We all have come out to our aircraft on a beautiful VFR day, only to find that the #2 radio has decided to go south for the day. You’ve heard that under FAR 91.405 all instruments and equipment installed in the aircraft must be operative unless you have an approved MEL. Well, you know you don’t have one, and hey, it’s a great day to fly and you know you only need one radio to get out of Fresno, so what can you do? Well according to AC 91-67 (get a copy), you CAN operate (i.e. fly) without an MEL under the provisions of 91.213 (d), provided you follow a few steps. Below is a flow chart recommended by the advisory circular.

Pilot Decision Sequence when operating without a MEL

 1. Is the equipment required by the aircraft’s equipment list or the kinds of equipment list? 91.213(d)(2)(ii)

If YES, the aircraft is unairworthy and maintenance is required.

 2. If NO, is the equipment required by the VFR-day type certificate requirements prescribed in the airworthiness certification regulations? 91.213(d) (2)(ii).

If YES, the aircraft is unairworthy and maintenance is required.

3. If NO, is the equipment required by an AD (airworthiness directive)? 91.213(d)(2)(iv)

If YES, the aircraft is unairworthy and maintenance is required.

 4. If NO, is the equipment required by FAR 91.205; 91.207; 91.209; 91.211? [91.213 (d)(2)(iii) ]

If YES, the aircraft is unairworthy and maintenance is required.

5. If NO, the inoperative equipment must be removed from the aircraft 91.213(d)(3)(i)) OR deactivated and placarded as inoperative. 91.213(d)(3)(ii)

Let’s fly!

 At this point the pilot shall make a final determination to confirm that the inoperative instrument/ equipment does not constitute a hazard under the operational conditions before release for departure. 91.213(d)(4)

 Now that we have the flow chart, let’s take a look at your predicament. You own a Cessna 172. It’s fully IFR capable, with the appropriate equipment and you are instrument rated. However, you are just planning a day VFR flight from Fresno to Bakersfield and the weather is excellent.

Well, let’s see, according to No. 1, your #2 radio is an installed "option" from the factory and therefore not "required" on your equipment list. (Check your POH) Also, since your Kind of Operation is DAY-VFR, you don’t even need a radio.

According to No. 2, you then check your VFR-DAY type certificate requirements or Type Certificate Data Sheets (TCDS) and find that a radio is not required equipment. You mutter how glad you are that you stopped by the local mechanic/IA to pick up a copy of the TCDS for your aircraft.

Next, you note that the equipment is not required by an airworthiness directive.

Continuing along with No. 4, you note that according to 91.205(b) VFR-DAY, you are not required to have a radio. (Still, you need at least one working radio, because you need to get out of Fresno’s Class C and into Bakersfield’s Class D.) Also 91.207 E.L.T’s and 91.209 Aircraft Lights and 91.211 Supplemental Oxygen are not relevant to your radio problem.

So, Eureka! Now all you have to do is deactivate the #2 radio and placard it. Well, according to our airworthness guru’s here, the next step is a bit sticky. To properly ‘deactivate it’ you have three choices:

• By pulling the circuit breaker (if possible). Carefull here, do not force it.;or
• Have your local mechanic remove power to the radio unit; or
• If the unit is self-contained and employs tray mounted connectors (except automatic flight control systems, transponders and DME’s), you may remove the radio unit in accordance with FAR 43 Appendix A d (31), Preventive Maintenance. However, by removing this component you must recalculate your empty weight and balance.

Lastly, be sure to place an appropriate placard with letters written at least 1/8- inch high, reading "#2 RADIO INOP".

Finally, you have that peace of mind that you are entirely ‘legal’ to fly because you made a final determination that the #2 radio does not constitute a hazard under your planned DAY-VFR operations. In actuality you may be a bit frustrated with the paper-work, but at least you know your insurance agent will like you if you have a ‘fender-bender’ during taxi or whatever.

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It is with great pleasure that I’m introducing the first Fresno Flight Standards District Office (FSDO) published maintenance newsletter that will be distributed quarterly. The emphasis of the safety program newsletter is to ensure that mechanics, operators, and air agencies are provided with a yearly schedule of program topics. Topics that promote safety for maintenance aviation activities.

It is often stated by many aviation maintenance directors that AMT’s are the "Unsung Heros of Aviation." Why?… AMT’s must stay current with the high tech changes affecting aviation maintenance. They must deal with and control the effects of human factors. The AMT must learn and apply which 'Safety Nets' are required to keep themselves safe, stay employed, meet "gate times," and stay in compliance with the FAR’s. While balancing and dealing with the above mentioned factors, the AMT still remains responsible and accountable for the airworthiness of the aircraft he/she is maintaining.

The aviation industry must depend upon the AMT to maintain high maintenance standards. Maintaining this standard may be accomplished through continuous education. The educational strategy that I, as Safety Program Manager (SPM), will be implementing is to provide the local AMT’s with technical assistance and continuing education of regulatory requirements. I encourage you to ask any maintenance questions you’d like answered, your participation will ensure success for all of us involved in aviation maintenance safety.

Any changes or revisions for future topics will be addressed in the quarterly newsletter, and via the Internet at  http://www.awp.faa.gov/fsdo/fresno.

As your Fresno FSDO Safety Program Manager (Airworthiness), I am looking forward to meeting with you and discussing the varied topics that are planned throughout the year.

Richard T. Dilbeck
Safety Program Manager (Airworthiness)

CHANGE OF ADDRESS NOTIFICATION, AC FORM 8060-55

Please help us update our A&P-Repairmen database, which will aid in contacting our maintenance technicians with future newsletters.  The PRIVACY ACT protects disclosure.

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Eligibility Requirements for Technicians and Employers

The following individuals are eligible for the technician award:

• An FAA certificated mechanic or repairman.
• A student in an FAR Part 147 school who is maintaining a course average of "C" or better.
• FAR Part 147 school instructors.
• Avionics, propeller, and instrument technicians.
• Individuals who are employed full-time by an FAR Part 121, 135, or 145 operator, who maintains aircraft, or their component parts.

To be eligible for the employer’s award the employer must:

• Be involved full-time in the business of maintaining or repairing aircraft and/or their component parts.
• Employ at least three full-time technicians.

Phase Requirements and Description for Technicians.

A technician may apply for any of the five awards:

Phase I (Bronze). Attend 2 hrs. Of training on FAA Regulations and Policy and complete 4 hrs. Of Aviation Maintenance training. Total of 6 hrs.

Phase II (Silver). Attend 2 hrs. Of training on FAA Regulations and Policy and complete 10 hours of Aviation Maintenance training. Total of 12 hrs.

Phase III (Gold). Attend 2 hrs. Of training on FAA Regulations and Policy and complete 3 days or 24 hrs. Of Aviation Maintenance training. Total of 26 hrs.

Phase IV (Ruby). Attend 2 hrs. Of training on FAA Regulations and Policy and complete 10 days or 58 hrs. Of Aviation Maintenance training. Total of 60 hrs.

Phase V (Diamond). The highest award is the same as for the Ruby award plus must attend a College Level course of at least 40 classroom hours. Or three Semester Credits in either Management subjects, Mathematics, English, Science, or related subjects. Total of 100 hours.

For further information see Advisory Circular AC65-25B

Prizes awarded in the AMT Awards Contest

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Question: What is the meaning of airworthy?

Answer: Two conditions must be met for a standard category aircraft to be considered airworthy. Theses conditions are:

1. The aircraft conforms to its type design (type certificate). Conformity to its type design is considered attained when the required and proper components are installed, and they are consistent with the drawings, specifications, and other data that are part of the type certificate. Conformity would include applicable Supplemental Type Certificates (STC’s) and field-approved alterations.
2. The aircraft is in condition for safe operation. This refers to the condition of the aircraft with relation to wear and deterioration.

Resource: PLANE SENSE General Aviation Information publication FAA-H-8083-19

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RUNWAY INCURSION INFORMATION for Napa County Airport (APC)

Since last spring’s Runway Incursion Briefings, APC has had a great year with only one incursion. A pedestrian walked onto the runway, and approached a helicopter that had just finished a practice autorotation. The non-aviator got lots of attention when he asked the training crew for a helicopter ride.

Simply stated, a runway incursion is a loss of separation or a collision hazard for an aircraft on a runway at a controlled airport. At APC, intrusions into the Runway 18L Approach Area (18L-APCH) may become runway incursions.

18L-APCH was established after a review identified the need to protect and provide an obstacle free zone (OFZ) for the VFR approach to RWY 18L. This OFZ parallels Taxiway (TWY) India and crosses TWY Golf (G). TWY G’s elevation is significantly higher than RWY 18L. This elevation increase raises taxing aircraft into the OFZ. The approaching aircraft’s crossing of TWY G requires a sterilized area defined as a Runway Approach Area. The Runway Approach Area is a horizontal extension of the runway beyond the actual surface of the runway. This sterile area is marked and controlled as a runway. It requires a crossing clearance by ATC.  Napa County’s Airport Department has improved taxiway markings and signage in this area. Hold Bars have been moved or added and RED Runway Approach Area (18L-APCH) signs have been installed. More enhancements are coming.

Unless specifically requested by the pilot, Napa Tower will not issue departure taxi instructions to Runway 18R, intersection G. Please note: at APC, an instruction to "Taxi RWY 18R," is an instruction to taxi for the full length. It is not an instruction to taxi RWY 18R, Intersection G. If you want an Intersection G departure, ask for it. If you do request the intersection departure, you should be instructed to hold short of 18L-APCH. You may encounter delays while coordination is completed for the 18L-APCH crossing.

Based pilots have been positive in their reception of the Runway Approach Area's enhancement to safety. But APC has had several surface incidents where transient pilots have violated the 18L-APCH.

During your preflight;

• Plan your ground movement.
• Listen to the ATIS.
• Look at the airport diagram.
• Plan your route to the departure runway. If you want an intersection departure, ask for it. If you are unfamiliar with the airport, ask for specific taxi instructions.

The FAA’s Publication AIRPORT GROUND VEHICLE OPERATIONS GUIDE warns drivers that RED signs are STOP signs. Flight crews should take note of this counsel. And always, while taxing, enhance your own safety by looking outside. If you don’t see the signage and markings, you may not see the collision hazard of an approaching aircraft.

Rex MacLean, APC ATM

More information on Runway Approach Areas can be found in the Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM)

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Sacramento - FLYING COMPANION SEMINAR

If your companion doesn't share your love of flying or would like to learn more -- send him or her to the Sacramento Valley 99’s for a comprehensive introduction to companion flying. This seminar is an excellent opportunity for the reluctant flier to learn about the joys of flying.

The seminar will be held on Saturday, June 10, 2000 - 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, in the Sacramento Executive Airport Conference Room, 6151 Freeport Blvd., Sacramento.

The topics covered in the seminar are: Why preflight an airplane, chart reading, navigation, aerodynamics, understanding weather, communications, how to handle emergencies and much more.

Advance registration is required. For more information contact Lucy Sakakihara at (916) 395-9542 or Shirley Lehr at (916) 395-7735, e-mail slehr@jps.net, or 99s Voice mail 916 863-3015.

San Jose - Flying Companion Seminar

April 1 Sat 8 AM - 5:30 PM

A variety of professional speakers will present all aspects of flying to enable your non-flying companion to feel more comfortable in a plane and really be able to help you. This seminar lasts one day and includes lunch, snacks, and all seminar materials. $50/person.  More info & registration: 99's webpage

Location: San Jose State University Aviation Dept., 1120 Coleman Ave.
Sponsor: Santa Clara Valley 99's
Contact: cwjnurse@aol.com or plowers@pacbell.net

Ag Pilots Safety Briefing a great success!

Last January 27^th in Bakersfield, the Fresno FSDO held it’s first Ag-Pilots & Mechanics Safety Briefing. Many professional Aerial Applicator Pilots were in attendance and enjoyed the excellent training videos provided by the NAAA. Hats off to ‘King’ Sharp of Machado Dusters in Hanford for his help. Also, Ag-Pilots, remember our regular seminars have been approved by the State for your CECPM’s.

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End of Fresno Area Seminars

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WINGS PROFICIENCY
AWARD PROGRAM