WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Congress has passed an omnibus measure that includes key funding for general aviation manufacturers in safety, certification, and alternative fuels for piston-engine aircraft. It also makes permanent the Research & Development (R&D) tax credit, and extends bonus depreciation for five years. The bill, which now heads to President Obama for his […]
FAA
FAA Small Unmanned Aircraft registration begins Dec. 21
The FAA’s Small Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) registry has gone live online. In preparation for registering online, each owner must provide his or her name, home address and email address. Upon completion of registration, the web application will generate a Certificate of Aircraft Registration/Proof of Ownership that will include a unique identification number for the UAS […]
FAA updates Airspace Obstructions Standards
The FAA has updated its guidelines for the proper way to light and mark obstructions affecting navigable airspace. Advisory Circular 70/7460-1L for Obstruction Lighting and Marking is effective immediately. It cancels Advisory Circular 70/7460-1K, dated Feb. 1, 2007. The main changes to the updated advisory circular include: Federal law requires that the FAA determine whether a […]
GAMA calls on Obama administration to issue small airplane certification rule
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Officials with the General Aviation Manufacturers Association are calling on the Obama administration to issue the final rule to implement the Small Airplane Revitalization Act, noting that the deadline set for the final rule is today, Dec. 15. “Today marks the deadline set by the U.S. Congress more than two years ago […]
FAA releases details on avgas replacement testing
The FAA has released some details and photos as the first phase of testing draws to a close of four fuels designed to be a replacement for 100LL. According to a report at AOPA.org, test rigs have been heated and cooled to extreme temperatures, fuel samples have been run through specially designed rigs replicating aircraft […]
FAA: Think twice about drone registration firms
The FAA is advising unmanned aircraft owners that there’s no need to work with a “drone registration” company to help them file an application for a registration number. Owners should wait until additional details about the forthcoming drone registration system are announced before paying anyone to do the work for them, FAA officials said. Drone owners […]
Latest FAA Safety Briefing online now
Now available online is the November/December 2015 “Good Night” issue of FAA Safety Briefing, which focuses on general aviation night operations. Articles address the importance of having both the right physical and mental preparation for flying at night, as well as how technology can help. In this issue, we used the word NIGHT as a […]
First phase of remote tower demo ends
LEESBURG, Va. — The first phase of the Leesburg Airport Remote Tower Demonstration Program wrapped up Oct. 26 after four months of collecting data. The next phase of the program will go through mid-2016, with the ultimate goal of operating remote air traffic control towers at airports that are now non-towered. The technology was developed by Saab, […]
NOTAM search tool continues to improve
New improvements have been made to the FAA’s notice to airmen (NOTAM) Search, including new filter and priority sorting options. “NOTAM Search is an ongoing project to improve pilot access to NOTAMs,” said Rich Boll, a member of the National Business Aviation Association‘s Access Committee. “Pilots’ ability to obtain NOTAMs in the National Airspace System has been a […]