A request to the Department of Homeland Security could bring about a closer look at holders of airman certificates to find possible security threats. Concerned that reports show people with connections to terrorism and other criminal activities hold valid airman certificates, four senators have asked the Inspector General of the Homeland Security Department to study […]
Capital Comments
Turbulence ahead
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Make sure your seatbelt is fastened tightly as turbulence is expected in 2010. Once again the FAA will be working under a temporary extension. Presidential and Congressional interests have been focused on reforming healthcare, so subjects like reauthorizing a government agency are getting short shrift. When Congress does get around to the […]
Government study cites poor FAA morale
Declining morale at the FAA could affect the way programs move, such as development of the next generation air transportation system (NextGen), according to a study by the Government Accountability Office, which notes the low morale could pose obstacles to FAA’s efforts to retain its existing workforce and recruit people with needed skills. GAO’s study […]
ATC under fire
A breakdown of the FAA computers Nov. 19 brought severe criticism from members of Congress, FAA unions, and others. For the second time in just more than a year, the air traffic computer system went down and brought about massive delays for airlines, general aviation flights under instrument flight rules, and other actions that require […]
Another FAA temporary extension needed
WASHINGTON, D.C. — It looks like the FAA will need another temporary extension. After more than two years, the Senate continues to drag its feet in reauthorizing the FAA. Even many members of the Senate are fed up with the way that body is ignoring the needs of the FAA. Led by Sen. John Kerry […]
On our side
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The House Aviation Subcommittee has a new vice chairman who is knowledgeable about aviation and from a state with a history of recognizing the importance of general aviation airports: Rep. John Boccieri (D-Ohio). From 1994 to 1998 Boccieri was in the U.S. Air Force flying C-130 Hercules aircraft. Now a major in […]
Is there a better name than general aviation?
WASHINGTON, D.C. — A rose by any other name might smell as sweet, but will flying by any name be as accepted and successful? At a recent House Aviation Subcommittee hearing on the progress of the NextGen air traffic management system, members of the subcommittee, as well as people testifying, continually referred to “business flying” […]
Those against biz jets need to know this
A silent auction at the NBAA convention last month raised $168,000 for a program that those opposed to corporate aviation should know more about. The auction’s proceeds went to the Corporate Angel Network (CAN), a group that arranges for free transportation on business aircraft for cancer patients. CAN, in service for 27 years, has provided […]
NextGen on track, but has a long way to go
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The next generation air transportation system (NextGen) is getting on track but still has a long way to go and problems to overcome, according to testimony given to the House Subcommittee on Aviation Wednesday. The hearing was the first to discuss a report from the Radio Technical Commission on Aeronautics (RTCA) task […]