FAA funding for 2006 was recently approved by Congress. The $13.8 billion approved is $276 million higher than this year’s allocation and more than $1.1 billion higher than President Bush’s request. It includes $25 million to hire and train 595 new air traffic controllers.
Eclipse 500 receives Type Inspection Authorization
Eclipse Aviation has received its first FAA Type Inspection Authorization (TIA) on the Eclipse 500 very light jet. FAA personnel will now begin performing on-board aircraft testing for certification. TIAs are issued when the technical data required for Type Certification reach a point where it appears the item will meet FAA regulations. Over the coming […]
Will Mickey Mouse tag along?
Steve Wood, who last July became the first British pilot to fly around the four corners of America in a homebuilt aircraft, now plans a record setting solo flight around the world, promoting British American trade, travel, culture and the Royal International Air Tattoo. The flight also is intended to support Flying Scholarships for the […]
Largest tethered helium balloon in the world lands at Disneyland
The largest tethered helium balloon in the world is, where else?, at Disneyland Resort in Paris. The balloon, called PanoraMagique, is made with 16,000 square feet of fabric. It is 75 feet in diameter, 118 feet tall, and has a circumference of 240 feet. It was launched earlier this year to commemorate the opening of the […]
A ramp rat visits the House of Mouse
Why is it that some people love amusement park rides that produce a physical force that mimics flying but are afraid to fly in a small airplane? One of my closest friends is a roller coaster fanatic, but he refuses to ride in a small airplane. And it’s not just because I am the PIC. […]
Our freedom to fly is at risk
I have implored pilots to engage with us at the Massachusetts Aeronautics Commission in keeping aircraft and airports secure. A recent TV report has shown that we are still not receiving the needed cooperation by all concerned. I have warned that the media representation can only be two dimensional. This most recent television report only […]
What’s under the tree?
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Information leaks in this town are means of communications. The only times politicians click their tongues in shame are when the leakers get caught. Therefore, it should not surprise anyone that information was leaked to me about what certain individuals will be receiving for Christmas. True to my journalistic profession, I will […]
What is the shelf life of avgas?
The short answer is that, under most conditions, the shelf life of avgas is about one year. If you are a commercial operator, this is the end of the discussion.
FAA Flight Plan still focuses on user fees
The FAA’s recently released Flight Plan 2006-2010, the agency’s strategic planning and goal-setting document, is still focused on user fees to take care of its claims of a funding crisis. “There is a fundamental disagreement between the FAA and AOPA about whether the aviation trust fund is running out of money,” said AOPA President Phil […]