The FAA published two airworthiness directives this week that affect the Piper general aviation fleet. According to a report at AVweb.com, a final rule published on Monday affects 3,100 Piper Comanches, requiring inspections of the stabilator horn assembly, at a cost of about $1,000 per airplane. If the assembly needs to be replaced, it would […]
FAA
Some of FAA budget exempt from sequester
According to data released Sept. 14 by the White House’s Office of Management and Budget, a large portion of the FAA’s budget will be exempt from mandatory sequestration cuts set to take effect on Jan. 3. According to a post at Rotor.com, about 30% of the FAA’s operations account is exempt — a large percentage […]
Recession, fuel costs ground pilots
WASHINGTON, D.C. — General aviation is going to have an uphill struggle to get back into the growth mode, according to a 92-page report released late last month. The report is based on the thesis of two researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), which delves into the current and historic trends in GA […]
FAA to open Fuels Program Office
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The FAA is forming a new Fuels Program Office responsible for “providing technical expertise and strategic direction in the planning, management, and coordination of activities related to aviation fuels.” This is the next important step in establishing an unleaded avgas transition program that will evaluate the viability of candidate fuels and generate […]
NextGen getting on track but problems persist
WASHINGTON, D.C. — After long delays and high cost overruns, development of the Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen) is starting to get back on track, but because of program problems, users of the system are reluctant to invest in equipment for their aircraft. The FAA has been spending about $1 billion a year since […]
Sept. 14 deadline nears on AOPA-EAA medical petition
Make your voice heard on a request by the AOPA and EAA for an exemption to the 3rd class medical requirements for pilots who fly recreationally. The deadline for comments is Sept. 14, according to AOPA officials, who have posted a page on the association’s site that gives tips on how to present the best […]
Status of NextGen focus of Congressional hearing
WASHINGTON, D.C. — A Congressional hearing on Wednesday, Sept. 12, will examine the status — and delays — of the FAA’s air traffic control modernization program known as the Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen). The Subcommittee on Aviation, chaired by U.S. Rep. Tom Petri (R-Wis.), will receive testimony from federal government and aviation industry […]
Aircraft owners asked to participate in FAA survey
Aircraft owners are asked to participate in the FAA’s 34th annual general aviation Part 135 survey for 2011 data. The survey is the only source of information about the general aviation fleet and data gathered helps the FAA to determine funding for infrastructure and service needs, assess the impact of regulatory changes, and measure aviation […]
Wanted: LSA pilots for FAA survey
The Light Aircraft Manufacturers Association is asking all pilots of Light-Sport Aircraft (LSA) to participate in the 34th annual General Aviation (GA) and Part 135 Activity Survey, which is used to assess aviation safety. Because of the newness of LSA, it is essential to improve the statistics, LAMA officials said, noting more participation will “reinforce […]