In a press conference Wednesday, June 28, President Obama lashed out at “corporate jets” three times in his opening remarks on wanting to increase revenue, citing tax policies on general aviation airplanes as one place to act. GA groups quickly lashed back. “The president has inexplicably chosen to vilify and mischaracterize business aviation — an […]
The fight to protect GPS
WASHINGTON, D.C. — If the communication company LightSquared goes ahead with its plan to install ground-based transmitters throughout the United States, it could mean catastrophic and potentially fatal issues for users of GPS. This was one concern expressed at a June 23 Congressional hearing into the conflict between LightSquared and users of GPS because of […]
Economic impact of general aviation cited as alliance marks its fourth anniversary
The Alliance for Aviation Across America marked the fourth anniversary since its founding by holding a telephone press conference Tuesday, June 14, citing the economic impact of general aviation and how groups are working more closely together to get across the value of general aviation to communities and the nation. Twenty-nine state governors have now […]
DOT move would allow anyone to follow flight plans
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The decision by the Department of Transportation to change the rules and let anyone in the world follow any general aviation aircraft on an instrument flight plan — departure point, route and destination — may be challenged in court by three of GA’s alphabet groups. The National Business Aviation Association, Aircraft Owners […]
What’s behind jump in controller errors?
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Air traffic controller errors are on the increase, but whether there are really more incidents or better reporting is not determined, according to experts testifying at a recent hearing by a Senate aviation subcommittee. Operational errors increased a whopping 53% between 2009 and 2010, according to FAA statistics. But FAA Administrator Randy […]
FAA programs extended for one month
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The 18th extension for FAA funding of programs expired at midnight Tuesday, May 31, but a committee aide told General Aviation News the programs were extended for one more month. This is the 19th extension. Being just one month in duration might signal both Houses of the Congress are close to agreements […]
Backup plan for FAA reauthorization introduced
WASHINGTON, D.C. — A bipartisan committee in the House introduced a bill to again provide a short-term extension for the FAA if agreement cannot be reached for a long-term reauthorization before the present funding program expires May 31. If needed, this would be the 19th short-term extension and carry the FAA through to June 30. […]
Do you know your state’s aircraft tax legislation?
Aircraft owners should be alert to state taxes, the National Business Aviation Association recently warned its members in a webinar. Webinar presenters Phil Crowther, an attorney, and consultant Nel Stubbs discussed the types of taxes that pilots and business aviation operators might find themselves hit with, including sales tax, use tax, personal property tax, aircraft […]
Bin Laden’s death heightens security; renews focus on new pilot licenses
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The potential threat of retaliation for the execution of Osama Bin Laden is bringing heightened security efforts throughout the United States — and this includes aviation. This focus on security brought the subject of pilot licenses to the forefront at a May 10 Senate hearing, with elected officials especially worried about the […]