Aviation Panel Working to Avoid Pilots’ Scary Mid-Flight ‘Pucker Factor’
Pennsylvania Congressman who is also pilot says that it’s important to avoid aviation accidents. “the pucker factor” American aviation must be given top priority.
“I don’t know if anybody’s familiar with catastrophic engine failure in flight, but I can guarantee you, it’s an unpleasant experience,” U.S. Rep. Scott Perry, R-Pa., discussed March 9 the possible consequences of using an environmentally-friendly fuel but the wrong type for an airplane’s engine.
Perry spoke at a hearing on the challenges facing India. “general aviation,” This includes all civil flying, except for scheduled passenger airlines.
Pilots feel what they call “mid-flight panic” when they are faced with mid-flight emergencies. “the pucker factor,” Perry stated, “The tension is so severe that “you can’t pull a fishing line out of your rear end with a tractor.”
For the sake of safety, pilots and passengers must not be endangered “insane Green New Deal woke ideology,” Perry stated.
He has raised concerns about safety versus ideology during the past few committee hearings as Congress works on a five-year plan for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), with a special section devoted to general aviation for the first time.
Perry now sees the truth of his fears “have become reality.” He points to a controversy over aviation fuel, which pits flight safety concerns against environmental ones—a top issue in general aviation.
‘The Engine Came Apart’
Santa Clara, California officials banned low-lead gasoline at their two airports starting in 2022.
Flying Magazine reports This was done to reduce lead pollution which is especially harmful to children. However, general aviation aircraft use this fuel to ensure safe operation of their engines.
Recently, a high power airplane was refueled at Santa Clara County. “the engine came apart shortly after takeoff,” said Mark Baker, president of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association.
Although he claimed that no one was injured in the accident, he did note several other incidents. “mis-fueling” Santa Clara County incidents
The ban on low-lead gasoline poses a problem in this county “a real threat to general aviation safety,” Baker said that it is being closely watched in aviation circles.
Baker suggested that Congress could help researchers working on low-lead fuels when they were asked about possible solutions. Both Perry and Baker emphasized the importance of affordable fuel alternatives.
Baker also suggested that Congress consider penalizing federally-funded airports for imposing bans on such fuels before viable alternatives are available.
Perry said that he thought it was worth considering “offensive,” “irresponsible,” And “unsafe” For airports to ban low level fuels now.
Low-lead, high-octane fuel is required for aircraft such as search-and rescue operations, disaster relief and law enforcement.
Some of these services are available in the following: “shelved” Baker is a Santa Clara County resident Written testimony To the Aviation Subcommittee, House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
Santa Clara policy “could have an unfortunate domino effect across the 5,000 public-use airports across this country, thereby posing significant consequences to general aviation in the United States,” Baker wrote. Baker wrote. “a safe transition” He said that 2030 would see lead-free gasoline.
Officials are trying to find a way to supply enough power to electric-powered flight.
General Aviation is ‘Backbone’
While commercial aviation tends to get more attention, general aviation is a $247 billion industry and supports more than 1.2 million jobs, Baker wrote.
This industry is present at almost 15,000 private landing sites nationwide, 10 times more than commercial airlines.
General aviation is actually a place that serves as an incubator for all pilots. Officials said that everyone who obtains a pilot’s licence starts in general aviation. “the backbone” American aviation
However, all areas of U.S. air traffic control are struggling to keep up with technological advances and face workforce shortages.
Help fill the “pipeline” Baker’s group has created a four-year aviation curriculum for high school students. Baker said that the program was available in 400 schools across 43 states and has reached more then 50,000 students. 70% of graduates report that they plan to pursue a career in aviation.
Baker is encouraging Congress to establish the National Center for the Advancement of Aviation.
Rep. Pete Stauber (R-Minn.), said he and Rep. Andre Carson (D-Ind.) A bipartisan measure to create a national aviation centre will be introduced again by Rep. Pete Stauber (R.Minn.).
Rep. Don Young (R-Ark.) Carson was a partner in this legislation work before his death in 2022.
Stauber said that he began working towards his private pilot license later in his life. The center’s proposed location is meant to stimulate aviation interest among young people.
Also, the center would “coordinate industry and government workforce efforts” He said that innovation should be encouraged.
Baker “the entire aviation industry” Supports the establishment of the center.
Upgrades are Required
He also encouraged Congress. “let the FAA focus on modernizing.”
He said that the FAA’s Notice to Air Missions system was badly in need of upgrading after it malfunctioned on Jan. 11. This caused a nationwide two-hour halt to air travel.
Other systems, such as air traffic control, pilot medical clearances and aircraft registration, must also be updated.
General aviation also faces unique challenges in addition the lead-fuel dilemma.
Baker wrote that in 2021, a survey of 800 airports revealed that 71% of them had a shortage on general aviation hangars.
His organization also receives thousands upon thousands of complaints from pilots who are subject to unexpected charges for public facilities. “tie-down fees, facility fees, infrastructure fees, access fees, security fees, and handling fees.”
“There is absolutely no reason a pilot should be charged exorbitant fees to park his or her aircraft when receiving no services,” Baker wrote.
“It doesn’t happen on our nation’s highway rest areas, and it shouldn’t happen at public-use airports.”
General aviation has seen a decrease in fatal and nonfatal accidents from 2000 to date, despite concerns. This is why there is so much excitement about the future of general aviation. Vertical takeoff aircraft and other “advanced air mobility” innovations.
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