Shortly before leaving for winter recess, congressional leaders reached a budget agreement that could be good news for the FAA — and general aviation, according to a report at AOPA.org. The budget deal, reached between Sen. Patty Murray (D-Wash.) and Rep. Paul Ryan (R-Wis.), does not contain any user fees for general aviation. And while […]
FAA
FAA to delay sleep apnea policy
The Experimental Aircraft Association is reporting that the chairman of its Aeromedical Advisory Council, Dr. Stephen Leonard, learned from the FAA Thursday, Dec. 19, that the agency will delay implementation of its new sleep apnea policy planned for next month in order to gather additional input from the aviation and medical community. The new policy, […]
Wichita State University researcher named FAA’s Outstanding Student of the Year
Matt Opliger, a graduate student in aerospace engineering and research engineer for Wichita State University’s National Institute for Aviation Research (NIAR), has been named 2013 Outstanding Student of the Year by the U.S. Department of Transportation and the FAA. Opliger will be honored at the Council of University Transportation Centers Awards Ceremony in Washington, D.C., […]
I could lose sleep over this!
Ever go to a car show and marvel at the British sports cars of our youth? MGs and Triumphs, how small they look now! How could I ever fit? Answer: We were slimmer then. After decades of fast food, career stress, no time to exercise and skimping on healthy foods, we are a nation heavier […]
One pilot’s experience with an apnea diagnosis
Mike, a Chicago area pilot, shares his experiences with apnea on his blog, as well as his thoughts about what the new proposal means: “As a pilot with apnea I thought it time to share my experiences and weigh in on the long-term FAA requirements that come from an apnea diagnosis. I’m against this proposal, […]
Congressman calls for early start on FAA reauthorization
WASHINGHTON, D.C. — Now is the time to begin laying the groundwork for reauthorization of the Federal Aviation Administration, Congressman Bill Shuster (R-Pa.) said during a speech before the International Aviation Club Dec. 11. Although reauthorization isn’t due until September 2015, the aviation system must evolve and modernize, he said, and there are many questions […]
Subcommittee starts looking at ways to prepare for aviation’s future
WASHINGTON, D.C. — An aviation subcommittee in the House of Representatives started early to examine how best to structure the FAA to meet upcoming challenges. During a hearing held Thursday, Dec. 12, the subcommittee members heard suggestions from officials with various aviation organizations. New technologies, new worldwide aviation growth, new businesses and increased populations will […]
ARSA condemns FAA overreach with proposed ECi AD
ALEXANDRIA, Virginia – The Aeronautical Repair Station (ARSA) has warned the FAA that its disregard of basic requirements for promulgating a safety regulation required an immediate withdrawal of a notice of proposed rulemaking. The proposed Airworthiness Directive (AD) requires the inspection and replacement of ECi cylinders used on some engines manufactured by Continental Motors. ARSA’s […]
The nuclear BMI proposal
GUEST EDITORIAL By PAUL BERGE Public service life can be so unfair. You make one minor suggestion in your role as FAA Air Surgeon, and the aviation world beats a path to your office door waving pitchforks and blogs. In the interest of journalistic fairness, I’ll review the absolute brilliance of FAA Air Surgeon Fred […]