2011 will be an amazing year for General Aviation. The following is one of a series of absurd (unless they come to fruition) predictions. The quotes are manufactured (by me) and the only thing standing in the way of making these a reality is the cajones to make it so.
Congress grows a pair
In a move that will shock…everyone, Congress will put on their big kid underpants and fund the FAA for five years when the 18th consecutive short-term extension expires in March.
Language in the reauthorization is strong and direct: NextGen should be for all aircraft flown for hire AND into/out of the 30 busiest airports in the Nation Airspace System.
Congressional John Mica, chair of the powerful Transportation and Infrastructure Committee of the 112th Congress, said during a hastily called press conference (that never happened), “NextGen benefits primarily the airlines. Simplifying the system will speed implementation and lower costs. If ‘Joe or Jane Pilot’ want to equip their Cessna 172 with NextGen-compliant equipment, have at it, but it should not be a requirement.”
The myriad aviation alphabet groups were so surprised and pleased as to be rendered speechless. No one remembers that ever happening before.
Agree? Disagree? Have your own absurd prediction? Post your comments below.
I am pleased to hear these comments. Yes, small GA Aircraft should have the option about equipping or not for Nex Gen. Amen to the comment about dropping the Three Class medical.
The FAA will suffer a miraculous reversal of amnesia and remember that they approved auto fuel without ethanol for aviation use and they will remind the EPA that they have authority over all aviation fuels, just as they did with leaded 100 octane gasoline last summer, and the EPA will ban ethanol blending in all premium unleaded gasoline to insure availability for GA.
We can only hope, but I for one won’t be holding my breath. Logic isn’t the FAA’s strong suite.
This is good. The next thing to go should be the 3rd class medical. I don’t need one to drive the family car. Small aircraft up to a certain weight should be exempt from 3rd class medical requirements for their operation. The 172 and similar aircraft should be looked at in the same way as the family car.