Six general aviation advocacy associations have issued a joint statement strongly opposing the Trump Administration for including in its government reorganization a failed proposal to privatize the FAA’s air traffic control services. “There is a large and diverse chorus of opposition to the idea of privatizing our air traffic control system, including congressional leaders from […]
ATC
Remote tower testing to resume at KJYO
Testing of a remote tower will resume this summer at Virginia’s Leesburg Executive Airport (KJYO), requiring pilots flying under both VFR and IFR to contact the tower. The remote tower concept uses a variety of high-definition cameras and sensors to enable controllers in a remote facility to manage airports that do not have a tower, […]
GA thwarts back-room ATC deal
Following opposition from the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) and other general aviation organizations, Rep. Bill Shuster (R-PA) has withdrawn controversial language in Section 5 of a last-minute “manager’s amendment” to H.R. 4, the FAA long-term funding bill. In response to calls by general aviation associations for action, pilots flooded the switchboard at the […]
One signature changes everything
When he signed the $1.3 trillion omnibus spending bill that funds the federal government through the remainder of this fiscal year, which ends Sept. 30, President Donald Trump changed everything at SUN ’n FUN — at least for this year. That’s because included in the bill is a requirement that the FAA cover all costs […]
Help wanted: Experienced air traffic controllers
The FAA is hiring experienced air traffic controllers to work in facilities throughout the country — and specifically for the facility that handles the busy New York area airspace. The agency will accept applications March 19 to March 26, 2018, from experienced candidates to fill slots at the New York Tracon (N90) in Westbury, N.Y., […]
Wielding the power to heal by air and sea
Historically, adversity brings out the best and the worst in humans. That’s certainly been true throughout America’s history. Lately, we’ve had plenty of adversity on our plate, a sad reality that presents the opportunity for individuals to show grace and generosity — which they did. It started with a storm named Harvey that blasted into […]
ATC proposal vote may be in October
The Hill is reporting that the House of Representatives will vote on privatizing air traffic control in October. But first it must approve a short-term extension of the FAA’s authorization, which expires Sept. 30, 2017. The story quotes Rep. Bill Shuster (R-Pa.), chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, as saying the FAA extension […]
Time running out for FAA reauthorization
In an analysis on Air Transport World Online, Aaron Karp says not to hold your breath waiting for an FAA reauthorization bill, including major air traffic control (ATC) reform, to pass the US Congress in the next couple of months. “Avoiding a costly partial shutdown of FAA this autumn now seems the best one can […]
New report says ATC privatization bill swells deficit by $100 billion
A new report from the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) says the latest Congressional proposal to privatize air traffic control would add to America’s budget deficit by nearly $100 billion. “$100 billion. Really?” asks Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association President Mark Baker. “So here’s how it shapes up: The legislation would hand over the air traffic […]