Congratulations to NATA and NBAA for recognizing there is strength in unity of purpose. These two associations often compete for membership dollars and have many of the same members. Recently each managed FBO Leadership Conferences that ran concurrently at the same location. Attendance at each conference was up considerably from last year, proving the value to recognizing the needs of the members. In these tough economic times we need more associations to acknowledge the synergies that exist between them and work toward operating conferences and seminars that combine these resources with event times and locations that benefit their various members. What do you think AMTSociety and PAMA?
The administration is asking Congress set aside $4B in fiscal 2011 for the creation of a National Infrastructure Innovation and Finance Fund…NIIFF; that’s a mouthful. This fund was originally created for a surface transportation system, yet I see some aviation associations envision this as a potential method for funding NextGen development. I think this is naive or disingenuous at best. Just last week the former FAA administrator expressed disappointment that the State of the Union address did not contain any mention for aviation support. Nothing has changed. There is nothing in the present conduct of the administration’s business that would suggest funds that are earmarked for surface transportation would be diverted to aviation.
After 25 plus years the FAA has scheduled a review of small airplane, Part 23, regulations. It promises a fully comprehensive appraisal noting, “previous assumptions for small airplanes are no longer accurate.” The focus of the review states, and I am paraphrasing, small airplane regulations should be based on performance and complexity rather than weight and propulsion. I could not agree more with this effort. Here, truly, are regs that need serious updating.
Congratulations again to the many general aviation associations that were able to effect the removal of “user fees” in the current budget proposal. Not an easy fight, but constancy and unity won the day, at least for now. When aircraft technicians wonder if it is beneficial to have a national organization representing their interests, here is another proof of concept.
Recently the NTSB laid the blame for the Colgan Buffalo accident on pilot training and experience and not icing. Judging from the tapes and reports related to rest periods and unsuccessful check rides, this is a no brainer. But I would like to offer another viewpoint. I think the aircrew seniority system we have at the major and regional airlines makes no sense. If you needed major surgery would you want it done by a certified but highly inexperienced surgeon? I think not. You would want the most practiced surgeon available. While I know there is no answer, why is it that the more experienced an airline pilot becomes the less challenging his job? Most of senior pilots’ flights are long legged trips where the biggest tests are fighting boredom and sleep. Sure there is that 1% percent occasion where all hell breaks loose but is this a good trade-off to the traveling public? Meanwhile the least experienced regional pilot is hardened to his tasks and earns his wings by numerous short hops in inclement weather with limited rest time and minimal pay. This while carrying passengers that expect the same skills, knowledge, and professionalism one finds with a major airline pilot. This is a culture that promotes stacking the odds against the untried pilot, promoting a greater chance for failure. The system is upside down but it’s been that way since we started carrying passengers for money. I don’t know how it can be changed but I am afraid to say there will be more Colgans if it isn’t.