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Diamond Aims To Get DA42 Twin Star EASA Certified Next Month

Goal: FAA Certification By November

One of the most exciting GA R&D programs we've seen in MANY years, seems to be coming to fruition, and after watching the market embrace a new generation of exciting single engine piston aircraft, Diamond appears ready to set THE mark for multi-engine pistons. With unparalleled economy/performance, Diamond's new twin diesel "Fast-Glass" is finally exciting pilots over a market segment that has been devoid of innovation for well over a decade.

Feel Like A Guinea Pig?

NATCA Protests Testing Of STARS Fix On Real Traffic

The Standard Terminal Automation Replacement System is designed to revert to a backup system when problems arise, such as incorrect identification of planes, which is now plaguing STARS in the Detroit Terminal Radar Approach Control room. But the National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA) says it's "bad policy, not bad technology," that the FAA is testing possible fixes not in a simulator but with live traffic on the STARS system itself, which remains plugged in while Detroit's backup system sits ready and free, but unused.

EAA: Don't Expand Class D Airspace At Selfridge

Says Requested Increase "Not Necessary"

The EAA has formally responded to an FAA proposal that would increase the Class D airspace at Selfridge Air National Guard Base (MI), from the current radius of 4.3 miles to 6.6 miles. In a Federal Register notice published on February 25, 2004, the FAA asked the public to consider the above change to support Category E aircraft using circling approach procedures.

Suing The FAA

Attorney Says FAA Told Plaintiff He Was "Wrong Color For The Job"

Michael Ryan says FAA repeatedly passed him over for promotion because he is white and male. The case, Michael C. Ryan v. Norman Y. Mineta, Secretary, US. Department of Transportation, pits merit promotion principles against the FAA’s unlawful affirmative action program.

North Carolina Aviation School To Get FAA Certification

Approval Has Been Delayed For Months

Craven Community College has been waiting four months, hoping the FAA will certify its new Institute of Aeronautical Technology. Now, college president Scott Ralls is reportedly calling up students who want to enroll in the program, telling them to be ready as early as next week.