Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)

After a regional airliner crashed in western New York a year and a half ago, killing 50 people, the Obama administration promised swift action to prevent similar tragedies. High on the list: new rules governing the number of hours pilots may work, to prevent tired flight crews from making fatal errors. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood wrote in June 2009 that the Federal Aviation Administration was in a hurry and wouldn't wait for Congress "to add mandatory layers to airline safety," nor...Read Full Story

After a regional airliner crashed in western New York a year and a half ago, killing 50 people, the Obama administration promised swift action to prevent similar tragedies. High on the list: new rules governing the number of hours pilots may work, to prevent tired flight crews from making fatal errors. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood wrote in June 2009 that the Federal Aviation Administration was in a hurry and wouldn't wait for Congress "to add mandatory layers to airline safety," nor...Read Full Story

As a car, the Terrafugia Transition could be said to be found somewhat wanting in the looks department – it is an ugly beast, but it is an ugly beast that is approved for use both on the ground and in the air. The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) made a unique exception in granting the Transition light sport aircraft status – it is 120lb over the weight limit. Terrafugia had said that it was simply impossible to include the safety features necessary to make the flying car road-legal...Read Full Story

Congress is getting ready to pass tough new aviation safety measures that were developed in response to a deadly commuter plane crash in western New York in early 2009, a key lawmaker said Wednesday. Rep. James Oberstar, D-Minn., the chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee said in an interview that he was introducing a bill with the safety improvements on Wednesday. He said he expects House passage on Thursday and Senate passage soon afterward. Besides the safety...Read Full Story

WASHINGTON ( Reuters ) - Airlines would be required to give pilots longer rest periods and scale back duty time under a U.S. government proposal on Friday aimed at combating fatigue in the cockpit. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) changes, if finalized, could force airlines to hire more pilots, change flight schedules, and revamp negotiated union work rules. Major carriers are very sensitive to any mandate that would raise costs just as their finances are improving following a...Read Full Story