News

Illinois Rep. Ray LaHood, currently a member of the House Appropriations Committee, was nominated Friday to serve as Secretary of Transportation and aviation’s alphabet groups are chiming in. AOPA president-elect Craig Fuller had positive remarks regarding President-elect Barack Obama’s decision. “The Appropriations Committee has adamantly opposed aviation user fees,” said Fuller, who said that LaHood’s […]

Jet and avgas fuel prices have dropped significantly from a peak hit this summer, but that particular savings has not been passed on to passengers as ticket prices reflect new challenges for airlines faced with global economic frugality. In short, the airlines have traded a fuel crisis for an economic one and are still not […]

Thursday, Garmin announced that it received FAA TSO authorization for the GTX 330 and GTX 33 transponders, and says it now provides an industry first for general aviation ADS-B Out capability. The specific TSO-C166a authorization applies minimum standards for 1090 MHz ADS-B and TIS-B equipment. In English, that means the transponders can provide precise aircraft […]

The NTSB has initiated an investigation involving a Boeing 777 that experienced an uncommanded engine power rollback late this fall and its potential ties to a dual engine rollback that led to the crash landing of a British Airways 777 shy of the runway at Heathrow last winter. The Air Accidents Investigation Board investigating that […]

NASA Wednesday announced it is seeking information from educational institutions, science museums and the like, which may be able to afford and are interested in acquiring for display a retired Space Shuttle Orbiter. The cost to detoxify the fuel systems on each of three Space Shuttles currently in NASA’s fleet (the Atlantis, Endeavour, and Discovery) […]

Cirrus Design co-founder Alan Klapmeier said Thursday that Chief Operating Officer Brent Wouters has been promoted and will take over from him as Chief Executive Officer of the company effective Feb. 1. Klapmeier said he will continue as chairman of the board of directors and his brother and company co-founder Dale will continue as vice […]

Ray LaHood, a moderate Republican Congressman from Illinois, has accepted a request to become transportation secretary in the coming Obama administration, news agencies reported Wednesday. The nomination is expected to be officially announced within a few days. LaHood, 63, has served in Congress since 1995. Kenneth Quinn, a former FAA chief counsel, told the Washington […]

Many folks will face the New Year warily uncertain of what it might bring, as global economic turmoil continues, and those who depend on the charity of others face even worse uncertainty. When times are tough, it’s harder to give, but that’s when generosity is needed most. Aviators have long been proud of their charitable […]

Customers of Eclipse Aviation announced on Wednesday that they have formed an Ad Hoc Customers Committee to represent the interests of owners and position holders as the company works its way through bankruptcy proceedings. Eclipse delivered 259 aircraft and took deposits in the estimated amount of $300 million for future deliveries before filing for Chapter […]

AOPA reported on Tuesday that the Transportation Security Administration has issued a directive that will require background checks for general aviation pilots based at airports served by airlines, starting next year. Those pilots who pass the background check will receive an ID badge to allow them access to the airport. The directive won’t affect transient […]