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How much control should other nations have on U.S. pilots?

January 3, 2012 by 14 Comments

WASHINGTON, D.C. — General aviation pilot who fly frequently to Europe are finding problems that can make flying expensive, as well as more difficult, and are raising questions about just how much United States aviation should be controlled by other nations.

The newest problem is a European court’s ruling on Dec. 21, 2011, that a plan by European regulators to tax carbon emissions from aircraft using European airspace must apply to all operators, regardless of where those aircraft are based, including the U.S. [Read more...]

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Looking ahead to 2012: What to expect from lawmakers next year

December 29, 2011 by 1 Comment

WASHINGTON, D.C. — As the new year approaches, pilots should fasten their seat belts. It could be a bumpy ride.

Next year’s election is expected to be one of the most volatile in decades. It will keep the President, Congress, and heads of government agencies focused on election and re-election.

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Holiday gift-giving, Washington-style

December 20, 2011 by Leave a Comment

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Reaching reliable sources of information here can often be confusing and frustrating. I sought to interview someone about the Christmas holidays and wanted to go directly to the source for gift giving.

Knowing the problems of getting correct answers in Washington, I started checking sources around the nation. Everyone I talked to directed me to the same place. When I finally made contact, I was right back here in Washington and introduced to Uncle Sam. His hand-outs to folks in this country and around the world cause many to think of him as Santa Claus.

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GA groups oppose latest LightSquared offer

December 18, 2011 by 2 Comments

LightSquared’s recent offer to give up a few frequencies does not satisfy the Global Positioning System and its users, including the airline industry and general aviation.

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FAA administrator resigns after DWI

December 7, 2011 by Leave a Comment

Following his Dec. 3 arrest for driving while intoxicated (DWI), Randy Babbitt resigned as administrator of the FAA and his deputy has taken over as acting administrator. Michael Huerta is expected to remain in the post until after next year’s election to avoid any nomination squabbles prior to the election.

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FAA administrator arrested for DWI

December 5, 2011 by 2 Comments

Police in Fairfax, Virginia, across the Potomac River from the Nation’s Capital, said Randy Babbitt, FAA Administrator, was arrested Saturday night about 10:30 p.m. and charged with driving while intoxicated.  He requested and was granted a leave of absence, with Deputy Administrator Michael Huerta now serving as acting administrator.

Babbitt, 65, was seen driving on the wrong side of Old Lee Highway, a major artery in the area, according to police reports. He was the only individual in the auto and there was no accident or injury. He was taken to the county jail and later released on a personal recognizance bond.

Babbitt is a veteran pilot, having flown for the old Eastern Airlines for 25 years.  Prior to his appointment to the FAA post, he was president of the Airline Pilots Association.

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FAA restores BARR to let pilots block flight info

December 4, 2011 by Leave a Comment

Pilots on IFR flights will no longer have to submit a Certified Security Concern to the FAA in order to prevent their flight information from being broadcast over the Internet. FAA officials announced the reversal Friday, Dec. 2, after Congress ordered it in the fiscal year 2012 appropriations bill.

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What affect will Super Committee failure have on GA?

November 27, 2011 by 9 Comments

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Politics in Washington, normally baffling, is even more so now that the Super Committee has failed to reach an agreement on funding with a highly contested election approaching and the nation facing a massive $15 trillion debt.

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Controllers endorse Obama

November 27, 2011 by 2 Comments

The National Air Traffic Controls Association has endorsed President Obama and Vice President Biden for second terms.

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Rockefeller angry over FAA bill delays

November 15, 2011 by Leave a Comment

Unless Congress passes an FAA reauthorization bill soon it will be some time before a long-term bill is passed by any Congress. That warning was given by Sen. John (Jay) Rockefeller IV speaking to the Washington Aero Club.

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