The rise of drone technology has transformed the landscape of aviation regulation. These unmanned aerial vehicles are popular for recreational use. However, many use them in commercial applications and public safety missions as well. Due to the increase in drone activity, lawmakers worldwide needed to create safety guidelines and regulations. Evolving regulations to ensure safety The U.S. had 790,918 registered drones in December of 2023, according to the Federal Aviation Administration. Aviation authorities in the U.S. and Europe analyzed and updated existing regulations to address the use of ..read more

The Federal Aviation Administration is set to implement new regulations for flying over national parks starting in April 2024. The purpose of the rules is to protect natural and cultural resources. However, they also will have significant impacts on air tour operators and pilots New requirements Under the new rules, air tour operators must remain one-half mile from any national park boundary or stay at least 5,000 feet above ground level when flying over any national park. These measures will decrease visual and noise pollution over tribal sacred sites and ceremonial areas. They will also crea ..read more

In 2023, the U.S. House of Representatives Transportation and Infrastructure Committee approved the Securing Growth and Robust Leadership in American Aviation Act. If passed into law, this bill would reauthorize the Federal Aviation Administration for the next five years. It would also revitalize aviation safety and infrastructure programs. Receiving bipartisan support Sam Graves, Rick Larsen, Garret Graves, and Steve Cohen introduced the bill, H.R. 3935. These representatives were an even mixture of Democrats and Republicans, indicating that the bill was not politically motivated. Industry le ..read more

Receiving a Federal Aviation Administration Letter of Investigation can be a disconcerting experience. However, with a strategic approach, you can effectively address the matter and protect your aviation privileges. 1. Respond promptly and thoroughly Upon receiving an LOI, your first step should be to respond promptly and with thoroughness. Your response should be clear, concise and address all the issues raised in the letter. Provide all requested documentation, records and any other relevant information. 2. Collaborate with the investigator Engage in open and constructive communication with ..read more

Mechanics serve an important role in the aviation industry, helping to ensure safe travel. If an accident occurs, one may have questions about a mechanic’s liability. Mechanic’s duties and safety standards Airline mechanics inspect, repair and maintain aircraft to meet stringent safety standards. Their work follows precise regulations and exact procedures designed to prevent accidents and mishaps. Despite their diligence, a plane crash can still occur, and determining liability becomes a complex matter. Determining liability in aviation accidents Liability often involves a combination of facto ..read more

The United States National Transportation Safety Board investigates all civil accidents and certain aircraft-related incidents. The NTSB claims to conduct approximately 2,000 of these investigations per year. During an investigation, the NTSB often turns its attention to any mechanics responsible for the aircraft in question. However, other circumstances can also trigger inquiries into the behavior of airline mechanics. Complaints and reports Anyone can submit a complaint or report to the NTSB if they suspect improper maintenance or repair work on an aircraft. Officials take these reports seri ..read more

Understaffing by airline companies may cause fatigue and burnout among their workers. To help avoid this, airline companies must take preventative measures to make sure their employees can work effectively. Failure to do so could result in accidents and possible legal and regulatory risks. Fatigue leads to legal risks The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has rules to prevent pilots and flight attendants from being overworked to avoid accidents. If a tired employee causes an accident or injury, passengers and crew may sue the airline for negligence. Plus, the National Transportation Safety ..read more

Digital technologies have revolutionized the aviation industry, enhancing operational efficiency, improving safety protocols and facilitating customer service. However, this growing reliance on technology has introduced a new risk: cybersecurity.  Cyber threats in the aviation sector can have far-reaching implications, potentially harming the companies involved, passengers and the broader public. The gravity of cybersecurity in aviation In the aviation industry, cybersecurity breaches can lead to severe consequences. These threats can target various aspects of operations, including air tr ..read more

Modern planes can fly through many different weather conditions, and it is uncommon for airports to need to close. However, some weather conditions are incredibly difficult and these decisions have to be made. For example, visibility might be at zero during a whiteout or the runways may be too slick for planes to take off and land safely. But have you ever wondered who decides to make this decision? Who gets to choose if planes are allowed to take off and land? Numerous potential sources The truth is that this call can be made by a variety of different sources. For example, air traffic control ..read more

What exactly does it mean when you get an FAA letter of investigation, and what should you do if you get one?  The FAA or Federal Aviation Administration is the regulatory body for aviation in the USA. It will send a letter of investigation (LOI) where it considers that a person or entity has engaged in activity that is in contravention of the Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs). Example recipients of this letter may be an airline pilot, mechanic or air carrier.  Why will the FAA send a letter of investigation? The purpose of sending a letter of investigation is to give the named ent ..read more