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
Rulemaking Begins for UAS Wireless Communications
The FCC is seeking comments on a rule that would enable wireless communications spectrum for unmanned aircraft systems.
Regulations and Government
Latest 'Object' Shoot Down Closes Midwest Airspace
Amid latest shoot down, Pentagon admits to datalink and radar gaps.
Accidents
Aviation Heeds Lessons from ICAO Annex 13
First introduced in 1951, Annex 13 lays out international Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs) for accident investigators.
Accidents
AAIB Updates on Challenger 604 Loss-of-control Accident
An investigation into a Challenger 604 accident on Jan. 31, 2022, at London Stansted Airport is nearly complete, according to the UK AAIB.
Regulations and Government
AINsight: Recent FAA Medical Updates and Controversies
The FAA's recent changes to vision restriction verbiage and relaxation of rules regarding cardiovascular conditions have pilots talking.
Airlines
European Airlines Expand China Operations
EU and UK carriers are resuming flights to China in spite of the markedly higher costs owing to their inability to use Russian airspace.
Airlines
Indonesia Steps Up Search for Kidnapped New Zealand Pilot
Papuan rebels have taken a Susi Air Pilatus PC-6 pilot hostage.
Regulations and Government
Bunce, Bolen Urge Timely FAA Bill, Improved Reg Process
GAMA head Pete Bunce and NBAA CEO Ed Bolen cite needs in areas such as regulation and privacy as Congress crafts FAA reauthorization bill.
Regulations and Government
AviationManuals Posts Solid Growth
Compliance and safety specialist AviationManuals reported growth of its client base and revenues in 2022.
Aircraft
U.S. Urges Turkey to Enforce Sanctions against Russian Airlines
While calling Turkey “a longstanding and valued NATO ally, the U.S. has urged the country to not become a “safe haven” for illicit Russian transactions.
Accidents
Report: Crew Decisions Lead To Phenom 100 Accident
The French BEA said an Embraer Phenom 100 crew's decision to use normal, non-icing procedures lead to a crash on approach during icing conditions.
Regulations and Government
Duckworth Takes Helm of Senate Aviation Panel
Sen. Duckworth, a pilot and now chair of the Senate aviation subcommittee, has been active on aviation issues since first entering Congress in 2013.
Aircraft
Chinese Balloon Downed in First Kill for the F-22 Fighter
The Chinese surveillance balloon had been tracked across Canada and the U.S. amid worldwide public interest.
Regulations and Government
Helicopter Pilot Arrested for Drunk Driving on Way to Work
A helicopter air ambulance pilot on his way to work was arrested for drunk driving after passing a sheriff's deputy's car.
Regulations and Government
U.S. Congress Heads into FAA Reauthorization Year
Lawmakers are optimistic that they will get an FAA reauthorization bill passed this year that will span five years and cover AAM, privacy, and workforce.
Regulations and Government
Teterboro Airport Gets FAA Nod on Noise Program
The FAA has approved a noise compatibility program for New York-area Teterboro Airport, with a few exceptions.
Aircraft
Airbus, Qatar Airways Settle A350 Surface Degradation Dispute
Following nearly two years of trading barbs, Airbus and Qatar Airways have reached an “amicable” settlement on their dispute over A350 surface degradation.
Regulations and Government
NBAA Guides on Aircraft Registration Extension 'Nuances'
NBAA praised the extended aircraft registration and temporary certificate authorizations, but warned operators to remain aware of a couple of "nuances."
Environment
FAA Adds Continuous Descents at 11 More Airports
The optimized profile descents now available at 64 U.S. airports reduce aircraft fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.
ATC
FAA Clarifies Instrument Approach Categories
A revised FAA document offers expand guidance on what aircraft approach categories pilots should use for instrument procedures.
Accidents
Prelim Report Issued on Piper JetProp Fatal Crash
A newly released NTSB preliminary report offers few clues on why a Piper JetProp crashed on approach to the airport in Yoakum, Texas, on January 17.
Regulations and Government
Rep. Garret Graves Takes Helm of Aviation Subcommittee
Rep. Garret Graves (R-Louisiana) is moving from ranking member to chair of the House aviation subcommittee during an FAA reauthorization year.
ATC
Revised North Atlantic Ops Manual Published
ICAO has revised its North Atlantic operations and airspace manual, and flight planner OpsGroup is helping pilots make sense of the changes via a summary.
Regulations and Government
U.S. House Passes Notam Improvement Measure
The U.S. House approved a measure to create a task force to probe necessary improvements in the notices to air missions (notam) system.
Regulations and Government
Bizav Groups Praise SMS NPRM Comment Reprieve
The FAA has extended the deadline for comment on its NPRM for mandatory safety management systems to April.
Airlines
Somalian Airspace To Become Class A, Restoring ATC Services
The installation of modern navigation aids ends a 30-year interruption of full air traffic control operations over Somalia and the surrounding region.
Regulations and Government
FAA Releases Part 135 Fatigue Recommendations
The report, which suggests alertness management programs, was submitted to the agency 18 months ago.
Accidents
NTSB Finds More Problems with Final Report on ET Max Crash
Ethiopian authorities say an electrical problem caused the Max 8’s left AOA sensor to fail, an assertion disputed by the NTSB.
Regulations and Government
CBAA Joins Canadian Advanced Air Mobility Task Group
The Canadian Business Aviation Association's participation in an industry-government advanced air mobility task group will help shape priorities for AAM.
Aircraft
Asean Carriers Prepare for Post-pandemic Rebound
2023 is already seeing airlines in the Association of Southeast Asia Nations restore service, expand fleets, and enhance air connectivity in the region.
