WASHINGTON, D.C. — Just as the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) was getting a leg up on security with the signing of a homeland security bill that includes a program called Transportation Security Administration Access Certificate (STAAC), up pops a corporate pilot who allegedly steals a Cessna Citation jet. This was just one of a […]
Bet on it: Washington ADIZ will become permanent
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Despite strong opposition from the general aviation community, I predict the proposal to make the ADIZ around the nation’s capital permanent will become official after the community has had an opportunity to comment. Deadline for submitting comments is Nov. 2. More than 2,000 comments had been received by press time, universally in […]
Will user fees be the issue that unites general aviation?
WASHINGTON, D.C. — After years of assurances from several FAA administrators that user fees were not an issue, the FAA recently informed the aviation community that the sky is falling with the aviation trust fund and new sources of revenue are needed when authority for collecting fuel taxes expires two years from now. Once again […]
Expect to keep a closer eye on the weather
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Pilots may have to study more weather and show proficiency in flying by reference only to instruments during a biennial flight review if recommendations made by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are adopted by the FAA. Results of a study of weather-related accidents indicates a need for better testing of pilots, […]
Fight against user fees heats up
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Even though the members of Congress have been in their summer recess, this has not been a quiet period for the people here representing general aviation. They have been busy, and signs indicate they will be even busier. Despite long protestations that user fees were out of the question for GA, the […]
Fight against permanent ADIZ begins
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Don’t blame the FAA. The proposal to make the area around the nation’s Capital a permanent “”National Defense Airspace”” was the idea of the Department of Defense (DOD) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The FAA merely followed instructions. That’s just one of the many things this proposal brings to the […]
The few, the proud, the persistent…
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Homeland Security Department has issued an Interim Flight Rule that will again permit general aviation aircraft to operate into and out of Reagan National Airport. Since the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, GA aircraft have not been permitted at DCA, which is located just across the Potomac River from downtown Washington. […]
Summertime… and lawmakers are busy before they head home
WASHINGTON, D.C. — This time of year, as Congress looks to the next fiscal year and hurries to get off to its summer “”district work”” period (aka vacation), a variety of events occur. Some move swiftly along the path to enactment, others might get changed along the way, some never make it. Here are just […]
TSA’s plan to reopen Reagan National blasted
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is trying to match the wants of general aviation, politicians and businesses with its responsibility to maintain a high level of security for the nation’s capital, but is getting heat from all sides. Prompted by TSA’s plan to open Washington’s Reagan National Airport to general aviation, the […]