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Yesterday
saw two important public forums at AirVenture: Members of the U.S. House
of Representatives Aviation Subcommittee talked about aviation-related
legislation, and a joint EAA/FAA panel discussed the FAA proposed new
policies on the 51 percent rule. Read full coverage of both events in
today’s AirVenture Today.
Members of the
congressional delegation spoke briefly on several aviation issues,
including user fees, air traffic control modernization, and fuels. But
Congressman Vern Ehlers of Michigan probably summed up the feelings of
the delegation when he said, "I’m here to listen, not to
talk." The subcommittee members took questions for about half an
hour, from the audience of about 200 people.
NASA
"splashdown" at AirVenture
NASA Administrator Michael Griffin arrived in Oshkosh yesterday. He’ll
be here for several days, talking with EAA staff and meeting with
aviation manufacturers. NASA and its industry partners are working
toward the development of new low-cost engines; easy-to-read instrument
and navigation displays; safer aircraft structures and airbags; and
improved restraint systems for general aviation aircraft. NASA has also
been instrumental in getting FAA approval for composites and other
improved structural materials for general aviation aircraft. Griffin and
other NASA staff come to Oshkosh each year to meet and recruit industry
partners and to seek out innovative technologies and ideas.
LAMA
board meets at Oshkosh
The Light Aircraft Manufacturers Association held its semiannual board
meeting at EAA headquarters on Monday. LAMA is a nonprofit national
trade association representing manufacturers of light aircraft, engines,
avionics, parts/subassemblies, and suppliers and distributors to the
light aircraft industry and community. Along with EAA, the association
was instrumental in developing ultralight/light aircraft standards in
the mid-1980s and light-sport aircraft standards in 2003 and 2004.
NAFI
& FAA discuss recurrent training standards for amateur-builts and
LSA
Members of the National Association of Flight Instructors (NAFI) met
yesterday with FAA officials to discuss possible upgrades in recurrent
training standards for pilots of amateur-built aircraft and light-sport
aircraft. NAFI is an affiliate of EAA and is working closely with the
FAA to ensure that pilot training standards are sensible and up to date.
This is
one of several meetings this week between EAA and the FAA to review
safety data and outline possible new initiatives. Read AirVenture
Today for full coverage of any new developments.
Safety is
one of EAA’s primary concerns, and the FAA recognizes the pivotal role
that EAA has played and continues to play in improving the safety of
recreational pilots and sport aircraft. To learn more about NAFI
activities and benefits, visit the NAFI Flight Instructor Headquarters
tent at EAA AirVenture.
On final
approach for Tuesday
This morning, EAA Vice President of Industry and Regulatory Affairs Earl
Lawrence and leaders of the Homebuilt Aircraft Council will hold an open
forum on the FAA’s proposed new policies on the 51 percent rule at 10
a.m. in Pavilion 10. NASA Administrator Michael Griffin will present
information about NASA’s latest general aviation research at 11:30
a.m. in Pavilion 6.
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