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FAAST Blast
Notice Number: NOTC4592

Aviation Safety a Key Feature of Northwest Aviation Tradeshow
Shake off the raindrops and the snowflakes and come spend two days in Puyallup, Wash., this weekend (Feb 23-24) at the Northwest Aviation Conference & Trade Show. In addition to 122,000 square-feet of aviation displays and exhibits, you’ll also find nearly 50 safety presentations eligible for FAA WINGS credit. Seminars and workshops cover aviation maintenance, weather, rotorcraft, seaplane safety, and more. Also, a new feature at this year’s event is an aviation career and business forum, a pre-conference event held on Friday, Feb. 22.

For a detailed description and schedule of events, visit http://www.washington-aviation.org/NACoverview.html. This year marks the 30th anniversary of the Northwest Aviation Conference, a premier aviation safety event in Washington.

Bulletin Issued for Cessna Hydraulic Power Pack Systems
On Feb. 8, 2013, the FAA issued a Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin (SAIB) advising owners and operators of select Cessna 172/182/210/303 airplanes of an airworthiness concern regarding landing gear hydraulic power pack systems. The SAIB was issued as a result of an inflight fire onboard a 172RG that may have been caused by improper installation of terminal lugs and covers to a hydraulic power pack motor. For more details, see the SAIB at http://go.usa.gov/4z73

Safety Equipment Important in Agricultural Operations
The FAA recently issued an Information for Operators (InFO) bulletin that reminds pilots about the importance of properly using safety equipment during agricultural aircraft operations. The bulletin was issued after agricultural aircraft accident investigations have revealed evidence of pilots striking the instrument panel due to improper use of shoulder harnesses and/or safety belts. The bulletin recommends developing standard procedures for fastening shoulder harnesses when not in conflict with required duties, avoiding improper placement of aftermarket equipment on the instrument panel, and encourages the use of DOT-approved helmets to reduce the risk of head injuries. For more details, see the InFO at http://go.usa.gov/4zfP.

Preventing DUI in the Sky
FAA aerospace doctors and physiologists are concerned with increasing patterns of recreational drug and alcohol abuse among aviators. Do you know how alcohol and drug consumption affect the decision-making process? If not, a great way to learn more is by checking out the article “None for the Road” in the Jan/Feb 2013 issue of FAA Safety Briefing at http://1.usa.gov/FAA_ASB.

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