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
Turboprops caught in noise rule
New designs for small business turboprop singles could be included in proposed changes to FAR Part 36 noise-certification rules.
Regulations and Government
Simulator proposal reopened for comments
The comment window has been reopened until March 11 on the FAA’s proposal to revise the technical and operational requirements for simulators and flight-tr
Regulations and Government
Very light jets prompt FAA to propose F&R testing
The advent of very light jets has prompted an FAA proposal to require that all new certification projects for turbofan-powered airplanes of 6,000 pounds or
Regulations and Government
‘Sunset’ rule stymied early aerial assault on Cedar Fire
A rule requiring firefighting aircraft to land a half-hour before sunset may have allowed a controllable blaze to become a huge, deadly conflagration.
Regulations and Government
House to discuss DCA access for GA
Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), which has been closed to general aviation traffic since 9/11, will be the subject of a hearing by the Hous
Regulations and Government
Will F&E budget cuts affect ATC upgrades?
The Bush Administration alarmed a number of people early last month when it proposed cutting the FAA’s facilities and equipment (F&E) funding by nearly $40
Regulations and Government
E3 process eases a/c registration in Europe
Europe’s new E3 aircraft registration process is making it easier to transfer aircraft to the national registers of member states of the new European Aviat
Regulations and Government
FAA plans to overhaul organizational designees
The FAA in January issued a proposal to replace the current designee program for organizations with a new one that expands the functions that designees can
Aircraft
Cessna preparing ACAS and Mode-S service bulletins
Citation operators this summer can expect to receive Service Bulletins to address European TCAS/ ACAS and upgraded mode-S transponder requirements going in
Regulations and Government
Type ratings for both pilots required under ICAO rules
To borrow the term “caveat emptor” (Latin for “let the buyer beware”) and mangle it only a bit, flight crews of aircraft that require two pilots should be
ATC
European ‘single sky’ plan gains momentum
Launched in 1999 by European Commission vice president Loyola de Palacio, the move to create a single European sky (SES) for air traffic management and con
Regulations and Government
California shuts tax law loophole
California has amended its aircraft sales and use tax law, essentially closing a loophole that allowed buyers of aircraft and other big-ticket items to esc
Regulations and Government
Survey: most pilots oppose age regulation
Sixty-three percent of the more than 300 pilots responding to a survey on the NBAA Web site said there should be no maximum pilot age limit for operating t
Charter & Fractional
IBAC to propose int’l frax regs
When the ICAO Assembly meets in Montreal late this month, the International Business Aircraft Council (IBAC) will propose standardization of international
Regulations and Government
FAA Makes Its Case for User Fees
“The greatest flaw in the current system is the corporate jet versus the airline,” said FAA Administrator Marion Blakey.
Regulations and Government
FAA Reauthorization Bill Sent to Congress
With a disclaimer that the move does not indicate endorsement, Democratic and Republican leaders of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructur
Regulations and Government
FAA revises rules for campaign travel
The FAA has revised FAR Part 91.321 to clarify that private aircraft operators can transport candidates on campaign travel for state and local elective off
Regulations and Government
Congressioanl Observer March 2005
In his State of the Union message to Congress, President Bush laid out the broad and ambitious objectives and goals the administration hopes to achieve dur
ATC
Europe’s mode-S mandate creates confusion
A European mandate calling for mode-S transponder upgrades in transport-category airplanes is causing confusion for some U.S.
Regulations and Government
NTSB Takes Issue with New Helo Flotation Rules
It took the FAA more than three years to finalize its rules affecting the commercial air-tour industry and only 14 days after their publication for the NTS
Regulations and Government
FAA ready to change reviled age-60 rule
After a decades-long battle, the FAA capitulated to the court of international opinion in late January, announcing that it will propose a new rule to permi
Regulations and Government
New Taxi into Position and Hold Guidance
New taxi into position and hold (TIPH) guidance for pilots became effective February 5.
Regulations and Government
Congressional Observer: March 2007
• After the November elections, House Democrats vowed to pass the “Six for ’06” bills (minimum wages, stem cell research, energy and so on) in the first 10
Regulations and Government
Revised Air-taxi Security Rules Issued
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has released a revised Twelve-Five Standard Security Program (TFSSP), effective March 12.
Regulations and Government
SIC Pilot Type Rating Notice Issued
New FAA Notice N8000.351 provides procedures on how to complete the application for second-in-command (SIC) pilot type ratings.
Regulations and Government
Watch for AD on Caravan Airspeed System
Comments are due March 5 on an FAA proposal to require a low-airspeed awareness system on Cessna 208 and 208B Caravans.
Regulations and Government
Boeing Gets FDR Comment Period Extended
Responding to a request from Boeing, the FAA has extended the comment deadline from February 13 to April 16 on its proposal amending digital flight data re
Regulations and Government
New Icing Guidance Affects VLJs
Manufacturers of very light jets (VLJs) will be affected by new Advisory Circular 23.1419-2D, which provides guidance in meeting Part 23 requirements for o
Regulations and Government
Industry Continues Crusade against User Fees
General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) president and CEO Pete Bunce used the association’s annual industry review and market outlook briefing to
Regulations and Government
User fees included in proposed FAA budget
General aviation’s concerns found a firm basis last month when the FAA presented a reauthorization proposal that includes a more than 300-percent hike in t
