Capital Comments

Two of the 77 mayors who signed a letter to President Obama urging abandonment of his proposal for a $100 fee on every general aviation flight held a telephone news conference to further call attention to the devistating results the fee would cause communities across the nation. They say the idea of raising taxes on […]

LightSquared’s lobbying has increased in leaps and bounds this year as questions arose over conflicts between frequencies for the company’s planned expansion of a 4G wireless broadband and satellite cell phone network and GPS. The conflict could affect aviation safety and military action as the much stronger 4G network could interfere with GPS frequencies, opponents […]

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Confusion in Congress and differences between it and the White House are causing general aviation and the airlines to come into agreement on at least one subject: The President’s proposal to place a $100 fee on every non-recreational flight, in addition to regular fuel and other taxes. General aviation associations were quick […]

Congress has been active in the Block Aviation Registration Request (BARR) program. The FAA recently cancelled the BARR program, permitting anyone to obtain current details of all flight plans and follow flights from takeoff to landing. Officials with AOPA and NBAA say this violates privacy, can be dangerous, and allows business competitors knowledge of a […]

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Corporate jets are getting a bum rap here since the deficit and budget have erupted into major political battlegrounds. But it is not jets alone that are the target — the use of any aircraft is being painted as a plum of the rich. While many in the aviation community may think […]

The 21st temporary extension of authorization for the FAA expires Sept. 16 and another period of possible shutdown looms. Congress returns Tuesday, Sept. 6, after an August recess — and early indications suggest continued disagreements between the Senate and House of Representatives over authorization funding for the agency. President Obama and the Senate committee on […]

WASHINGTON, D.C. — A report from the FAA, leaked to the press, about the dangers of LightSquared’s plans to build a wireless communication system might be the reason the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association and the General Aviation Manufacturers Association wonder why LightSquared is silent on the issue.  The report indicates LightSquared’s plans could result […]

WASHINGTON, D.C. — With the latest temporary funding of the FAA, reauthorization has reached adulthood — that is, temporary approvals are now at 21. The FAA hasn’t had a full authorization vote since 2003. On 21 occasions, the Senate and House have not been able to agree. They have until Sept. 16 to finally agree […]

General aviation should not experience many problems resulting from a month-long shutdown of the FAA, as most of our contacts with the government administration are related to flight safety, considered essential. The one area directly affecting flying is in the manufacturing. Twelve of the furloughed FAA individuals are in aircraft certification. A month’s delay should […]