signature AviationThis change follows ongoing efforts from AOPA, which has pushed for more transparency and fairness in FBO pricing. Many GA pilots have long voiced concerns about high handling fees at major FBOs, often making it cost-prohibitive to stop at certain locations. By capping and waiving fees, Signature is taking a step in the right direction toward making its network more accessible for GA pilots.

If you operate a piston single or twin, check with your destination Signature FBO to see how these changes affect your next stop. As always, it's best to confirm fuel purchase requirements in advance.

For more details, read AOPA's full announcement.

This is a significant win for general aviation, and iFlightPlanner is here to help you find the most cost-effective and pilot-friendly stops for your next flight!

Thursday, October 10, 2024

FAA Expands Rules for Logging Flight Hours and Instructor Privileges

Thursday, October 10, 2024 @ 8:00 AM

The FAA’s latest rule update, under the James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act, brings significant changes to how pilots can log flight time and conduct training in experimental and special-category aircraft. The final rule, effective 60 days after publication in the Federal Register, improves pilot training flexibility while ensuring compliance with recent legislative mandates.

Key Changes:

  • Expanded Logging of Public Aircraft Operations: Pilots conducting public aircraft operations (PAO) can now log flight time towards FAA civil regulatory requirements. Previously, only law enforcement flights qualified.
  • Flight Training in Experimental Aircraft: Certain training, testing, and checking in experimental, limited category, and primary category aircraft can now be conducted without a Letter of Deviation Authority (LODA).
  • Updated Flight Instructor Privileges: Flight instructors can now conduct specialized training for certificated pilots, reinforcing transition training and skill development beyond traditional endorsements.
  • Exceptions for Recent Flight Experience: Pilots training with an instructor may regain PIC privileges even if they don’t meet recent flight experience requirements for carrying passengers.

These updates streamline regulatory compliance, expand training opportunities, and improve flexibility for pilots and instructors alike. For full details, read the FAA's official rulemaking document here.

Stay informed and log your next flight with iFlightPlanner's integrated logbook functionality—included with your iFlightPlanner Premium membership!

Monday, October 7, 2024

Major Sporting & Entertainment Events in October 3 Notices

Monday, October 7, 2024 @ 8:00 AM

In anticipation of the large number of aircraft operating to and from areas hosting major sporting and entertainment events, the FAA has published updated procedures in its Domestic Notices valid from October 3, 2024 to enhance safety and minimize air traffic delays.

THESE PROCEDURES MAY BE REVISED OR UNAVAILABLE AT THE TIME OF THE EVENT.  PILOTS SHOULD CHECK NOTICES AND TRAFFIC ADVISORIES PRIOR TO DEPARTURE TO ENSURE THE MOST CURRENT INFORMATION. THESE NOTICES DO NOT SUPERCEDE RESTRICTIONS PERTAINING TO THE USE OF AIRSPACE CONTAINED IN FDC NOTICES.

Thursday, October 3, 2024

FAA Airport, Navigation & Chart Data is Current for October 3 Cycle

Thursday, October 3, 2024 @ 8:00 AM

Official airport, navigation and chart data for the FAA's 28-day AIRAC cycle beginning October 5, 2024 became current today as of 09:01Z.  This includes updated georeferenced data for airport diagrams and instrument approach procedures available in iFlightPlanner for iPad and iFlightPlanner for iPhone.

Anytime you access iFlightPlanner or iFlightPlanner for AOPA from your desktop, laptop, or smartphone browser you can be confident you're seeing the most current and accurate data available.

To ensure iFlightPlanner is current on your iPhone or iPad, simply tap "Check for Updates" in the upper-left corner of the Downloads tab.  Each app will quickly tell you which packages need to be updated!

The iFlightPlanner Crew
PLAN. FLY. LOG.

Tuesday, October 1, 2024

FAA Transitioning to ICAO NOTAM Format: What Pilots Need to Know

Tuesday, October 1, 2024 @ 8:00 AM

UPDATE: The FAA has announced it will miss its December 2024 target for ICAO-format NOTAMs, with implementation now expected in late 2025.

The FAA is making a significant shift in how Notices to Air Missions (NOTAMs) are formatted, aligning with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards. This transition, set for implementation in Winter 2024, aims to enhance global standardization, improve flight planning, and ensure pilots receive accurate and actionable NOTAMs in a consistent format.

What’s Changing?

Currently, FAA NOTAMs follow a domestic format that differs from the ICAO structure used internationally. While the FAA has already been providing ICAO-formatted NOTAMs for familiarization, this transition will make the ICAO format the official standard for all U.S. NOTAMs.

Benefits for Pilots & Operators

  • Standardization: NOTAMs will now have the same format for both domestic and international flights, reducing confusion for pilots flying across different regions.
  • Improved Access: Enhanced sorting and filtering capabilities will help flight planning service providers deliver more relevant NOTAMs.
  • Global Integration: Aligning with ICAO standards promotes seamless coordination with other Air Navigation Service Providers (ANSPs).

Preparing for the Transition

Pilots, dispatchers, and operators should familiarize themselves with the ICAO NOTAM format, which includes structured fields for NOTAM type, location, and validity. Resources, including monthly stakeholder meetings, are available via the FAA's NOTAM website.

Stay ahead of the transition with iFlightPlanner, your trusted resource for seamless flight planning!