AOPA Says They're On It

If you fly with satellite-linked weather in the cockpit, pay attention to this next story... as many pilots are concerned that service, offered by satellite radio broadcasters XM Radio and Sirius, may soon go the way of BetaMax and Commodore.

The concern stems from two bills currently before Congress, that many pilots fear will put an end to weather data broadcast to aircraft cockpits... and that was enough for the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association to become involved.

AOPA Vice-President of Government Affairs Andy Cebula says not to fear, though... that the group has been on top of House Resolution 998, and Senate Bill 2418, since the two bills were introduced in March 2005.

Representatives with AOPA have met with sponsors of each bill... who have assured the organization they don't intend to unplug satellite-weather service for pilots.

That comes despite the intent of both bills to protect local radio stations, by prohibiting digital satellite radio from transmitting "locally differentiated" services... like regional stations, or weather information.

Furthermore, each bill has been locked in its respective committee since their introduction... with no sign of either being put to vote any time soon.

That's well and good... but why, then, are the bills still in play? AOPA says that's a good question... which is why its will continue to reinforce the important link between satellite weather data and safety for pilots.

Helping the group spread that message is the Department of Transportation, which also opposes putting a stop to satellite weather service.

FMI: www.aopa.org