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Federal Aviation Administration

Did you hear that? It's a door busting open in Washington, unblocking a huge backlog of airline issues that will directly affect America's millions of air travelers.

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After much delay, Senate clears FAA billupdated: Mon Feb 06 2012 18:36:00

After passing 23 temporary extensions, the Senate voted 75 to 20 Monday to approve a long-term funding bill for the FAA and sent it to the president for his expected signature.

Key FAA facilities face retirement wave, attrition woes updated: Mon Jan 30 2012 15:05:00

Despite a five-year hiring surge, the Federal Aviation Administration is at risk of not having enough senior air traffic controllers for its busiest and most critical facilities, where they are needed to run operations and train less-experienced controllers, according to the agency's independent inspector general.

Lawmakers near agreement on FAA billupdated: Fri Jan 20 2012 19:20:00

Democratic and Republican lawmakers on Capitol Hill moved closer Friday to an agreement to clear a long-stalled Federal Aviation Administration bill.

Whooping cranes are cleared for takeoff after getting FAA exemptionupdated: Tue Jan 10 2012 19:01:00

A flock of whooping cranes, grounded for nearly a month, can continue its journey south for the winter after getting a one-time exemption Tuesday from a federal agency.

Flight aborted by blown tiresupdated: Wed Dec 28 2011 15:57:00

A Southwest Airlines flight leaving for Seattle blew some main gear tires at California's Sacramento International Airport on Tuesday, forcing the crew to abort the flight and deplane passengers, according to an FAA spokesman.

New rules to prevent pilot fatigueupdated: Wed Dec 21 2011 13:30:00

The FAA announced a pilot fatigue rule which governs how much time off pilots have between work periods.

FAA announces pilot fatigue rule updated: Wed Dec 21 2011 13:30:00

The U.S. Department of Transportation and the Federal Aviation Administration announced Wednesday a sweeping final pilot fatigue rule governing how much time off commercial passenger pilots must have between work shifts, ensuring they have a longer opportunity for rest before they enter the cockpit.

FAA administrator on leave after Virginia DWI chargeupdated: Mon Dec 05 2011 14:45:00

The head of the Federal Aviation Administration will take a leave of absence after his arrest on a charge of driving while intoxicated, officials said Monday.

Pilot with HIV brings his privacy fight to the high courtupdated: Thu Dec 01 2011 18:29:00

High above San Francisco Bay, Stan Cooper can get away from it all in his private plane. His five-decade passion for flying once threatened to upend his personal and professional life -- because of his own mistakes, and those of the government. It is a tale of accountability, one the Supreme Court is poised to tackle with oral arguments Wednesday.

Justices debate what damages are due for privacy violationupdated: Wed Nov 30 2011 16:20:00

The Supreme Court wrestled Wednesday with a familiar, if elusive, foe -- legislative intent -- when considering whether a California man should be compensated after the government violated his privacy by disclosing his personal medical history.

Air mishaps soar, government debates why updated: Fri Oct 14 2011 15:17:00

Air traffic controllers may be taking more risks in handling airliners under a 2-year-old rule allowing them to report errors without fear of punishment, congressional investigators say in a report highlighting a spike in incidents.

Senate passes temporary FAA funding to avoid a shutdownupdated: Thu Sep 15 2011 19:11:00

The Senate on Thursday passed a bill to fund the Federal Aviation Administration through January, preventing a second shutdown of the agency that regulates air transportation.

FAA proposes $1.1 million fine for allegedly faulty fuselage workupdated: Mon Sep 12 2011 17:00:00

The Federal Aviation Administration is proposing a $1.1 million fine against an aviation repair facility after the company allegedly made improper repairs as part of fuselage inspections on Southwest Airlines jets.

Aviation industry leaders urge long-term FAA fundingupdated: Wed Sep 07 2011 17:04:00

Safety and jobs are on the line. That was the consensus at a news conference Wednesday at Reagan National Airport just outside Washington.

Chopper crash kills 4 in Missouri, FAA saysupdated: Fri Aug 26 2011 21:46:00

Four people died Friday in a medical helicopter crash near Clay County Regional Airport in Mosby, Missouri, the Federal Aviation Administration said.

Feds enact new airline ice detection rulesupdated: Fri Aug 19 2011 16:21:00

Federal officials enacted new rules Friday requiring airlines to install updated ice detection equipment in certain smaller existing fleets, a step designed to boost passenger safety.

Fliers won't get air travel tax refundupdated: Fri Aug 05 2011 16:22:00

As late as this morning, it looked like if you had traveled while the Federal Aviation Administration was shut down, there was a good chance that the government owed you a tax refund.

Obama signs bill ending partial FAA shutdownupdated: Fri Aug 05 2011 15:22:00

President Barack Obama signed legislation Friday temporarily restoring full funding to the Federal Aviation Administration, breaking a political impasse and allowing roughly 4,000 furloughed federal employees to return to work.

Sobbing FAA worker: I'm relievedupdated: Fri Aug 05 2011 15:22:00

FAA inspector Evelyn Martinez cries after hearing news that Congress has a temporary deal to end the stalemate.

In FAA standoff, GOP played chicken with American jobsupdated: Fri Aug 05 2011 10:38:00

Some Republicans love to talk about "job-destroying" progressive policies, but hate to own up to their own trickle-down ways. It's not that hard to get specific about the tepid economic recovery and all the Republican-backed policies that are destroying jobs though. Let me tell you about one we almost experienced.

CNNMoney: Fight over unionizing is at heart of FAA furloughsupdated: Thu Aug 04 2011 14:31:00

A labor dispute is raging at the heart of a congressional spat over Federal Aviation Administration funding. The issue has left 4,000 federal workers sitting at home unpaid and tens of thousands of construction workers without work.

70,000 jobs lost! Really?updated: Thu Aug 04 2011 10:49:00

An oft-repeated statement that the Federal Aviation Administration's partial shutdown has forced the layoff of 70,000 construction workers is, at best, an over-simplification, and at worst, an exaggeration, according to the expert behind the number.

Obama, LaHood call on Congress to solve FAA funding disputeupdated: Thu Aug 04 2011 09:48:00

President Barack Obama and Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood on Wednesday urged Congress to immediately pass a temporary funding measure for the Federal Aviation Administration to put nearly 4,000 federal employees back to work and restart more than 200 airport construction projects.

CNNMoney: Washington remains torn on FAA shutdownupdated: Wed Aug 03 2011 17:09:00

Lawmakers on Wednesday appeared far from a deal to extend funding authority for the Federal Aviation Administration -- leaving some 4,000 federal employees and thousands more construction and support staff workers off the job.

Ex-insider: FAA shutdown a safety issueupdated: Wed Aug 03 2011 08:37:00

Fmr. FAA Chief of Staff Michael Goldfarb says a partial shutdown of the federal agency threatens safety and the economy.

Senate goes on recess without taking up FAA fundingupdated: Wed Aug 03 2011 08:37:00

The U.S. Senate went on summer recess Tuesday night without taking action to fully fund the Federal Aviation Administration, all but assuring that almost 4,000 furloughed FAA workers will remain jobless for the next five weeks and preventing the agency from collecting $1.2 billion in aviation taxes.

CNNMoney: Aviation workers deal with politics-induced furloughsupdated: Tue Aug 02 2011 14:46:00

Some 4,000 furloughed aviation workers are the latest casualty of political infighting in Washington.

Expected cost of FAA funding feud: At least $1.2 billionupdated: Mon Aug 01 2011 23:09:00

The House adjourned for summer recess Monday night without resolving a Federal Aviation Administration funding impasse, almost guaranteeing that nearly 4,000 FAA employees will remain furloughed for the next month, and that the federal government will lose at least $1.2 billion in airline passenger tax revenue.

Partial FAA shutdown drags into fourth dayupdated: Tue Jul 26 2011 15:51:00

The Federal Aviation Administration has issued additional "stop work orders" to construction and technology contractors after Congress failed to reauthorize funding for the federal agency.

FAA: Congressional inaction forces furloughs, major project delaysupdated: Mon Jul 25 2011 18:55:00

Thousands of employees have been furloughed and dozens of major projects put on hold after Congress failed to reauthorize funding for the Federal Aviation Administration, the agency said Monday.

CNNMoney: Airlines squash a would-be price breakupdated: Mon Jul 25 2011 13:41:00

Political stalemate nearly scored one for consumers.

FAA funding ends; almost 4,000 may be furloughedupdated: Sat Jul 23 2011 14:20:00

Almost 4,000 Federal Aviation Administration workers are facing furloughs after Congress adjourned Friday without passing a measure to reauthorize the agency's funding, according to the Transportation Department.

Colorado air traffic controller removed after failing alcohol testupdated: Tue Jul 19 2011 20:50:00

The Federal Aviation Administration acknowledged Tuesday it removed a Colorado air traffic controller from his post earlier this month after he failed an alcohol test.

Air traffic controller drunk on job?updated: Tue Jul 19 2011 20:50:00

The FAA is investigating a Colorado air traffic controller suspected of working while intoxicated. KMGH reports.

FAA names Grizzle chief of air traffic controllersupdated: Thu Jul 07 2011 16:10:00

The senior official who was temporarily in charge of the Federal Aviation Administration's air traffic controllers following the "sleeping controller" controversy has been given the job outright.

FAA, air traffic controllers agree on new fatigue rulesupdated: Fri Jul 01 2011 17:53:00

The Federal Aviation Administration and the National Air Traffic Controllers Association announced details Friday of a new agreement on fatigue recommendations in the aftermath of several incidents involving controllers falling asleep on the job.

Sleeping controller prompts FAA reviewupdated: Fri Jul 01 2011 17:53:00

The FAA has ordered a review of the entire air traffic control system because of an incident at Reagan National Airport.

FAA proposes fine for AirTranupdated: Fri Jun 24 2011 08:30:00

The Federal Aviation Administration on Thursday proposed fining AirTran Airways for allegedly operating an airplane not in compliance with regulations, the agency said.

Southwest disciplines pilot for rant during flightupdated: Thu Jun 23 2011 07:22:00

Southwest Airlines disciplined a pilot whose profanity-laced rant about flight attendants was heard by other airplane crews and controllers, officials said Wednesday.

FAA: United Airline's drug testing protocols flawedupdated: Fri Jun 17 2011 14:50:00

United Airlines is facing a $584,375 fine after a federal inspection showed that pilots and flight attendants were far more likely to be excused from the airline's random drug and alcohol tests than ground-based employees were.

2009: Lasers aimed at planesupdated: Fri Jun 03 2011 16:35:00

In February 2009, CNN's Jeanne Meserve looked at reports of lasers being aimed at planes.

FAA to crack down on people who target planes with lasersupdated: Fri Jun 03 2011 16:35:00

The FAA has seen the light. And it wants to put an end to it.

FAA to crack down on people who target planes with lasersupdated: Wed Jun 01 2011 13:33:00

Delta Air Lines pilot Capt. Chad Smith was flying at 6,000 feet approaching Will Rogers World Airport in Oklahoma City in March when he saw a flash out of the corner of his eye. It looked like lightning, he said, except for its color -- green.

FAA proposes major revamp of airline pilot trainingupdated: Thu May 12 2011 05:58:00

Airline pilots and flight attendants would have to learn how to respond to "real world" scenarios and demonstrate those skills in flight simulators and in emergency drills under proposed FAA rules.

2009: Do pilots get enough training?updated: Thu May 12 2011 05:58:00

CNN's Jason Carroll reports on pilot training standards as the crash of Colgan Air Flight 3407 raises questions.

Inspector general to look at air traffic mistakesupdated: Wed May 11 2011 19:51:00

Is a 50% jump in errors by air traffic controllers evidence of a dangerous, mistake-prone work force?

Air traffic control: 1950s technologyupdated: Fri Apr 29 2011 15:57:00

CNN contributor Miles O'Brien demonstrates communication between pilots and air traffic control from inside the cockpit.

FAA announces review panel, management shuffleupdated: Fri Apr 29 2011 15:57:00

The Federal Aviation Administration announced Friday that it had shuffled some key management jobs as it continues its review of the controversy over sleeping and inattentive controllers.

Let air traffic controllers take naps?updated: Wed Apr 27 2011 18:04:00

Experts Michael Goldfarb and Mary Schiavo discuss whether air traffic controllers should get naps breaks on the job.

FAA fires a third controller for sleeping on dutyupdated: Wed Apr 27 2011 18:04:00

An air traffic controller at Seattle's Boeing Field has been fired for twice falling asleep on duty, the Federal Aviation Administration said Monday.

Can technology fix the FAA's air traffic troubles?updated: Wed Apr 27 2011 16:54:00

New technology to modernize America's aging air traffic system promises to help air traffic controllers and may have prevented a recent tarmac collision between two aircraft at a New York airport, say experts.

FAA knew controllers nap, ignored fatigue issueupdated: Wed Apr 27 2011 11:35:00

It's no surprise that a half-dozen air traffic control specialists were recently caught sleeping on the job. The Federal Aviation Administration is well aware that air traffic controllers have been falling asleep every week at each and every air traffic control facility in the nation for at least 30 years -- and they still are.

Feds: Two air traffic controllers fired for sleeping on dutyupdated: Fri Apr 22 2011 09:58:00

The Federal Aviation Administration has fired two air traffic controllers, one of whom worked in Knoxville, Tennessee, and the other in Miami, Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said Wednesday.

FAA in turmoil?updated: Fri Apr 22 2011 09:52:00

More controllers asleep at the tower causes a management shuffle at the FAA. Jeanne Meserve reports.

Officials: Plane carrying first lady got too close to military C-17updated: Wed Apr 20 2011 09:21:00

A plane carrying Michelle Obama had to abort its landing on Monday after it came too close to a military C-17 cargo plane ahead of it, according to a senior administration official and the Federal Aviation Administration.

Movie-watching the latest distraction in air traffic control sagaupdated: Tue Apr 19 2011 20:31:00

An air traffic controller in Ohio is the latest to get caught not doing his job, but this one wasn't sleeping in front of a radar position. He was watching a movie.

Another air traffic controller suspended for sleepingupdated: Tue Apr 19 2011 07:18:00

The Federal Aviation Administration suspended Saturday yet another air traffic controller for sleeping on the job, the seventh apparent incident this year the agency has disclosed.

FAA chief 'infuriated' by sleeping air traffic controllersupdated: Mon Apr 18 2011 16:06:00

Top officials from the Federal Aviation Administration and the air traffic controllers' union kicked off a cross-country tour of air traffic control facilities on Monday, two days after a seventh reported case this year of a controller falling asleep on the job.

FAA official out amid sleeping-on-the-job casesupdated: Fri Apr 15 2011 02:10:00

The Federal Aviation Administration official in charge of operating the air traffic control system has resigned amid revelations that several controllers have fallen asleep on the job this year, the FAA chief said Thursday.

Air traffic chief resignsupdated: Fri Apr 15 2011 02:10:00

The Federal Aviation Administration official in charge of operating the air traffic control system has resigned.

Another sleeping air traffic controllerupdated: Thu Apr 14 2011 09:11:00

Unable to contact the control tower, a medical flight lands without help in Reno, NV. The 6th such instance in 2011.

A new controller apparently falls asleep, sparking change and outrageupdated: Thu Apr 14 2011 09:11:00

Another air traffic controller apparently fell asleep while on duty, a problem that is prompting the government to put an extra staffer on midnight shifts at more than two dozen control towers across the country.

Colgan Air victim's dad waits for flight safety regulationsupdated: Mon Apr 11 2011 10:51:00

Ken Mellett's brow is furrowed as he gravely speaks of the need for more stringent air safety rules.

Airline safety report cardupdated: Mon Apr 11 2011 10:51:00

Are we any safer in the air since the plane crash in Buffalo two years ago? CNN's Allan Chernoff has an update.

FAA reports another sleeping air traffic controllerupdated: Wed Apr 06 2011 14:18:00

A second air traffic controller has been found to have fallen asleep on the job, this one intentionally sleeping for five hours while a fellow controller, working alone, landed seven aircraft, the Federal Aviation Administration said Wednesday.

FAA demands inspections of older 737supdated: Wed Apr 06 2011 09:26:00

The Federal Aviation Administration issued an emergency Airworthiness Directive Tuesday mandating operators of at least 80 older Boeing 737s to conduct inspections for wear and tear.

Government investigates DOT's use of 'purchase cards'updated: Mon Apr 04 2011 22:41:00

Government auditors said Monday they are launching an investigation into possible misuse of government-issued purchase cards at the U.S. Department of Transportation.

Southwest cancels flights as FAA demands inspections of older 737supdated: Mon Apr 04 2011 19:30:00

Just days after a Boeing 737 flown by Southwest Airlines made an emergency landing with a hole in its fuselage, the Federal Aviation Administration said in a press release Monday that it will mandate operators of about 175 specific older Boeing 737s to conduct inspections for wear and tear.

CNNMoney: FAA requiring airlines to inspect Boeing 737supdated: Mon Apr 04 2011 18:20:00

The Federal Aviation Administration announced Monday it will require additional inspections of certain older model Boeing 737-series aircraft.

Southwest jet rupture and flight riskupdated: Mon Apr 04 2011 08:50:00

After an unnerving event like the Southwest Airlines fuselage rupture, it is natural to wonder whether we have learned something new about aviation safety. To put it briefly, we haven't.

Passengers describe emergency landingupdated: Mon Apr 04 2011 08:50:00

Two passengers who were aboard the Southwest Airlines flight diverted to Arizona describe the emergency landing.

Commuter plane strikes flock of birds, makes emergency landingupdated: Fri Apr 01 2011 20:00:00

A commuter plane with dozens of passengers aboard struck a flock of large birds, forcing the pilot to make an emergency landing, the Federal Aviation Administration said Friday.

Controller, airline crew suspended over incident in Florida skiesupdated: Wed Mar 30 2011 13:34:00

An air traffic control supervisor and the crew of a Southwest Airlines jet have been suspended after the controller asked the Southwest Boeing 737 to fly in the vicinity of a small Cirrus aircraft in an effort to check on the welfare of the pilot, authorities said.

Air traffic control staffing under scrutinyupdated: Fri Mar 25 2011 17:27:00

You may think the country's air traffic control towers are bustling with activity around the clock, but it turns out that it's a lonely job late at night for workers in some places when few planes are landing and taking off.

Planes forced to land without helpupdated: Fri Mar 25 2011 05:55:00

When the air traffic controller on duty didn't answer pilots' calls, they were forced to land without guidance.

FAA removes oxygen masks from restrooms in planesupdated: Fri Mar 11 2011 06:52:00

The Federal Aviation Administration ordered the nation's airlines to remove emergency oxygen masks from the restrooms on some 6,000 planes last month, but it only made the work public this week.

FAA approves iPads for pilots' electronic chartsupdated: Mon Feb 28 2011 15:05:00

From the earliest days of aviation, pilots have relied upon paper maps to help find their way. Even in an era of GPS and advanced avionics, you still see pilots lugging around 20 pounds or more of charts.

FAA: One billion fliers a year by 2021updated: Tue Feb 15 2011 12:16:00

Feeling crowded at the airport and on your flights? Get ready to have even more company when flying.

FAA to investigate coffee spill that diverted flightupdated: Thu Jan 06 2011 05:52:00

Federal aviation authorities say they are investigating a string of events that began Monday when a pilot spilled coffee on a cockpit panel, leading to a false hijack warning and culminating in the plane's emergency landing in Canada.

FAA orders re-registration of thousands of private aircraftupdated: Sat Dec 11 2010 08:09:00

The Federal Aviation Administration says registration records for as many as one-third of all private aircraft are out-of-date and inaccurate, and has begun the process of re-registering aircraft in the United States -- a task made more urgent by the threat posed by criminals and terrorists.

Lasers are a growing flight safety problemupdated: Thu Dec 09 2010 17:30:00

A spike in the incidence of people pointing lasers into the cockpits of planes has the Federal Aviation Administration worried and encouraging public vigilance.

Moscow-bound jet lands safely after engine troubleupdated: Sun Nov 21 2010 21:22:00

A Delta Air Lines flight to Russia made an emergency landing Sunday evening after encountering an engine problem shortly after takeoff from New York, the Federal Aviation Administration reported.

FAA proposes including photos on pilot licensesupdated: Thu Nov 18 2010 14:49:00

The Federal Aviation Administration announced Thursday a proposal to include pilots' photographs on their pilot licenses -- something that was required by law in 2004 but has yet to be enacted.

Commercial jets to fly in skies reserved for militaryupdated: Thu Nov 18 2010 11:25:00

Aviation authorities are gearing up for a busy holiday travel season by clearing skies normally reserved for military aircraft in an effort to make room for more unfettered commercial travel.

FAA moving to prevent aging aircraft dangersupdated: Fri Nov 12 2010 20:49:00

Ever since an 18-foot chunk of fuselage ripped off an Aloha Airlines Boeing 737 in mid-flight, aircraft metal fatigue has been a worry in the aviation industry. A flight attendant died and eight passengers were injured in the incident, which occurred in April of 1988.

Pentagon: Evidence indicates mystery plume was a plane contrailupdated: Wed Nov 10 2010 12:56:00

The streaks in the southern California sky on Monday appear to have been an aircraft condensation trail, a Pentagon official said Wednesday.

Mystery 'missile launch' off CA coast?updated: Wed Nov 10 2010 09:45:00

Officials are slow to explain what looks like a missile launch off the California coast. CNN's Casey Wian reports.

Congressman rips FAA for failing to put photos on pilot licensesupdated: Wed Oct 20 2010 16:35:00

Six years after Congress passed a law requiring photos on commercial pilots' licenses, a Republican congressman says he is dismayed that Federal Aviation Administration-issued licenses still have only two pictures on them -- those of Wilbur and Orville Wright.

1 dead, 3 injured in Long Island plane crashupdated: Mon Oct 18 2010 09:17:00

One person died and three others were injured Sunday when a single-engine plane crashed near Farmingdale, New York, the Federal Aviation Administration said.

Proposed federal rules aimed at reducing commercial helicopter deathsupdated: Wed Oct 13 2010 16:06:00

The Federal Aviation Administration on Thursday proposed broad new rules for medical evacuation helicopters and more modest changes for other commercial choppers. The rules hope to turn a deadly tide that has marred the industry in recent years.

Federal office: Whistleblower was right that FAA ignored violationsupdated: Tue Sep 28 2010 17:36:00

The U.S. Office of Special Counsel has substantiated allegations of a Federal Aviation Administration safety inspector who previously charged the FAA ignored safety violations witnessed in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the office said Tuesday.

FAA takes step toward new safety cultureupdated: Wed Sep 22 2010 18:11:00

Self-reported pilot and air traffic control safety information will be integrated for the first time to give the Federal Aviation Administration a more complete picture of safety concerns, the FAA announced Wednesday.

CNNMoney: FAA hits American Airlines with biggest fine everupdated: Fri Aug 27 2010 11:31:00

Federal aviation regulators slapped American Airlines on Thursday with the largest fine in history, charging that the carrier made thousands of unsafe flights.

No injuries reported as small plane crashes, burns in Californiaupdated: Tue Jul 27 2010 15:50:00

A small plane crashed and burned near the municipal airport in Oceanside, California, Tuesday morning, according to the Federal Aviation Administration.

Continental faces fine for FAA violationsupdated: Tue Jul 27 2010 14:51:00

Continental Airlines faces a fine of $230,000 for violations of Federal Aviation Administration regulations, the agency said Tuesday.

Northwest Airlines found to violate FAA rulesupdated: Fri Jul 23 2010 14:07:00

Northwest Airlines violated more than 1,000 Federal Aviation Administration safety directives, the U.S. Office of Special Counsel has found, substantiating complaints of an FAA whistleblower.

FAA steps up inspections of certain B-767s over safety issueupdated: Wed Jul 21 2010 11:09:00

The federal government is ordering airlines to perform more frequent inspections on certain Boeing 767 aircraft after cracks were found on engine pylons on two planes, saying undetected cracks could lead to engines separating from the wings.

United flight hits turbulence, leaving 21 injuredupdated: Wed Jul 21 2010 09:24:00

More than 20 people were injured when a jetliner headed to California hit severe turbulence and landed in Colorado on Tuesday night, authorities said.

Turbulence causes passenger injuries on cross-country flight, FAA saysupdated: Tue Jul 20 2010 22:15:00

As many as 30 passengers were injured -- none critically -- after a United Airlines flight experienced severe turbulence and landed in Denver, Colorado, Tuesday evening, the Federal Aviation Administration said.

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