Mar 16 Trump calls for privatizing air traffic control operations By Joan Lowy, Associated Press Trump is also calling for the elimination of subsidized air service to rural communities, many of which supported his election last year. Continue reading
Jun 21 FAA allows commercial use of small drones By Joan Lowy, Associated Press The long-anticipated rules would mean drone operators would be able to fly without special permission. Continue reading
Mar 16 Airlines dodge legislation aimed at curbing excessive fees By Joan Lowy, Associated Press WASHINGTON — A Senate panel has approved an aviation policy bill Wednesday after a partisan fight over whether airlines are unfairly gouging consumers with fees for basic services like checked bags, seat assignments and ticket changes. Continue reading
Jan 10 Report: Government not ensuring airline pilots’ skills are sharp By Joan Lowy, Associated Press The government is falling short in ensuring airline pilots keep up their flying skills and get full training on how to monitor sophisticated automated control systems in cockpits, according to the Transportation Department's internal watchdog. Continue reading
Dec 08 Busy air traffic control facilities lack enough controllers By Joan Lowy, Associated Press Thirteen of the nation's busiest air traffic control facilities are suffering from a shortage of air traffic controllers, a problem that demands "urgent attention," a government watchdog told lawmakers on Tuesday. Continue reading
Oct 19 Drone close calls spur government to require registration By Joan Lowy, Associated Press WASHINGTON -- The federal government will require many drone aircraft to be registered, a move prompted by the growing number of reported close calls and incidents that pose safety risks, officials announced Monday. Continue reading
Aug 13 Pilot reports of drone sightings more than double, FAA says By Joan Lowy, Associated Press WASHINGTON — Pilot reports of drone sightings so far this year are more than double last year, government regulators say, raising concern about the potential for a deadly collision. Continue reading
Aug 13 Pilot reports of drone sightings more than double By Joan Lowy, Associated Press Pilot reports of drone sightings so far this year are more than double last year, according to the Federal Aviation Administration, raising concern about the potential for a deadly collision. Continue reading
Aug 10 Study shows chronic fatigue among air traffic controllers By Joan Lowy, Associated Press WASHINGTON — Air traffic controllers' work schedules often lead to chronic fatigue, making them less alert and endangering the safety of the national air traffic system, according to a study the government has kept secret for nearly four years. Continue reading
Mar 29 JetBlue pilot who had midair meltdown sues airline for more than $14M By Triana Kalmanoff Former JetBlue Airways Corp pilot, whose mid-flight meltdown forced an emergency landing of a plane he was co-piloting, sued the airline for more than $14 million on Friday, claiming the airline permitted him to fly despite signs of mental health… Continue reading