Under revised PTS, all of designated tasks must now be satisfactorily completed. Although a pilot and instructor can still tailor IPC to focus on tasks needing additional work, remainder of designated tasks will still need to be completed. This will increase time required for an IPC and may deter pilots from spending time and money for additional practice of specific tasks.

Another concern is requirement that an IPC candidate must now perform a circling approach. Unfortunately, this eliminates opportunity for an IPC candidate to fully complete an IPC using a computer-based trainer such as an Advanced AD. Although an Advanced AD will still qualify for completion of a majority of IPC requirements, if it does not have a wide, wrap-around display, a circling approach will be impossible and this portion of IPC will need to either be demonstrated in an aircraft or in a simulator that is equipped for such an approach.

This new requirement also has potential to increase cost of an IPC for a pilot. If pilot does not have access to an appropriate computer based trainer, he or she will need to perform a circling approach in an aircraft.

The revised PTS are here and are standards for conducting an IPC. Pilots should keep in mind that an IPC sign-off received after October 1, 2004 that does not comply with revised PTS will not be valid and may leave pilot operating without instrument currency. Both pilots and their instructors should review revised PTS to fully understand what tasks are required for an IPC.

As always, fly safe and fly smart.

Regardless of crash severity, majority of vehicles in single and two-vehicle crashes were going straight prior to crash.

The majority of persons killed or injured in traffic crashes were drivers (65 percent), followed by passengers (31 percent), pedestrians (3 percent), and pedal cyclists (2 percent).

In 2003, initial point of impact at time of collision happened 2,354 times (50 percent) in front of vehicle; compared to 382 times on left side, 188 times on right side, and 720 times in rear.

In 2003, 608 large trucks were involved in fatal truck accidents causes by rollovers.

Miscellaneous trucking revenue statistics

The truck driver makes 30.3 cents per mile. Average yearly income for a driver is $32,000 a year. The average owner operator makes slightly more.

Total revenue estimates are $255.5 billion. For hire or common carriers trucking companies generated revenue estimated at $97.9 billion about $18 billion more than air transportation. Private fleets generated revenue estimated at $121 billion.

Truck operating ratio is estimated at 95.2. This means for every dollar in revenue trucking company has a cost of 95.2 cents leaving a profit of 4.8 cents on every dollar.

The trucking industry contributes an estimate of $21.4 billion to operate on U.S. roads and highways.

The trucking industry accounts for 12.8 percent of all fuel purchased in U.S. Automobiles and light vehicles account for 63 percent of fuel purchases.