WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Washington political situation will make the climate for general aviation “”uncertain”” this year. That’s according to James Coyne, president of the National Air Transportation Association (NATA), who stressed this at a recent meeting for the Washington, D.C., press. Uncertainty brings with it many issues that can cause concern, he notes. However, […]
Capital Comments
Will going green cost pilots a lot of green?
WASHINGTON, D.C — Pilots and aircraft owners might find that efforts to go green will cost them a lot of green. Planning over where, when and how to build wind turbine farms is little known among many general aviation users, but can have a major direct effect. Federal agencies are wrestling over development of wind […]
Expect big battles in Congress next year: User fees, runway safety and overworked controllers just the beginning of the conflicts
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Democrats in Congress recently attacked the FAA over runway incursions and air traffic controller conditions — and were immediately rebutted by the FAA and a Republican member of the aviation committee, an indication there will be strong conflicts next year. Rep. James Oberstar (D-Minn.), chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, […]
Don’t like an FAA regulation? Now is the time to speak up
WASHINGTON, D.C. — If there is something about FAA regulations that you don’t like, now is the time to make your opinions heard. The FAA is asking for comments from the public “”to identify those regulations currently in effect that we should amend, remove or simplify.”” This action is the third round of regulatory review […]
Delays continue on FAA reauthorization: Many believe user feebattle will continue through next year
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Senate continued to dawdle on appropriation bills, forcing another extension of the FAA’s temporary authorization to Dec. 31, 2007. In late October, the Senate passed a single provision of the FAA Authorization Act, the Essential Air Service (EAS) program. By voice vote the House approved an amended version of the bill […]
Struggle between FAA and controllers continues to boil
WASHINGTON. D.C. — The struggle between the FAA and the National Air Traffic Controllers Association continues to boil as experienced controllers are retiring in greater numbers and faster than FAA expected. According to the FAA, 828 controllers retired in the 12 months ending Sept. 30. NATCA says there are additional controllers who have announced their […]
Just not enough…ADS-B can’t solve flight delays alone
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The FAA issued a notice of proposed rule making calling for aircraft to be equipped for satellite-based traffic control by the year 2020, amid Congressional, media and public clamoring for quick solutions to the worst period of flight delays in the history of aviation. Even the outgoing FAA administrator acknowledged that many […]
The fight continues
WASHINGTON, D.C. — General aviation won major skirmishes in its user fee battle late last month , but the FAA reauthorization bill is a long way from completion. The House and Senate are not very far apart from deciding on a bill that would be favorable to general aviation, but the bill passed by the […]
FAA administrator moves on: Successor will jumpinto the user fee debate
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Marion Blakey’s term as FAA administrator expires Sept. 13. She will become president of the Aerospace Industries Association (AIA), the lobbying trade group of companies involved primarily with military and commercial aerospace. At one time, nine companies that produced general aviation aircraft and engines were a part of AIA. They were called […]