A breakdown of the FAA computers Nov. 19 brought severe criticism from members of Congress, FAA unions, and others. For the second time in just more than a year, the air traffic computer system went down and brought about massive delays for airlines, general aviation flights under instrument flight rules, and other actions that require […]
Another FAA temporary extension needed
WASHINGTON, D.C. — It looks like the FAA will need another temporary extension. After more than two years, the Senate continues to drag its feet in reauthorizing the FAA. Even many members of the Senate are fed up with the way that body is ignoring the needs of the FAA. Led by Sen. John Kerry […]
On our side
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The House Aviation Subcommittee has a new vice chairman who is knowledgeable about aviation and from a state with a history of recognizing the importance of general aviation airports: Rep. John Boccieri (D-Ohio). From 1994 to 1998 Boccieri was in the U.S. Air Force flying C-130 Hercules aircraft. Now a major in […]
Is there a better name than general aviation?
WASHINGTON, D.C. — A rose by any other name might smell as sweet, but will flying by any name be as accepted and successful? At a recent House Aviation Subcommittee hearing on the progress of the NextGen air traffic management system, members of the subcommittee, as well as people testifying, continually referred to “business flying” […]
AOPA lobbying efforts top $770,000
According to the Associated Press, AOPA spent $770,000 in the third quarter lobbying on behalf of general aviation. The news service said an amended form filed last month with the House clerk’s office reported the pilot group lobbied not only Congress on such issues as user fees, greenhouse emissions, and reauthorization of the FAA, but […]
Those against biz jets need to know this
A silent auction at the NBAA convention last month raised $168,000 for a program that those opposed to corporate aviation should know more about. The auction’s proceeds went to the Corporate Angel Network (CAN), a group that arranges for free transportation on business aircraft for cancer patients. CAN, in service for 27 years, has provided […]
NextGen on track, but has a long way to go
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The next generation air transportation system (NextGen) is getting on track but still has a long way to go and problems to overcome, according to testimony given to the House Subcommittee on Aviation Wednesday. The hearing was the first to discuss a report from the Radio Technical Commission on Aeronautics (RTCA) task […]
GA working together
Maybe it’s the changing times or the changing leaderships, but the various entities in general aviation are working together more and more on mutual issues. At this year’s Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) gathering in Tampa, Florida, heads of several major organizations will appear together on a panel to discuss issues facing general aviation […]
Reducing greenhouse emissions
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The FAA and its counterparts in other nations around the world have agreed to reduce greenhouse emissions by improving aviation fuel efficiency 2% a year starting in 2012 and continuing until 2050. The goal is to reach a greater than 60% improvement in emissions over that period. Each nation will approach the […]