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August 21, 2014

Airborne 08.20.14: Unstable FAA Software, Pilots Can't Share, Hurricane Hunters

Also: New CAP Boss, Eclipse Fights Slow Economy, Skyport, MGL Upgrades, Lee Bottom Fly-In

The Department of Transportation Inspector General has issued a memo to the FAA Administrator pointing out weaknesses in the Standard Terminal Automation Replacement System (STARS) being deployed at 11 major airports around the country. The concept seems fairly simple. Private pilots would offer extra seats in their airplanes through the AirPooler app and website, and the passengers would help offset some of the expenses of making the trip. AirPooler would calculate the shared cost, bill the passenger, and collect a small transaction fee for offering the service.

"So it's a very sad state of affairs when we are now halted, not through any physical impasse or barrier to aviation but purely through an apparent lack of enthusiasm from one government Agency to even be bothered to respond to a simple request asked from another Agency." Source: Norman Surplus.

Lines or bands of low-level clouds that move (feed) into the updraft region of a thunderstorm, usually from the east through south (i.e., parallel to the inflow).

Hatz Biplane Association

The official webpage of the Hatz Biplane Association, dedicated to the education and enjoyment of building and flying Hatz CB-1, Classic, Bantam, and Kelly-D biplanes.