207-Minute ETOPS --Docket No. FAA–2002–6717; Notice No. 03–11 The General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) filed a response to the FAA's ETOPS NPRM as the comment period came to a close. Their response shows an intriguing study of an issue that is sure to remain somewhat contentious as the FAA finally considers the comments to this proposed rule.

US Air Race Celebrates 75th Anniversary

Who said 75 is over the hill? "Honor the Past. Invest in the Future" is the theme for the U.S. Air Race, Inc. celebration of the sparkling 75th Diamond Anniversary of the 1929 National Air Races. The teams in the exciting cross-country Marion Jayne Air Race and Cruise will fly from California to Cleveland. Several 300-mile air races are also planned in California and Ohio. Awards for all events -- scheduled from August 28 to September 6, 2004 -- will be distributed at the Cleveland National Air Show.

Congestion Still A Problem

Air traffic congestion is building again, but it will be two years before U.S. skies are as crowded as they were before the 2001 hijack attacks, a senior government transportation official said on Wednesday. FAA Administrator Marion Blakey told a congressional hearing that congestion was not uniform but air capacity gaps are starting to shrink noticeably around traditionally busy cities. Recent Transportation Department and industry figures showed on-time performance by major U.S. airlines continues to slide with delays becoming more prevalent at some airports. Chicago is currently the worst for air traffic congestion. While airlines are not carrying nearly as many passengers as they were before Sept. 11, they are gradually replenishing their schedul

No one would question that the past year has been trying for Boeing. The aerospace giant essentially turned in a loss for 2003 before one-time gains and adjustments. Scandals prompted the departure of top executives and put a lucrative deal with the Air Force in limbo, where it remains today.

Surprise! Another VIP TFR! NOTAM: 4/2248 Issued: 03/19/2004 17:45 Effective: 03/22/2004 21:45 - 03/23/2004 00:35 State: NY Facility: ZNY - NEW YORK (ARTCC),NY. Type: VIP Description: LAKEWOOD, NEW JERSEY, MARCH 22, 2004 LOCAL.

TFR Issued Due to Local Disaster NOTAM: 4/2301 Issued: 03/20/2004 18:12 Effective: Immediately - Until Further Notice State: TX Facility: ZHU - HOUSTON (ARTCC),TX. Type: HAZARDS Description: NEAR THE DYKE IN TEXAS CITY, TX.

Electrical Discharge Faulted In Accident

An explosion that destroyed a Brazilian rocket in 2003, ending the country's third attempt at space flight, was caused by an unidentified electrical discharge that ignited an engine by mistake, a report said on Tuesday. The commission investigating the accident that killed 21 people found no specific reason for the electrical fault. But it said years of underfunding of Brazil's space programs had compromised the safety of the project.

"GAMA notes that the ARAC was tasked with developing new regulations for long-range operations conducted in accordance with 14 CFR Part 121 and for 14 CFR Part 135 (et. al.). Part 121 long-range operations have been governed by FAA advisory circulars for many years and are widely understood. On the other hand, FAA has never provided guidance or regulations for on-demand, long-range operations flown in accordance with Part 135. These two very different communities have a very different “awareness” of long-range operating procedures." Source: Ron Swanda, Sr. VP of Operations for the General Aviation Manufacturers Association, in GAMA's response to the FAA's somewhat contentious ETOPS NPRM

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