The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association and the AOPA Air Safety Institute have created two guides to help operators and pilots safely return to flight and facilitate a strategic return to normal operations, as states modify social distancing restrictions amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The COVID-19 Flight Operations Guide is designed to help flight schools, flying […]
National News
NBAA, Aviation Groups Balk at Increased Fees for CBP’s User Fee Airports
Responding to notification of significant fee increases for Customs and Border Protection (CBP) services at several U.S. airports, the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) and other aviation associations are urging the acting CBP commissioner to consider alternatives in addressing possible budget shortfalls. Last week, many airports that support international operations with CBP inspection facilities funded […]
A Message From the FAA Office of Airport Safety and Standards
The FAA’s Office of Airports (ARP) has surveyed private-use facilities every year to assist in the collection, verification and validation of a site’s published Airport Master Record (5010) data and Operational Status. Stemming from an FAA internal audit and policy published within the FAA’s Air Traffic Organization (ATO) for handling Operational Status reviews, an initiative […]
U.S. Transportation Secretary Appoints Industry Leaders to Women in Aviation Advisory Board
U.S. Secretary of Transportation Elaine L. Chao announced the appointment of 30 board members to the newly-formed Women in Aviation Advisory Board (WIAAB). Former U.S. Air Force Secretary Heather Wilson will serve as chair of the board. “The Department welcomes Dr. Heather Wilson and these accomplished advisory board members, who share a commitment and passion […]
NATA Congressional Statement Highlights State of Aviation Businesses and Recommendations for Relief
Today, the National Air Transportation Association (NATA) submitted a statement to the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation on the impacts of COVID-19 discussing the business aviation industry and outlining policy recommendations. Committee Chairman U.S. Sen. Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) convened a hearing today titled, “The State of the Aviation Industry: Examining the Impact of […]
U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao Announces Over $1 Billion in Grants to 439 Airports in 50 States
U.S. Secretary of Transportation Elaine L. Chao announced that the Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) will award $1.187 billion in airport safety and infrastructure grants. The total includes $731 million in Airport Improvement Program (AIP) grants and an additional $455 million in Supplemental Discretionary grants. The money will be available for 100 percent of the eligible costs under […]
U.S. Department of Transportation Issues Notice Regarding Essential Air Service Program, Given the Impact of COVID-19
The U.S. Department of Transportation announced a plan to address the impact of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) public health emergency on air carriers participating in the Essential Air Service (EAS) program. The Department issued a Notice to all EAS air carriers indicating how those carriers may adjust their schedules and seek compensation due to […]
NATA, NBAA Welcome FAA’s Standardized Curriculum for On-Demand Training
The National Air Transportation Association (NATA) and National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) welcome the release of Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) guidance on a new standardized curriculum for Part 135 training that will improve safety and increase administrative efficiencies for on-demand operators. The FAA’s Advisory Circular streamlines the relationship between Part 142 training centers and on-demand […]
American Airlines Bids a Fond Farewell to Five Fantastic Fleets
Last month, American Airlines announced plans to accelerate the retirement of some older, less fuel-efficient aircraft from its fleet sooner than originally planned. As flying schedules and aircraft needs are fine-tuned during this period of record low demand, American will take the unique step of retiring a total of five aircraft types. American has officially […]
AOPA Releases State-By-State Guide for Pilots
The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association has published a state-by-state resource to help alleviate some of the burdensome research pilots might be forced to do to understand if they can continue flying in their state. Many pilots have been grounded and unsure of how to navigate the latest requirements on general aviation flying while under […]
