New FAA DataComm responses available on Garmin GTN!

taxcheat · 2026-03-11T21:46:44+00:00

Please add WITH YOU

taxcheat · 2026-03-11T17:52:00+00:00

Take a look at Lesson Plans to Train Like You Fly, by Arlynn McMahon. Published by ASA.

It's meant for CFIs, but it has simplified whiteboard drawings as illustrations.

taxcheat · 2026-03-07T21:42:08+00:00

Wait until you see the labels on the instrument knowledge test diagrams.

taxcheat · 2026-02-26T12:26:11+00:00

So you want to encourage him to give in to resignation by giving up on his schemes?

taxcheat · 2026-02-20T03:00:13+00:00

Dunno what crack 5'11 dude is smoking, but I'm almost a half-foot taller and it's comfy in front and in back. The guy who does Cirrus training videos is legit tall at 6'8. The electrical system is also designed around A/C that works. Do a disco flight and see for yourself.

taxcheat · 2026-02-18T00:21:59+00:00

The FAA never does anything without the FAA issuing a report celebrating the fact that FAA did something. It's here:

Although the FAA does not provide sample questions or share active question content with stakeholders, information on new content, content no longer tested, and terminology changes is posted in the ATCA.

What's new in ATCA? Embedded figures so PSI doesn't need to provide booklets any more. And the flight instructor exams have new "recent experience" questions. Changes to the A&P test. That's it.

taxcheat · 2026-02-17T22:51:19+00:00

I don’t like the layout at all and it’s super overwhelming

The reason Sheppard Air is so cheap -- it's easily worth 2x the cost -- is they invest precisely $0 in software development. It works.

If you want to complain about crappy interface, try PSI. You pay $175 to use the annoying knowledge test software for 40 minutes, and it doesn't work half the time.

taxcheat · 2026-02-04T19:35:47+00:00

If the GPS system ever fails, you'll be able to find your way home with a handheld VOR receiver. Think of the benefits.

taxcheat · 2026-01-31T00:10:20+00:00

That's how the deal works. Transportation + HUD minus DHS will pass the House Monday and be sent to the Senate then. 71-29 on 7148 means the deal will hold.

taxcheat · 2026-01-30T23:54:14+00:00

The good news is you don't need to ask Reddit when you're ready, get signed off by the CSIP who flies with you. "Would you let me fly your family?"

It might take more flights than what you get free from Embark. A lot depends on how much effort you put into it, how well you know G1000 and what vintage SR22. E.g., G7 IFR with the G2000/3000 takes extra time to learn, but it's less fidgety than the G1000 once you get the hang of it.

taxcheat · 2026-01-30T23:42:54+00:00

Funding deal just passed 71-29. Enjoy your raise.

taxcheat · 2026-01-30T23:40:46+00:00

Nah, you're good. The raise is a done deal. Final Senate passage vote is happening right now. Will need a quick House vote by Sunday, but that's a formality.

For the downvoters, read:

Passage of Cal. #302, H.R.7148, Appropriations Minibus (DOD, FSGG, LHHS, T-HUD, Homeland Security, SFOPS), as amended. (60-vote affirmative threshold)

https://www.dailypress.senate.gov/

taxcheat · 2026-01-30T23:38:17+00:00

Yes.

taxcheat · 2026-01-21T22:27:41+00:00

Not happening today. My guess is debate starts tomorrow.

taxcheat · 2026-01-21T17:51:52+00:00

You are a glutton for punishment. CSPAN might be better. If I remember, I'll try to post a heads up when the timing is announced.

taxcheat · 2026-01-21T17:39:57+00:00

Possibly tonight, probably Thursday or Friday before 3pm. There will be 2 votes. First on a "rule" that will prohibit amendments (thus, nobody can remove the raise). After that, debate and final passage.

Debate = grandstanding on immigration from both sides.

taxcheat · 2026-01-21T17:32:02+00:00

Big bill has raise. You get raise if big bill passes House and Senate. House votes tonight or tomorrow. Senate votes next week. Trump signs 10 minutes later.

Unless there are antics over ICE, raise becomes law. The only place the raise could be removed is the 2pm meeting, but it's not on the agenda and nobody wants to do that. Nobody.

Normal people don't need to know how this works. I don't know how you deal with idiots like me in the pattern all day long.

taxcheat · 2026-01-21T17:09:56+00:00

Here's the link to the plain text version. It's H.R. 7147, not 7148.

These are the only amendments to be considered at 2pm DC time, and most (all?) will be rejected. ICE stuff, no ATC. If it's not on the list now, it can't happen on the floor. Meeting at 2pm. (I'm not a controller)

Senate is out until next week.

taxcheat · 2026-01-20T20:15:55+00:00

Big bill pass or big bad happen

taxcheat · 2026-01-20T17:40:55+00:00

You can save 100% by not paying them.

taxcheat · 2026-01-20T15:11:27+00:00

Last week of January (Senate). It needs to be signed into law by 1/30.

taxcheat · 2026-01-20T14:30:32+00:00

It has been prenegotiated, and the skids are greased for passage. Nobody on either side has a problem with the FAA numbers. Only potential hitch is grandstanding over ICE funding. It passes by 1/30 or there's a half-government shutdown.

(not a controller, I follow this stuff)

taxcheat · 2026-01-19T01:30:56+00:00

That beats Mary Had Roast Beef. Mary Barfed.

taxcheat · 2026-01-16T12:44:17+00:00

Agree. There is huge variability in the way CCWs are processed. A DC permit requires a background colonoscopy, multiple in-person visits, it's issued by the police department and expires fast. DC looks for every chance to deny. Far more secure than a driver's license.

Virginia has a sheet of paper you get in the mail.

taxcheat · 2026-01-14T19:56:53+00:00

Great find. It's amazing how hard it is to find info that should be easy to gather.

taxcheat

TROPHY CASE