Reid Middleton, Inc., an Everett, Wash.-based company that provides civil and structural engineering, planning, and surveying services to the aviation industry, has promoted Kurt Addicott, PE, to director of airport engineering. Addicott, an airport engineer with Reid Middleton for seven years, replaces Reinhart Jung, PE, who has served as director for the past 18 years. […]
LASP draws a chorus of lawmaker concern
Two congressional aviators have sent letters to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) expressing their concerns about the TSA‘s Large Aircraft Security Program. Reps. Leonard Boswell (D-IA) and John Kline (R-MN), both pilots, called for a collaborative effort between government and industry on the development of security policies, the National Business Aviation Association reported to […]
Austro-powered DA42 gets EASA nod
Diamond Aircraft has received an EASA type certificate for its DA42 NG, powered by the 170-hp Austro Engine AE-300. “We are delighted to be able to resume volume deliveries of the DA42, less than 11 months after the insolvency of TAE”, said Christian Dries, CEO of Diamond Aircraft Industries. With more than 40 airframes in […]
Rep. Costello says no to user fees
Responding to reports in aviation publications that the Obama administration is considering user fees as part of its plan for Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) funding, Rep. Jerry Costello (D-IL), chairman of the House Aviation Subcommittee, stated that he will oppose the administration’s plan. “I look forward to discussing this issue with the administration, but let […]
GAO warns of Aviation Trust Fund shortfall
The Government Accountability Office (GAO) warned recently that less excise tax money than had been forecast is being collected to feed the Airport and Airway Trust Fund. At the same time, estimates of future revenues are lower because of a drop in airline passenger traffic, fares and fuel consumption, all of which provide money for […]
User Fees: “Déjà vu all over again?”
The U.S. House of Representatives’ Transportation and Infrastructure Committee last week approved the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2009 (H.R. 915), a funding bill that does not contemplate new user fees for general aviation. Even so, affordable participation in personal flight is once again in peril, warns the Experimental Aircraft Association, as proponents of user fees […]
Air Force Museum rejects CAF’s F-82 offer
The National Museum of the Air Force Board of Directors has rejected the Commemorative Air Force’s offer to drop its lawsuit concerning ownership of the F-82 in the CAF collection, in exchange for allowing the airplane to remain on static display at the CAF Airpower Museum in Midland, Texas. In a written proposal, hand-delivered to […]
Lawmakers challenge legality of LASP
The Transportation Security Administration‘s Large Aircraft Security Program (LASP) is not suited to general aviation aircraft and should not go forward without industry input, said the chairman of the House Committee on Homeland Security, which has jurisdiction over the TSA. Leaders of the House aviation subcommittee told the TSA on March 10 that they are […]
Hualapai “trespass” pilot reluctantly enters plea
In order to avoid a long and costly legal battle, the pilot whose powered paraglider was confiscated after he flew it over Hualapai reservation land is paying fines and admitting guilt, according to March 14 reports in several Arizona newspapers. Lionel De Antoni admitted to “trespassing and endangerment” and agreed to pay a $500 fine […]