Sun, May 21, 2006
Government Awaits Crash Investigation
In the wake of an
unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) crash last month, Congress has taken
action on the program's future by tightening at least some of its
purse strings. The House Appropriations Committee on Wednesday
passed a homeland security funding bill that would withhold $6.8
million in UAV funds until U.S. Customs and Border Protection
reports on the findings of the crash investigation.
"While the federal government definitely sees UAVs in the future
as part of its overall homeland security and border patrol plan,
this sends a clear signal that there are safety concerns," said
Andy Cebula, AOPA executive vice president of government affairs
(pictured below during a 2005 ANN Aero-Cast).
"AOPA members want UAVs to be certified just like manned
aircraft, and the simple answer of restricting the airspace through
TFRs [temporary flight restrictions] is not acceptable."
But the recent bill would only affect funding for fiscal year
2007, which begins next October 1. Because the UAV program has
funding from the 2006 budget, UAV operations could resume before
that date.
AOPA, meanwhile, has been alerting Congress to the dangers UAVs
pose to civilian aircraft. In March Cebula testified before the
House aviation subcommittee, asking that UAVs be certified to the
same requirements as civilian aircraft, including the ability to
safely detect and avoid other aircraft.
Echoing these concerns, Rep. Marion Berry (D-Ark.) in April used
up his allotted time during a homeland security subcommittee (of
the House Appropriations Committee) hearing to make sure government
officials were responding to general aviation issues.
More News
"After Turning 70 years old twenty months ago, I began to think it was time to let someone younger take charge of the company..." Source: Bearhawk Aircraft's outgoing owner Mark Go>[...]
Aero Linx: Canadian Aerospace Medicine and Aeromedical Transport Association (CAMATA) Canadian Aerospace Medicine and Aeromedical Transport Association (CAMATA) is a national organ>[...]
Aero Linx: International Federation of Airworthiness (IFA) We aim to be the most internationally respected independent authority on the subject of Airworthiness. IFA uniquely combi>[...]
Also: Boeing Whistleblower, Joby Aviation, Aircraft Parts Bust, AF Crew Trains w USCG Our Airborne schedule will be interrupted next week as we live-stream AEA2024. AEA Dallas 2024>[...]
“It was a great team effort on all fronts. We appreciate the coordination between the air station, sector and Royal Caribbean. The effective coordination and communication al>[...]