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
Industry supports nominee to lead DOT
Mary Peters, who was head of the Federal Highway Administration from 2001 to 2005, is President Bush’s nominee for the post of Secretary of Transportation.
Regulations and Government
Senat Bill Contains Incentive for R&D
Before leaving for the Thanksgiving break, the Senate passed a bill with tax credits to encourage innovation in aerospace and defense research and developm
Regulations and Government
Debate about Farnborough traffic continues
Many local residents who successfully opposed TAG Aviation’s application to increase the number of weekend and holiday movements at the UK’s Farnborough Ai
ATC
Controllers vow to fight FAA-imposed contract
The National Air Traffic Controllers Association (Natca) called the FAA’s imposition of new work rules over the Labor Day weekend “a brazen, arrogant tramp
Rotorcraft
Enstrom Gets South Korea OK
Enstrom has received South Korean certification for its full product line and added the 480B to its Brazilian ticket.
“We were successful in opening
“We were successful in opening
Regulations and Government
ICAO to introduce new risk-based helo standards
After several years of discussion and consultation, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) will soon present new operating standards to helic
Safety
EPA's SPCC Rules Lose Some Sting, But NATA Still Wary
New Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rules addressing fuel spill prevention in the form of proposed amendments to the EPA’s Spill Prevention, Control
Regulations and Government
The transmission of a master crew list (MCL) to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is required, but unfortunately, the agency has no mechanism in place to facilitate the mandate.
At this point, to review MCL submissions, the TSA is using the CBP Advance Passenger Information Systems (APIS) which commercial carriers use to submit pas
Regulations and Government
NASA Restructuring Aeronautics Research
NASA is restructuring its aeronautics research programs, including fundamental aeronautics, airspace systems, aviation safety and aeronautics testing.
Regulations and Government
Airlines Continue User-fee Plea
In a state-of-the-industry press release last month, the Air Transport Association (ATA) again called for a change in the way the FAA does business.
Regulations and Government
Bill Hikes FAA Certification Staff
The enactment of the FY2006 Transportation, Treasury, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Bill will restore planned cuts in the FAA’s aircraft cer
Regulations and Government
Congressional Observer: February 2006
Before leaving for Congress’s December break the Senate approved a $39.7 billion, five-year deficit reduction bill by a vote of 51 to 50.
Regulations and Government
User fees a likely part of future FAA funding plan
Congress may have approved FAA funding for Fiscal Year 2006 before it adjourned for the Thanksgiving holiday, but the drumbeat for user fees in future year
Training and Workforce
DOT calls for renewed focus on flight training
Transportation Department Inspector General Kenneth Mead last month called for renewed emphasis to reduce the general aviation accident rate, noting that t
Regulations and Government
FAA and controllers continue contract talks
With some air traffic controllers already earning more than $200,000 annually, FAA Administrator Marion Blakey is digging in her heels during the agency’s
Safety
Domestic RVSM Wake Turbulence Reminder
The FAA has reiterated its request that pilots submit information on wake turbulence encounters that occur in domestic RVSM airspace, including the U.S., o
Regulations and Government
DOT Takes Action Against Darby Aviation
Another penalty has been assessed against Darby Aviation, one of several operators involved in the crash of a Challenger 600 at New Jersey’s Teterboro Airp
Airports
Florida Airport Considers Anti-noise Plan
A proposed noise-compatibility program for Southwest Florida Airport in Fort Myers is under review by the FAA.
Regulations and Government
Defense Agency To Phase Out Charts
The National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) in October will remove its non-U.S.
Maintenance and Modifications
Repair Shop Quality Rules To Be Proposed
Repair stations would be required to establish a quality-rating program under a notice of proposed rulemaking the FAA expects to publish next month.
Safety
Penalties for Aiming Lasers at Aircraft
The Senate at press time was considering a bill that imposes a $250,000 fine and a possible prison term of up to five years for people who point lasers at
ATC
Canada proposes new fee structure
After 12 months of consultation with all segments of its domestic and overseas customer base, Nav Canada–Canada’s privatized air navigation service provide
ATC
FAA invites stakeholder input at forum on permanent ADIZ
With nearly 20,000 comments received on the proposal to make the Washington, D.C., air defense identification zone (ADIZ) permanent, the FAA will hold two
Regulations and Government
Operators fear permanent ADIZ in Washington will set precedent
Last month pilots, airport managers and others gathered at two public meetings to tell the FAA what they think of the agency’s proposal to make the Washing
Regulations and Government
Pilots Face a New Threat to Access
Starting February 1, owners and operators of aircraft with “questionable registrations and/or no TSA required security measures/ waivers” might be denied a
Safety
NTSB takes shot at Part 91 EMS OPS
At a public hearing last month, the NTSB singled out allegedly less safe Part 91 operations in a special study on helicopter and fixed-wing EMS accidents.
Aircraft
New Prop-plane Noise Standards Eased
New amendments to Part 36 require a minimum 3 dB–noise reduction for small single-engine propeller aircraft– including turboprops–weighing more than 3,307
Safety
Training To Meet New Hazmat Rules
Dangerous Goods International of Redwood City, Calif., designs training modules and conducts compliance seminars in various cities for regional airlines an
Safety
NTSB Wants an AD for Eurocopter AS 350s
Investigations into two accidents involving Eurocopter AS 350 helicopters led the NTSB to determine that the hydraulic pump drive belt (P/N 704A33690004) p
Regulations and Government
Drug/Alcohol Testing Rules Clarified
The FAA recently amended Part 121 regulations governing drug and alcohol testing to clarify that “each person who performs a safety-sensitive function for
