The FAA has released its annual Aerospace Forecast Report Fiscal Years 2016 to 2036 that finds a sustained increase in overall air travel and the use of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS).A key portion of the forecast focuses on projections for the growth in the use of unmanned aircraft, also known as drones or remotely piloted aircraft. […]
FAA
FAA acts to reduce bird fatalities
The FAA expects thousands of birds may be saved each year because of changes the agency has made to its communication tower lighting standards. The FAA has developed a number of tower lighting configurations for tall structures to warn pilots they are approaching an obstruction, particularly during nighttime hours and in bad weather. The configurations […]
Senate committee approves FAA reauthorization
Reauthorization of the FAA — which not only provides funding for the agency, but also spells out Congressional mandates — has been approved by the Senate Commerce Committee and now moves to the full Senate. During a markup session held March 16, the committee considered dozens of proposed amendments to the bill, with more than […]
FAA proposes rule to overhaul certification standards for GA airplanes
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The FAA has proposed a rule that overhauls the airworthiness standards for general aviation airplanes. The FAA’s proposal, which is based on industry recommendations, would reduce the time it takes to get safety enhancing technologies for GA airplanes into the marketplace while also reducing cost. “This proposal would improve safety, reduce costs, and leverage innovation […]
Bill to extend FAA reauthorization introduced in House, Senate takes up reauthorization
WASHINGTON, D.C. — A bill has been introduced in the House to extend the authorization of the FAA through July 15. Meanwhile, the Senate has unveiled its own plan for the agency’s reauthorization. In the House, Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman Bill Shuster (R-Pa.) and Ways and Means Committee Chairman Kevin Brady (R-Texas) introduced the bill to […]
Latest issue of FAA Safety Briefing now online
Now online is the March/April 2016 issue of FAA Safety Briefing, which focuses on the leading cause of general aviation accidents – loss of control. Articles will help pilots better identify loss of control warning signs, as well as fine-tune mitigation strategies and recovery techniques that can improve flight safety in these situations, according to […]
FAA creates another rulemaking committee for RPAs
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The FAA is establishing an aviation rulemaking committee to develop recommendations for regulations that would allow certain remotely piloted aircraft (RPAs) — also known as unmanned aerial systems (UAS) or drones — to be operated over people who are not directly involved in the operation of the aircraft. FAA officials say they are taking […]
GA raises concerns over proposal to privatize ATC
A proposal to privatize the FAA’s Air Traffic Control services is being met with strong opposition by general aviation advocacy groups. The proposal, part of the Aviation Innovation, Reform and Reauthorization Act (H.R. 4441) was approved Feb. 11 by the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee on a vote of 32 to 26. Besides reauthorizing the […]
FAA reminder: Register your drone
The FAA is reminding drone owners about this week’s registration deadline. If you own a drone weighing more than 0.55 pounds, but less than 55 pounds, and you’ve been flying it outdoors or plan to fly it outdoors for hobby or recreation, federal law requires you to register by this Friday, Feb. 19. You can register […]