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AOPA News

A daily general aviation news service from the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association.

Long-term FAA bill clears Congress, heads to president
The Senate, following up on House action last week, has passed a four-year, $63.4 billion FAA reauthorization bill with no user fees or fuel-tax increases. The bill, now headed to the desk of President Barack Obama for signing, would give the FAA its first long-term operating authority since 2007.
Airway access during military training urged
AOPA has requested that the Air Force, which plans to establish a temporary military operations area during military exercises scheduled for June from Volk Field Air National Guard base in Wisconsin, assure unimpeded airway access for general aviation flights. Members are encouraged to submit comments on the plan by Feb. 3.
West Coast sanctuary overflight now a dangerous gamble
Pilots could face stiff fines - up to six figures - for violating new overflight regulations that place the National Airspace System on a slippery slope. The FAA has ceded to another federal agency - the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration - authority to enforce what amount to new airspace restrictions.
Bank of America helps member buy LSA
After achieving his dream of learning to fly, AOPA member Carl Houghton wanted an airplane of his own. When it came time to investigate financing, he made some inquiries into AOPA's Aircraft Financing Program.
No user fees, tax hikes in long-term FAA bill
No user fees. No increase in avgas or jet fuel taxes. General aviation pilots can celebrate what wasn't included in the long-term FAA reauthorization bill. The House and Senate ironed out details on a four-year FAA reauthorization bill Jan. 31, paving the way for a full vote in both houses before the latest short-term funding extension expires Feb. 17. Highlights of the bill indicate that GA fared well.
LightSquared tests offer 'no practical solution'
AOPA is calling for the Federal Communications Commission to revoke LightSquared's conditional approval to develop a mobile-satellite network. A technical committee has concluded that the transmissions pose intractable interference problems for aviation navigation and other uses of GPS.