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iFlightPlanner for iPad users may now download airport and navigation data as well as aeronautical charts, georeferenced airport diagrams and terminal procedures for the FAA Data Cycle that goes into effect on February 2, 2017.  Simply tap the button in the upper-left corner of the Downloads tab to "Check For Updates".

Pilots using iFlightPlanner.com or mobile.iFlightPlanner.com from their smartphones will see the iFlightPlanner Cloud automatically make the transition to the new data at 9:01Z on February 2.

In anticipation of a large number of aircraft operating in the Houston, Texas area during the week of Super Bowl LI, the following special air traffic procedures will be used to minimize air traffic delays and enhance safety.

Temporary routes have been instituted into/out of the Houston Terminal area to optimize the traffic flow for the Houston satellite airports.  These temporary routings are designed to increase the efficiency of the Houston TRACON airspace minimize air traffic delays.  Note that some normal arrival and departure routes will not be available within 350nm of the Houston Terminal Airspace between Thursday, February 2 and Monday, February 6th.  The preferred arrival and departures routes that have been modified for this event are defined below for the airports within 60nm of NRG Stadium.  Airports that are not listed in the Preferred Arrival and Departure Routes should file and can expect normal arrival and departure routings.

IFR airborne filings within the terminal area should not be expected. IFR changes of destination will not be granted within 350nm of the Houston Terminal Airspace except in emergency situations.  Duplicate flight plans (same time/call sign) to multiple airport destinations are subject to removal from the system.

» 2017 Super Bowl LI Special Air Traffic Procedures

» FlytoSuperBowl LI.org

By Rob Mark, FLYING

Pilots operating under FAR Part 91 who have held an FAA medical certificate within the past 10 years will have an alternative, voluntary path to certify they are healthy enough to fly.

The FAA said it supports the new rule called BasicMed because it “will simplify our regulations and keep general aviation flying affordable.” BasicMed, written into a new Part 68 of the FARs that takes effect May 1, 2017, means pilots will be able to fly certain aircraft without holding a medical certificate, providing they comply with a number of FAA provisions.

The BasicMed rule requires pilots opting to use the no-medical-certificate route possess a valid driver’s license and have completed a medical education course within the previous 24 months. The rule also restricts pilots to operating airplanes carrying no more than six people and weighing no more than 6,000 pounds — rotorcraft and turbine-powered are included — but below 18,000 feet and not faster than 250 kias. Both VFR and IFR day/night operations are permitted under the new rules.

» Read more from FLYING

Official airport, navigation and chart data for the FAA's 56-day cycle beginning 1/5/17 became current today as of 09:01Z.  This includes updated georeferenced data for airport diagrams and instrument approach procedures available in iFlightPlanner for iPad.

Anytime you access iFlightPlanner.com or mobile.iFlightPlanner.com you can be confident that you are seeing the most current and accurate data available.  To ensure that iFlightPlanner for iPad is current, simply tap "Check for Updates" in the upper-left corner of the Downloads tab.  The app will quickly tell you which packages need to be updated!

The iFlightPlanner Crew
PLAN. FLY. LOG.

iFlightPlanner for iPad users may now download airport and navigation data as well as aeronautical charts, georeferenced airport diagrams and terminal procedures for the FAA Data Cycle that goes into effect on January 5, 2017.  Simply tap the button in the upper-left corner of the Downloads tab to "Check For Updates".

Pilots using iFlightPlanner.com or mobile.iFlightPlanner.com from their smartphones will see the iFlightPlanner Cloud automatically make the transition to the new data at 9:01Z on January 5.