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Is there a nice way to tell a pilot his or her certificate has been pulled? The FAA and the Department of Homeland Security are quietly continuing a practice to bar pilots — on the basis of “security concerns” — from flying our friendly skies. The Associated Press reports that in July the Homeland Security […]

Well, since this attitude might be new to some employees, the FAA has embarked on a comprehensive training program that has so far included memos and checklists circulated to all staff. “The Customer Service initiative enables us to better document AVR decisions; helps us to be consistent and fair in application of our regulations; and […]

Agency Launches Customer-Service Program… Imagine an FAA where friendliness, fair play and good “customer” relations are the priorities. Visit your local FSDO in coming months and the agency’s brass is hoping you’re in for a surprise. The FAA Office of Regulation and Certification (“AVR”) is pressing ahead with its new AVR Customer Service Initiative to […]

Reno evokes the full range of emotions, from the visceral to the nostalgic, and nobody felt them more than two of this year’s 16 grand marshals. Retired Lt. Col. James Warren and retired Chief Master Sgt. Fred McLaurin fought two different kinds of conflict throughout their careers. As alumni of the Tuskegee Airmen, they did […]

Paperwork Change Helps Boost Speeds… The 500-mph barrier has been smashed at the Reno Air Races — at least on paper. Dago Red, the intensely modified P-51 with Skip Holm on the stick, recorded an average speed of 507.105 mph during a qualifying heat Friday, becoming the first to do so. Dago Red also took […]

The administration appears ready to flex its authority in the face of a stubborn Congress over the issue. Transportation Secretary Norman Mineta recently wrote to Speaker of the House Dennis Hastert threatening to furlough some FAA employees and freeze some airport construction projects if the bill isn’t passed by the end of the month. NATCA […]

Alphabet groups, which have generally favored keeping air traffic control a government function, appear willing to concede the 69 towers to ensure the rest of the goodies contained in the bill are preserved. AOPA issued an analysis of the current situation last week that included an explanation of its position that “the total benefits of […]

VFR Tower Privatization Stalls Congress… While the administration tries to turn up the heat, the FAA Reauthorization Bill remains stuck on the back burner over a single clause that has split traditional allies in aviation and in politics. It’s been a long time since lobbyists and political tacticians have burned the midnight oil over an […]

Continuing airspace restrictions have proven to be one of the changes most difficult to cope with for many pilots. The restrictions sometimes crop up with little or no advance notice, and often affect operations across large areas. This week, AOPA is lobbying in Washington, D.C., for relief from the “temporary” flight restrictions that have become […]

At small GA fields, fences have gone up, airplanes are locked and tethered, and strangers are eyed with a critical air. AOPA, working with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), developed an Airport Watch program, encouraging pilots to report any “unusual” activity. On Monday, the TSA issued an advisory encouraging the aviation community to remain vigilant. […]