Tag Archives for FAA.
United and American Airlines have scheduled so many flights into Chicago O’Hare that the FAA is now stepping in, forcing both carriers to slash flights this summer to prevent massive delays and chaos at one of America’s busiest airports.
The FAA just issued a new mandate requiring airlines to certify that pilot hiring is based solely on merit—not diversity initiatives—despite zero evidence of compromised safety. Is this regulation necessary, and even legal or just political signaling?
The FAA’s abrupt shutdown of El Paso airport wasn’t triggered by cartel drones, as officials initially implied—it was a drastic move to stop dangerous, uncontrolled drone operations by the U.S. military that endangered commercial flights.
In a nearly unprecedented move, the FAA abruptly shut down El Paso International Airport for 10 days, declaring it restricted “National Defense Airspace” without explanation—and even local officials were blindsided. Here’s what’s known so far, and what remains disturbingly unclear.
An FAA safety inspector is suing United Airlines for $12.75 million, claiming he was banned for life from flying the airline after reporting a torn seat pocket—a violation of safety regulations. He had been investigating United’s 737 MAXs and was taken off that duty.
A must-pass funding package to avoid a January 30 government shutdown is carrying quiet airline policy moves that will matter far more than the headlines about FAA dollars.
The major pilot union is celebrating “two fully rested pilots at all times,” but the language is really a spending restriction that prevents the FAA from studying new technologies that might improve safety, and separate language orders the Department of Transportation to revisit decades-old international aviation policy that has worked to open market access and foster competition.
The FAA has issued a warning for all operators to avoid Venezuelan airspace, even as international airlines cancel service. The timing aligns with reporting that Washington is pushing Ukraine toward a settlement tilted toward Russia in exchange for Moscow’s acquiescence on removing Nicolás Maduro.
The administration is handing out $10,000 bonuses to air traffic controllers who showed up every day during the government shutdown, but many in the workforce say the move is tearing units apart and creating real safety risks. Controllers argue the policy rewards presenteeism, pressures sick staff to work, and undermines a system already stretched thin.
The FAA just banned private flights at 12 major airports, but it’s a move that came too late — and focused on the wrong places. Most general aviation traffic never touches these hubs, meaning the new restrictions will do little to ease controller shortages or flight delays.
The FAA has issued a new order outlining changes to flight-cut requirements and airline obligations during the government shutdown. The directive adds penalties of up to $75,000 per unauthorized flight and temporarily limits passenger compensation rules as airlines coordinate nationwide schedule reductions.
Gary Leff is one of the foremost experts in the field of miles, points, and frequent business travel -- a topic he has covered since 2002.
Co-founder of frequent flyer community InsideFlyer.com, emcee of the Freddie Awards, and named one of the "World's Top Travel Experts" by Conde' Nast Traveler (2010-Present) Gary has been a guest on most major news media, profiled in several top print publications, and published broadly on the topic of consumer loyalty. More About Gary »
