Petition FCC to Reconsider 5G Network Approval A number of aviation industry groups filed a petition May 22, 2020, requesting the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) reconsider its April 20, 2020, approval of Ligado Networks’ (formerly LightSquared) nationwide 5G cellular service. It includes the company’s failure to sufficiently demonstrate its ability to act as a “good…
FAA Publishes AIM Revisions The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) is encouraging pilots to review the recent published revisions to the Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM). The revisions include clarifications of “approach category” and its application in determining the appropriate straight-in or circling minima on an instrument approach. Previous AIM language required pilots to use the…
FAA Warns About Illegal Charter Operations Recently, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) advised pilots and passengers to take caution regarding illegal charter operations, primarily those pilots soliciting flights for payment on web-based applications. Pilots and passengers are cautioned to avoid these types of situations and verify their air transportation provider is authorized by the FAA…
Aviation Industry Sends Letter in Opposition of Aircraft Noise Reduction Act In late December, several aviation industry groups* sent a letter to U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure Chairman Peter DeFazio and Ranking Member Sam Graves, as well as Subcommittee on Aviation Chairman Rick Larsen and Ranking Member Garret Graves, to state…
FAA Finalizing Items for ADS-B Implementation Operational Rollout of ADS-B Baseline Services Complete The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced earlier that it has completed the implementation of the ADS-B Baseline Services on schedule and ready for the Jan. 1, 2020 ADS-B aircraft equipage deadline. ADS-B is now operational at 155 airports, terminal radar approach control…
NBAA’s Bolen Speaks to Senate Committee regarding NextGen The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) recently released that President and CEO Ed Bolen told members of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science & Transportation’s Subcommittee on Aviation and Space that full implementation of the Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen) is critical to maintaining America’s lead…
Steve Dickson New FAA Administrator On August 12, 2019 Steve Dickson was sworn in as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) administrator after being confirmed for a five-year term by the U.S. Senate July 24. Dickson recently retired from Delta Air Lines as the senior vice president of Flight Operations where he was responsible for the…
New Fuel Tax in Canada Authorized through the Greenhouse Gas Pollution Pricing Act, Canada is implementing a new fuel surcharge for aircraft. Operators, including those that are international, who fly or do business in Manitoba, New Brunswick, Ontario and Saskatchewan must register with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), which will extend to including Nunavut and…
Aviation Groups Worry a Recent FAA Policy Statement on Actions for Non-equipped ADS-B Out Operators Caused Confusion On April 1, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) released a Statement of Policy establishing its course of action for issuing air traffic control (ATC) authorization to those operating aircraft that are not equipped with Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B)…
FAA Administrator Nomination On March 19, the White House nominated longtime Delta Airlines executive Steve Dickson to the position of administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Dickson was with Delta for 27 years, retiring in 2018 as senior vice president of global flight operations. During his tenure with the airline, he was responsible for…