Another temporary extension for FAA

Posted on April 28th, 2010 by

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Senate and House are expected to not complete agreement on reauthorization of the FAA before the temporary extension expires April 30, so Rep. James Oberstar (D-Minn.), chairman of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, introduced... Continue Reading →

NextGen delays continue

Posted on April 27th, 2010 by

WASHINGTON, D.C. — NextGen (the Next Generation Air Transportation System) is running into problems, causing delays, which mean the program might not be fully operational before the half-century-old radar-based system is scheduled to be replaced. Seven government agencies and offices... Continue Reading →

FAA reauthorization expected in 2-3 weeks

Posted on April 21st, 2010 by

Within the next two to three weeks, the FAA might have its first full reauthorization in four years, Rep. James Oberstar (D-Miin.) said at a Transportation and Infrastructure Committee hearing Wednesday. Oberstar, who chairs the full committee, said he and... Continue Reading →

Accidents down last year, due to less flying

Posted on April 11th, 2010 by

General aviation accidents decreased in 2009, while on-demand 135 operations had the lowest number of accidents and fatal accidents in the last 20 years, according to data released by the National Transportation Safety Board. General aviation accidents decreased from 1,566... Continue Reading →

FAA girds to prevent cyber attacks

Posted on April 5th, 2010 by

“America is at war,” FAA Administrator Randy Babbitt told attendees at an agency information technology conference. Malicious attacks on the FAA’s computer system and industrial networks are occurring at an unprecedented rate, he said, adding that it is an evolving... Continue Reading →

FAA sets new policy on antidepressants

Posted on April 4th, 2010 by

Pilots taking medication for mild to moderate depression now may be considered for a special issuance of a medical certificate. In a change to take effect April 5, pilots who take one of four antidepressant medications will be allowed to... Continue Reading →

Second TSA nominee withdraws

Posted on March 29th, 2010 by

Three days after appearing before a Senate Committee regarding his nomination to lead the Transportation Security Administration, Maj. Gen. Robert Harding withdrew his name from consideration, citing questions about his background as a defense contractor. Harding was the second nominee... Continue Reading →

Senate and House to try after recess to reconcile FAA reauthorization

Posted on March 28th, 2010 by

When the Senate finally passed an FAA reauthorization bill, it appeared there would finally be an end to the string of extensions that have been needed to keep the FAA afloat. But, alas, it was not to be. The 12th... Continue Reading →

Senate passes FAA reauthorization

Posted on March 23rd, 2010 by

To the surprise of some and the pleasure of many, the Senate passed a reauthorization bill for the FAA Monday evening, March 22. With the House having passed its reauthorization bill last year, the two can go directly to conference... Continue Reading →

TSA nominee sails through confirmation hearing

Posted on March 23rd, 2010 by

Major General Robert A. Harding (ret.) recently appeared before the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation for a confirmation hearing to be administrator of the Transportation Security Administration and assistant secretary of the Department of Homeland Security. He sailed... Continue Reading →