Boeing to Engage Army Leaders with Adaptive, Versatile Capabilities at AUSA Winter Symposium

March 3–The FAA and the European Union formally signed an agreement today to work together on research aimed at providing seamless air traffic service to aircraft flying between the United States and Europe.

The agreement, signed in Budapest, calls for both sides to research the interoperability of avionics, communication protocols and procedures, as well as operational methods under NextGen and its European counterpart, the Single European Sky ATM Research (SESAR). Carey Fagan, the FAA’s executive director for international affairs, signed for the U.S. Pal Volner, state secretary for transport for Hungary, and Siim Kallas, EU vice president and commissioner for transport and mobility, signed on behalf of the EU.

The agreement encourages industry participation on both sides of the Atlantic, ensuring the development, harmonization and use of the best technologies available. The collaborative arrangement will lay the foundation for expanding air traffic modernization around the world.

For Immediate Release
September 24, 2010

EATTLE — The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has proposed a $4,855,000 civil penalty against Evergreen International Airlines of McMinnville, Ore., for allegedly using pilots on 232 revenue flights who had not been trained in accordance with an FAA-approved training program.

The flights were made between Feb. 19 and July 9, 2009, on aircraft equipped with a new flight management system (FMS) that was different enough from the prior system that it required a specific training program for pilots who were flying the aircraft. The FAA alleges Evergreen did not complete its FAA-approved training for pilots before assigning them to fly revenue trips using the new FMS.

“We put rules and regulations in place to keep air transportation safe and we expect airlines to comply,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood.

The FAA alleges Evergreen line pilots received ground training and a check ride on the new FMS, but that the company did not provide required familiarization flights supervised by the company’s check pilots despite being told to do so by the FAA.

The familiarization flights are part of the FAA-approved training program for Evergreen aircraft equipped with the FMS. Evergreen also failed to distribute copies of the required system manual to crews who would be using the FMS.

Subsequent to these improperly conducted flights, Evergreen has ensured that its pilots are trained in accordance with its FAA-approved training program and continues to operate under an FAA-approved training program.

“Even though Evergreen now complies with its training program, this penalty is appropriate because requiring operators to complete required, approved training is the only way to make sure crews are fully qualified to operate the equipment and systems to manage flights safely,” said FAA Administrator Randy Babbitt.

Evergreen has 30 days from the receipt of the FAA’s civil penalty letter to respond to the agency.

For Immediate Release
November 18, 2010

WASHINGTON – The Federal Aviation Administration is preparing for a busy Thanksgiving holiday travel week by working with the Department of Defense to clear the way for commercial aircraft to fly in airspace normally reserved for the military.

“We want to do everything we can to make it easier for people to travel so they can spend Thanksgiving with their loved ones,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. “We appreciate the military’s help in making this happen.”

Air traffic controllers may begin routing commercial aircraft through the restricted airspace at 6 a.m. EST on Tuesday, Nov. 23, a day earlier than in previous years. The use of restricted airspace will end at 6 a.m. EST on Monday, Nov. 29. The busiest travel days are expected to be Tuesday, Wednesday and Sunday.

Under the agreement, DOD will release airspace off the east coast above 24,000 feet. The added capacity is expected to ease delays during one of the busiest travel periods of the year, saving time and money for passengers and airlines while reducing fuel burn.
The FAA has developed dedicated routes off the east coast to allow airlines to plan their flights through the normally restricted airspace. Normal inland routes will still be available. Weather permitting, the combination of both sets of routes is expected to ease congestion.

“The FAA is using all the tools available to try and give airlines the most efficient routes so air travelers can reach their destinations safely and on time,” said FAA Administrator Randy Babbitt.

“The nation’s air traffic controllers are committed to upholding the safety of the system while working the most efficient airspace system in the world,” said NATCA President Paul Rinaldi. “Over the past year we’ve experienced a movement toward collaboration at all levels of the agency and we look forward to continuing to work together to improve air travel for the flying public.”

The DOD is also allowing commercial flights to use restricted airspace in other parts of the country. These include:
Airspace over the Gulf of Mexico to ease congestion for commercial aircraft flying between Florida and the Louisiana and Texas areas, as well as points beyond.

Airspace over Twentynine Palms in California to ease congestion for commercial aircraft flying to and from markets in Southern California.

Airspace over the White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico to allow for more direct routings for aircraft flying over the Southwest.
Air travelers interested in flight and airport status should visit www.fly.faa.gov for real-time updates.