Death knell for LightSquared?

Charles Spence | Capital Comments | February 16, 2012

WASHINGTON, D.C. — After long and detailed — and often contentious — efforts to work out a safe way for LightSquared to build a network of about 40,000 land-based towers in the U.S. for high-speed wireless transmissions without interfering with GPS, the battle seems to be nearing a satisfactory conclusion for general aviation and others using GPS.

The Federal Communication System is expected to rescind a conditional waiver issued to LightSquared last year after it was informed on Feb. 14 by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) that there is no practical way to prevent interference of GPS frequencies from the planned LightSquared network. Industry observers note this could be a death knell for LightSquared’s plan.

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100 mayors denounce Obama’s attacks on GA

Charles Spence | Capital Comments | February 16, 2012

WASHINGTON, D.C. — General aviation is a vital part of our economy and national infrastructure, and we are concerned about the repercussions of your statements about it. That, in essence was what the mayors of 100 communities in 48 states recently sent in a letter to President Obama. Continue Reading »

Next step for Pilot’s Bill of Rights

Charles Spence | Capital Comments | February 13, 2012

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Pilot’s Bill of Rights is moving along through Congress after Rep. Sam Graves (R-Mo.) recently introduced a companion bill to one introduced last year in the Senate by Sen. James Inhofe (R-Okla.), which now has more than 60 co-sponsors.

The two bills are meant to improve the relationship between general aviation pilots, the FAA, and the National Transportation Safety Board.

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Congress passes four-year FAA bill

Charles Spence | Capital Comments | February 7, 2012

After 23 short-term extensions, both chambers of Congress passed the four-year funding bill for the FAA. It now goes to the President, who is expected to sign it. This gives the FAA long-term planning after more than four years of delays.

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Senate and House committees approve FAA funding

Charles Spence | Capital Comments | February 1, 2012

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Leaders in the Senate and House Tuesday reached agreement on long-term FAA legislation providing a four-year funding authorization, ending a series of 23 short-term extensions.

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Senate passes FAA extension; schedules hearing on long-term authorization

Charles Spence | Capital Comments | January 30, 2012

Passage by the Senate of the 23rd extension of funding for the FAA keeps programs going until Feb. 17. The House had passed its short extension Jan. 24. Both Houses will now get busy on a full-term authorization.

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FAA extension proposed to clear way for long-term bill

Charles Spence | Capital Comments, General Aviation News | January 24, 2012

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The House of Representatives will consider a bill to add another short extension of FAA programs to provide time to continue negotiations for a long-term extension. This extension will be very short, only until Feb. 17. The bill was introduced Monday, Jan. 23.

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In the spotlight: NTSB holds hearing on air races and airshows

Charles Spence | Capital Comments, General Aviation News | January 17, 2012

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Airshows and air races are safe in the United States, but can be made even safer. That was the conclusion of the National Transportation Safety Board after a nearly day-long meeting Jan. 10, which was scheduled following the accident at the Reno Air Races last September that killed 11, including pilot Jimmy Leeward, and injured 70 others.

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White House says $100-per-flight fee is needed

Charles Spence | Capital Comments | January 16, 2012

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Aviation groups are gearing up for another fight against the $100-per-flight charge for use of air traffic services after the White House rejected a petition calling for dropping the proposal.

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

Charles Spence | Capital Comments | January 3, 2012

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. Continue Reading »