Issue / Aviation
The aviation industry plays a critical role in the American economy, and this group recognizes its vast importance. The aviation sector transports 900 million passengers every year and is responsible for $1.5 trillion in total economic activity, nearly 12 million jobs, and represents 5.4 percent of the country’s gross domestic product. Moreover, the industry’s $83 billion trade surplus is the largest trade surplus within the U.S. economy. Tying this all together is a complex infrastructure network of airports and air traffic control operated by, among many others, millions of highly skilled pilots, mechanics and other technicians, and air traffic controllers. The tremendous collaborative effort of industry and government over the decades, translated into the safest airspace in the world. But, while the U.S. had long been considered the gold standard in aviation technology and safety, America has begun to lose its edge and is falling behind its peers. Today, congestion and delays plague U.S. airports while high-altitude traffic is guided by inefficient and old point-to-point, ground-based radar technology; qualified workers needed to meet the global demands for air travel in the next 30 years have grown increasingly scarce; and new technologies are challenging airline safety and security.
Making the Case for a National Strategy for Advanced Aviation Platforms
Jul 06, 2022 | Matt FurlowOur national airspace is an artery for commerce, a key domain for national security and homeland defense, and, increasingly, a domain...
Another Case for Increasing Participation of Women in Aviation
Jul 06, 2022 | Caroline MareteThe fact that the aviation industry lacks workforce diversity is old news. Various scholarly studies and industry reports have...
Nominations News: Senate Panel OK’s FMCSA Head, MWAA Board Member; POTUS Makes STB Nominee; Sully Out at ICAO
Jun 24, 2022 | Jeff DavisThere was a smattering of transportation nomination news in Washington this week. The Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation...
Phil Washington Rumored for FAA Administrator
Jun 10, 2022 | Jeff DavisYesterday, the Seattle Times reported that Denver International Airport CEO Phil Washington, the former head of the Los Angeles County...
Emission-Reducing Aviation Technologies Presented at House Hearing
May 20, 2022 | Katie DonahueThis week, the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee’s Subcommittee on Aviation met to discuss different aviation...
NTSB Asks for Funding & Personnel Increases, Expanded & Clarified Authorities at House Hearing
Apr 08, 2022 | Jeff DavisThis week, the chairman of the National Transportation Safety Board came to Capitol Hill to give an update on the NTSB's current status...
Biden Names Safety Chief Nolen Acting FAA Administrator
Mar 29, 2022 | Jeff DavisOn Saturday, March 26, the Biden Administration announced that Billy Nolen has been named Acting Administrator of the Federal Aviation...
Webinar: Eyes in the Skies: How The Ukrainian Crisis Affects Aviation
Apr 01, 2022 | Madeline GormanThe war in Ukraine has touched almost every corner of the world in almost as many ways. From parts availability to rising oil prices,...
Subcommittee Hearing Examines Community Concerns Regarding Aviation Noise
Mar 18, 2022 | Romic AevazThis week, the House Transportation’s subcommittee on Aviation held a hearing entitled “Aviation Noise: Measuring Progress in...
Dickson Stepping Down as FAA Administrator
Feb 18, 2022 | Jeff DavisFederal Aviation Administrator Steve Dickson told FAA employees in an email yesterday evening that he would be leaving his post on...
Centennial Anthology: A Collection of Essays and Ideas
Feb 18, 2022 | Karen PriceComing Out of the Crisis: A Look Past the Pandemic The pandemic isn’t quite behind us, but every day the contours of the new...
Communication Breakdown: T&I Hearing Shows Differing Perspectives Between FAA and FCC on 5G and Aviation Safety
Feb 04, 2022 | Katie DonahueReminiscent of a certain Led Zeppelin song, all witnesses and Representatives agreed on the utter lack of communication and...