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09/14/04 - DUATS IS ACCESSIBLE TO SPORT PILOTS
FAA’s Direct User Access Terminal Service, better known to pilots as DUATS, is available to sport pilots operating under the privileges of the new sport pilot/light-sport rule, according to Martin Weaver, manager of the FAA's Light-Sport Aviation Branch.
DUATS is a free, FAA-sponsored weather information and flight-planning service for pilots, dispatchers and others authorized by the FAA. DUATS provides weather and flight planning services for the United States, including Alaska, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico.
The FAA uses a pilot’s FAA medical certificate to identify authorized (DUATS) users. To ensure the same level of security, DUATS requests sport pilots with any level of FAA pilot certificate (Sport Pilot, Recreational, Private, Commercial, or ATP) or holders of current ultralight pilot, instructor, or examiner permits e-mail a scanned copy of the appropriate certificate or permit to duats@duats.com to obtain their DUATS access code. A copy of the appropriate certificate can also be faxed to DUATS at 866/565-3828.
Once an ultralight pilot obtains his or her actual sport pilot certificate, DUATS also requests the pilot fax or e-mail to them a copy of that new certificate.
Pilots who have not received their DUATS access code within 5 days of requesting it should contact the DUATS Customer Service Department at 800/345-3828.
The flight planning databases contain only U.S. airports, navigational aids, and airways. Flight plan filing can only be done for plans that would be filed with U.S. FAA facilities (flight service stations for VFR flight plans and air traffic control facilities for IFR flight plans).
The security precautions are not meant to discourage legitimate users in any way. Legitimate users are encouraged to use DUATS as much as needed and without reservation. |
