Also: NASA Authorization, Av-Associations, Essential Air Services, Kite String, Rotax @SnF, Car v Plane, FAA Forecast

With the need to authorize the FAA before September 30 of this year, a host of GA leaders have joined together to send letters to House and Senate transportation leaders underscoring their, “real and long-standing concerns” regarding a concept being pushed by some big airlines regarding ATC.

Specifically, the organizations cited concerns over a proposal promoted by some big airlines for the creation of “a new governance and funding model for our nation's aviation system, based on systems in other parts of the world. In a memo dated March 7, 2017, the FAA asks its Drone Advisory Committee (DAC) - Task Group 3 to explore ways to increase funding for the integration of UAVs into the National Airspace. "The FAA would welcome consideration of a broad array of options, including industry assuming a lead role for certain aspects, or public-private partnerships between government and industry," the memo, written by Victoria B. Wassmer, Deputy Administrator and Chief NextGen Officer and DAC Designated Federal Official, states. Last December, pilots visiting Mexico were informed that all foreign aircraft were required to leave the country by January 1. Failure to do so resulted in aircraft being grounded until a fine of up to $4,000 was paid to Mexico. California resident Brian Conway has established a GoFundMe site to raise money for legal fees for those pilots and owners who are fighting the imposition of the fines. All this -- and MORE in today's episode of Airborne!!!

Airborne 03.24.17 is chock full of info in this Daily News Episode, Friday, March 24th, 2017... Presented by Aero-TV veteran videographer and Airborne Hosts Brianne Cross, Christopher Odom, and Laura Hutson, and is supported by ANN CEO/Editor-In-Chief Jim Campbell, Chief Videographer Nathan Cremisino, and Aero-Journalist Tom Patton, this episode covers:

• GA Organizations Reiterating ATC Privatization Concerns
• FAA Needs Additional Funding To Support UAS Growth 
• GoFundMe Campaign Established In Aviation Dispute With Mexico
• President Signs NASA Transition Authorization Act
• Barnstorming: Aviation Associations -- Can We All Just Get Along?
• Trump Budget Curtails Essential Air Services Program 
• Helicopter Strikes Kite String In Cayman Islands
• Rotax To Offer Public Information Sessions At Sun 'N Fun
• FAA Forecasts Continued Growth In Air Travel 
• Car Drag Racing On Taxiway Hits Parked Airplane 

Get Comprehensive, Real-Time, 24/7 coverage of the latest aviation and aerospace stories anytime, at aero-news.net. And be sure to join us again next week for the next edition of "Airborne Unlimited" here on Aero-TV. Thanks for watching. See you, again, tomorrow!

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