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May, 1996

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If someone told you that you speak a "specialized linguistic code based on elliptical syntax," and that you are "employing it in a cognitive environment," what would you reply? That is how some language scientists describe the special lingo of airmen.

In simple English, what the scientists mean is that pilots, controllers, and others of the flying profession communicate by means of a carefully constructed shorthand. Supposedly, this unique speech is understood by everyone in the aviation community because they are all on the same wavelength, figuratively as well as literally. But, is that true?

The French writer Voltaire once said: "The secret of being a bore is to tell everything." To expedite communication, the aviation language is laded with acronyms and clipped phrases. These are not always correctly used. The clipped phrase "roger" is often used when "wilco" would be more appropriate. The term VFR is used when we mean VMC. Every professional discipline has special clipped terminology. Become an expert in yours.

Through long and sometimes sad experience, we have found that ATC communications are not always what they should be. Non-standard phraseology, equipment shortcomings, sound-alike words, and sometimes too much chit-chat have seriously degraded necessary verbal and mental contact. Professional airmen are normally serene and responsible people, but occasionally, when air traffic pressure starts to build, some strange things can be heard over the VHF and UHF communication frequencies.

The whole body of science we call semantics is devoted to the study of words and the significance of their meaning. Words are symbols which take on a special sense according to our own personal experience. Thus, people use words very differently. A common error is to assume that you are understood merely because you have said something directly to the other person involved, or that you think you are the most important, the most ranked, or the most controlling person in the communication chain or system. The fact is the most essential ingredient in communications is people. Words have no meaning in themselves, only those which people attach to them. Perhaps people like your copilot.

The classic error of verbal perception, which is reported to have happened several times, goes like this:

On a missed approach, the pilot of a multi-engine airplane requests of his right seat helper: "TAKEOFF POWER." The copilot (untrained) promptly took off power. Perhaps this is why the myth persists that commuter and corporate copilots are not allowed to touch anything in the cockpit (`taint so!')

Aviation people are mortal, despite what some people believe and thus are subject to error on a daily basis. In much of our day-to-day existence, errors in communication are a minor irritant and sometimes even funny. However, for airmen there is a difference concerning their environment which must be understood. The aviation environment encompasses many more scientific disciplines and technical variables than any other system of transportation.

Aviation requires the coordinated, cooperative, and timely effort of a large variety of personnel. This complex infrastructure involves airports, weather services, ATC, dispatching, training, accident/incident reporting, etc.

Aviation is more sensitive to man-made safety problems than any other system of transportation.

Mistakes or failure, mechanical, structural, or human, are more likely to produce cataclysmic effects than any other transportation activity.

Communication in aviation is very important. This fact is effectively portrayed in this old joke: "How do you keep an ATC controller in suspense?" SILENCE!

The proper attitude for good communication presumes professional competence in radio technique. As a minimum, this includes thoroughly knowing your aircraft radio equipment; knowing and using correct and current call signs and terminology; knowing and making required reports; and keeping all transmissions on target, on time, and to the point.

A really good communication attitude requires moral as well as professional excellence. You must be able to practice the virtues of patience, prudence, and charity.

Patience - by not getting irritated when you don't get an instant reply to your rapid-fire request. Learn to play it cool. Pause before you clog up the frequency with an impatient repeat transmission. Malediction has never expedited a clearance.

Prudence - by using sound judgment before you make sparks with that mike button. Listen judiciously to what is happening on the party line. Don't butt in until the other guys are finished.

Charity - by not being overcritical of someone's goof. Be especially kind and mentally lenient toward the neophyte and the inexperienced. Remember back when even you had trouble deciphering all the verbal hieroglyphics, perhaps just a few years ago.

In aviation, writing as a form of communication is also important. There have been accidents due to management's ineffective or non-existent communication in the operations manual, training program, and MEL.

Contact your local FSDO and ask to view the Olympic Flight Plan Video. Learn what to expect when flying to Atlanta for the Summer Olympic Games. The Video gives specific details and procedures that must be followed at Atlanta during the period from 7/15/96 to 8/9/96. The info is also available on the FAA's corporate bulletin board at 1-800-224-6287 and by NOTAMS

SoCal's First Aviation High School Magnet Program

Buena Park High School will welcome its inaugural freshman class this fall. The program will offer a four year curriculum to prepare student for entry into the spectrum of aviation careers. Students will receive extensive hands on experience in campus labs and internships at Fullerton Airport with whom the program is closely associated. The program is open to all interested freshmen regardless of residence. For more information contact Mr. Patrick Walker, Program Coordinator, at (714) 870-3503.

EDWARDS AFB
HIGH DESERT TRACON
"OPERATION RAINCHECK"
DATE: Second Saturday AM Monthly
Location: Edwards AFB, CA
Speaker: Various DOT and USAF ATC Controllers
Sponsor: High Desert TRACON (Joshua Approach)
Contact: High Desert TRACON, Attn: Mark Hidinger, Bldg.2580, Edwards AFB

PALMDALE
LOS ANGELES ARTCC ATC FAMILIARIZATION FOR PILOTS "OPERATION RAINCHECK"
DATE: Third Saturday 8 A.M. - 4 P.M. Monthly
Location: Los Angeles ARTC Center, Palmdale Free TransportationFly into
AF Plant 42 (3-day notice required)
Speaker: Various FAA Controllers
Contact: Los Angeles ARTCC, ATTN: Todd Whitman, 2555 E. Ave. "P", Palmdale, CA or (805) 538-2420.
E-Mail Address: twhitman@hidesert.com
Reservations Required!

VAN NUYS
FLIGHT CHARACTERISTICS OF THE GOODYEAR AIRSHIP
DATE: Sat., May 4, 9-11 A.M.
Location: AV8, Inc., 16431 Vanowen Street, VNY Airport*
Speaker: Nick Nicolas, Chief Pilot of Goodyear
Sponsors: Mend Aviation Ground Schools, AV8, Inc., CAP, FAA
Contact: Richard Mend - ASC (818)994-9770
Reservations Required!

VAN NUYS
LINE ORIENTATION FLIGHT TRAINING FOR SINGLE PILOT OPERATIONS
DATE: Wed., May 8, 7 P.M.
Location: Simulator & Instrument Training Center, 16501 Sherman Way, Suite 225,
Van Nuys**
Speaker: Bob Crystal CFI-AIM, Director of Training Simulator & Instrument Training Center
Sponser: VNY FSDO and Instrument Training Center
Contact: Simulator & Instrument Training Center (818) 988-7224
Reservations Required!

VAN NUYS
FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR SEMINAR: HOW TO TEACH METAR/TAF
DATE: Wed., May 8, 7-9 P.M.
Location: AV8, Inc., 16431 Vanowen Street, VNY Airport*
Speaker: John Hazlet of Ameriflight, Inc.
Sponsors: Mend Aviation Ground Schools, AV8, Inc., CAP, FAA
Contact: Richard Mend - ASC (818)994-9770
Reservations Required!

VAN NUYS
PRECISION INSTRUMENT FLIGHT: THERE IS AN EASIER WAY!
DATE: Wed., May 8, 7-9 P.M.
Location: King Aviation Centers - 16644 Roscoe Blvd.
Speaker: Gene Hudson - CFII, MEI, ASC, Instrument Training Specialist
Sponsors: King Aviation Centers
Contact: (818) 988-5152

VAN NUYS
DITCHING AND OVERWATER SURVIVAL
DATE: Sat., May 11, 9-11 A.M.
Location: AV8, Inc.,16431 Vanowen Street, VNY Airport*
Speaker: Richard Mend CFI-AIM-ATP
Sponsors: Mend Aviation Ground Schools, AV8, Inc., CAP, FAA
Contact: Richard Mend - ASC (818)994-9770
Reservations Required!

VAN NUYS
ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION
DATE: Wed, May 15, 7-9 P.M.
Location: AV8, Inc., 16431 Vanowen Street, VNY Airport*
Speaker: John Casanova, Avemco Claims Manager
Sponsors: Mend Aviation Ground Schools, AV8, Inc., CAP, FAA
Contact: Richard Mend ASC (818)994-9770
Reservations Required!

VAN NUYS
GETTIN' BACK IN THE SADDLE: BFR'S FOR THE
NON-CURRENT PILOT
DATE: Wed., May 15, 7-9 P.M.
Location: King Aviation Centers - 16644 Roscoe Blvd.
Speaker: Milan Petkovic - CFI, B737 Pilot
Sponser: King Aviation Centers
Contact: (818) 988-5152

VAN NUYS
AVIATION TECHNICIAN SEMINAR: SEA PLANE MAINTENANCE
DATE: Thur., May 16, 5:30-7 P.M.
Location: AV8, Inc., 16431 Vanowen Street, VNY Airport*
Speaker: Darrell Latham, Red Barron, WHP
Sponsors: Mend Aviation Ground Schools, AV8, Inc., CAP, FAA
Contact: Richard Mend - ASC (818)994-9770
Reservations Required!

VAN NUYS
HELICOPTER EXTERNAL LOAD OPERATIONS
DATE: Sat., May 18, 9-11 A.M.
Location: AV8, Inc., 16431 Vanowen Street, VNY Airport
Speaker: Pete Gillies - Chief Pilot Western Helicopters L-67
Sponsors: Mend Aviation Ground Schools, AV8, Inc., CAP, FAA
Contact: Richard Mend - ASC (818) 994-9770
Reservations Required!

VAN NUYS
PILOT EMPLOYMENT SEMINAR: COMMON ERRORS MADE ON INTERVIEWS
DATE: Tues., May 21, 5:30-7 P.M.
Location: AV8, Inc. 16431 Vanowen Street, VNY Airport
Speaker: Dave Fallon - TWA Pilot
Sponsors: Mend Aviation Ground Schools, AV8, Inc., CAP, FAA
Contact: Richard Mend - ASC (818)994-9770
Reservations Required!

VAN NUYS
DEALING WITH GYRO FAILURE: A SYSTEMATIC APPROACH
DATE: Wed., May 22, 7-9 P.M.
Location: King Aviation Centers - 16644 Roscoe Blvd.
Speaker: Gene Hudson, CFII, MEI, ASC, Instrument Training Specialist
Sponsor: King Aviation Centers
Contact: (818) 988-5152

VAN NUYS
IFR EMERGENCIES
DATE: Sat., May 25, 9-11 A.M.
Location: AV8, Inc. 16431 Vanowen Street, VNY Airport
Speaker: Richard Mend CFI-AIM-ATP
Sponsors: Mend Aviation Ground Schools, AV8, Inc., CAP, FAA
Contact: Richard Mend ASC-VNY-FSDO (818) 994-9770
Reservations Required!

VAN NUYS
PLANNING THE NON-PRECISION APPROACH
DATE: Wed., May 29, 7 P.M.
Location: Simulator & Instrument Training Center, 16501 Sherman Way, Suite 225, Van Nuys**
Speaker: Bob Crystal CFI-AIM, Director of Training Simulator & Instrument Training Center
Sponser: VNY FSDO and Instrument Training Center
Contact: Simulator & Instrument Training Center (818) 988-7224
Reservations Required!

VAN NUYS
INSTANT HOLDING PATTERS: NO MATH, NO DRAWING, NO SWEAT.
DATE: Wed., May 29, 7-9 P.M.
Location: King Aviation Centers - 16644 Roscoe Blvd.
Speaker: Gene Hudson, CFII, MEI, ASC, Instrument Training Specialist
Sponsor: King Aviation Centers
Contact: (818) 988-5152

CAMARILLO
PHYSIOLOGY AND FLIGHT
DATE: Wed., May 29, 7 P.M.
Location: Ventura Room (School Bldg.) at Camarillo Airport (opposite of water tower)
Speaker: Pat Goodman, Capt. USAF, Flight Safety Officer, Vandenberg AFB
Sponsors: Ventura County Aviation Assoc. & Santa Paula 99's
Contact: Jenna or Joe Ware (805) 984-2031
Additionally, there will be some accident information statistics and local ATC personnel from Pt. Mugu, Oxnard and Camarillo with the latest information.

HAWTHORNE AIRPORT
"OPERATION TAKEOFF"
- HOW TO TAKE FULL ADVANTAGE OF THE SERVICES PROVIDED BY HAWTHORNE FLIGHT SERVICE
DATE: Sat., May 4, 9 A.M.-1 P.M.
Location: Hawthorne AFSS, 12111 S. Crenshaw Blvd.( on Hawthorne Airport)
Contact: Hawthorne Flight Service, for info - M - F 7:30 A.M.-4 P.M. (310) 297-0090

EL MONTE
WINGS WEEKEND - ATTEND SAFETY SEMINAR AND FLY OR COMPLETE REQUIREMENTS THAT YOU NEED & ACCOMPLISH A "WINGS" PHASE
Date: Sat., May 4, 8:30 A.M. until ?
Location: F.A.S.T. El Monte Airport
Speakers: F.A.S.T. CFI's
Sponsor: F.A.S.T. & LAXFSDO
AVIATION SAFETY PROGRAM
Contact: F.A.S.T. (818) 575-3278
Reservations Required

LAVERNE
DEVELOPING PERSONAL
MINIMUMS - A MUST FOR ALL PILOTS
DATES: Mon., May 6, 13, 20 ( Three part series), 7-9:30 P.M.
Location: Brackett Airport Admin. Bldg.
Speaker: Kathleen O'Brien, Managing Principal Ed. Services,CFI, Aviation Safety Counselor LAXFSDO
Sponsor: COMARCO
Contact: Jim Whitehead (310) 215-2150

LOS ANGELES
INTRODUCTION TO FAA CERTIFIED REPAIR STATIONS
Date: Tues., May 7, 7-9 P.M.
Location: LAXFSDO 2250 E. Imperial Hwy Suite 140, El Segundo
Speaker: Linda Goodrich LAXFSDO Airworthiness Inspector
Sponsor: LAXFSDO Airworthiness Safety Program
Contact: Jim Whitehead (310) 215-2150

HAWTHORNE
LAXFSDO AVIATION SAFETY COUNSELOR QTRLY MEETING
Date: Wed., May 8, 7:15-9 P.M.
Location: Hawthorne Flight Service Station (On the Airport)
Contact: Jim Whitehead (310) 215-2150.
Refreshments provided by HHR & SMO Teams

EL MONTE
LANDINGS II
Date: Tues., May 14, 7-9:30 P.M.
Location: El Monte Community Center, 3130 N. Tyler El Monte
Speakers: EMT CFI's
Sponsors: San Gabriel Valley 99s & San Gabriel Valley Airports Association
Contact: Jim Whitehead (310) 215-2150

SANTA MONICA
YOU ARE ON CANDID CAMERA - LANDINGS AT SMO VIDEOS PLUS DISCUSSION
Date: Sat., May 18, 10 A.M.-12 P.M.
Location: Museum of Flying (Third floor theater), Santa Monica Airport, North side
Speaker: Joe Justice, Pres. & CFI Justice Aviation
Sponsor: Justice Aviation
Contact: Justice Aviation (310) 390-2099

LAVERNE
GO NO GO - ANALYSIS OF AN ACTUAL LAX DISTRICT ACCIDENT AND THE GO NO GO DECISION
Date: Tues., May 21, 7-9:30 P.M.
Location: Brackett Airport Admin. Bldg
Speaker: Carol Joyner, CFI R/W 37, POC Aviation Safety Counselors Team Leader
Sponsor: COMARCO & LAXFSDO Aviation Safety Program
Contact: Jim Whitehead (310) 215-2150

SANTA MONICA
METAR/TAF - NEW WX REPORTING FORMAT - EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 1996
Date: Thurs., May 23, 7-9:30 P.M.
Location: Museum of Flying (Third floor theater), Santa Monica Airport, North side
Speaker: Mary Margaret Dobson, Dispatcher Instructor - North American Aviation Group, past dispatcher for Continental & MGM Airlines
Sponsor: Justice Aviation, Santa Monica Airport South side (310) 313-6792
Contact: Jim Whitehead (310) 215-2150

RIVERSIDE AIRPORT
Pilot and Aircraft Courtesy Evaluation (PACE)
DATE: Fri., May 10, 9 A.M-3 P.M.
Location: Riverside FSDO
Program: Evaluation provided by FAA Safety Inspectors
Contact: R.C. Morton, SPM at RAL FSDO (909)276-6701x47
Reservations Required

RIVERSIDE AIRPORT
DECISION MAKING TOOLS TO ASSIST YOU IN YOUR
OPERATION OF AIRCRAFT - INCORPORATE RISK MANAGEMENT,
ACCESS MULTIPLE SOURCES, RECOGNIZE
CONFLICTING DATA, EXPAND AWARENESS, DEVELOP A
PERSONAL MINIMUMS CHECK-LIST
DATE:Tues. & Thurs.,May 14 & 16, 7-9:30 P.M.
Location: Riverside FSDO on Riverside Municipal Airport
Speaker: Kathy O'Brien - Aviation Safety Counselor from Long Beach
Sponsor: Riverside FSDO Safety Program.
Contact: R.C. Morton, SPM RAL FSDO (909)276-6701 ext. 37
Rerservations required

RIVERSIDE AIRPORT
Thursday Night at the Movies -
(1) Wake Turbulence Avoidance (2) Back Country Flying (3) The Truth About Wire Strikes (4) Interviews with Eight Aviation Pioneers
DATE: Thurs., May 23, 7-9:00 P.M.
Location: Riverside FSDO on Riverside Municipal Airport
Speaker: None - This is an all video presentation
Sponsor: Riverside FSDO Safety Program.
Contact: R.C. Morton, SPM RAL FSDO (909)276-6701 ext. 37
Reservations required

RIVERSIDE AIRPORT
"Quick Turnaround Refresher" Basic Aeronautical Chart Reading for Aviators
DATE: Thurs., May 30, 7-9 P.M.
Location: Riverside FSDO on Riverside Municipal Airport
Speaker: R.C. Morton
Sponsor: Riverside FSDO Safety Program.
Contact: R.C. Morton, SPM RAL FSDO (909)276-6701 ext. 37
(Please bring current Los Angeles Sectional and Class B charts)
Reservations required

LONG BEACH
MAINTAINING YOUR OWN AIRCRAFT - WHAT CAN THE PILOT DO? and
INOPERATIVE ITEMS - WHAT CAN YOU FLY WITHOUT?
DATE: Thurs., May 9, 7-9:30 P.M.
Location: LGB FSDO*
Speaker: Paul Foster - FAA Airworthiness Inspector
Sponsor: LGB FSDO Aviation Safety Program
Contact: LGB FSDO (310) 420-1755
Reservations Required.

TORRANCE AIRPORT
PERSONAL MINIMUMS
Ohio State University in conjunction with the FAA has designated a
personal Minimums program. We will explore the best ways to develop individual
safety guidelines that support ongoing good decision making skills. You will learn
the difficult subjects of judgment and awareness.
DATE: Mon., May 13, 6:30-7:15 P.M.
Location: General Aviation Center (At the base of the tower.)
Speakers: Hank Smith - 1994 CFI of the Year (Western Pacific Region)
Sponsor: Torrance Airport Association
Contact: Hank Smith (310) 324-1800

LONG BEACH
HOW TO TEACH FLYING
EFFECTIVELY
Learn how to get through to a difficult student. Expand your teaching style.
Determine how each student learns best. Head trouble off at the pass.
Maintain motivation, and have fun doing it.
DATE: Tues., May 21, 7-9:30 P.M.
Location: LGB FSDO*
Speaker: Kathleen O'Brien - CFII and professional speaker for Career Track.
Sponsor: LGB FSDO Aviation Safety Program
Contact: LGB FSDO (310) 420-1755
Reservations Required.

LONG BEACH
THURSDAY NIGHT MOVIES AT THE FSDO
This week's selections include:
Stall/Spin: Classic Facts and Myths
The Flight Review
Safe Flying in special use and other airspace
DATE: Thurs., May 30, 7-9:30 P.M.
Location: LGB FSDO*
Speaker: None - This is an all video presentation
Sponsor: LGB FSDO Aviation Safety Program
Contact: LGB FSDO (310) 420-1755
Reservations Required.

In addition to the SoCAL Aviation Review, San Diego and Imperial County Safety Seminar schedules can also be found by calling the SAN AFSS, at 1-800-WX BRIEF, extension "# * 320". In the event last minute changes to the program are necessary, notification will be accomplished through update of the Flight Service Station recording.

GILLESPIE FIELD ATCT
OPERATION SUNBREAK
DATE: Call for date and time
Location: Gillespie Tower - 2001 N. Marshall, El Cajon
Contact: Gillespie ATCT for info and reservations - (619) 448-1449
Sponsor: Gillespie Air Traffic Control Tower Specialists

MONTGOMERY FIELD ATCT
OPERATION SUNBREAK
DATE: Call for date and time
Location: Montgomery Tower - 4298 Ponderosa Avenue, San Diego
Contact: Montgomery ATCT for info and reservations - (619) 277-5601
Sponsor: Montgomery Air Traffic Control Tower Specialists

MONTGOMERY FIELD AFSS
OPERATION TAKE OFF
DATE: Sat., May 25, 9 A.M.-1 P.M.
Location: San Diego Automated Flight Service Station - 4302 Ponderosa Avenue
Contact: Orrin Kelso at the AFSS for info and reservations - (619) 277-0503
Sponsor: San Diego Automated Flight Service Station Specialists

CALEXICO
SECOND ANNUAL WINGS ACROSS THE BORDER SEMINAR
DATE: Fri., May 3, 8 A.M.-4 P.M.
Location: Calexico Community Center, 700 Dool Avenue, Calexico, CA
Sponsors: U.S. Customs - Airport Coordinator, (619) 357-7307,
Calexico International Airport, (619) 768-2175

BROWN FIELD
A FRESH LOOK AT WEATHER - SDM ATCT OPERATION SUNBREAK
DATE: Tues., May 14, 7-9 P.M.
Location: Kome Flight Service - (619) 661-6997
Speaker: Dale Kome & Victoria Tucker, CFI/ FAA Aviation Safety Counselors SDM FAA/ATC Personnel
Sponsor: San Diego Association of Aviation Safety Counselors & SDM ATCT

PALOMAR AIRPORT
ON LANDINGS - PART I
DATE: Thurs., May 16, 7-9 P.M.
Location: Mission West Conference Room
Speaker: Keith Ballenger - FSDO Safety Program Manager
Sponsor: Four Winds Aviation

RAMONA
NON-TOWER AIRPORT TRAFFIC PATTERN PROCEDURES
DATE: Tues., May 21, 7-9 P.M.
Location: Skyline Flight Academy
Speaker: Jimmy Carter - FAA Designated Aviation Safety Counselor
Sponsor: County of San Diego/Airports Division - USFS - FAA

GILLESPIE FIELD
METAR/TAF
DATE: Wed., May 22, 7-9 P.M.
Location: Terminal Building
Speaker: Cal Bender - FAA Designated Aviation Safety Counselor
Sponsor: San Diego Association of Aviation Safety Counselors

MONTGOMERY FIELD
SAN DIEGO FSDO ACCIDENT TRENDS
DATE: Tues., May 28, 7-9 P.M.
Location: FAA Flight Standards District Office - (619) 557-5281
Speaker: Keith Ballenger - FSDO Safety Program Manager
Sponsor: San Diego FSDO Safety Program

IMPERIAL COUNTY AIRPORT
INADVERTENT FLIGHT INTO THUNDERSTORMS
DATE: Thurs., May 30, 7-9 P.M.
Location: Terminal Building - 2nd Floor Conference Room
Speaker: Jacqueline Price - FAA Designated Aviation Safety Counselor
Sponsor: San Diego Association of Aviation Safety Counselors

ONTARIO TOWER LETTER TO AIRMEN NO: 96-1

SUBJECT: Movement Areas and Areas of Non-Visibility from the Control Tower

CANCELLATION: April 1, 1998

This letter advises users of Ontario International Airport of Ontario Air Traffic Tower's responsibility with regard to ground movement of aircraft and vehicular traffic.

The provision of Ontario Tower Ground Control service is limited to aircraft and vehicles operating on airport runways and taxiways. Aircraft and vehicular operations are required by the Department of Airports Ontario International Airport regulations to contact Ground Control for:

1. Approval to enter onto an airport movement area from loading ramps or parking areas.
2. Advisories prior to moving an aircraft within the loading ramps or parking areas.

Due to obstructed vision, Ontario Tower is unable to provide airport traffic control service in the following areas:

Portions of Taxiway Foxtrot, southwest of Runway 26L/8R.

Inasmuch as these areas are obscured from control tower view, flight crews, maintenance personnel and/or aircraft operators are urged to exercise extreme vigilance when operating in these designated non-visibility area.

Any questions and/or comments regarding the above, may be directed to the Air Traffic Manager or Quality Assurance and Training Specialist, Monday through Friday between 8:00am and 3:30pm at (909) 605-0057.

Ora B. King
Air Traffic Manager
Ontario Air Traffic Control Tower

CANCELLATION: March 3, 1998

On March 31, 1996, between the hours of 12:01 am PST and 06:00 am PST, the new Los Angeles Airport Traffic Control Tower (ATCT) will become fully operational. This new facility is located West of the Airport Theme Structure and is approximately 100 feet higher providing a more central and efficient visual perspective of the airport. This preferred location and more spacious tower cab environment will enable air traffic control specialists to provide a more efficient service now and in the future.

Administrative personnel will be relocated to the new facility on March 4, 1996. The new mailing address will be : 245 World Way North, Los Angeles, CA 90045. Telephone (310) 342-4900.

John F. O'Leary III
Air Traffic Manager
Los Angeles ATCT

BURBANK TOWER LETTER TO AIRMEN 96-1

SUBJECT: PRE-DEPARTURE CLEARANCE AVAILABILITY AT BURBANK AIRPORT

CANCELLATION: June 1, 1998

On November 16, 1995, an automation data link between Burbank Air Traffic Control Tower (ATCT) and authorized users became available, enabling utilization of Pre-Departure Clearances (PDC). The PDC process allows transmission of IFR departure clearances and related local information from the Tower Flight Data Input/Output system to a participating aircraft via the participant's network computer system by data communication transfer. The PDC process virtually eliminates the need for verbal communication between Burbank Clearance Delivery and participating aircraft, reducing verbiage and frequency congestion. Additional benefits result from reducing the opportunity for misunderstandings by providing the participating flight crew with a printed copy.

Those requesting to participate in PDC at Burbank Airport must contact:

Federal Aviation Administration
Project Lead for Aeronautical Data Link, AND-310
800 Independence Avenue, SW.
Washington, D.C. 20591

Sherry Avery
Air Traffic Manager
Burbank Tower

Alert No.212 March Issue page 2
BEECH MODEL S35 Cabin Emergency Exit Windows
During an annual inspection it was found that both left and right emergency exit windows were sealed shut with a "silicone" substance in an attempt to prevent water from entering the cabin. The sealing substance had been so heavily applied that it was necessary to pry the windows open. The submitter stated that it appeared this condition had existed for several annual inspections. Obviously, the consequences of an accident requiring the use of these emergency exits could have produced disastrous results. All emergency systems are vital to the aircraft occupants and should be respected and maintained accordingly.

Alert No.212, March Issue page 5
CESSNA MODEL 152 Elevator Torque Tube
During 100 hour inspection, the right side of elevator torque tube (P/N 0434155-2) was found to be cracked adjacent to the weld in the attachment plate.

The aircraft is used for flight training. The maintenance records did not reflect any past damage history in this area. Part total time 6,765 hours.

The following article was submitted by the FAA's Manufacturing District Office (ANE-MIDO-44) located at New Cumberland, Pennsylvania. Only minor changes have been made.

"During an airworthiness certification inspection of a Challenger II aircraft kit, it was discovered that the seatbelt assemblies supplied by the kit manufacturer, Quad City Aircraft Corporation, were defective. The buckle may inadvertently open on impact, thereby negating the safety value of these assemblies.

The source of these belts is not known; however, they are of the metal-to-metal type, having a plastic front overlay with a pushbutton release, not unlike the type of belts installed in many automobiles, including those manufactured by General Motors and Ford Motor Company.The method used by the writer in testing these belts is to engage the buckle, then pull the belt assembly tight to simulate a load. By striking the aft face of the buckle assembly with the knuckles (recommend using a wooden hammer handle), a defective buckle will become disengaged.

We recommend testing all belts and harnesses which have buckles of this design. They should be replaced prior to further flight if this test causes buckle disengagement.

There was a televised news release on this problem approximately 1 year ago, as it impacted the automotive arena; however, we have been unable to obtain any automotive service bulletin, letter, or recall notice pertaining to this problem.

This office has notified all DAR personnel in this area to be especially watchful for this type of belt assembly, and to test these assemblies for this defect."

The above situations are not peculiar to just the above makes and models. These occurrences have been found in the past and could occur in the future "Keep'um Flying Safely."

The NORCAL & SOCAL can be found at: http://www.aero.com

The SOCAL can also be found at http://www.cco.caltech.edu/~aacit/faa_seminars.html

If you can receive the seminar schedule from the Internet, please let your local Safety Program Manager know at the next safety seminar.

Chuck Hicks, Jr.
Regional Safety Program Manager

PACE is a new acronym in the FAA's Aviation Safety Program. ( Pilot and Aircraft Courtesy Evaluation) The program's concept is simple. It offers pilots and aircraft owners an opportunity to request a nonadversial FAA review of their pilot techniques and aircraft's airworthiness without risk of FAA penalty.

Once a request is made by an owner or pilot to the local FSDO, FAA aviation safety inspectors will check pilots and their aircraft for compliance with the appropriate Practical Test Standards(PTS), FAR, and airworthiness requirements, respectively. Any inadvertent discrepancies found by the inspectors will be noted and the pilot or aircraft owner will then be responsible for correcting them.

The program goal is as simple as its concept: to increase aviation safety through the voluntary efforts of airman and the FAA by detecting and correcting any inadvertent noncompliance before it causes an accident or incident.

PACE'S "no penalty" policy gives pilots and aircraft owners the opportunity to have the FAA review their compliance with the FAR's and PTS without risk, and gives them the freedom to ask questions and discuss their problems with the FAA without fear.

PACE PAMPHLETS HAVE BEEN MADE AVAILABLE AT ALL LONG BEACH & LOS ANGELES SAFETY SEMINARS SINCE APRIL FIRST AND WILL CONTINUE UNTIL MAY 12.

If you desire more information please call the Safety Program Managers listed: LGB - Kevin Clover (310) 421-7655, Los Angeles - Jim Whitehead (310) 641-8211.

PACE PROGRAM SCHEDULE
DATE: SAT & SUN - MAY 18, 19 - 9:00AM - ?
LOCATION: WEST COAST PILOTS EXPO - BRACKETT FIELD & FAIRPLEX EXPOSITION COMPLEX
SPONSOR: LONG BEACH & LOS ANGELES FSDO'S

We pilots score high in achievement, that is, in our ability to accomplish tasks. We can argue our point of view and are willing to do new things. In other words, we are a pretty darned talented bunch.

But in spite of our talents, those nasty accident reports keep challenging our sense of ourselves. According to Safety Update, Volume 7, Edition 11, the probable cause of the 1995 accidents roughly fell into these categories:

Are the accident pilots just a bunch of "crazies" or are they people like us, and how are we alike?

A dedicated group of CFI's met this February for a series of evenings to explore the whys of accidents and how we could, through risk assessment and standards, minimize the threat to ourselves and others. Again, according to research, we pilots don't score high on letting others provide help. 1 These meetings were an exception.

Sponsored by Kevin Clover, Safety Manager at the Long Beach FSDO, and facilitated by Kathleen O'Brien, Accident Prevention Counselor, we broke the mold. Setting aside our cloaks of rugged individualism, we banded together to explore aviation problems and learn from each other's knowledge and experience. Our goal was to find clear simple answers to the questions about flight decision making and whether judgment really can be taught. Beginning with ourselves, we took a hard look at how we make decisions outside of aviation, and how our tendencies might translate into risk factors. Hawthorne Flight Service personnel supported us with several hours of in-depth discussion on the effect weather decisions have on safety. "CJ" Johnson and Steve Riez brought us current on the best methods for using the services available at FSS.

We applied our expanded awareness to situations encountered everyday as pilots and instructors. Decisions weren't quite as cut and dried as we had hoped or assumed. "Have enough fuel to complete the intended flight, plus enough..." "Yes but what is enough? How do we measure it?" "When does the weather impact this decision?"

We investigated from inside ourselves to outside to inside again. Our scrutiny shone a bright light on our own personal values and how our principles translated and didn't translate into our lives as fearless aviators and teachers. Being situationally aware took on greater meaning and impact.

In the end we had a fuller understanding of what is really takes to be that dauntless pilot. We prospected for our personal standards and risk assessment tools. The gold we struck shines with new insights and renewed dedication to our field. If you want to avail yourself of this newly mined gold, Kevin Clover has the list of participant instructors and a way to contact them. You too can find gold in them thar hills!

1 AVIATION PSYCHOLOGY Prof. Chaytor Mason

PHASE II
Glenn Miller
Henry Waldman

PHASE III
John Hanisco

PHASE IV
Daryoush Aryapour
Michael Duggan

PHASE X
Dr. H. Ghanimifard

LGB FSDO
PHASE I
Eleanor Westerlin
Anthony Johnson III
Fred Powers, Jr.
Seisuke Kozaki
John Bauer
Cline Duff
Gusso Piergiodrio
Mark Frankford
Sean Cussen

PHASE III
Jimmy Kontos

PHASE VII
William Miller

SAN FSDO
PHASE I
Nathan Andersen
Luis Hernandez
Ralph Rhodes

PHASE II
Gary Prentice
Richard Turpin

PHASE III
Jerry Bransford
Richard Cline
D. Lindley Henry
Emmanuel Remy

PHASE VI
Linda Parker

PHASE VII
John Barnes

VNY FSDO
PHASE I
Onace Long
Paul Ladegard
Paul Liedberg
Michael Spindler
Richard Ernst
Yehuda Arazi
Rollin Gibson

PHASE II
Eric Seiberlich
Gayle Roth
Tony Neubert
Reid Pendleton

PHASE III
Fred Carr

PHASE IV
Robert Grimes
Michael Vivion

PHASE V
Onder Tarakci

PHASE VI
Gerhard Holscher

PHASE VII
George Fischer

RAL FSDO
PHASE I
Brent Carmack
Allesandro Traversari-Luken
Dean Williams
Dennis Sharp

PHASE II
Gary Brown

PHASE IV
Jerry Kerns

PHASE V
Bryan Rosen

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