362436 (Ron) wrote:

Ha, I think so. I have the flight manuals now and have been studying those.
Sure are a lot of systems to learn.

But hey, it will be the first plane I have ever flown with TCAS!

And a 2000 gallon slurry tank too.

Since off-topic political discussions are common on this NG and
also because we've drifted somewhat off-topic into Part 135 ops,
perhaps you (and every other freedom-loving RAM reader who
cares to) could file your comments electronically to the FAA's latest
draconian "Air Tour" proposal. Just a quick, short response telling
the feds to leave the regs as they are presently will suffice.

Simply stated, the Air Tour NPRM would outlaw the ability of
commercial pilots to give sightseeing tours in everything from
short helicopter flights to scenic sunset tours in bi-wing Wacos!!

All sightseeing flights would have to be conducted under FAR Part
135, which is the same regulations governing charter airlines. As you
and I both know, it takes *hundreds* of hours to qualify as a Part 135
pilot not to mention Part 135 ops require reams of paperwork, a flight
manual, a maintenance manual, a "Chief Pilot," a "Check Airman,"
and "Chief Mechanic," and frequent proficiency check flights.

An excellent article entitled, "Save the Sightseeing Flights,"
published by the Aviation Foundation of America, may be seen
at: http://nationalairtours.org/sight.html

The FAA has published unofficial comments and discussions on
the Air Tour NPRM on a "Public Meeting Forum" at: http://66.89.54.45/.

And you may file your comments electronically at:
http://dms.dot.gov/search/searchResu...4521&searchTyp
e=docket.

For those who enjoy those scenic little sunset flights originating
from your local hometown airport, don't put this off as the deadline
to comment is April 19, 2004.