Blakey Says FAA Budget Provides Needed Boost to NextGen | Aero-News Network
Aero-News Network
RSS icon RSS feed
podcast icon MP3 podcast
Subscribe Aero-News e-mail Newsletter Subscribe

Airborne Unlimited -- Most Recent Daily Episodes

Episode Date

Airborne-Monday

Airborne-Tuesday

Airborne-Wednesday Airborne-Thursday

Airborne-Friday

Airborne On YouTube

Airborne-Unlimited-05.06.24

Airborne-NextGen-04.30.24

Airborne-Unlimited-05.01.24 Airborne-AffordableFlyers--05.02.24

Airborne-Unlimited-05.03.24

Wed, Feb 06, 2008

Blakey Says FAA Budget Provides Needed Boost to NextGen

Former Administrator Continues To Tout Party Line

Just because her office address has changed, doesn't mean former FAA Administrator Marion Blakey's views on funding the agency -- and the much-bandied "next generation" air traffic control system -- have been altered in the slightest. This week, Blakey came out in support of the Bush administration's fiscal year 2009 FAA budget request, saying the proposal provides a major step forward in air transportation modernization, and Congress should support the effort.

In a release to ANN, Blakey -- now the President and CEO of the Aerospace Industries Association -- added the request significantly increases funding for development and implementation of the Next Generation Air Transportation System, known as NextGen. The increase will go largely to advanced satellite-based air traffic management technologies like Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast, or ADS-B.

"This investment will boost ongoing efforts to advance NextGen and deal with the daunting challenges posed by the ever-increasing demand for air travel," Blakey said.

As ANN reported, general aviation 'letter-groups' protested the administration's budget plan, which includes $688 million for the transition to the agency's much-touted -- but so far, under-realized -- NextGen air traffic control system. Those groups don't disagree that NextGen is needed... but to help pay for it and keep spending in line, the White House also called for deep cuts in programs vital to smaller airports, most notably the Airport Improvement Program. 

In a repeat of last year's budget request -- which was subsequently trounced by Congress -- the FY2009 proposal also calls for new user fees against general aviation pilots... all-the-while continuing to show apparent favoritism towards airlines.

Blakey counters the funding increases come as planning for NextGen is maturing and the need moves to developing and implementing the technologies involved. AIA believes it is important for the FAA to take these tangible steps forward toward implementing the new air transportation system, she added.

It's almost reassuring in a way... that even with a new job title on Ms. Blakey's business card, her discord with general aviation remains intact...

FMI: www.aia-aerospace.org

Advertisement

More News

ANN's Daily Aero-Term (05.07.24): Hazardous Weather Information

Hazardous Weather Information Summary of significant meteorological information (SIGMET/WS), convective significant meteorological information (convective SIGMET/WST), urgent pilot>[...]

ANN's Daily Aero-Linx (05.07.24)

Aero Linx: The T-6 Racing Association The T-6 Racing Association is all about T-6‘s and racing. Our mission is to bring great racing to our fans in Reno and other venues wher>[...]

Airborne 05.01.24: WACO Kitchen, FAA Reauthorization, World Skydiving Day

Also: Electra Aero, AMO-CBP v Smugglers, Naval King Airs, Boeing Deal To the surprise of everyone involved, Waco Kitchen shut down both airport operations with little warning and h>[...]

Airborne Affordable Flyers 05.02.24: Bobby Bailey, SPRG Report Cards, Skydive!

Also: WACO Kitchen Bails, French SportPlane Mfr to FL, Dynon-Advance Flight Systems, Innovation Preview Bobby Bailey, a bit of a fixture in sport aviation circles for his work with>[...]

Airborne 05.03.24: Advanced Powerplant Solutions, PRA Runway Woes, Drone Racing

Also: Virgin Galactic, B-29 Doc to Allentown, Erickson Fire-Fighters Bought, FAA Reauthorization After dealing with a big letdown after the unexpected decision by Skyreach to disco>[...]

blog comments powered by Disqus



Advertisement

Advertisement

Podcasts

Advertisement

© 2007 - 2024 Web Development & Design by Pauli Systems, LC