The Department of Commerce announced June 4 that it is moving forward with closing National Weather Service Center Weather Service Units at each of the 20 Air Route Traffic Control Centers in the continental United States, according to the National Air Traffic Controllers Association, which called the move dangerous to air traffic safety. If the […]
Opinion
FAA’s new administrator takes office
WASHINGTON, D.C. — For the first time in nearly two years, the FAA has a permanently-appointed administrator — J. Randolph “Randy” Babbitt. His tenure is five years, giving the FAA some stability for planning, budgeting and organization. Babbitt, who comes to office as the FAA faces a number of difficult issues, has been urged by […]
The Hangar
By DEBORAH McFARLAND My friend, Bob, at the Tom B. David Airport in Calhoun, Ga. (CZL), has been trying to explain to some folks in his town about the ambiance that can be found at the airport. Trying to describe the nuances of aviation to non-aviators can be a tricky business. In particular, Bob would […]
Be part of the solution
Guest Editorial By JACK PELTON Even without the global economic and credit crisis challenging the world and the public relations turbulence hitting business aviation, I anticipated 2009 would be a weighty year for general aviation. We have a new administration in the White House, new leadership for the Department of Transportation, a new chief at […]
NextGen, user fees hit in Senate FAA reauthorization
The Senate began work on reauthorization of the Federal Aviation Administration with a hearing by the aviation subcommittee that signaled a push to speed operation of the NextGen air traffic control system, another battle over user fees, and greater FAA financing from the general fund. James May, president and CEO of the Air Transport Association, […]
GAO report says FAA Trust Fund going broke
The aviation trust fund, which is used to help finance the FAA and provide help for airports, is in danger of going broke, according to a report from the Government Accounting Office (GAO) which could signal a stronger pitch for user fees. At the end of fiscal Year 2001, the uncommitted balance in the fund […]
Helicopter safety hearing could bring GA problems
Do states have a right to control operations of emergency medical helicopters or is this role exclusive to the Federal Aviation Administration? With states eager to place restrictions on airports and flight paths, a decision favoring them could end up causing numerous problems for general aviation. The question was the center of an April 22 […]
AOPA launches $1.5 million campaign to sell GA
Citing challenges facing general aviation, Craig Fuller, president of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, unveiled Monday a $1.5 million advertising and promotion campaign to gain public support to keep government from imposing devastating user fees, airport limitations, and other restrictions on air transportation that serves America. The program includes radio, television, on-line and print […]
New amphibians rely on historic designs
It was recently reported that an aging fleet of seaplanes is prompting several companies to come forward with new or renewed seaplane designs. Aircraft mentioned include Viking Air’s new-production Twin Otter, the reborn Grumman Goose by Antilles Seaplanes, and the new design Dornier Seastar amphibian. The Viking website (VikingAir.com) refers to the new-build Twin Otter […]