Says FAA Has Slowed Work On NextGen Due To Sequestration

The senior Democrat on the House Aviation Subcommittee has written a letter to FAA Administrator Michael Huerta asking why the agency has "stood down" work on the Optimization of Airspace and Procedures (OAPM) as it relates to performance-based navigation (PBN) procedures at the nations busiest airports.

'We Need A World-Class System Of Weather Prediction' Says Subcommittee Chair

The House Science Committee Subcommittee on Environment held a hearing Thursday to examine ways to improve weather forecasting at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).  Witnesses provided testimony on draft legislation that would prioritize weather-related research at NOAA, in accordance with its critical mission to protect lives and property through enhanced weather forecasting.

Sites Nationwide Under Considerations

Air Force officials announced Wednesday that Altus Air Force Base, OK, is the preferred alternative for the KC-46A formal training unit (FTU). McConnell AFB, KS, was selected as the preferred alternative for the first active duty led KC-46A main operating base (MOB 1) and Fairchild AFB, WA, and Grand Forks AFB, ND, are the reasonable alternatives.

Cyclic-Mounted “Point And Click” Feature Hands-On, Head-Up Feature

MD Helicopters has partnered with Universal Avionics in a two-year program to design and build a Next Generation (NextGen) flight deck for the MD Explorer helicopter.

Senate Passes CAP Congressional Gold Medal Bill

A bill to honor Civil Air Patrol’s World War II veterans with a Congressional Gold Medal passed the U.S. Senate Monday night under unanimous consent after gaining the necessary co-sponsors needed for consideration. The bill, S. 309, recognizes the contributions of CAP’s pilots and other members who served during the war. Predating the U.S. Air Force, CAP’s services included flying combat and humanitarian missions under hazardous conditions.

First Of Their Kind In Mexico With 86 Seats

Aeromexico has added three Embraer 175 planes to its fleet, making it the first national airline in the country to operate this aircraft. As part of the plan for the renovation of its fleet, the aircraft, with 86 seats in one single class, will gradually replace the Embraer 145 planes with 50 seats.

Route Optimization, ETOPS, NOTAM Management Among New Capabilities

Jeppesen has introduced new features and functionality of Jeppesen FlitePlan Online for business aviation operators. The new features enhance operational efficiency and simplify the overall flight planning process through a Web-based solution.

Cites 'Strong Record On Aviation Security'

The Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA) has endorsed Congressman Ed Markey for the U.S. Senate, specifically noting his proven record on strengthening aviation security. The Association of Flight Attendants emphatically endorses Ed Markey for election to the Senate.

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“We need a world-class system of weather prediction in the United States – one, as the National Academy of Sciences recently put it, that is ‘second to none'." Source: House Environment Subcommittee Chairman Chris Stewart (R-UT).