WASHINGTON, D.C. — The House of Representatives will consider a bill to add another short extension of FAA programs to provide time to continue negotiations for a long-term extension. This extension will be very short, only until Feb. 17. The bill was introduced Monday, Jan. 23. House Speaker John Boeher (R-Ohio) and Senator Harry Reid […]
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In the spotlight: NTSB holds hearing on air races and airshows
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Airshows and air races are safe in the United States, but can be made even safer. That was the conclusion of the National Transportation Safety Board after a nearly day-long meeting Jan. 10, which was scheduled following the accident at the Reno Air Races last September that killed 11, including pilot Jimmy […]
White House says $100-per-flight fee is needed
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Aviation groups are gearing up for another fight against the $100-per-flight charge for use of air traffic services after the White House rejected a petition calling for dropping the proposal. Dana Hyde, associate director for General Government Programs, said in a letter rejecting the petition that “the Obama Administration believes it’s essential […]
How much control should other nations have on U.S. pilots?
WASHINGTON, D.C. — General aviation pilot who fly frequently to Europe are finding problems that can make flying expensive, as well as more difficult, and are raising questions about just how much United States aviation should be controlled by other nations. The newest problem is a European court’s ruling on Dec. 21, 2011, that a […]
Looking ahead to 2012: What to expect from lawmakers next year
WASHINGTON, D.C. — As the new year approaches, pilots should fasten their seat belts. It could be a bumpy ride. Next year’s election is expected to be one of the most volatile in decades. It will keep the President, Congress, and heads of government agencies focused on election and re-election. Failure of the Super Committee […]
Holiday gift-giving, Washington-style
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Reaching reliable sources of information here can often be confusing and frustrating. I sought to interview someone about the Christmas holidays and wanted to go directly to the source for gift giving. Knowing the problems of getting correct answers in Washington, I started checking sources around the nation. Everyone I talked to […]
GA groups oppose latest LightSquared offer
LightSquared’s recent offer to give up a few frequencies does not satisfy the Global Positioning System and its users, including the airline industry and general aviation. LightSquared has offered to give up half the frequencies in the spectrum it wants to set up a nationwide broadband satellite-based network, if the FCC will let another organization […]
FAA administrator resigns after DWI
Following his Dec. 3 arrest for driving while intoxicated (DWI), Randy Babbitt resigned as administrator of the FAA and his deputy has taken over as acting administrator. Michael Huerta is expected to remain in the post until after next year’s election to avoid any nomination squabbles prior to the election. When submitting his resignation Dec. […]
FAA restores BARR to let pilots block flight info
Pilots on IFR flights will no longer have to submit a Certified Security Concern to the FAA in order to prevent their flight information from being broadcast over the Internet. FAA officials announced the reversal Friday, Dec. 2, after Congress ordered it in the fiscal year 2012 appropriations bill. Previously pilots could “opt out” of […]