The FAA will publish the draft rule in the Federal Register in November. The public will have 60 days to comment. The FAA will review comments before publishing a final rule. Eventually.
The Federal Aviation Administration proposed a rule today requiring commercial hot-air-balloon pilots to hold medical certificates when operating for hire. The rule mandates a second-class medical certificate, the same standard required for commercial pilots.
“Balloon pilots are responsible for the safety of their passengers,” said FAA Administrator Steve Dickson. “This proposed rule would ensure that balloon pilots meet the same medical requirements as pilots of other commercial aircraft.” The rule in AutoInformed’s view is more than five years too late because of regulatory capture by the industry, a common problem at the FAA as recently exhibited with the Boeing 737 Max fiasco 1. Continue reading
Illustrious Road Trip – Maserati, Pacific Coast Highway and Four Seasons Hotels?
“Luxurious accommodations in a suite, daily breakfast for two and complimentary valet parking for the new 2021 Maserati Levante SUV.”
Four Seasons Hotels and Maserati have produced a trip package that reflects the shifting winds in the luxury goods market. It starts at the Beverly Wilshire, a Four Seasons Hotel, where the first 24-hour complimentary use of the Maserati Levante SUV begins. The Maserati Levante SUV, of course, is all-wheel drive and powered by a twin-turbo V6 or V8 engine. (Maserati Debuts Levante Hybrid SUV at Shanghai Auto Show; Maserati Notes Tipo 300s Win at Venezuela Grand Prix; Glub? Aston Martin Going into Submarine Business!)
Then you can go north along the Pacific Coast Highway. Suggested stops along the drive are the Danish village of Solvang, the seaside village of Morro Bay – a favorite of mine from my Road&Track sports car testing days – Hearst Castle, Big Sur and Carmel-by-the-Sea. Continue reading →