The military had said that it would release a report on the balloon but that doesn't seem likely now. Last month Secretary of State Antony Blinken visited China on a trip that was initially canceled because of the balloon incident. When he was asked if he discussed it with the Chinese officials he said that he had and that would be the end of it. "We said what we needed to say and made clear what we needed to make clear in terms of this not happening again, and so long as it doesn't, that chapter should be closed," Blinken told CBS.
Does a Student Pilot Certificate qualify for preventative maintenance privileges? The FAA issues that Certificate under Part 61. Please let me know the answer. Thanks.
My interpretation of the reg is that replacing brake linings is NOT Preventative Maintenance. Changing the oil may be considered servicing rather than maintenance I suppose. It is interesting that it isn’t listed in Appendix A. Of course, neither is refueling.
A lot of Preventative Maintenance depends upon the LOCAL interpretation of the FAA. I’m an A&P/IA and a customer was REMOVING brake assemblies for a Cleveland brake STC. I wasn’t there when the FAA guy peeked into the hangar and cited the individual for performing work not authorized as a pilot without an A & P. So I had to present my case that since he was only REMOVING , not installing the brake assemblies, that he shouldn’t be cited. That cleared the issue but you have to be careful what you are doing. As far as electrical wiring repairs, I doubt that most FAA folks would consider that Preventative Maintenance. If you are installing LED’s in lieu of incandescent bulbs, you MAY need an STC and a 337. And I can’t tell you how many aircraft I have worked on where the owner added AUTOMOTIVE brake fluid , NOT -5606! I highly recommend that owners work closely with an A & P or IA to stay out of trouble, and stick to those tasks that they are qualified to do.
Does the Ford service center let you help out so you can save money?
Do you like spending money for mistakes you made (ex. snapped bolts)?
Do you train people for free in your field of work knowing they don’t really care or understand the consequences?
Do Aircraft mechanics actually do Annuals for a case of beer anymore?
After you pull the brake pads off your bonanza wheel do you know how to bleed the brakes and have the equip. to reservice the system after the brake pistons slowly came out and drained a quart on floor?
Do you like talking to the insurance company after brake pads where installed incorrectly and tailwheel aircraft went off runway on takeoff?
Do you live in remote Alaska where bears attack aircraft frequently?
Do you have unlimited amounts of cash and time?
If you answered yes to any of these there may be some hope of saving a few bucks on aircraft owner maint.
The FAA does not own and is not responsible for YOUR aircraft. Who does the maintenance is very little importance compared to just getting the maintenance done and done proper. That’s why most experimental aircraft are so well maintained. (Largest fleet of aircraft are Van’s Aircraft Homebuilts).
{91.3 Responsibility and authority of the pilot in command.
(a) The pilot in command of an aircraft is directly responsible for, and is the final authority as to, the operation of that aircraft.}
Dirty Harry in Magnum Force played by Clint Eastwood: “A Man’s Got to Know His Limitations”.
No matter what your mechanical expertise, 50 year A&P/IA or fresh minted Private Pilot, read the manuals and service publications. Determine whether you understand and have the proper tools? We all start out Ignorant in life and seek out education and knowledge… The piece of paper on the wall or plastic card in your wallet just shows you’re a ‘Seeker’ for knowledge in the category stated on the document. Doesn’t mean you know it, just means you seek it.
{91.403 General.
(a) The owner or operator of an aircraft is primarily responsible for maintaining that aircraft in an airworthy condition, including compliance with part 39 of this chapter.}
Next time be more careful, Mr. Jinping…
Chinese spies posing as tourists trying to get access to our bases are caught with surveillance equipment (i.e. as in drone), can leave sensors behind, as well, so says retired general Dave Deptula. Just do a search, folks. To bad actors, signs of weakness, are opportunities of encouragement.
Funny that back in April they were saying that the “raft of antennas and sensors” aboard the spy balloon were “unidentifiable”. Now they are saying that these are all commercial off the shelf items from the US. We are helping them spy on us.
Is he really their boy?
May be not and I dont think so.
But a facilitator that doesn’t see the dangers that the facilities can cause to the occident, may be.
And another gigantic hoo-ha fades into history, carrying with it vast stores of the unlikely and largely fact-free speculations that masqueraded as “news” day after day.
I am going to speculate that it was a negotiated joint press release. Anything is possible, except the truth, that results from “negotiations”. The goal was to make each side “look good”. Saving Face?