Wed, Aug 23, 2006
AOPA Says They're On It
If you fly with satellite-linked weather in the cockpit, pay
attention to this next story... as many pilots are concerned that
service, offered by satellite radio broadcasters XM Radio and
Sirius, may soon go the way of BetaMax and Commodore.
The concern stems from two bills currently before Congress, that
many pilots fear will put an end to weather data broadcast to
aircraft cockpits... and that was enough for the Aircraft Owners
and Pilots Association to become involved.
AOPA Vice-President of Government Affairs Andy Cebula says not
to fear, though... that the group has been on top of House
Resolution 998, and Senate Bill 2418, since the two bills were
introduced in March 2005.
Representatives with AOPA have met with sponsors of each bill...
who have assured the organization they don't intend to unplug
satellite-weather service for pilots.
That comes despite
the intent of both bills to protect local radio stations, by
prohibiting digital satellite radio from transmitting "locally
differentiated" services... like regional stations, or
weather information.
Furthermore, each bill has been locked in its respective
committee since their introduction... with no sign of either being
put to vote any time soon.
That's well and good... but why, then, are the bills still in
play? AOPA says that's a good question... which is why its will
continue to reinforce the important link between satellite weather
data and safety for pilots.
Helping the group spread that message is the Department of
Transportation, which also opposes putting a stop to satellite
weather service.
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