WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Senate continued to dawdle on appropriation bills, forcing another extension of the FAA’s temporary authorization to Dec. 31, 2007. In late October, the Senate passed a single provision of the FAA Authorization Act, the Essential Air Service (EAS) program. By voice vote the House approved an amended version of the bill […]
Struggle between FAA and controllers continues to boil
WASHINGTON. D.C. — The struggle between the FAA and the National Air Traffic Controllers Association continues to boil as experienced controllers are retiring in greater numbers and faster than FAA expected. According to the FAA, 828 controllers retired in the 12 months ending Sept. 30. NATCA says there are additional controllers who have announced their […]
Just not enough…ADS-B can’t solve flight delays alone
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The FAA issued a notice of proposed rule making calling for aircraft to be equipped for satellite-based traffic control by the year 2020, amid Congressional, media and public clamoring for quick solutions to the worst period of flight delays in the history of aviation. Even the outgoing FAA administrator acknowledged that many […]
The fight continues
WASHINGTON, D.C. — General aviation won major skirmishes in its user fee battle late last month , but the FAA reauthorization bill is a long way from completion. The House and Senate are not very far apart from deciding on a bill that would be favorable to general aviation, but the bill passed by the […]
FAA administrator moves on: Successor will jumpinto the user fee debate
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Marion Blakey’s term as FAA administrator expires Sept. 13. She will become president of the Aerospace Industries Association (AIA), the lobbying trade group of companies involved primarily with military and commercial aerospace. At one time, nine companies that produced general aviation aircraft and engines were a part of AIA. They were called […]
ATC facilities falling apart: Leaky roofs, asbestosand snakes just afew of the problems
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Air traffic control facilities are in such bad repair that the FAA told Congressional investigators that it estimates the backlog of maintenance costs is between $250 million and $350 million — yet the last two years the administration has requested less than $60 million annually for maintenance. A Congressional committee’s oversight and […]
A sigh of relief – and a warning: House passes FAA reauthorization bill without user fees
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Passage by the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee of the FAA Reauthorization legislation — without user fees — brought some level of relief to the general aviation community, but also a warning that user fee opponents cannot let their guards down. Introducing the bill, Rep. James Oberstar (D-Minn.) said projected growth of […]
Increased security in the works: Expect stricterr egulations later this year
WASHINGTON, D.C. — After security measures were established for commercial aviation, general aviation has been waiting for the other shoe to drop to see what might be planned for personal and business flights. It’s dropping. The Department of Homeland Security is now talking with various aviation groups and elected officials to test the waters about […]
FAA moves to consolidate air traffic control facilities: But faces opposition from controllers, elected officials
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Should air traffic control facilities be consolidated? The FAA thinks so, but the National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA) says it is dangerous the way the FAA is doing it — and therein lies another struggle. NATCA says it is not opposed to consolidation “”where it makes sense.”” The FAA’s approach, declares […]