WASHINGTON, D.C. — This is going to be a busy year in Washington for aviation. Expect confrontations between various segments of aviation, between the FAA and some of its employees, between the government and some users, between the FAA and certificate holders, and possibly within the political parties. We already know about the user fee […]
The latest on NAVAIDS, user fees and fuel rules
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Should the NAVAIDS at airports go unmonitored when the tower is closed? That’s a question the FAA is asking as it proposes leaving certain Instrument Landing Systems (ILS), Localizer Type Directional Aids (LDA), Microwave Landing Systems (MLS), and Non-Directional Beacons (NDB) unmonitored at times when the control tower is not operating. Some […]
What is on Santa’s list for GA’s movers and shakers?
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Leaking news to reporters is a favorite indoor sport practiced by almost everyone in this town. While most reporters will not reveal their sources, I gladly will. My source for these items comes straight from the top man himself — Santa Claus. He revealed to me what some of Washington’s movers and […]
Democratic control could bring change to user fee fight
WASHINGTON, D.C. — General aviation groups are cautiously optimistic about the changes in Congressional committee leaderships that will bring into power lawmakers who in the past have shown opposition to user fees. Democrats are expected to take a more negative view of changing how the FAA is funded, but reauthorization of the FAA is still […]
Fair is fair? FAA, airlines continue blitz for user fees
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Air Traffic Control Association (ATCA) held its annual conference and exposition here earlier this month and, as with most aviation meetings now, one of the hottest sessions concerned funding for the FAA. A panel discussion brought out the usual airline pitch of fairness. This hackneyed point was touted by Sharon Pinkerton, […]
Missing the big picture: GA organizations react to NY crash
WASHINGTON, D.C. — There was quick reaction here when a single-engine plane owned by New York Yankees pitcher Cory Lidle struck an apartment building on East 72nd Street in New York City. Phil Boyer, president of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA), immediately gave television interviews to the networks from the association’s new satellite-connected […]
Last minute maneuers: User fees, VLJs and more on Congress’s agenda before its latest recess
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Before taking a recess to campaign for reelection, Congress took time to move on several issues important to general aviation. The Senate confirmed Mary Peters as Secretary of Transportation. In past transportation positions she has declared a need for new financing methods, i.e., user fees. Peters replaces the well-respected Norman Mineta, who […]
“Safest aviation system in the world”
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Members of the House Aviation Subcommittee bragged that the United States has the safest aviation system in the world, but they still raked the FAA over the coals for not doing enough to address key safety issues. Although the recent oversight hearing was scheduled before the Lexington, Kentucky, Comair wrong-runway accident, that […]
Nominee for Secretary of Transportation advocate of user fees
Washington, D.C. — Washington aviation association heads were swift to offer congratulations to Mary Peters for her nomination to the cabinet post of Secretary of Transportation even though the nominee is an advocate of user fees. Such polite courtesies, however, are normal as those dealing with government officials want to get off on a friendly […]