WASHINGTON, D.C. — General aviation flight hours are expected to grow at a rate of 3.2% a year for the next 10 years Meanwhile, airline passenger count is forecast to grow at a rate of 3% a year, but there will be more flights with air carriers using smaller regional airplanes with lower ticket costs. […]
Industry’s excitment about record sales tempered by spectre of user fees
WASHINGTON, D.C. — At the annual industry review meeting of the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA), companies reported a record year for dollar volume in 2005, a 20% growth in the number of piston airplanes delivered, a positive outlook for the future, and a determination to not allow user fees, proposed by the administration and […]
The state of the industry
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The future of general aviation looks bright but major issues will be faced this year. That was the assessment of the state of the industry by James Coyne, president of the National Air Transportation Association (NATA), at that group’s annual luncheon for Washington journalists. Saying the business and charter sides of general […]
Pilots speak out against Washington ADIZ
WASHINGTON, D.C. — “”Don’t take a bad idea and make it permanent.”” — Phil Boyer, president of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA). “”This is an idiot’s game. All we are doing is punishing law-abiding citizens.”” — Jim Coyne, president, National Air Transportation Association (NATA). “”Do rules or little lines on a chart really […]
Could tax bill kill GA?
WASHINGTON, D.C. — As Congress returns from its break, one of the important issues it will take up is the Tax Relief Act of 2005, which contains two harmful proposals for general aviation. The bill —S. 2020 — passed the Senate with these provisions. The House version is different, so it will go to conference, […]
It’s not what you know, but who you know
Relationships can make a difference on Capitol Hill WASHINGTON, D.C. — For persons representing general aviation before members of Congress, it is pleasant when the chair of the committee, or a few members of it, are knowledgeable about aviation. It is even more enjoyable when the person testifying is known personally by members of the […]
What’s under the tree?
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Information leaks in this town are means of communications. The only times politicians click their tongues in shame are when the leakers get caught. Therefore, it should not surprise anyone that information was leaked to me about what certain individuals will be receiving for Christmas. True to my journalistic profession, I will […]
NTSB’s ‘most wanted list’ tackles runway incursions and deicing
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) recently reexamined its “”Most Wanted List”” of safety improvements and retained two items of importance to general aviation: runway incursions and icing. The board’s public hearing revealed there is an average of three operational errors a day at the nation’s towered airports and one severe incident […]
Feds get serious about security matters
Washington, D.C. — Recent developments in the Washington area demonstrate just how serious the government is about security matters. A major announcement was made about reopening Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport to general aviation after its closure following the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. The media carried stories about flights returning. The first general aviation flight […]