WASHINGTON, D.C. — Numerous government regulations, slow response times for decisions, and frequent inconsistencies by the FAA are harming small general aviation businesses. That’s the message the House Small Business Committee heard last week from a number of witnesses who own their own businesses, as well as officials from the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) […]
FAA
Keeping the skies safe as UAV testing begins
By DAVE HOOK. I’m not against UAVs. What I am against is fencing off parts of the sky from the flyers who were here first in the interest of UAV testing. I’m also not for rolling the dice with the lives of fellow aviators and their passengers. A central challenge for integrating UAVs into the […]
FAA proposes fine for Sierra Academy of Aeronautics
LOS ANGELES – The FAA is proposing a $204,050 civil penalty against Sierra Academy of Aeronautics of Atwater, Calif., for allegedly operating nine Cessna 152 airplanes when they were not in compliance with Federal Aviation Regulations. The FAA alleges Sierra mechanics failed to inspect the planes’ seat locking pins according to the requirements of an […]
FAA reports on drones and NextGen
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The FAA has made some strides in moving towards modernization, but is behind schedule and not fully geared for some other important issues, a Congressional committee discovered Wednesday, Feb. 5, in a hearing designed to check on the FAA’s progress in the two years since reauthorization. Rep. Frank LeBiondo, chairman of the […]
FAA clears path for AOA installation in GA aircraft
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The FAA has simplified the design approval requirements for angle of attack (AOA) indicator in general aviation aircraft. Under the new policy, manufacturers must build AOA indicator systems according to standards from the American Society for Testing and Materials (ATSM) and apply for FAA approval for the design via a letter certifying […]
The FAA’s impact on small businesses
How do FAA policies affect small general aviation businesses? That was the focus of a hearing held Wednesday by the U.S. House Small Business Committee, chaired by Congressman Sam Graves (R-Mo). Speaking up for the industry was John Uczekaj, president and CEO of Aspen Avionics, who testified on behalf of Aspen Avionics and the General […]
Hearing slated on FAA Reform Act progress
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Aviation Subcommittee Chairman Frank LoBiondo (R-NJ) will conduct a Congressional hearing on Wednesday, Feb. 5, to examine the progress the FAA has made in implementing provisions of the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 in the last two years. The Reform Act was enacted on Feb. 14, 2012, and contains provisions intended […]
Latest FAA Safety Briefing now online
Now online is the January/February issue of FAA Safety Briefing, which explores the important role technology plays in keeping general aviation safe and efficient. Articles discuss the benefits of emerging technologies as well as the potential safety hazards of being too technologically focused. Feature articles in this issue include: “The (Lost) Art of Paying Attention” – […]
FAA administrator meets with GA leaders
Improving general aviation safety is a top priority for the FAA, FAA Administrator Michael Huerta told industry leaders when he met with them Jan. 27 to jump start efforts for this year’s flying season. Huerta reported that the general aviation fatal accident rate has flattened over the past six years, noting there were 259 fatal […]