Cleared for Takeoff Blog
From safety oversight to technology innovations, the FAA Blog shares insights that keep the public and aviation community informed about how we're keeping the nation's skies safe.
America’s Freedom Plane Takes Flight
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The National Archive’s Freedom Plane took off from the Coast Guard Hangar at Reagan Washington National Airport on March 2 as part of America’s Freedom 250 celebration. Dubbed “Archive One,” the Freedom Plane will ferry national treasures -- together and through the air for the first time -- to eight U.S. cities where they will be on display in prominent museums free to the public. See our coverage and learn about this historic mission.
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The National Archive’s Freedom Plane took off from the Coast Guard Hangar at Reagan Washington National Airport on March 2 as part of America’s Freedom 250 celebration. Dubbed “Archive One,” the Freedom Plane will ferry national treasures -- together and through the air for the first time -- to eight U.S. cities where they will be on display in prominent museums free to the public. See our coverage and learn about this historic mission.
Before Packing for a Flight, Read the Fine Print
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Following your airline’s packing restrictions can prevent property loss, injury, and fines. Let’s look at some examples of the hazard warnings you might see and what items you can and can’t bring on board.
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Following your airline’s packing restrictions can prevent property loss, injury, and fines. Let’s look at some examples of the hazard warnings you might see and what items you can and can’t bring on board.
From the Oval Office to the Skies: U.S. Presidents in the Aviation Age
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The age of aviation has run through nearly half of our nation’s history. Since the Wright brothers took flight, 22 U.S. presidents, starting with Theodore Roosevelt, Jr., have witnessed and helped propel aviation forward.
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The age of aviation has run through nearly half of our nation’s history. Since the Wright brothers took flight, 22 U.S. presidents, starting with Theodore Roosevelt, Jr., have witnessed and helped propel aviation forward.
Best Super Bowl Play: Avoid Illegal Air Charters
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The FAA has a clear message for people considering a charter flight to the Super Bowl or any other venue: Use good judgment and avoid signing on with an illegal or uncertificated operation that exposes you to unwanted safety risks and potential liability.
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The FAA has a clear message for people considering a charter flight to the Super Bowl or any other venue: Use good judgment and avoid signing on with an illegal or uncertificated operation that exposes you to unwanted safety risks and potential liability.
First Flight in America
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George Washington and four future presidents witnessed our nation’s first aviation milestone in Philadelphia, 1793, when Jean-Pierre Blanchard, the French aeronaut and pioneer of gas balloon flight, took to the air in a hydrogen-filled balloon from the interior yard of the Walnut Street Prison.
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George Washington and four future presidents witnessed our nation’s first aviation milestone in Philadelphia, 1793, when Jean-Pierre Blanchard, the French aeronaut and pioneer of gas balloon flight, took to the air in a hydrogen-filled balloon from the interior yard of the Walnut Street Prison.
A Chair, a Wheelbarrow and Two Flags
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How Archie League Helped Pioneer Air Traffic Control
His office was a beach chair. His ‘control tower’ a wheelbarrow housing two rolled-up flags. The checkered flag signaled GO. The red flag commanded HOLD. With those tools to communicate with pilots Archie William League became America’s first air traffic controller at the St. Louis airfield. A lunch pail, drinking water, notepad and umbrella helped him get through the day. His hire date was January 1, 1929.
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How Archie League Helped Pioneer Air Traffic Control
His office was a beach chair. His ‘control tower’ a wheelbarrow housing two rolled-up flags. The checkered flag signaled GO. The red flag commanded HOLD. With those tools to communicate with pilots Archie William League became America’s first air traffic controller at the St. Louis airfield. A lunch pail, drinking water, notepad and umbrella helped him get through the day. His hire date was January 1, 1929.
Surviving the Season
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Best Practices for Winter Weather Readiness
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Best Practices for Winter Weather Readiness
Make Your Winter Safety List, Check It Twice. Don’t be Naughty, Watch Out for Snow and Ice.
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Pilots face new challenges as temperatures drop and precipitation falls. Here are the FAA’s top tips for pilots operating in winter weather.
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Pilots face new challenges as temperatures drop and precipitation falls. Here are the FAA’s top tips for pilots operating in winter weather.
A Legacy of Greatness
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How the Wright Brothers Transformed Our World
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How the Wright Brothers Transformed Our World
Keeping Aviation’s Slow, Low and Beautiful Element Safe
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How the FAA Helps Enhance Hot-Air Balloon Safety at the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta and Nationwide
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How the FAA Helps Enhance Hot-Air Balloon Safety at the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta and Nationwide