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The SBA concluded that the FAA needs to start over, and try harder to clarify its reasoning and support its assertions with solid data. The SBA suggested a few alternatives that the FAA should consider, such as requiring Part 91 operators who conduct sightseeing flights to report insurance coverage to the local FSDO. That would […]

The SBA lays out a detailed rationale to support its opposition to the FAA proposal. For starters, the FAA does not adequately explain any reason that it needs a new rule, or cite any data to show how the changes would improve safety, the SBA said. Also, the FAA’s basis for estimating the impact of […]

FAA Proposal Lacks Data, SBA Says… The Office of Advocacy of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) submitted its comments late last week on the FAA’s proposed new rules for commercial air tours, and its verdict was succinct: “[The FAA should] withdraw the rule until the agency is able to obtain adequate data.” The GA […]

And while Congress seems be preoccupied with security aboard aircraft, other critical elements of the air transportation system will have to get along without it, according to the National Air Traffic Controllers Association. A new TRACON (Terminal Radar Approach Control) outside Seattle will open later this month without the metal detectors, remote-control cameras and armed […]

The TSA fired back on Friday, saying the training program is coming along nicely. TSA spokeswoman Amy von Walter told Cyber News Service the agency has already doubled the number of FFDO classes and expects that all pilots who want to be trained, and are qualified, will be issued their Heckler and Koch semi-automatics by […]

Bill Calls For Speedier Arming Of Pilots… “They’ll get the message or they’ll lose their money for the program. We’ll put it somewhere where it will get the job done.” Some tough words for the Transportation Security Administration came last Thursday from a Kentucky senator who sponsored a bill that could see up to two-thirds […]

Illinois aviators have another target for their angst and EAA is hoping they’ll rally to the cause. Pilots and others in aviation are urged to contact Gov. Rod Blagojevich, Transportation Secretary Timothy Martin, and their local statesenator and representative with an original letter citing their concerns about the latest state budget. The budget will cut […]

Against those pretty much unbeatable odds, the Friends of Meigs continues to live up its Churchill-inspired motto (Never, never, never, never give up) and used the anniversary, under the umbrella of a new community group, to promote its compromise plan for the site. The “Bessie Coleman Skypark” would revive the airport but also set aside […]

American Democracy In Practice… Chicago Mayor Richard Daley was undoubtedly crossed off a few more pilots’ Christmas-card lists last Thursday when he marked the anniversary of his destruction of Meigs Field by gloating over it to reporters. The emperor-like mayor said his decision to close Meigs (note the absence of any reference to a collective […]

As the British put the official seal on their new alcohol limits, an Aloha Airlines first officer was detained after allegedly trying to go to work with what the Associated Press is reporting as a blood-alcohol level of .182. That’s about the level reached by a 180-pound man who drinks eight 12-ounce beers in one […]