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 […]
Congress passes four-year FAA bill
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. The House passed the bill last week and the Senate did so Monday, Feb. […]
Senate and House committees approve FAA funding
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. Committees from both chambers met to vote whether or not to accept the report of the conference committee. Acceptance means the bill will be given to both […]
Senate passes FAA extension; schedules hearing on long-term authorization
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. A short extension time was given after conferences resolved the primary issue that had prevented the two […]
FAA extension proposed to clear way for long-term bill
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. House Speaker John Boeher (R-Ohio) and Senator Harry Reid […]
In the spotlight: NTSB holds hearing on air races and airshows
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 […]
White House says $100-per-flight fee is needed
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. Dana Hyde, associate director for General Government Programs, said in a letter rejecting the petition that “the Obama Administration believes it’s essential […]
How much control should other nations have on U.S. pilots?
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 […]
Looking ahead to 2012: What to expect from lawmakers next year
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. Failure of the Super Committee […]