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
ATA cranks up rhetoric against business aviation
As the debate about FAA reauthorization and funding drags on, the lobbying group representing the major airlines continues to blame general aviation for cl
Regulations and Government
FAA bans anti-smoking drug
The FAA has banned pilots and air traffic controllers from taking the anti-smoking medicine Chantix.
Regulations and Government
Nightime Curfew Proposed for Bob Hope Airport
Following the end of the comment period for the Burbank-Glendale-Pasadena (Calif.) Airport Authority’s plan to impose a nighttime curfew on Bob Hope Airpor
ATC
DOT’s Congestion Plan Gets Cool Reception
The Transportation Department’s plan to manage congestion at New York’s three area airports drew criticism from industry witnesses and members of Congress
Charter & Fractional
Aircraft Charter Broker Regulations Pushed
Recent enforcement actions against charter brokers using “unfair or deceptive” business practices have come under scrutiny, and some organizations are now
Safety
FAA Holds First Aviation Fatigue Symposium
The FAA today wrapped up its first symposium focused specifically on managing fatigue in aviation.
Safety
NTSB Addresses Landing Distances, Crew Fatigue
The NTSB issued a number of recommendations yesterday stemming from an April 12, 2007, landing overrun of a Pinnacle Airlines Bombardier CRJ at Cherry Capi
Regulations and Government
FAA Amends ETOPS Rule
Effective yesterday, the FAA officially amended the regulations governing extended twin-engine operations (ETOPS) of turbine-powered airplanes operated by
Regulations and Government
Congressional Hearing Takes On ATC Staffing, Training
During a House aviation subcommittee hearing on air traffic controller facility staffing yesterday, Natca president Patrick Forrey charged that “rampant un
Regulations and Government
Political Flap over Carriage of Political Candidates
NBAA reports that the FAA has responded to a query about the Honest Leadership and Open Government Act of 2007, which changed the law with respect to what
ATC
Natca Endorses Obama for President
The National Air Traffic Controllers Association (Natca) late last week endorsed Sen.
Aircraft
Eclipse 500 certified in the Pacific
Eclipse Aviation announced last month that it received certification from India and Australia for the Eclipse 500 very light jet.
Safety
EGAST establishes team objectives
The European General Aviation Safety Team (EGAST) published in April its Terms of Reference, which describe the organization’s objectives and structure.
Regulations and Government
FAA puts a freeze on frost rule
The FAA last month issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (FAA-2007-29281) to remove wording in Parts 91, 125 and 135 that currently allows pilots to take
Regulations and Government
FAA seeks comments on ETOPS OPSEC
The final rule on extended operations (ETOPS) remains mandatory starting on August 13.
Rotorcraft
RTCA releases helicopter TAWS standard
Standard-setting organization RTCA has released minimum operational performance standards (MOPS) for helicopter terrain awareness and warning systems (HTAW
ATC
Washington Report: FAA plans changes for error reporting
In response to a report by the Transportation Department’s inspector general (IG) that revealed intentional misclassification of operational errors at the
Regulations and Government
Congressional Observer: June 2008
A resolute President Bush may go down swinging as he finishes his term in office.
Regulations and Government
Indian Expats Barred from Right-Seat Slots
A recent ruling by India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) will bar expatriates from holding right-seat airline positions beginning this month
Charter & Fractional
NATA Takes FAA To Task over Emergency Revocations
On Friday, National Air Transportation Association (NATA) president James Coyne criticized the FAA for issuing another emergency suspension order for a Par
Regulations and Government
Aviation Technology Group Throws in the Towel
Englewood, Colo.-based would-be very light jet manufacturer Aviation Technology Group recently filed Chapter 7 bankruptcy to liquidate its assets.
Regulations and Government
FAA’s New ERAM, WATRS Rules Take Effect This Month
According to NBAA, the implementation date for the FAA’s En Route Automation Modernization (ERAM) program has been postponed from this Thursday, June 5, un
Regulations and Government
Opponents raise objections over Subpart K frax rules
“We oppose this proposal in every part and recommend that it be withdrawn.” This was the terse comment from fractional pilot Thomas Gasta to the FAA’s prop
Regulations and Government
Senate defense bill may salvage 44 EAS cities
The $63 million appropriated for the Essential Air Service program in this year’s transportation bill appeared likely to increase to a level closer to the
Regulations and Government
Washington Report: U.S. launches aerospace commission
Although the Commission on the Future of the United States Aerospace Industry was created by Congress long before September 11, a Bush Administration offic
Regulations and Government
Congressional Observer: January 2002
As the first session of the 107th Congress wound down, the wonderful days of bipartisan behavior that followed September 11 gave way to partisan bickering
Regulations and Government
Stalemate continues on FAA funding plan
The Senate bill to reauthorize and fund the FAA for the next four years was once again stalled on the tarmac last month because of procedural infighting be
Rotorcraft
Did newscopters skirt FAA ENG ban?
FAA enforcers are pondering whether to press charges in the wake of a November 7 incident in which some Dallas-area TV stations apparently bent (but, they
