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If you’re flying into Teterboro (KTEB), take note—Signature Flight Support has implemented a new reservation requirement for all arrivals. According to AIN Online, the policy, effective February 1, aims to better manage ramp congestion at one of the busiest business aviation airports in the U.S.

Pilots and operators must secure a reservation before arrival, ensuring smoother operations and reducing delays. While this change introduces an extra planning step, it also highlights the growing role of technology and scheduling efficiency in business aviation. Staying ahead of these updates ensures seamless operations, especially at high-traffic airports like KTEB.

As more FBOs explore reservation systems, pilots and dispatchers should remain proactive in monitoring changes to avoid last-minute surprises. Planning ahead has never been more critical.

» Read on AIN Online

Flight training is one of the most rewarding journeys a pilot can take, but ensuring you're learning from a qualified instructor is just as important as logging hours in the cockpit. A recent article from AOPA highlights the importance of verifying your Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) credentials before starting or continuing your training.

The FAA requires CFIs to renew their certificates every 24 months, and while most flight schools and instructors stay current, mistakes happen. Training with an expired CFI could mean your hard-earned flight time doesn’t count toward your certificate or rating. To avoid this, take a few simple steps:

1. Ask to See Their Certificate & ID: A current flight instructor should have no problem showing both.
2. Use the FAA Airmen Inquiry Tool: This online database lets you verify an instructor’s status.
3. Check Their TSA Approval: If training under Part 141 or as a foreign student, ensure compliance with TSA regulations.

At iFlightPlanner, we’re committed to providing pilots with the tools they need for safe, efficient flight planning. While not exhaustive, our Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) Directory features instructors who have used iFlightPlanner and opted to be listed. If you're searching for a CFI, it’s a great place to start!

» Read the full article HERE on AOPA.org.

In response to significant delays in aircraft registrations, some reaching up to 190 days in 2022, the FAA has implemented new regulations to streamline the process. Effective January 17, 2025, these rules aim to reduce administrative burdens and expedite registrations for aircraft owners and dealers.

Key Changes to Aircraft Registration

1. Elimination of Original Document Requirement

Previously, applicants were required to submit original documents, creating challenges for aircraft that had changed ownership multiple times. The new rule allows:

• Submission of photocopies or digital images instead of originals
• Electronic submission through the Civil Aviation Registry Electronic Services (CARES) system
• Reduced risk of document loss or damage

Original documents will still be accepted in certain cases but are no longer required in most situations.

2. End of Hand-Stamping Paper Documents

The FAA has also discontinued the practice of manually stamping paper documents to record receipt dates. Instead, the CARES system will:

• Automatically log submission dates and times
• Improve efficiency and accuracy in processing registrations

Benefits of the New System

These updates are part of the FAA’s modernization efforts under the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018. By enhancing the CARES system, the FAA expects to:

• Reduce registration processing times
• Lower printing and mailing costs
• Provide a more convenient digital submission process

While original documents may still be required in some cases, most applicants will benefit from a faster, more efficient system. For full details, visit the official FAA's Final Rule: FAA-2024-2765-0001.

AOPA members, prepare for an exciting 2025 as iFlightPlanner continues to redefine your flight planning experience with iFlightPlanner for AOPA!

By combining robust tools with a commitment to enhancing member value, iFlightPlanner for AOPA is launching new features that make cross-country planning, interactions with Flight Service, and in-flight safety simpler and more intuitive than ever!

Here's a look at what's in store:

Multi-Leg Planning with Fuel Stops

Planning cross-country trips is getting easier! Currently available as an iFlightPlanner Premium feature, multi-leg planning is coming to iFlightPlanner for AOPA in 2025. This update will allow you to seamlessly organize your entire trip, including fuel stops, in a single, unified trip. No more juggling multiple legs across different interfaces. With all legs accessible at once, you’ll have greater control and clarity when managing multi-leg trips. This feature significantly simplifies planning and ensures your cross-country adventures are both efficient and stress-free.

Streamlined Access with Single Sign-On

Tired of managing multiple sets of credentials when accessing iFlightPlanner on your iPhone or iPad? With iFlightPlanner and AOPA’s new single sign-on integration, you’ll enjoy a unified sign-in experience across all platforms. This enhancement will eliminate the hassle of multiple login credentials, allowing you to focus on flight planning and less on password resets. It’s one more way iFlightPlanner is ensuring ease of use for you as an AOPA member.

Enhanced Flight Plan Filing

Filing and managing your flight plans is about to get a major upgrade, too. Real-time notifications from Flight Service will now integrate directly into iFlightPlanner for AOPA, keeping you informed of important flight plan status changes. Whether it’s an IFR ATC clearance or the activation and closure of a VFR flight plan, you’ll have instant updates to stay on top of every detail. This real-time connectivity ensures smoother operations from pre-flight to post-flight. Just make sure to authorize your iFlightPlanner account with Flight Service!

Profile View

Safety meets simplicity with the introduction of Profile View, an all-new feature designed to help you visualize your route in relation to elevation and potential terrain-related trouble spots. This feature has been the most member-requested enhancement since iFlightPlanner for AOPA first launched and we’re thrilled to bring it to you! The initial version of Profile View will offer a basic depiction of your flight path over terrain, making it easier than ever to identify and avoid hazards. This enhanced situational awareness is especially beneficial for navigating unfamiliar terrain and planning the safest possible route.

Why These Updates Matter

At iFlightPlanner, we’re passionate about making flight planning intuitive, efficient, and safe. Each of these enhancements was designed with AOPA members in mind, offering a blend of cutting-edge technology and user-focused improvements. From simplifying cross-country planning to ensuring seamless account management and boosting situational awareness, these features embody our commitment to delivering tools that help AOPA members focus on what they love most: flying.

Stay tuned as we roll out these exciting updates in 2025. Whether you’re planning a local flight or a multi-leg adventure, iFlightPlanner for AOPA is here to elevate your flight planning every step of the way!

The iFlightPlanner Crew
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