Select WP15FS85

October '99

What's in this Issue:

Airspace Review & the New Visual Waypoints Program in the Los Angeles Basin
VFR Waypoints Overview

Notes for Fresno Pilots
In WINGS Awards

SIC SAC - Significant Information for Pilots
This month: To Know Me is to Love Me
Be knowledgeable about your aircraft

New FAA Websites

Safety Seminars

For San Jose Area

For Salinas/Watsonville
For San Luis Obispo
For San Carlos
For Palo Alto
For San Jose

For Oakland Area

For Sacramento Area

Wings Awards

For Fresno FSDO
For Sacramento FSDO
For San Jose FSDO

Airspace Review & the New Visual Waypoints Program in the Los Angeles Basin

From the Central Valley Aviation News

VFR Waypoints Overview

On July 15,1999 the FAA implemented the addition of VFR Waypoints to the Los Angeles and San Diego VFR Terminal Area Charts (TAC) to promote safety and to help reduce pilot deviations. In collaboration with airspace user groups in Southern California this aeronautical charting program has been developed to provide VFR pilots a supplementary tool to assist with position awareness while navigating visually in aircraft equipped with area navigation receivers (GPS,etc)

VFR Waypoint names

Names will consist of five letters beginning with "V V". The names are not intended to be pronounceable, and they are not for use in ATC communications.

VFR Waypoints co-located with Visual Check Points on the chart will be identified by small magenta flag symbols. Latitude/Longitude data for all of the established VFR Waypoints will be provided in the Airport/Facility Directory (A/FD)

Benefits

VFR Waypoints will ease navigation for VFR pilots, using the Global Position System (GPS) for supplemental information, operating around, under, and between airspace, which may require clearance or be restricted from their operation. These waypoints will provide pilots with additional tools to improve positive situation awareness.

Risks

As with any NAVAID such as a VOR that places multiple aircraft over a single point on the ground, pilots must exercise added traffic avoidance techniques normally associated with airport traffic patterns or overflight of frequently flown landmarks. VFR Waypoints may also lead pilots to believe they do not need to use aeronautical publications to operate safely from a departure point to a destination.There is a risk to operating under these assumptions.

How should VFR waypoints be used?

VFR Waypoints should be used as a tool to supplement current navigation procedures. Pilots are strongly encouraged to rely on aeronautical charts published specifically for visual navigation. If operating in a terminal area, pilots should take advantage of the Terminal Area Chart (TAC) available for that area.

Any waypoints intended for use during a given flight should be entered into the navigation receiver in sequence prior to departure. Once airborne, pilots should avoid programming routes or waypoint chains into their receivers.

When filing VFR flight plans, pilots may use the five letter identifier as a waypoint in the "route of flight" box if there will be a course change at that point or if it is used to describe the planned route of flight. This system would be similar to how a VOR would be used in a similar style.

Finally, pilots must use the waypoints only when operating under VFR conditions. Anytime cloud clearance or flight visibility diminishes below minimums, VFR flight should be terminated immediately.

How should VFR Waypoints not be used?

VFR Waypoints should not be used as a sole or primary means of visual navigation. Use of these waypoints, as one of many supplemental sources to navigation will increase proper situational awareness.

The five-letter identifier shall not be used in communications with ATC facilities. ATC will not be required to be familiar with VFR Waypoint's positions or identifiers. Those waypoints used in conjunction with VFR reporting points shall be referred to by the Visual Reporting Point name (e.g. "Cessna 12345 is over Blue Lake").

VFR Waypoints shall not be used to plan flights under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR). These waypoints will not be recognized by the IFR system and will be rejected for IFR routing purposes.

VFR Waypoints used improperly may lead pilots through airspace that requires the pilot to obtain an ATC clearance or airspace that may be restricted or prohibited from civilian operations. Pilots are responsible for using VFR Waypoints to ensure a route of flight that is safe and clear of any restrictions.

VFR waypoints in the GPS database

VFR Waypoints will be retrievable from navigation databases. All VFR waypoints will be assigned a five-letter designator beginning with "V V". Pilots should attempt to retrieve the waypoints they intend to use in flight prior to departure. If pilots are unable to retrieve these points, they should verify they have the most recent database available. If they still cannot retrieve these waypoints, pilots should contact the manufacturer of the receiver and verify that the VFR waypoint option is available for the receiver model.

AIRSPACE REVIEW

If you are planning a trip to LA or to SFO, be sure you are up-to-date on your airspace knowledge.

Airspace Features	Class A Airspace	Class B Airspace	Class C Airspace	Class D Airspace	Class E Airspace	Class G Airspace
Operations Permitted	IFR	IFR & VFR	IFR & VFR	IFR & VFR	IFR & VFR	IFR & VFR
Entry Prerequisite	ATC Clearance	ATC Clearance	IFR Clearance, VFR Radio Contact	IFR Clearance, VFR Radio Contact	IFR Clearance, VFR Radio Contact	None
Minimum Pilot Qual's	Instrument Rating	Private; Endorsed Student*	Student Cert	Student Cert	Student Cert	Student
Two-Way Radio Comm.	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	IFR Only	No
VFR Min. Visibility below 10,000' MSL	N/A	3 Statute Miles	3 Statute Miles	3 Statute Miles	3 Statute Miles	Day- 1 Statute Mile Night - 3 Statute Miles
VFR Min. Visibility below 18,000' MSL and at/above 10,000' MSL	N/A	3 Statute Miles	3 Statute Miles	3 Statute Miles	5 Statute Miles	5 Statute Miles
VFR Minimum Distance From Clouds Below 10,000' MSL	N/A	Clear of Clouds	500 Below 1,000 Above 2,000 Horiz.	500 Below 1,000 Above 2,000 Horiz.	500 Below 1,000 Above 2,000 Horiz.	500 Below 1,000 Above 2,000 Horiz.**
VFR Minimum Distance From Clouds 10,000' MSL and Above	N/A	Clear of Clouds	1,000 Below 1,000 Above 1 Statute Mile Horiz.	1,000 Below 1,000 Above 1 Statute Mile Horiz.	1,000 Below 1,000 Above 1 Statute Mile Horiz.	1,000 Below 1,000 Above 1 Statute Mile Horiz.
Aircraft Separation	ALL	ALL	IFR, Special VFR and Runway Operations	IFR, Special VFR and Runway Operations	IFR, Special VFR	None
Traffic Advisories	N/A	N/A	Yes	Work Load Permitting	Work Load Permitting	Work Load Permitting

Notes for Fresno Pilots

Visalia Pilots-- Heads-Up!

News flash! We have received a few complaints recently concerning low pattern altitudes when using Rwy 12 at Visalia. Airport management there wishes to advise all aviators not to make any turns after departing Rwy 12 until you are at or above 1,300 MSL.

Bakersfield Municipal (L45) Pilots!

On Tuesday, Oct 12^th 7:00 p.m. at Kern Air Charter's facility, there will be a special Aviation Safety Seminar with the Bakersfield ATC controllers. They will be reviewing the unique airspace control issues concerning your airport. Come on by!

SIC SAC
*Significant Information for Pilots*
TO KNOW ME IS TO LOVE ME Gordon Campbell, Safety Program Mgr., Airworthiness Reprinted from the Sacramento Aviation Safety Review Don't be alarmed. It's only me, your aircraft, speaking to you. I sit around for the longest periods of time without any attention from you. And, when I'm not feeling so good, you send me off to a stranger who takes me in and makes me feel better again. I wish that you would show me a little more interest… A knowledgeable pilot is a safer pilot. One of the methods you can use to gain knowledge about your aircraft and it's systems is to do some of the maintenance yourself. You can start with some of the less complex tasks and as you build experience you will also build confidence. (Your A&P technician went through this same learning curve). One great way to discover the secrets of your flying machine is to participate in an "Owner-assisted annual." It may take some research to find a shop that is willing to provide this service, but the effort is well worth it. However, a word of caution; if you are interested in an owner-assisted annual for the purpose of saving money, you're missing the boat. It can take as much time (if not more) to have an owner around than just having the IA do all the work himself. Expect to pay more for your annual if you expect to learn anything. Remember, you are paying for your education as well as your aircraft's annual inspection. This education can be one of your best investments in aviation. If you have found the right shop you will be amazed at how much you have learned. Owners and operators may perform "Preventive Maintenance" to their own aircraft in accordance with FAR Part 43. There is a list of tasks that are allowed to be performed as preventive maintenance in Part 43, Appendix A, paragraph c. Be aware that even though an item is on the list you may not be able to perform the task on your aircraft. There is a statement in the regulation which reads "provided it does not involve complex assembly operations." A tire change on a Cub is not the same complexity as a tire change on a Citation. You must use good judgment. You must also do some homework first. Not many of us would dive into water without knowing what's under the surface. First, read all of FAR Part 43, it's really not all that long. Then read Advisory Circular 43-12A, Preventive Maintenance. You must have the data (manuals) available which describe the proper methods, techniques, and practices acceptable to the Administrator to accomplish the task. You must also have the proper tools and equipment, as well as any test apparatus or special equipment necessary to assure completion of the work in accordance with accepted industry practices. You will be approving the aircraft for return to service and you will also be required to make a maintenance record entry. The Sacramento FSDO Aviation Safety Program has a two-hour presentation on the aspects of preventive maintenance. If your pilot or aircraft organization would like to schedule this presentation contact Gordon Campbell at (916) 422-0272 ext. 258.

New FAA Web Sites

A new way to find out about Safety Seminars, and much more, is available on the FAA Western-Pacific Flight Standards Internet WEB Site. You may view a complete listing of meetings available in California, Arizona, Nevada and Hawaii. There are options to search for meetings sponsored by SAC FSDO and for meetings at a particular airport. You may also register for the meetings on-line which will allow us to notify you via e-mail if the meeting is changed or canceled.

Check it out

Also, check out the new home pages for Fresno and Oakland

SAN LUIS OBISPO (SLO)

SAN CARLOS AREA

PALO ALTO AREA

**A Special Opportunity For All Pilots**
WINGS: An excellent way to gain proficiency. WINGS is the FAA Pilot Proficiency Award Program designed to encourage general aviation pilots to continue their training. It provides an opportunity to practice selected maneuvers in a minimum of instruction time. WINGS is an excellent opportunity for you to re-evaluate your flight proficiency and knowledge. If You're a Pilot, You're Eligible WINGS is open to all pilots holding a recreational certificate or higher with a current medical certificate, when required. After you've logged three hours of dual instruction under the program and attend at least one FAA-sanctioned safety seminar you will be eligible to receive and wear a distinctive set of WINGS. You will also receive a certificate of completion. Pilots: Your attendance at safety seminars fulfills one of the requirements of the Pilot Proficiency Award program (Wings Program). Completion of the requirements of the Wings Program, as outlined in Advisory Circular 61.91g, will qualify you to receive a Wings lapel pin and wall certificate. ADDITIONALLY, if you satisfactorily complete a phase of the Wings Program within the period specified by Section 61.56 of the Federal Aviation Regulations, you need not accomplish a biennial flight review. More Wings To Work For Each twelve month interval after earning your first set of WINGS you will be eligible for more WINGS. Each WINGS pin is specially designed to mark your additional progress. WINGS-The Sign of a Safe Pilot It's a fact - recurrent training makes a difference. Statistics show that pilots who participate in recurrent training programs such as WINGS, have a much better safety record than the pilots who do not. Earning your WINGS could have a positive impact on your aviation insurance costs. Be sure to inform your insurance agent of your commitment to the WINGS Program WORK FOR YOUR WINGS. THEY'RE WORTH A LOT MORE THAN THE TIME IT TAKES TO GET THEM.