The pilot in command of an aircraft carries huge responsibilities on his/her shoulders when operating an aircraft. The potential for catastrophic property damage and loss of life is inherent in air operations. Accordingly, FAR 91.103 provides in pertinent part, "Each pilot in command, shall before beginning a flight, become familiar with all available information concerning that flight."
Ask yourself this question, "How do the latest rule changes in the National Airspace System and operating regulations impact the way I conduct my flights?" If you fail to ardently strive to make yourself aware of changes, then the seeds for a chain of events leading to a busted regulation have already been planted. A great way to refresh your familiarity with the regulations and the changes is to review the FAR/AIM 2011 which is now available. Identifying changes to regulations and standard operating procedures is easily detected by the solid black bar that appears within the borders of the text in the FAR/AIM.
The FAR/AIM incorporates in one place all of the changes to rules and regulations affecting airmen since the last publication of the FAR/AIM in 2010. For instance, in February 2010, the FAA instituted a change that prohibits the operation of an aircraft under Parts 91, 125, and 135 with "polished frost" on the wings of stabilizer and control surfaces of the aircraft. If you missed the notification of this rule change, then a review of the FAR/AIM 2011 would alert you to the change.
To drive the point home, consider the legal impact. If an airmen operates an aircraft under Part 91 with the mistaken belief that polished frost is allowed, then the airmen has arguably failed to make himself/herself familiar with all available information prior to conducting the flight. While polished frost may not relate to your flying, it is a good bet that a handful of the other changes that appear in the FAR/AIM will impact the safety of your flying. As an airmen, the failure to make yourself aware of the changes could land you on the wrong side of an enforcement action resulting in separation from you with your hard earned cash at best, or with your certificate at worst.
The message is clear, utilize the resources available and take the time to review the newly updated FAR/AIM. The act will help you rediscover facts about safe operations that you may have forgotten and it is without question a necessary component for compliance with FAR 91.103. If you have questions about the points raised in this article, then contact Ronnie Gipson at gipson@higagipsonllp.com.
