WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Transportation Security Administration has been without an administrator since 2007 and the minority leader of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee is calling for a reorganization of TSA, saying it is “a bloated, ineffective bureaucracy.” Rep. John Mica (R-Fla.) recently released a review of a TSA program known as SPOT (Screening […]
FBI deputy director nominated to head TSA
The Transportation Security Administration has been without an administrator for more than a year, but perhaps the third attempt to fill the post will be the charm as President Obama announced his intention to nominate FBI Deputy Director John S. Pistole to head that section of Homeland Security. Pistole has been with the FBI since […]
Sharing information helps GA airports
Airports often face similar problems relating to safety and security but don’t know how others have resolved these problems or where to get specifics on the subject. Recognizing this, the Transportation Research Board (TRB) has a continuing project to gather information from many general aviation airports and share it with all airports to enable faster […]
What’s holding up FAA reauthorization?
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The House and Senate once again are trying to resolve sticky issues to pass a FAA reauthorization bill before the latest extension expires on July 3. Staffs from both sides of the hill continue to meet, with much going on behind the scenes. Several issues remain to be settled, but the biggest […]
Harrison Ford boosts GA on Capitol Hill
Star power met political power Tuesday, April 27, when actor Harrison Ford came to Capitol Hill to talk with members of Congress and staff members. The popular star, who is an avid general aviation supporter, drew an estimated 160 persons who heard him tell how he uses his several aircraft and what general aviation means […]
Another temporary extension for FAA
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Senate and House are expected to not complete agreement on reauthorization of the FAA before the temporary extension expires April 30, so Rep. James Oberstar (D-Minn.), chairman of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, introduced legislation Wednesday to again extend federal aviation operations and programs through July 3, 2010. “We […]
NextGen delays continue
WASHINGTON, D.C. — NextGen (the Next Generation Air Transportation System) is running into problems, causing delays, which mean the program might not be fully operational before the half-century-old radar-based system is scheduled to be replaced. Seven government agencies and offices are involved with the FAA in developing NextGen. The House Subcommittee on Aviation recently held […]
FAA reauthorization expected in 2-3 weeks
Within the next two to three weeks, the FAA might have its first full reauthorization in four years, Rep. James Oberstar (D-Miin.) said at a Transportation and Infrastructure Committee hearing Wednesday. Oberstar, who chairs the full committee, said he and Sen. Jay Rockefeller (D-W.Va.), chairman of the Senate committee on transportation, and their staffs have […]
FAA girds to prevent cyber attacks
“America is at war,” FAA Administrator Randy Babbitt told attendees at an agency information technology conference. Malicious attacks on the FAA’s computer system and industrial networks are occurring at an unprecedented rate, he said, adding that it is an evolving menace on an international scale. The FAA gets pinged every minute of every hour of […]