The Society of Aviation and Flight Educators (SAFE) have informed the FAA that an unexpected change in agency policy on Letters of Authorization (LOAs) for GA flight simulators will harm aviation safety, create a burden on the industry, and run counter to the intent of current LOAs. “The FAA should be encouraging better pilot training, […]
FAA
New study illustrates roadblocks to modernizing ATC
WASHINGTON D.C. — A new Hudson Institute study finds that America’s air traffic control system has fallen seriously behind modern information technology. Case studies illustrate the organizational roadblocks preventing the FAA from modernizing its flight procedures, communications and navigation technology, and governing structure. The report also outlines the steps necessary to bring the US system […]
Judge denies more time to FAA in SMO lawsuit
A federal judge has denied the FAA’s request for more time to respond to a lawsuit filed by the city of Santa Monica to close Santa Monica Municipal Airport. According to a report in the Santa Monica Lookout, Judge John F. Walter denied the FAA’s request for an additional 44 days to respond to a lawsuit […]
FAA names six sites for UAS research
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The FAA has selected the six public entities that will develop unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) research and test sites around the country. The sites will conduct tests and research into operational requirements for integrating UAS, more commonly called drones, into the national airspace. FAA Administrator Michael Huerta said the first site is […]
Budget deal could be good news for FAA — and GA
Shortly before leaving for winter recess, congressional leaders reached a budget agreement that could be good news for the FAA — and general aviation, according to a report at AOPA.org. The budget deal, reached between Sen. Patty Murray (D-Wash.) and Rep. Paul Ryan (R-Wis.), does not contain any user fees for general aviation. And while […]
FAA to delay sleep apnea policy
The Experimental Aircraft Association is reporting that the chairman of its Aeromedical Advisory Council, Dr. Stephen Leonard, learned from the FAA Thursday, Dec. 19, that the agency will delay implementation of its new sleep apnea policy planned for next month in order to gather additional input from the aviation and medical community. The new policy, […]
Wichita State University researcher named FAA’s Outstanding Student of the Year
Matt Opliger, a graduate student in aerospace engineering and research engineer for Wichita State University’s National Institute for Aviation Research (NIAR), has been named 2013 Outstanding Student of the Year by the U.S. Department of Transportation and the FAA. Opliger will be honored at the Council of University Transportation Centers Awards Ceremony in Washington, D.C., […]
I could lose sleep over this!
Ever go to a car show and marvel at the British sports cars of our youth? MGs and Triumphs, how small they look now! How could I ever fit? Answer: We were slimmer then. After decades of fast food, career stress, no time to exercise and skimping on healthy foods, we are a nation heavier […]
One pilot’s experience with an apnea diagnosis
Mike, a Chicago area pilot, shares his experiences with apnea on his blog, as well as his thoughts about what the new proposal means: “As a pilot with apnea I thought it time to share my experiences and weigh in on the long-term FAA requirements that come from an apnea diagnosis. I’m against this proposal, […]