Mon, Mar 29, 2004
Capitol Hill Update
The FAA continues to draw fire from
Capitol Hill, from AOPA, and from pilots over its proposed
charity/sightseeing rule, which the general aviation advocacy
organization says would drive hundreds of Part 91 sightseeing
operators out of business and make thousands of pilots ineligible
to help charities raise funds by offering flights for
donations.
"This rule hurts pilots, cripples charity fundraising efforts,
and exterminates hundreds of small businesses," said AOPA Senior
Vice President of Government and Technical Affairs Andy Cebula.
"It's taking a concerted effort by Congress, by AOPA and other
aviation groups, and by pilots to make the FAA understand that this
is a bad and unnecessary rule."
Rep. Todd Tiahrt (R-KS) questioned
FAA Administrator Marion Blakey (right) about the proposed rule's
implications on small businesses, during a recent hearing on the
agency's FY 2005 budget request. And Rep. Randy "Duke" Cunningham
(R-CA), himself a pilot and AOPA member, echoed concerns about the
proposed rule's impact, saying that it does not succeed in its
intent of improving safety. "I understand and applaud efforts to
make our skies safer," he said in a letter to Blakey. "However, I
do not believe that this [notice of proposed rulemaking]
accomplishes this goal."
At the same time, the House Transportation and Infrastructure
Committee is evaluating the issue, and the House Small Business
subcommittee, chaired by another pilot and AOPA member, Rep. Sam
Graves (R-MO), has committed to holding a hearing on the business
impact of the proposed rule if the FAA doesn't address the aviation
community concerns.
More News
Also: B-29 Superfortress Reunion, FAA Wants Controllers, Spirit Airlines Pulls Back, Gogo Galileo Van's Aircraft posted a short video recapping the goings-on around their reorganiz>[...]
Light Gun A handheld directional light signaling device which emits a brilliant narrow beam of white, green, or red light as selected by the tower controller. The color and type of>[...]
"The journey to this achievement started nearly a decade ago when a freshly commissioned Gentry, driven by a fascination with new technologies and a desire to contribute significan>[...]
"Our driven and innovative team of military and civilian Airmen delivers combat power daily, ensuring our nation is ready today and tomorrow." Source: General Duke Richardson, AFMC>[...]
Aircraft Conflict Predicted conflict, within EDST of two aircraft, or between aircraft and airspace. A Red alert is used for conflicts when the predicted minimum separation is 5 na>[...]