Regulations and Government
News about bills, laws, regulations and other governmental decisions affecting aviation and aerospace. Topics include FAA re-authorizations, taxes on fuel and aviation activities, environmental legislation, ICAO decisions, governmental mediation of labor conflicts and World Trade Organization disputes and decisions.
Regulations and Government
New HIRF testing rules a step closer
The FAA last month closed a three-month comment period on a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) that would amend long-standing HIRF (high-intensity radiat
Regulations and Government
Congressional Observer: July 2006
– Congress took a 10-day break over the Memorial Day holiday and on its return faced a number of issues that had been left in the holding pattern.
Regulations and Government
FAA no closer on financing plans
In testimony before the Senate appropriations subcommittee on transportation early last month, FAA Administrator Marion Blakey continued to play her cards
Regulations and Government
Norman Mineta departure saddens bizav
Transportation Secretary Norman Mineta, a long-time advocate for general aviation and the lone Democrat in President Bush’s Cabinet, shocked and saddened t
Regulations and Government
Airlines Cheating Uncle Sam on Security Fees?
The Homeland Security Inspector General reported last month that the airlines are underpaying the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) an estimated
Regulations and Government
Canadian Pilot Groups Appeal New Fees
Later this month the Canadian Transportation Agency is expected to rule on an appeal by the Canadian Pilots Association and the Helicopter Association of C
ATC
ATC Consolidation May Need BRAC-like Help
With the FAA planning to consolidate major ATC facilities and its regional offices, Rep.
Regulations and Government
FAA Proposal Adds Teeth to Rule
Rules governing the construction of objects that could be an obstruction to safe aircraft operations might get a little more bite.
Regulations and Government
Civil Penalties Don’t Escape Inflation
Changes to the FAA’s investigative and enforcement procedures (FAR Part 13) including inflation adjustments to civil monetary penalties–became effective Ju
Regulations and Government
Takeoff Obstacle Clearance Discussed
The FAA recently issued Advisory Circular 120-91 “Airport Obstacle Analysis” for Part 121 and Part 135 commuter operators, to help them analyze takeoff pro
Regulations and Government
Congressional Observer: September 2006
• The dog days of August descended on the Capitol right on schedule, and Congressional lawmakers escaped the doldrums as they usually do–by recessing for t
Regulations and Government
NBAA forum highlights user-fee fight
With airlines complaining to Congress about the huge amount of money they pay to the FAA, what often gets lost in the noise is the fact that the airlines t
Regulations and Government
Platinum penalty referred to DOJ
The FAA has referred its civil penalty case against Platinum Jet Management to the U.S.
Regulations and Government
N.Y. Senate passes tax exemption bill
New York’s state Senate passed legislation (S.3655) sponsored by Sen.
Regulations and Government
ELTS Proposed For All Int'l Flights
Starting July 1, 2008, all airplanes operating internationally will need to carry at least one emergency locator transmitter (ELT), according to a proposed
Regulations and Government
Refuse a drug test lose your license
The FAA late last month adopted a 2004 notice of proposed rulemaking amending airman medical standards so that a refusal to submit to a required drug or al
Regulations and Government
Why the FAA Believes the Landing Distance Safety Margin is Necessary
The FAA listed reasons why it believes that the 15-percent landing distance safety margin policy is needed:
• The agency surveyed operators’
• The agency surveyed operators’
Regulations and Government
FAA changes landing distance rules for commercial operators
After a Southwest Airlines Boeing 737-700 ran off a snowy runway while landing at Chicago Midway Airport on December 8 last year, the FAA launched an inter
Regulations and Government
Second Cease & Desist Order for Platinum
Platinum Jet Management last month was slapped with a cease-and-desist order for the second time since the Challenger overrun accident at Teterboro Airport
Regulations and Government
Congressional Observer: August 2006
• Congress recessed for the 4th of July, as it generally does when there is a national holiday, but, before adjourning, lawmakers passed a $94.5 billion em
Regulations and Government
Comments Due on Limitations NPRM
July 17 is the deadline to submit comments on an FAA notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to require OEMs of aircraft with mtow of more than 75,000 pounds
Regulations and Government
FAA Just Says No to Public Access
To encourage more industry participation in its voluntary disclosure reporting program (VDRP), the FAA is proposing that information provided to the agency
Regulations and Government
Canada Releases Aviation Strategy Plan
Transport Canada recently released “Flight 2010,” a strategy plan for enhancing the safety levels of the country’s civil aviation sector over the next five
Regulations and Government
Don’t Rest, Send Comments on Rest Rules
Comments are due July 10 on an FAA request for comments on Part 135 duty, flight and rest time rules.
Regulations and Government
'Priority service' limits delayed
The FAA postponed until January 1 next year a decision to limit “priority service” for aircraft registration in connection with conducting international fl
Regulations and Government
Part 23 10-min. OEI method proposed
The FAA released a draft policy that would offer a streamlined way for manufacturers of Part 23 multi-engine turbine airplanes–including very light jets–to
Aircraft
FAA OKs Avanti II
Piaggio Aero obtained FAA certification of its Avanti II turboprop late last month.
Aircraft
Part 25 NPRM Aimed at Bizjet Interiors
The FAA is developing a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) addressing special requirements for the interiors of transport-category business jets.
Regulations and Government
NPRM to extend training rule for flying near ADIZ
Early last month the FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) that would require VFR pilots to complete Internet-based training before being allow
Safety
Industry teams to address runway information issues
The Southwest Airlines Flight 1248 overrun accident at Chicago Midway Airport last December 8 has led to two significant developments for operators.
