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United States Pilots Association |
Thursday morning, October 21, FAA Administrator Marion Blakey spoke via satellite to those assembled at the AOPA Expo in Long Beach, CA, answering questions directed to her. Among her comments were, “Our airports are a natural resource. When they’re gone, they’re gone.” Then she spoke to the need for keeping the airports we have, plus building more.
Regarding FSSs, she said the Trust Fund can’t continue to pay for them at the current price. It costs $25 for each call to a FSS, and $1/2 billion per year. The A-76 competitive sourcing is not privatization—it is not selling out to the highest bidder. But it allows private companies to bid on the work, and she feels that $500 million could be saved in seven years after the change. The decision will be made in January, and the FSS employees are bidding as well. She firmly stated, “The FAA doesn’t support a fee-based system.” “It helps to have a pilot in the White House.” She said the Trust Fund will continue to fund the FSSs, with no fee for service.
On the topic of WAAS, Blakey said the FAA commissioned WAAS in July, 2003, and it now covers most of the country. The FAA will continue to develop GPS approaches until all qualified airports have them. The Garmin 480 was just certified (under $10,000), and upgrades for 530s and 430s will be around $1,500. She encouraged the flying community to buy and use WAAS equipment to verify the value of the technology.
From a safety standpoint, Blakey said, “Things look good for GA.”
Jan Hoynacki, Executive Director
United States Pilots Association