WASHINGTON, D.C. — The FAA and the U.S. Air Force are trying to find ways for more civilian flights to use airspace now off limits because of military operations. This has been done in the past and the two are now trying to agree on ways to make it permanent. It is hoped a permanent […]
Capital Comments
FAA unveils Hudson River changes
The FAA has moved quickly to announce proposed changes to the Hudson River corridor following the Aug. 8 collision between an aircraft and a tour helicopter, going beyond the National Transportation Safety Board’s recommendations. The proposed changes followed a report of the New York Airspace Task Force, chartered Aug. 14. The group’s work was conducted […]
FAA proposes changes in pilot, instructor and flight school rules
The FAA is proposing several changes to the pilot, flight instructor, and pilot school certification rules. One proposal would allow future pilots to apply for a private license and an instrument rating at the same time. Other proposals would require pilot in command (PIC) proficiency checks for pilots who act as PIC of single-pilot, turbojet-powered […]
NTSB makes Hudson River safety recommendations
The National Transportation Safety Board today released five recommendations for FAA rule changes relating to the Aug. 8 midair collision between an airplane and a sightseeing helicopter over the Hudson River. NTSB suggests the FAA: 1. Establish a Special Flight Rules Area (SFRA) for the exclusions to the class B airspace around New York City; […]
The fall-out from the Hudson midair
WASHINGTON. D.C. — The Aug. 8 collision between an airplane and a helicopter over the Hudson River, which resulted in nine deaths, has generated much public and media attention. On the same weekend this accident happened, two autos collided on a freeway near Los Angeles, killing seven people. Local media covered this tragedy, but it […]
The importance of GA to Arkansas
General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) and two of its member companies held a forum Aug. 12 at the Little Rock Airport in Arkansas to stress the importance of general aviation to employment in the state. Arkansas’ two senators, along with GAMA President Pete Bunce and representatives of Dassault Falcon and Hawker Beechcraft, brought together more […]
Capital Comments: Bizjets for Congress?
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Summer in Washington usually is a time for visitors to take over the city to see the monuments, archives, and famous places, while the federal government slows down with legislators away and government offices shuffling along with vacation-depleted staffs and less urgency to projects. That often means a scarcity of news affecting […]
FAA reauthorization after summer vacation?
Congress will have a full plate when members return from their summer vacations. Reauthorization of the FAA will be there, but probably way down the list for discussion or rushed through to leave time for health care, stimulus, and other issues that loom as potential hot issues. The present temporary extension expires Sept. 30, the […]
ADs going electronic
The FAA is moving to distribute all Airworthiness Directives (ADs) electronically. In September 2007, the FAA stopped mailing paper copies of ADs and Special Airworthiness Information Bulletins (SAIBs) to owners and operators of transport aircraft. A schedule released Aug. 5 cuts mail delivery to operators of transport rotorcraft on Oct. 1 this year and all […]