Pilots can request extensions to temporary certificates online — If you are flying on a temporary airmen
certificate that is about to expire, the FAA has made it easier for you to request an extension. You don't even have to
leave your home computer.

The FAA added a new feature to its Airmen Certification Web site that allows you to submit an online request for temporary authority to exercise certificate privileges. All you need to do is establish an online account with the Airmen Certification Branch. Within minutes, the FAA can send the permission via an e-mail or fax. The extension is good for 60 days.

"This makes it easy for pilots to request an extension ," said Woody Cahall, AOPA vice president of aviation services.
"With the click of a few buttons, pilots can receive permission from the FAA within minutes to continue flying."

Because of the high number of airmen certificates that the FAA is processing, the administration recommends that pilots
first check its Interactive Airmen Inquiry Web site to see if their certificates have been entered into the database.
Before you can begin a search for your certificate, you must fill in some information about yourself, including your name, address, and the reason for your search. Calling the Airmen Certification Branch (866/878-2498) should be a last resort.

The FAA also lists on its site the issuance date of certificates that it is currently processing. If your certificate was issued after that date, then it has not been processed yet and there is no need to call or request an extension. If it is listed in the
database, and you are nearing the end of your 120-day temporary certificate but don't have your permanent, request an extension online.

Members flying on temporary certificates have been calling AOPA's Pilot Information Center (800/USA-AOPA) to find out
why they haven't received a permanent certificate in the mail when they have only a few days left on their temporary. Temporary certificates, which are issued by designated pilot examiners (DPEs), are good for 120 days.

In some cases, it is taking close to 120 days for pilots to receive their permanent certificates. Those who fly for a living, like
flight instructors, are particularly concerned because not having the permanent certificate could mean a loss of income.

"Every pilot is eager to receive his permanent certificate in the mail, so it is natural to worry a little when the permanent
hasn't arrived, and there are only a few days before the temporary expires," said Cahall. "Now, pilots can put their minds at ease by going to the FAA's Web site, researching their certificates, and requesting an extension if necessary."

For more information, contact AOPA's Pilot Information Center at 800/USA-AOPA or by e-mail.

Effective October 2004 - New Instrument PTS
The following major enhancements were made to FAA-S-8081-4D. It can be download from the faa website at
http://av-info.faa.gov/data/practicalteststandard/faa-s-8081-4d.pdf

• The reference section has been updated to current FAA publications in use.
• An abbreviation section has been added.
• The "plan of action" is more thoroughly explained to include the reference to use of scenarios.
• Practical tests perquisite requirements have been updated to current rules.
• The use of GPS for navigation and approaches has been clarified and the requirements for a GPS approach has
  been added.
• Approach terminology has ben updated to include Precision Approach (PA), Approach with Vertical Guidance
  (APV), and Nonprecision Approach (NPA). The requirements for their use have been clarified.
• Testing in modern aircraft with electronic flight instrument displays has been addressed.
• The use of autopilot and flight management during testing has been addressed.
• The requirement for the use of a view-limiting device has been clarified.
• The need for testing in Single-Pilot Resource Management has been addressed and clarified.
• Reference to the metric system has been eliminated.
• The body of the PTS has been updated to include electronic flight instrument displays, flight management systems,
  GPS, and autopilot usage.
• The need for testing basic instrument flight maneuvers throughout the practical test instead of being treated as separate TASKS has been addressed in AREA OF OPERATION IV.

Instrument Procedure Handbook — The Instrument Procedures Handbook (IPH), FAA-H-8261-1, is available on the
AFS-420 web page at: http://av-info.faa.gov/terps/IPH.htm. The IPH expands upon information contained in the Instrument Flying Handbook and introduces advanced information for IFR operations that will help pilots and flight crews keep up with the changes that are taking place in the NAS. The IPH is designed as a technical reference for professional pilots.
Flight instructors and instrument students may find this handbook a valuable training aid since it provides detailed coverage
of instrument charts and procedures including IFR takeoff, departure, en route, arrival, approach, and landing.
Safety information covering relevant subjects such as runway incursion, LAHSO, CFIT, and human factors issues also are included. Note that the IPH is now a reference for the Practical and Knowledge tests.

New and revised FAA Knowledge Handbook.
http://www.faa.gov/library/manuals/

Pilot Handbook of Aeronautical knowledge FAA-H-8083-25.
This handbook is a broad spectrum of knowledge is covered for pilots of all aircraft categories and classes. It should be
used in conjunction with other handbooks, which are category specific. The chapters have been significantly revised and should be reviewed to facilitate locating reference material. There is a separate chapter on Weather Theory and another chapter on Weather Reports, Forecasts and Charts. There are also separate chapters on Weight and Balance apart from Aircraft Performance. New chapter titles include Aircraft structure, Aerodynamics of Flight, Flight Controls, Aircraft Systems, Flight Manuals and other documents, and Aeronautical Decision Making. There is a new section on High Sped flight within
the Aerodynamics of Flight chapter.You can download this handbook at:
www.faa.gov/library/manuals/aviation/pilot_handbook/