WASHINGTON, D.C. — For nearly three years, air traffic controllers have been working under imposed work rules after they failed to reach a contract agreement with the FAA. Now that a new administrator has taken office — and an arbitration panel is in place — are things finally getting settled? Maybe. The two groups are […]
Capital Comments
No user fees in Senate FAA reauthorization bill
WASHINGTON. D.C. — FAA reauthorization has been introduced in the Senate for only a two-year extension, “so President Obama will have a chance to work out his program.” Reauthorization is usually approved for four years. If the Senate and House versions of the bill are reconciled, this means no user fees — at least for […]
Florida’s controversial use tax clarified
By Jennifer Renner-Gowan The Florida Department of Revenue has given the green light to visitors to bring their new airplanes to the state. The state has a long-standing statute that requires sales tax to be paid on new aircraft purchased elsewhere and then brought to Florida within six months of the date of purchase. If […]
Bill Introduced to Give GA Direct Input to TSA Rulemaking
General aviation interests will have a direct say into the security measures for large aircraft if a bill introduced by a Pennsylvania Representative moves its way into law. Rep. Charles Dent introduced a bill June 29 to require the Transportation Security Administration “to engage in a negotiated rulemaking process for creating a security regimen for […]
FAA Administrator Shows Pilot Knowledge at Congressional Hearings
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Ten days after being sworn in as Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration, J. Randolph Babbitt appeared as a witness at two Congressional hearings, providing an opportunity to judge how he will approach the job. His testimony and responses to questions indicated he knows aviation and will not be rushed into changing regulations for […]
Weather Service Offices To Close At Air Traffic Control Centers
The Department of Commerce announced June 4 that it is moving forward with closing National Weather Service Center Weather Service Units at each of the 20 Air Route Traffic Control Centers in the continental United States, according to the National Air Traffic Controllers Association, which called the move dangerous to air traffic safety. If the […]
FAA’s new administrator takes office
WASHINGTON, D.C. — For the first time in nearly two years, the FAA has a permanently-appointed administrator — J. Randolph “Randy” Babbitt. His tenure is five years, giving the FAA some stability for planning, budgeting and organization. Babbitt, who comes to office as the FAA faces a number of difficult issues, has been urged by […]
NextGen, user fees hit in Senate FAA reauthorization
The Senate began work on reauthorization of the Federal Aviation Administration with a hearing by the aviation subcommittee that signaled a push to speed operation of the NextGen air traffic control system, another battle over user fees, and greater FAA financing from the general fund. James May, president and CEO of the Air Transport Association, […]
GAO report says FAA Trust Fund going broke
The aviation trust fund, which is used to help finance the FAA and provide help for airports, is in danger of going broke, according to a report from the Government Accounting Office (GAO) which could signal a stronger pitch for user fees. At the end of fiscal Year 2001, the uncommitted balance in the fund […]