Tag Archives: faa

FAA Okays Automated Commercial Drone Flights

The FAA said today that it has authorized commercial drone flights without visual observers in the same Dallas-area airspace. In a first for U.S. aviation, Zipline International and Wing Aviation can now deliver packages while it’s claimed that  their drones safely separated  from other air traffic using so called Unmanned Aircraft System Traffic Management (UTM) technology.

Previously, when operating drones, the drone pilot must be able to always see the unmanned aircraft. However, what the FAA claims are new advancements in air traffic technology and procedures are making these “Beyond Visual Line of Sight” (BVLOS) flights routine. Considerable lobbying pressure no doubt is in play. The FAA budget was threatened by Republicans last year in latest fiscal year fiasco. The current budget expires on 30 September, so fasten your safety belt, this is going to be a stormy flight. Continue reading

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Biden-Harris Administration – 157 More Infrastructure Grants

The US Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said today it will award $245.9 million in Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 Airport Infrastructure Grants (AIG). under the. The $245.9 million includes 153 grants in 37 states to modernize airport infrastructure, improve runway safety, and create jobs to build a better America. This trumps the trend during the last decade where political talk without funding delayed the ability to modernize technology and infrastructure that support the airspace. Continue reading

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FAA Grants $19M for University Research on Noise Reduction

“Research is the gateway to breakthroughs. With the best minds, we can reduce noise and fly with net-zero emissions by 2050,” said Acting FAA Administrator Billy Nolen. Continue reading

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Biden Harris Administration Announce $1B in Airport Funding to Meet Growing Travel Demand as Covid Recovery Continues

Today’s fiscal year 2023 funding is from the Airport Terminal Program, one of three aviation programs created by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The law provides $1 billion annually for five years for Airport Terminal Program grants. In total, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law provided a historic $25 billion to modernize our country’s airport infrastructure. Continue reading

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FAA on Droning The Super Bowl LVII

State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona is a “No Drone Zone” for Super Bowl LVII. Drones will be restricted before and during the 12 Sunday February. Drone operators who enter the so-called TFRs – aka Temporary Flight Restrictions – without permission and a clearance could face drone confiscation, fines that exceed $30,000 and potential criminal prosecution. Continue reading

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EPA Proposes an Endangerment Finding for Aircraft Engines Still Running on Leaded Fuel

The US Environmental Protection Agency today announced a proposed determination that emissions of lead* from aircraft that operate on leaded fuel cause or contribute to air pollution that may reasonably be anticipated to endanger public health and welfare.  Under the … Continue reading

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FAA Publishes Guidelines for Vertiports

The design standards are a critical step for the  guidance of airport owners, operators and infrastructure builders or developers to begin designing facilities that will support operations of AAM aircraft that are electrically powered and take-off and land vertically – either at ground level or on top of structures. Continue reading

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Infrastructure Law Funds Improving Airport Terminals

“Americans deserve modern airports that meet the needs of their families and growing passenger demand. Funded through President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, today’s grants will improve airport terminals while also creating good jobs in communities across the country,” said US Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. Continue reading

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FAA – Largest Fines Ever for Two Unruly Passengers

“If you are on an airplane, don’t be a jerk and don’t endanger the flight crews and fellow passengers. If you do, you will be fined by the FAA,” U.S. Transportation Sec. Pete Buttigieg said when he announced the fines. Continue reading

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Don’t Aim Holiday Laser-Light Displays at the Sky

“If we become aware that your laser-light display affects pilots, we’ll ask you to adjust them or turn them off. If your laser-light display continues to affect pilots, despite our warnings, you could face a civil penalty,” said the FAA. The FAA works with federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies to pursue civil and criminal penalties against individuals who purposely aim a laser at an aircraft. It can impose civil penalties of up to $11,000 per violation. Civil penalties of up to $30,800 have been imposed by the FAA against individuals for multiple laser incidents. Continue reading

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FAA Fines Passengers for Alcohol-Related Unruly Behavior

Some of the cases have been referred to the Department of Justice for criminal action. Federal law prohibits passengers from consuming alcohol aboard a flight that is not served by a flight attendant. In August, the FAA administrator sent a letter to airports requesting that they work to prevent passengers from bringing “to-go” cups of alcohol aboard the aircraft. Continue reading

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FAA – Unruly Passenger Rate Remains Too High

As of last week, unruly passenger incidents were occurring approximately six times per every 10,000 flights. That’s a ~50% drop from early 2021, when Republicans were promoting the “big Lie” about voter fraud, which was the cause of the January 6th insurrection at the US Capital. However, it’s more than twice as high as the end of 2020. Since the FAA launched its public awareness campaign with memes and two public service announcements, the rate has fallen ~30%.  Continue reading

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FAA Data Show Trends in Dangerous Aircraft Laser Strikes

“Pointing a laser at an aircraft can temporarily blind a pilot and not only affects the crew but endangers passengers and the communities they fly over every night,” said FAA Administrator Steve Dickson. Continue reading

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FAA Cuts Boeing a Deal on More 737 Airworthiness Violations?

Boeing, debatably, profited from such interference when the Trump Administration refused to ground the 737 Max despite growing incidents and fatalities. It’s a reasonable bet that Boeing and Barr wanted to cut ties with Trump after he lost the presidential election last November. Continue reading

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FAA Wants $14,500 Fine Against Drunken Passenger for Causing an Emergency Landing at JFK Airport

Typically, the FAA addresses unruly-passenger incidents using a variety of methods ranging from warnings and counseling to civil penalties. Effective immediately, however, the FAA will not use warnings or counseling. The agency will pursue legal enforcement action against any passenger who assaults, threatens, intimidates, or interferes with airline crew members. This policy will be in effect through March 30, 2021. Why should it stop then was unexplained? Continue reading

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