Even though DOT Secretary Ray LaHood told the “Future of U.S. Aviation” forum last week that NextGen is not just an aviation or DOT issue, the Obama administration is sending differing signals about whether it would support a proposal for federal assistance for aircraft equipage. Senior White House economic aide Lawrence Summers and a broad industry...
moreAt the National Air Transportation Association (NATA) Aviation Business Roundtable Monday and Tuesday, more than 65 aviation business leaders shared their concerns about critical issues with FAA, DOT and TSA leaders and political, policy and financial experts. FAA Administrator Randy Babbitt assured attendees that the agency is working on the lack of...
moreSen. Byron Dorgan (D-N.D.) and four cosponsors have introduced S.2745 to ban the use of personal wireless communications devices or laptop computers in Part 121 cockpits, but general aviation would not be affected. Also, the bill would not apply to such devices if used for a purpose directly related to operation of the aircraft, or for emergency,...
moreNetJets Europe yesterday released its first environmental progress report, in which it claims to be on track to become completely carbon-neutral by October 2012. The Lisbon-based fractional provider said it has stepped up wide-ranging efforts to improve efficiency and counter its negative environmental effects, as well as the less than positive views many...
moreFAA aerospace medical certification division manager Dr. Warren Silberman explained the FAA’s new DUI (driving under the influence or while intoxicated) policy in the latest Federal Air Surgeon’s Medical Bulletin, issued on Tuesday. According to Silberman, pilots who get a DUI and had a blood-alcohol content exceeding 0.15 percent when charged or who...
moreNBAA is taking a proactive approach to the “possibility of legislation that would restrict laptops, electronic flight bags (EFBs), cellphones and other electronic devices in aircraft cockpits,” association vice president of safety, security and regulation Doug Carr said yesterday. On Tuesday, Senate aviation subcommittee chairman Byron Dorgan (D-N.D.)...
moreA bipartisan group of congressmen has introduced a bill that would modify the Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) authority to issue security directives (SD) without notice or public input.H.R.3678 would amend the U.S. Code so that the TSA could not issue an SD immediately. Instead, the agency would need to submit the SD to the Transportation...
moreTwo powerful members of the House aviation subcommittee are circulating a letter urging President Obama not to include general aviation user fees in the Fiscal Year 2011 budget. Both subcommittee chairman Jerry Costello (D-Ill.) and ranking Republican Thomas Petri (Wis.) advocate maintaining the current mechanism of using fuel taxes to support the Aviation...
moreThe European Business Aviation Association (EBAA) is developing an emergency response planning manual for business aircraft owners and operators. The publication is due to be released next month and will be available to EBAA members and any operators based in Europe to help them establish their own emergency response plan (ERP). The manual will cover flight...
moreA climate bill introduced in the Senate by Sens. John Kerry (D-Mass.) and Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.) differs from a similar bill narrowly passed by the House of Representatives in June in that it would require the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) administrator to set greenhouse gas emission standards for new aircraft and new aircraft engines.S.1733, the...
moreThe U.S. House of Representatives passed sweeping legislation last month that could profoundly affect how regional airlines do business. H.R. 3371, the Airline Safety and Pilot Training Improvement Act of 2009, passed the House by a vote of 409 to 11. It would require first officers hired by any Part 121 airline to carry an air transport pilot (ATP)...
moreThe Department of Transportation released a safety advisory in the Federal Register last month warning of potential dangers posed by carrying lithium batteries on board commercial passenger and cargo aircraft.
The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, in coordination with the FAA, published the advisory to highlight recent aviation...
moreThe FAA published new regulations for manufacturers of aircraft and aviation products that will update and standardize FAA requirements to better align them with the current global manufacturing environment. They will become effective April 14 next year. The intent of these changes is to ensure that aircraft and products and articles designed specifically...
moreOn March 31 last year the FAA added a section to FAR Part 65 regarding airframe and powerplant mechanics’ certificates, but most A&Ps are not aware of it. According to 14 CFR 65.15(d), “Except for temporary certificates issued under §65.13, the holder of a paper certificate issued under this part may not exercise the privileges of that certificate after...
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