On July 15, general aviation changed forever. That’s when President Barack Obama signed into law an FAA authorization extension that includes third class medical reform. “Medical reforms are now the law, and that’s a big win for general aviation,” said Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) President Mark Baker. “This is the most significant legislative […]
FAA
House passes FAA extension that includes third class medical reform
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The House of Representatives has unanimously approved a bipartisan FAA extension that ensures the FAA is funded through Sept. 30, 2017. Current FAA reauthorization expires July 15. Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman Bill Shuster (R-Pa.) and Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Ranking Member Peter DeFazio (D-Ore.) sponsored the measure, H. Res. 818, the “FAA […]
New FAA policy helps modernize GA airplanes
A new FAA policy encourages general aviation aircraft owners to voluntary install safety equipment on airplanes and helicopters that is not required by the agency’s regulations. The new policy will reduce costs and streamline the installation of Non-Required Safety Enhancing Equipment (NORSEE) into the general aviation fleet, according to FAA officials. The policy is the result […]
FAA reauthorization extended to September 2017
Bill includes provision for third class medical reform WASHINGTON, D.C. — Leaders of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee reached a bipartisan agreement July 6 on extending the FAA’s authorization through Sept. 30, 2017. “We have reached an agreement on an FAA extension that provides much-needed stability […]
NextGen benefits at LAX
NextGen is bringing new benefits to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) through a technology called Data Comm. According to FAA officials, Data Comm revolutionizes communications between air traffic controllers and pilots by replacing some traditional voice communications with digital information exchanges – like texting versus talking over the phone. Voice communication is labor intensive, time […]
FreeFlight Systems launches $500 bridge rebate program for ADS-B
WACO, Texas — FreeFlight Systems is now offering a $500 rebate on its ADS-B and WAAS/GPS solutions. FreeFlight Systems’ Bridge Rebate Program offers customers cost savings on these products today, allowing them to take advantage of ADS-B benefits immediately, instead of waiting for the FAA’s ADS-B Rebate Program, company officials note. FreeFlight Systems’ Bridge Rebate Program covers […]
Air Traffic Controller hiring, staffing and training focus of Congressional hearing
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The House of Representatives Subcommittee on Aviation, chaired by U.S. Rep. Frank LoBiondo (R-NJ), will hold a hearing Wednesday to review the FAA’s air traffic controller hiring, staffing, and training plans and related issues. The Department of Transportation Inspector General has recently reported on the challenges the FAA continues to face in ensuring enough […]
Updated analysis shows drop in UAS sightings
MUNCIE, Ind. – The Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA) has released an updated analysis of the FAA’s drone data which finds a month-by-month decline in unmanned aerial systems (UAS) sightings since peaking in August 2015. The apparent decrease in monthly sightings is remarkable as it comes despite an influx of nearly 700,000 to 1 million new devices sold […]
Aviation alphabet groups urge Congress to pass FAA reauthorization
Officials from 14 of GA’s advocacy organizations have sent a letter urging the U.S. House of Representatives to pass an FAA reauthorization bill that can be signed into law before the agency’s current funding extension expires July 15. “We need to get this done so the FAA can get on with important modernization and reform […]