Mike is correct. There are a number of small jets that are singe pilot authorized. That said there are a number of hoops that have to be jumber through. The airplane has to be certified for sp operations, the pilot has to be trained checked and qualified (e.g. type rated.) and so on. If you want to read more here's a paper written about the subject: https://www.faa.gov/data_research/research/med_humanfacs/oamtechreports/2010s/media/201317.pdf Another source of info is the Flight Standards Evaluation Board Report for the Cessna Citation which discusses all kinds of issues and requirements for pilots: https://www.faa.gov/sites/faa.gov/files/2022-08/FSBR_CE-501_551_Rev_0_Draft.pdf

(Written on 06/09/2023)(Permalink)

How do you know that the CFI has a current and valid airman certificate? How about his/her airman medical certificate? Recency of experience? If you're concerned ask the CFI to show you his/her logbook and ask to see proof of recency of experience. Requiring an expiration date on a flight instructor certificate is burdensome, costly, and provides no safety benefits. I do have some experience in the certification and renewals (and reinstatements) of CFIs and their certificates and have champion the removing of expiration dtates since the first time it wa proposed in 2007. . Best J Buck FAA Aviation Safety Inspector (Ret.) ATP DC-9 CFI ASMEL IA GI A&P Mech Acft Dispatcher FE TP TJ

(Written on 06/02/2023)(Permalink)

And the same as the Aircraft Dispatcher Certificate and Flight Engineer Certificate. In fact of all my certificates (6) only the CFI expires. I think the FAA is on the right track.

(Written on 06/02/2023)(Permalink)

The FAA's 12/7/2021 statement on 5G: https://www.faa.gov/newsroom/faa-statement-5g The two ADs: https://www.faa.gov/sites/faa.gov/files/2021-12/FRC_Document_AD-2021-01169-T-D.pdf https://www.faa.gov/sites/faa.gov/files/2021-12/FRC_Document_AD-2021-01170-R-D.pdf The FAA's SPECIAL AIRWORTHINESS INFORMATION BULLETIN https://rgl.faa.gov/Regulatory_and_Guidance_Library/rgSAIB.nsf/dc7bd4f27e5f107486257221005f069d/27ffcbb45e6157e9862587810044ad19/$FILE/AIR-21-18.pdf Best J Buck FAA Aviation Safety Inspector (Ret.)

(Written on 12/10/2021)(Permalink)

On August 16, 1987, Northwest Flight 255 crashed shortly after taking off from Detroit Metropolitan Airport, killing 156 people. There was one survivor. The DC-9-82 flightcrew did not use the pre-takeoff checklist and forgot to extend the flaps/slats for takeoff. The takeoff warning horn did NOT sound when the thrust levers were advanced. The NTSB found the takeoff warning horn circuit breaker was closed (ative.) No one ever figured out why the horn didn't sound. As an aside the aircraft did manage to get airborne but hit some tall lamp posts in the rental car parking lot and then went down on the freeway leading into the airport. I was the lead FAA inspector for the Airframe group. My recommendation is, and always has been, read and use the checklist for all phases of flight. Regardless of the size and complexity of the aircraft. Capt J Buck ATP DC-9 B757 B767 Flight Instructor Ground Instructor Aircraft Dispatcher A&P Mechanic Air Traffic Controller FAA Avi

(Written on 10/29/2021)(Permalink)

Wrong. NTSB investigators are very well qualified with most on the aviation side of the house being pilot, engineers, etc. Same as FAA inspectors. Best Capt J Buck ATP DC-9 B757 B767 Flight Instructor Ground Instructor Aircraft Dispatcher A&P Mechanic Air Traffic Controller FAA Aviation Safety Inspector (Ops & Aws) ((Ret.) FAA certified accident investigator (Ret.) ICAO Panel Member Aviation Safety Consultant

(Written on 10/15/2021)(Permalink)

It's IFR rating. Written and flight test required. Not an endorsement.

(Written on 10/15/2021)(Permalink)

Good grief, remember that? March 29th 1975 two World Airways 727-100s went to Da Nang without any clearance or State permission. One of the 727s was unable to land. The other 727 took off on the taxiway with about 270 in the cabin and another 60 or so in the cargo hold. All the while taking small arms fire from the gooks* Best Capt. J Buck Veteran, Viet Nam Police Action *sorry the use of the term gooks is politically incorrect, it should read NVA, Viet Minh or Viet Cong.

(Written on 08/18/2021)(Permalink)

I'd be interested in hearing the Captain's story. During takeoff were there any caution or warning lights, warning horns, etc. I would have thought that having a body of a person tangled up in your landing gear may have set off a warning or two. If not then then Boeing may want to suggest a means (albeit an expensive one) of detecting persons hiding in the wheel wells. Which they would install/retrofit (for a price.)

(Written on 08/18/2021)(Permalink)

Yes and Allegiant too. And if that works then Southwest (or maybe Breeze.) Best Capt J Buck ATP DC-9 B757 B767

(Written on 08/18/2021)(Permalink)