As of Sept, 1, 2017, rule-compliant Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) equipment is now on board more than 40,000 aircraft flying in the United States. The FAA estimates that 100,000 to 160,000 general aviation aircraft will need to be equipped with ADS-B Out before the Jan. 1, 2020, mandate. The FAA is also offering a $500 rebate […]
FAA
ATC proposal vote may be in October
The Hill is reporting that the House of Representatives will vote on privatizing air traffic control in October. But first it must approve a short-term extension of the FAA’s authorization, which expires Sept. 30, 2017. The story quotes Rep. Bill Shuster (R-Pa.), chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, as saying the FAA extension […]
New certification rule for GA now in effect
On Aug. 30, 2017, the final rule overhauling airworthiness standards for general aviation airplanes officially went into effect. The FAA expects the rule — which was published in December 2016 — will enable faster installation of innovative, safety-enhancing technologies into small airplanes, while reducing costs for the aviation industry. “With these performance-based standards, the FAA delivers […]
Sept. 18 last day for ADS-B rebate
Monday, Sept. 18, 2017, is the last day general aviation pilots can reserve their $500 rebates to install ADS-B. Starting Jan. 1, 2020, airplanes must be equipped with ADS-B Out to fly in most controlled airspace. For the past year, the FAA has offered the rebate as an incentive to get GA aircraft owners to […]
Mobile air traffic tower sent to St. Thomas
In the wake of Hurricane Irma’s destructive path through the Caribbean, the FAA is supporting storm recovery efforts in the U.S. Virgin Islands with a fully-staffed mobile air traffic control tower at Cyril E. King International Airport in St. Thomas. The tower is supporting relief flights by the U.S. military, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, […]
Time running out for FAA reauthorization
In an analysis on Air Transport World Online, Aaron Karp says not to hold your breath waiting for an FAA reauthorization bill, including major air traffic control (ATC) reform, to pass the US Congress in the next couple of months. “Avoiding a costly partial shutdown of FAA this autumn now seems the best one can […]
FAA asks for comments on new Lycoming AD
The FAA has issued a request for comments on a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain models of Lycoming engines. The AD, which requires an inspection of connecting rods and replacement of affected connecting rod small end bushings, was prompted by several reports of connecting rod failures resulting in uncontained engine failure and in-flight shutdowns […]
Less than 30 days left to claim $500 ADS-B rebate
The last day for aircraft owners to reserve one of the FAA’s $500 rebates for ADS-B Out compliance is Monday, Sept. 18, 2017. Although the last day to make a reservation is Sept. 18, eligible aircraft owners who make a reservation by the deadline will still have time to complete the remaining steps in the […]
New report says ATC privatization bill swells deficit by $100 billion
A new report from the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) says the latest Congressional proposal to privatize air traffic control would add to America’s budget deficit by nearly $100 billion. “$100 billion. Really?” asks Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association President Mark Baker. “So here’s how it shapes up: The legislation would hand over the air traffic […]