briefs

The FAA has agreed to take some steps that should reduce the backlog and wait times many pilots experience when they need a special issuance medical certificate. With help (and pressure) from a special committee of EAA representatives, the agency has increased the number of doctors able to review special issuance applications and also expanded […]

There are times when having an Air Force fighter track you down and form up on your wing is a good thing. The crew of a King Air lost all of its electronic instruments on approach to Glasgow last week. Unfortunately, the British weather was living up to its reputation and finding an airport, let […]

Those of you who hoped the flying prototype of ATG’s Javelin jet would make an appearance at Sun ‘n Fun will be disappointed: The company says the plane will not take a break from its testing regimen. Currently, the aircraft is back in the hangar to get ready for more advanced flight tests. The prototype […]

FAA Administrator Marion Blakey says she can’t tell the Senate whether user fees are planned for all or part of general aviation. Blakey told the Senate aviation subcommittee that because the funding package is currently under review by the administration, she couldn’t talk about what, if any, user fees may be imposed (although we suspect […]

The NTSB says the FAA should immediately address a potentially catastrophic problem lurking in the avionics bays of Bombardier CRJ-200 regional jets. Board investigators found that on rainy or snowy days, water gets on the floor beside the open door and can seep into the avionics bay causing electrical contactors to catch fire. They’ve done […]

Earlier this week:AVweb’s first audio newscastFBO of the Week: Preferred Jet CenterGA groups seek to influence the FAA about older airplanes…bombs targeting contract tower workers, scramjet testing, ATC controller Don Brown’s observations on the consequences of FAA policies and more.

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COLUMNS Say Again? #61: It’s Here!Some of Don Brown’s predictions about safety compromises caused by lack of ATC staffing are starting to come true. And if the number of planes increases (see VLJs) before the number of controllers does, we might see a hurricane of accidents and the FAA may replace FEMA as the agency […]

He soared over Mt. Everest in a hang glider, crossed the Mediterranean in one and set myriad aviation records, but died in what appears to be the most ironic circumstances at an air show in Italy. Angelo D’Arrigo, also known as the Human Condor, was the passenger in a Sky Arrow 650 TNT that crashed […]