Aero-News: Quote of the Day

ANN's Quote of the Day usually derives from current news, though we reserve the right to pick quotes out of history that have a bearing on the day's events and issues.

Sometimes, you'll find them timely and in keeping with the content of the day's news... and sometimes, they'll just be thought-provoking.

Reader suggestions and comments are welcome... and if particularly intriguing, timely, or poignant, may themselves become future Quotes of the Day.

Let us hear from you, folks!

Aero-News Quote of the Day

"Reconsider rule limiting speeds below 10,000 feet to 250 knots; some aircraft may operate more efficiently at higher speeds (especially on climb-out) but are prevented from doing so (note: also allows controllers greater flexibility to manage air traffic)"

Source: One of seven proposals from the Air Transport Association's briefing to the FAA on the contentious fuel issue. ATA's "wish list" mentions several potential ATC changes that might lead to time and fuel savings for airline operators. Some proposals, such as increased deployment of RNAV at hub airports, are hard to find fault with... but operating at unrestricted speeds below 10,000 feet MSL -- while likely benefitting the airlines by increasing on-time performance for late-launched flights, and by possibly providing some fuel savings -- could also come at the expense of a probable increase in aircraft lost through bird strikes and midairs.

FMI: www.airlines.org