The long-term outlook for general aviation is favorable, according to the FAA’s recently released Aerospace Forecast. The near-term looks especially good for piston aircraft activity, according to the forecast through 2035, because of declining fuel prices. “After growing rapidly for most of the past decade, and then slowing over the past few years, the most […]
FAA
10,000th plane equipped with ADS-B
The FAA recently reported that Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) equipment is now on board 10,000 aircraft flying in the United States. The FAA made the announcement at a recent Equip 2020 working group meeting that the milestone was reached in late February. The Equip 2020 working group was established by FAA Deputy Administrator Michael Whitaker in October […]
FAA launches NextGen update website
The FAA has launched a NextGen Update website that covers the latest information on accomplishments and plans as of March 10. It starts with new videos from FAA officials, as well as lots of links, videos and more. A general aviation specific page can be found here.
FAA administrator to testify at reauthorization hearing
WASHINGTON, D.C. — FAA Administrator Michael Huerta will testify at an Aviation Subcommittee hearing next week on reauthorization of the agency. The current FAA law expires at the end of September, and a new authorization is one of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee’s highest priorities this year, according to officials. Huerta, the only scheduled witness for […]
FAA releases long-awaited RPA rules
The FAA has released its proposed rule on the use of small remotely piloted aircraft (RPA). In an unusual Sunday morning press conference, Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx and FAA Administrator Michael Huerta released the details of the proposed rule, which affects RPAs that weigh less than 55 pounds and are flown for non-recreational purposes. Under […]
FAA expands RPA airspace in North Dakota
The FAA has expanded the airspace for remotely piloted aircraft (RPA) in North Dakota. Two Certificates of Waiver or Authorization (COAs) awarded to the Northern Plains UAS Test Site “greatly expand” the airspace available for research flights to most of northeastern North Dakota, according to FAA officials. FAA officials add that they soon expect to […]
FAA grants eight more RPA exemptions
The FAA has granted eight more regulatory exemptions for commercial use of remotely piloted aircraft (RPA) operations, bringing the total number of exemption grants to 24. The agency has issued new exemptions to Total Safety U.S. Inc. for flare stack inspections, to LikeonaTree Aerial for aerial photography and surveys, and to Team 5, Shotover Camera Systems, Helinet […]
RPA and football don’t mix, FAA warns
The FAA has issued a warning to operators of remotely piloted aircraft (RPA): Don’t even think about flying over the Super Bowl this Sunday to get your own view of the action.The agency notes that the Super Bowl is strictly a “No Drone Zone.” The FAA bars unauthorized aircraft — including RPAs — from flying over or near NFL […]
FAA requests pilot feedback on LED lighting at airports
The FAA is surveying pilots with experience with Light Emitting Diode (LED) airport/heliport lighting during approach, landing, ground movement and takeoff phases of flight. According to a report on the National Business Aviation Association website, the FAA held a symposium last fall regarding LED lamps and their application on airports. FAA officials made technical presentations on […]