WASHINGTON, D.C. — Reauthorization of the FAA was introduced in the House of Representatives today calling for a four-year period, cuts in funding after fiscal year 2011, and a sunset time for the Essential Air Service to small communities. The bill saves $4 billion compared to current funding levels, requiring the agency to do more […]
Capital Comments
Congressman proposes guaranteeing NextGen equipment
Congressman Dan Lipinski (D-Ill.) issued a proposal Friday to have the U.S. government provide grants and loan guarantees to enable general aviation, airlines and other aviation participants to begin installing technology for NextGen (the next generation air traffic system). “We can’t handle the air traffic tomorrow with technology that dates back a half-century,” he said. […]
Congress asks aviation leaders to suggest ways to cut expenses
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Leaders of seven aviation organizations appeared before a House of Representatives subcommittee Wednesday and were asked to examine their requirements and see where money can be cut in the FAA’s budget that would not affect safety or efficiency. Members from both sides of the aisle expect cuts in appropriations for both the […]
House Committee starts FAA reauthorization hearings.
WASHINGTON. D.C. — A House committee held its first hearing Tuesday afternoon about FAA reauthorization, with several members wanting to roll back funding to 2008 levels while others and Senate leaders want full financing to speed the Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen). Both Senate and House Aviation Committee members say reauthorization of FAA is […]
Will Congress finally pass FAA reauthorization?
Or is 18th temporary extension imminent? WASHINGTON, D.C. — The FAA has been operating on temporary extensions of authority and financing since 2007 when the Republicans last controlled the House of Representatives. Although both the Senate and House passed reauthorization bills each year, the two sides of Capitol Hill could not agree on issues, leading […]
Senate starts action on FAA reauthorization
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Passage of the reauthorization bill for the FAA cannot be delayed any further, Senator Harry Reid (D-Nev.) said Monday, calling its passage “essential” after 17 temporary extensions. He brought the bill up as the first item on the Senate’s agenda in the 212th session of Congress. Reid, Senate Majority Leader, three other […]
Rockefeller re-introduces FAA bill on NextGen and safety
Sen. John (Jay) Rockefeller (D-W.Va.) introduced legislation Friday to improve air safety and set time tables for NextGen (Next Generation Air Transportation System). The bill sets many requirements on the FAA, as well as establishes deadlines for the adoption of NextGen navigation and surveillance technology. For example, it would require development of these procedures at […]
FAA Reauthorization top priority for new Congress
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Reauthorization of the FAA is one of the main concerns for the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee in the House of Representatives, according to its new chairman, Rep. John Mica (R-Fla.). The FAA has been operating on a series of short-term extensions since 2007. The last full authorization for the agency was passed […]
Is GA a menace?
WASHINGTON, D.C.—“Private Plane, Public Menace” is the title of a feature article written by Jeffrey Goldberg for The Atlantic magazine. How did an article with such a title appear in such a prestigious magazine? As the magazine is published here in Washington, I decided to try to determine why. After two and a half days […]