WASHINGTON, D.C. — In 2014 there were 2,294 national airspace violations. That would be an average of more than six every day. In most of these incidents the persons involved were licensed pilots. What do these abstract figures mean? Perhaps very little unless you were involved in one of the incidents. Or, unless you are […]
The end of an era
WASHINGTON, D.C. — It was the best of times and the worst of times. Charles Dickens said that in “A Tale of Two Cities.” But I’m saying it now for me. The worst of times is that at age 92, I must give up writing for General Aviation News the happenings in the nation’s capital and the […]
FAA reauthorization struggles begin
WASHINGTON, D.C. — FAA reauthorization is up for renewal next September and an indication of upcoming struggles over it was highlighted in a House of Representatives committee hearing in late November. A major disagreement will be over air traffic control (ATC). The airline industry is urging swift action to implement the Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen), a satellite-based system […]
GA advocates return to Congress
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The mid-term election was a surprise to many people. Some it pleased. To others it caused discomfort. But to officials of general aviation advocacy groups who deal regularly with Congress, election results are neutral. The associations deal with both political parties over the years and there is no desire to make a comment that […]
USA Today fires latest salvo in anti-GA campaign
WASHINGTON, D.C. — USA TODAY, one of the Gannett publications, recently carried another article about general aviation safety, which brought quick rebuttals from the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) and the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA). USA TODAY carried a three-part series this past June titled “Unfit for Flight.” The latest single article, published […]
No longer business as usual for ATC
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Business as usual in air traffic management won’t work, which is why the FAA Administrator is calling on the aviation industry to help in adapting and assuring the financing of new approaches. That was the message FAA Administrator Michael Huerta brought in a recent speech to the Aero Club of Washington. The […]
GA garnering more attention from Washington
WASHINGTON, D.C. — General aviation now seems to be getting more attention in Congress and from the FAA. This observation comes from the appearance of a Congressman and a deputy administrator of the FAA at the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association Homecoming Fly-In earlier this month. Michael Whitaker, FAA deputy administrator with the primary responsibility […]
Thousands attend AOPA 75th anniversary fly-in
FREDERICK, Md. — Low clouds, gusty winds, and early threats of showers did not keep the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association from having a successful 75th anniversary celebration at its headquarters here Saturday, Oct. 4. More than 3,000 people attended the homecoming fly-in. According to association officials, 345 aircraft arrived and more than 1,400 cars filled the parking […]
Possible terrorist threats keep GA vigilant
WASHINGTON, D.C. — When conditions in the Middle East erupted and President Obama unleashed air power on the Islamic State, officials at many general aviation organizations here became jittery over ISIL threats to retaliate on American soil. If there is retaliation, would aircraft be used? Would the escalation of tensions raise the level of concern […]