•Congress took a legislative break from November 18 to December 12 but, before leaving, both houses passed H.R.3058, the FY2006 Transportation, Treasury and Housing appropriations bill that provides funding for those agencies through September. The bill authorizes $13.8 billion for the FAA, $276 million more than the agency’s budget for FY2005, and $1.1 billion more than President Bush requested.
Regulations and Government
News about bills, laws, regulations and other governmental decisions affecting aviation and aerospace. Topics include FAA reauthorizations, taxes on fuel and aviation activities, environmental legislation, ICAO decisions, governmental mediation of labor conflicts and World Trade Organization disputes and decisions.
September 28, 2006 - 4:19am
The Next Generation Air Transportation System (NGATS) Institute has named Stephen Fisher its executive director. A former Marine Corps helicopter pilot, he will oversee daily operations at the institute.
The NGATS Institute is an industry partnership supporting the Joint Planning and Development Office (JPDO) in developing and implementing NGATS, a technologically advanced ATC system for the future.
September 28, 2006 - 4:18am
Before leaving for the Thanksgiving break, the Senate passed a bill with tax credits to encourage innovation in aerospace and defense research and development. Earlier, the House Ways and Means Committee approved a similar tax measure; at press time it was awaiting a floor vote.
September 27, 2006 - 12:16pm
The National Air Traffic Controllers Association (Natca) called the FAA’s imposition of new work rules over the Labor Day weekend “a brazen, arrogant trampling of the collective bargaining system” and a threat to the safety and efficiency of the National Airspace System.
September 27, 2006 - 12:00pm
Many local residents who successfully opposed TAG Aviation’s application to increase the number of weekend and holiday movements at the UK’s Farnborough Airport are hypocrites, according to their local member of parliament, Gerald Howarth.
September 27, 2006 - 11:12am
Before leaving for the Thanksgiving break, the Senate passed a bill with tax credits to encourage innovation in aerospace and defense research and development. Earlier, the House Ways and Means Committee approved a similar tax measure; at press time it was awaiting a floor vote.
September 26, 2006 - 2:25pm
With nearly 20,000 comments received on the proposal to make the Washington, D.C., air defense identification zone (ADIZ) permanent, the FAA will hold two public meetings this month to give pilots, airport managers and others a chance to present their views on the proposal.
September 26, 2006 - 1:39pm
After 12 months of consultation with all segments of its domestic and overseas customer base, Nav Canada–Canada’s privatized air navigation service provider (ANSP)–has proposed a new fee structure that would mean slight reductions in terminal charges for large aircraft and slight increases for smaller aircraft. En route fees would be unchanged.
September 26, 2006 - 1:16pm
The Senate at press time was considering a bill that imposes a $250,000 fine and a possible prison term of up to five years for people who point lasers at aircraft. The legislation is an outgrowth of a number of recent incidents. Laser beams can temporarily blind pilots and, in some reported cases, cause permanent eye damage. The bill passed in the House last month.
September 26, 2006 - 1:08pm
Repair stations would be required to establish a quality-rating program under a notice of proposed rulemaking the FAA expects to publish next month. The new rules would revise the current ratings system and require shops to “establish a quality program.” Repair stations would be required to maintain a capability list, designate a chief inspector and have permanent housing for facilities, equipment, materials and personnel.
