WASHINGTON, D.C. — After long delays and high cost overruns, development of the Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen) is starting to get back on track, but because of program problems, users of the system are reluctant to invest in equipment for their aircraft. The FAA has been spending about $1 billion a year since […]
FAA
Sept. 14 deadline nears on AOPA-EAA medical petition
Make your voice heard on a request by the AOPA and EAA for an exemption to the 3rd class medical requirements for pilots who fly recreationally. The deadline for comments is Sept. 14, according to AOPA officials, who have posted a page on the association’s site that gives tips on how to present the best […]
Status of NextGen focus of Congressional hearing
WASHINGTON, D.C. — A Congressional hearing on Wednesday, Sept. 12, will examine the status — and delays — of the FAA’s air traffic control modernization program known as the Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen). The Subcommittee on Aviation, chaired by U.S. Rep. Tom Petri (R-Wis.), will receive testimony from federal government and aviation industry […]
Aircraft owners asked to participate in FAA survey
Aircraft owners are asked to participate in the FAA’s 34th annual general aviation Part 135 survey for 2011 data. The survey is the only source of information about the general aviation fleet and data gathered helps the FAA to determine funding for infrastructure and service needs, assess the impact of regulatory changes, and measure aviation […]
Wanted: LSA pilots for FAA survey
The Light Aircraft Manufacturers Association is asking all pilots of Light-Sport Aircraft (LSA) to participate in the 34th annual General Aviation (GA) and Part 135 Activity Survey, which is used to assess aviation safety. Because of the newness of LSA, it is essential to improve the statistics, LAMA officials said, noting more participation will “reinforce […]
Bringing gridlock to the skies
WASHINGTON, D.C. — As members of Congress come back to their offices Sept. 10 after the August vacation, aviation interests will be eager to see what, if anything, is done about “sequestration,” which might cut $1 billion from the FAA budget. Money has been a major problem for years. After almost five years of trying, […]
Latest FAA Safety Briefing online
Now available online is the September/October issue of FAA Safety Briefing, which explores the role of the aviation educator. Articles focus on flight instructor requirements and best practices, as well as the many tools and educational resources that can help sharpen teaching skills.
FAA delays decision on Icon weight increase
FAA officials have informed Icon Aircraft that a decision on the company’s request for an exemption to the Light-Sport Aircraft weight limitations for its amphibious Icon A5 won’t be made until the end of the year, according to a report at AOPA.org. Icon Aircraft founder Kirk Hawkins asked for an exemption in May to increase […]
No more paper medical applications
Starting Oct. 1, the FAA will stop using the paper version of FAA Form 8500-8, the form used to apply for FAA medical certification. That means pilots must use the FAA’s online MedXpress to apply for medical certification, according to Kathy Dondzila in a post on AOPA.org. She takes us through her first experience using […]