WASHINGTON, D.C. — Politics in Washington, normally baffling, is even more so now that the Super Committee has failed to reach an agreement on funding with a highly contested election approaching and the nation facing a massive $15 trillion debt. When the Super Committee was formed, Congress included in the bill a provision that if […]
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Controllers endorse Obama
The National Air Traffic Controls Association has endorsed President Obama and Vice President Biden for second terms. In announcing the endorsement, NATCA officials said aviation contributes more than 5% of the nation’s gross domestic product and this administration “has demonstrated strong leadership and a commitment to improving the safety and efficiency of our air space […]
Rockefeller angry over FAA bill delays
Unless Congress passes an FAA reauthorization bill soon it will be some time before a long-term bill is passed by any Congress. That warning was given by Sen. John (Jay) Rockefeller IV speaking to the Washington Aero Club. Saying he is both angry and frustrated by the long delays in getting a full reauthorization bill […]
The Super Committee and GA
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Despite a united front by aviation groups and strong support from many in Congress, general aviation’s struggle over fuel taxes and a proposed $100 per flight user fee for business flights is reaching a higher pitch as the federal government intensifies its attempts to reduce the federal deficit. The Joint Committee on […]
FAA launches laser incident website
The FAA is taking more action to cut down on the growing problem of lasers being pointed at aircraft by establishing a new website to make it easier to report laser incidents and to obtain information on the subject. This year, through Oct. 20, pilots reported 2,795 laser events. That is an increase from less […]
Coalition debunks claims by LightSquared on GPS issue
Continuing efforts by LightSquared to push for Federal Communications Commission (FCC) approval for the spectrum to use in developing a nationwide broadband telecommunication network are resulting in repeated misstatements and rewriting of history, according to the Coalition to Save Our GPS. Interference of the spectrum LightSquared wants to use, unless resolved, would affect the accuracy […]
Working together
WASHINGTON, D.C. — When William Piper Sr. was active in bringing aviation to many people in different walks of life, the interests, groups, companies, and politicians were fragmented. He commented to me that it took 50 years before the public realized there should be beltway routes around cities rather than force all traffic to go […]
Controller error report tells only a partial story
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Air traffic controller errors on and around airports have increased sharply in recent years, but data gathered by the Government Accounting Office (GAO) doesn’t tell the complete story. Mistakes by controllers handling arrival and departures have nearly double in the past three years. Runway incursions at airports with control towers increased more […]
NextGen: Over budget and behind schedule
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Cost overruns, time delays, and management mistakes are all causing the NextGen program to be at risk. That, in brief, was what members of Congress heard from witnesses at a recent hearing of the Aviation Subcommittee of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Two government watchdogs particularly were critical of the […]