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 […]
GA groups oppose latest LightSquared offer
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. LightSquared has offered to give up half the frequencies in the spectrum it wants to set up a nationwide broadband satellite-based network, if the FCC will let another organization […]
FAA administrator resigns after DWI
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. When submitting his resignation Dec. […]
FAA administrator arrested for DWI
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 […]
FAA restores BARR to let pilots block flight info
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. Previously pilots could “opt out” of […]
What affect will Super Committee failure have on GA?
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. When the Super Committee was formed, Congress included in the bill a provision that if […]
Controllers endorse Obama
The National Air Traffic Controls Association has endorsed President Obama and Vice President Biden for second terms. In announcing the endorsement, NATCA officials said aviation contributes more than 5% of the nation’s gross domestic product and this administration “has demonstrated strong leadership and a commitment to improving the safety and efficiency of our air space […]
Rockefeller angry over FAA bill delays
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. Saying he is both angry and frustrated by the long delays in getting a full reauthorization bill […]
The Super Committee and GA
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Despite a united front by aviation groups and strong support from many in Congress, general aviation’s struggle over fuel taxes and a proposed $100 per flight user fee for business flights is reaching a higher pitch as the federal government intensifies its attempts to reduce the federal deficit. The Joint Committee on […]