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Officials at the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association praised Congress for passing legislation that would give the FAA the flexibility to make more measured decisions about spending cuts, including staffing and contract towers.

“Through their strong support for this measure, both the House and Senate have made it clear that the safety and efficiency of our aviation system is a priority,” said AOPA President Craig Fuller. “All of us who fly are grateful for their efforts.”

According to a story at AOPA.org, the legislation allows the Department of Transportation to move $253 million to the FAA’s operations account.  The agency can then use the money to stop furloughs and potentially keep open many of the 149 air traffic control towers slated for closure.

» Full Story on AOPA.org

As a result of employee furloughs due to sequestration, the FAA is implementing traffic management initiatives at airports and facilities around the country. Travelers can expect to see a wide range of delays that will change throughout the day depending on staffing and weather-related issues. For example, the FAA is experiencing staffing challenges at the New York and Los Angeles En Route Centers and at the Dallas-Ft. Worth and Las Vegas TRACONs. Controllers will space planes farther apart so they can manage traffic with current staff, which will lead to delays at airports including DFW, Las Vegas and LAX. The FAA also expects delays at Newark and LaGuardia because of weather and winds.

Yesterday more than 1,200 delays in the system were attributable to staffing reductions resulting from the furlough. There were more than 1,400 additional delays as a result of weather and other factors.

» Full FAA Press Release

As the probability of these tower closures and reduced operating hours nears, it is important to increase our awareness of proper operating practices and procedures at airports without an operating control tower.  Although we often hear these airports called “uncontrolled”, you can help ensure continued safe and controlled operations through adherence to published practices and procedures.  Of course, “non-towered airport” is the proper term to use for an airport without an operating control tower.

The FAA has several resources that provide advisory information for operations at airports without an operating control tower.  These include the FAA Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM), Advisory Circular (AC) 90-66A, CFR 91.113 (Basic Right of Way Rules), CFR 91.126 and CFR 91.127 (Traffic Flow Rules at Non-Towered Airports).

EAA's new Eagle Flights program that allows adults to discover and explore the joy and fulfillment of flight received a major boost Thursday, as audio specialist Sennheiser committed major support to the year-old program.

EAA Eagle Flights is an introduction and mentoring program designed for adults who have always been interested in learning to fly, but don't how or where to take that first step. The initiative uses the knowledge and support of nearly 1,000 EAA chapters that promote aviation and welcome new enthusiasts in local communities.

» Full Press Release

Citing safety and logistical concerns, the FAA announced it will delay the closure of 149 federal contract air traffic control towers until June 15.  Last month, the FAA announced it would eliminate funding for these towers as part of the agency’s required $637 million budget cuts under sequestration.

This additional time will allow the agency to attempt to resolve multiple legal challenges to the closure decisions.  As part of the tower closure implementation process, the agency continues to consult with airports and operators and review appropriate risk mitigations. Extending the transition deadline will give the FAA and airports more time to execute the changes to the National Airspace System. 

“This has been a complex process and we need to get this right,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. “Safety is our top priority. We will use this additional time to make sure communities and pilots understand the changes at their local airports.”

» Full Press Release

The iFlightPlanner Crew would like to welcome the Daytona Pilot Zone as the newest business member in the iFlightPlanner Airport/Facility Directory!

Located at the Daytona Beach International Airport, the Daytona Pilot Zone has their finger on the pulse of the aviation community.  They are committed to bringing you quality flight gear, avionics, pilot supplies and aviation products at great prices.  The next time you are in or around KDAB check out the Daytona Pilot Zone for your pilot supplies!

The iFlightPlanner Crew
PLAN. FLY. LOG.™

The April 2013 digital issue of Avionics News Magazine is now available!

In this month's issue, you'll find:

• The View from Washington
• International News & Regulatory Updates
• Designs to Shatter General Aviation's Glass-Panel Ceiling
• Member Profile: Anodyne Electronics Manufacturing
• Member Profile: Kenn Borek Air Ltd.
• Instrument Repair Shops Adapting to Changing Technology.
• The Race to ADS-B
• Before & After: Columbia Air Services of Groton

For more information on the Aircraft Electronics Association visit http://www.aea.net/.

The iFlightPlanner Crew
PLAN. FLY. LOG.™