WASHINGTON, D.C. — There was quick reaction here when a single-engine plane owned by New York Yankees pitcher Cory Lidle struck an apartment building on East 72nd Street in New York City. Phil Boyer, president of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA), immediately gave television interviews to the networks from the association’s new satellite-connected […]
Capital Comments
Last minute maneuers: User fees, VLJs and more on Congress’s agenda before its latest recess
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Before taking a recess to campaign for reelection, Congress took time to move on several issues important to general aviation. The Senate confirmed Mary Peters as Secretary of Transportation. In past transportation positions she has declared a need for new financing methods, i.e., user fees. Peters replaces the well-respected Norman Mineta, who […]
“Safest aviation system in the world”
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Members of the House Aviation Subcommittee bragged that the United States has the safest aviation system in the world, but they still raked the FAA over the coals for not doing enough to address key safety issues. Although the recent oversight hearing was scheduled before the Lexington, Kentucky, Comair wrong-runway accident, that […]
Nominee for Secretary of Transportation advocate of user fees
Washington, D.C. — Washington aviation association heads were swift to offer congratulations to Mary Peters for her nomination to the cabinet post of Secretary of Transportation even though the nominee is an advocate of user fees. Such polite courtesies, however, are normal as those dealing with government officials want to get off on a friendly […]
The FAA scorecard: How’s it going?
WASHINGTON, D.C. — During the dog days of August Congress is away and it’s a good time to take a look at some of the subjects not usually considered for news reports — for instance, the FAA’s scorecard. The FAA rates itself in a “”how are we doing” report matched to the goals it sets. […]
Next generation ATC: What will it be and how will we pay for it?
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Pilots and aircraft owners will be getting new equipment and learning new procedures in the coming years as the FAA develops and puts into operation its next generation air transportation system (NextGen). The cost to the FAA will mean increasing its budget to more than $1 billion a year for the next […]
Airlines’ Attack on GA nothing new
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Nothing new happens in Washington — only the cast of characters changes. About 40 years ago, increasing sales of single and light twin airplanes and the growing use of general aviation for business travel brought frantic efforts by the airlines to control this supposed threat. Spearheaded by American Airlines, strong efforts were […]
Smart Skies for who?
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The airline industry has a plan spelled out indicating what it wants for the skies over the United States. It’s called “”Smart Skies — Airspace Reform Concepts.”” While at first reading it all might sound logical, closer scrutiny reveals a desire to establish an airline dominated system. First on the list from […]
ATC: Are we headed for a meltdown?
WASHINGTON. —The FAA has spent more than $43 billion on the air traffic control (ATC) system over the past 25 years and plans to spend an additional $9.6 billion through fiscal year 2009 — and the system “”is not much different from that used in the 1960s,”” Rep. John Mica (R-Fla.) said recently when opening […]