Lawmakers in the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate recently sent letters to FAA Administrator Michael Huerta reiterating congressional support for the preservation of 252 federal contract towers. Fifty-five senators signed a July 31 letter imploring Huerta to consider “all perspectives” in what appears to be an effort to streamline tower operations as the agency […]
FAA
New York UAS test site now operational
The FAA reports that the Griffiss International Airport unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) test site in Rome, N.Y., is ready to conduct research on integrating UAS into the national airspace system (NAS). In addition to providing invaluable information for the integration of UAS into the NAS, the research at the Griffiss test site will evaluate methods for scouting […]
Virginia Tech UAS Test Site now operational
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The FAA announced today that the Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University’s unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) test site program is ready to conduct research vital to integrating UAS into the nation’s airspace. The site is the last of six nationwide to be declared operational. To mark the event, FAA Administrator Michael Huerta, Virginia governor […]
New FAA hangar policy causing confusion
Two weeks after the FAA unveiled its draft policy for allowed uses in hangars at airports that receive federal grant funding, much confusion has emerged regarding the overall effect of the policy and what it means for hangar tenants. That’s particularly true for homebuilders, who have heard conflicting stories about what it means for building […]
Why hasn’t FAA acted on ADS-B loan guarantee for GA?
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Why has the FAA not taken action on implementing a loan guarantee program for general aviation to prepare for the mandate for ADS-B equipment three years after Congress passed a law approving it? That is a question Rep. Sam Graves (R-Mo.), who chairs the Committee on Small Business, asked in a recent […]
NASA turns over NextGen air traffic management tool to FAA
WASHINGTON, D.C. — A new NASA-developed computer software tool designed to aid air traffic controllers was presented to the FAA during a ceremony earlier this week at the agency’s headquarters in Washington. The Terminal Sequencing and Spacing (TSS) technology will enable air traffic controllers to better manage the spacing between aircraft as they fly more efficient […]
FAA receives unleaded fuels proposals
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The FAA reports it has received 10 replacement fuel proposals from producers Afton Chemical Company, Avgas LLC, Shell, Swift Fuels and a consortium of BP, TOTAL and Hjelmco, for further evaluation in the Piston Aviation Fuels Initiative (PAFI), an industry-government initiative designed to help the general aviation industry transition to an unleaded aviation gasoline. […]
Latest edition of FAA Safety Briefing online
The July/August 2014 issue of FAA Safety Briefing, which focuses on flying companions, is now online. “In this issue we look to provide a basic guide for friends and loved ones who join us in the air or might have an interest in do,” officials note. “In addition, you can learn about the current state of ADS-B […]
DOT audit says FAA likely to miss drone deadline
WASHINGTON, D.C. — A government report says the FAA will miss the Sept. 30, 2015, deadline set by Congress for drones to share the skies with manned aircraft. The Washington Post said the agency is “significantly behind schedule” in drawing up rules. The newspaper reported its findings based on a report by the Department of Transportation Inspector […]