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
French Transport Minister Calls for Bizjet Restrictions
French Transport Minister Clément Beaune has called for higher taxes or even limited bans on business aircraft operations in Europe.
Regulations and Government
GAO Faults FAA on Laser Strike Response
The U.S. Government Accountability Office has issued a report examining the FAA's response to the growing laser strike menace.
Aircraft
Engine Delay, Sanctions Threaten Sino-Russian CR929 Program
Funding shortages in Russia have delayed the PD-35 engine by as many as three years while relations between UAC and Comac deteriorate.
Regulations and Government
Investigator: Hansen Helicopters Fleet 'Not Airworthy'
The Hansen Helicopters trial in Guam saw the final prosecution witness testify about the company's many accidents.
Regulations and Government
Prosecutor's Late Gambit Prompts Hansen Mistrial Hearing
Guam district court judge Frances Tydingco-Gatewood will hear a defense motion for a mistrial in the Hansen Helicopter trial on Tuesday morning.
Environment
Aviation Groups Cheer SAF Credit Law Signing
Aviation groups including NBAA and NATA are applauding President Biden’s signing into law of the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 yesterday.
Regulations and Government
Helo Schools Agree To Pay $7.5 Million False Claim Settlement
Universal Helicopters and Dodge City Community College are alleged to have violated Veterans Affairs benefit rules.
Maintenance and Modifications
FAA Continues Doc Consolidation with AD Transfer
The FAA decommissioned the AD databases on the Regulatory Guidance Library on August 16 and moved them to the comprehensive DRS site.
Regulations and Government
Australia Launches General Aviation Safety Campaign
Australia's Civil Aviation Safety Authority has launched a general aviation pilot safety campaign in cooperation with other agencies and associations.
Regulations and Government
Another Fatal Crash As Hansen Helo Trial Resumes
Prosecutors allege Hansen executives formed Pacific Spotters to continue 'fraud scheme.'
Regulations and Government
FAA Document Fraud Case Ends with Guilty Plea
A 30-year-old man with a a history of criminal behavior has pleaded guilty to making numerous false statements on documents to the FAA.
Airports
Mims: Airports Have Rare Opportunity To Leap Forward
FAA Deputy Administrator Mims noted $25 billion in funding available and focus on infrastructure, saying airports have a "once-in-generation" opportunity.
Regulations and Government
DOT Updates SIFL Rates
The SIFL rates, used to compute value of non-business travel aboard a company-provided aircraft, are slightly lower in the second half, unadjusted.
Accidents
NTSB: Pilot Incapacitated Before Fatal Citation V Crash
The NTSB found that the sole-occupant pilot killed in a January 2021 Citation V crash lost control of the twinjet after becoming incapacitated.
Avionics
FAA Provides MOC for UAS Remote ID Mandate
The FAA has published a means of compliance for UAS manufacturers to meet the requirements for providing remote identification capability.
Regulations and Government
OSHA Orders Metro To Reinstate Air Ambulance Pilot
OSHA orders pilot who turned down two flights over visibility concerns reinstated.
Regulations and Government
AINsight: FAA Aeromedical Letters, Part 3
In the third of a three-part blog series, AME Dr. Robert Sancetta discusses various types of FAA aeromedical approval letters.
Avionics
HAI Requests Expanded Radar Altimeter Exemption
Continuing 5G concerns prompt requested for expanded radar altimeter exemption for air ambulances
Regulations and Government
EBAA Clarifies Delay in New Pax Entry Requirements
EBAA is providing guidance on passenger entry requirements that will phase in beginning in May 2023.
Regulations and Government
Senate Approves Blender's Tax Credits
The Inflation Reduction Act would provide industry-supported tax credits to encourage sustainable aviation fuel production.
FBOs
Connecticut Airport Introduces Customs Service
Connecticut’s Waterbury-Oxford Airport for the first time, now offers U.S. Customs service with the opening of a new CBP facility.
ATC
Supply Issues Prompt Delay in Canada ADS-B Mandate
Nav Canada has rolled back the implementation date for mandatory ADS-B Out in Canadian Class A and B airspace.
Accidents
FAA Head Calls For a More 'Predictive' Safety Culture
Acting FAA Administrator Nolen stressed the role of data analysis in improving aviation safety.
Finance, Taxes, Insurance
NBAA Updates Tax Guide for Non-biz Use of Corporate Jets
NBAA has updated its handbook that provides tax and regulatory compliance strategies for non-business use of corporate aircraft.
Maintenance and Modifications
FAA Aviation Manual Requirements To Get Tech Update
The FAA is proposing to update flight operations and maintenance manual requirements to reflect industry use of electronic versions in various formats.
Regulations and Government
EASA Proposes Updates to CS-25 TC Regulations
EASA recently published a regular update notice of proposed amendment that presents changes to CS-25 large airplane type certification standards.
Accidents
NTSB Redefines UAS Criteria for Accident Investigation
The U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has issued a final rule amending its Part 830 definition of “unmanned aircraft accident.”
ATC
Final Phase of Northeast Route Update Postponed
The FAA has postponed the activation date for the final phase of its multi-year Northeast Corridor Atlantic Coast Routes project to April 20, 2023.
Regulations and Government
Europe To Delay Start of Passenger Entry Requirements
The European Commission is expected to delay deadlines for certain operators to register for two new EU passenger entry/exit programs.
Airlines
Spirit Airlines Agrees To Merge with JetBlue
Hours after rejecting a merger agreement with Frontier Airlines, Spirit Airlines has accepted a sweetened offer from JetBlue.
