Slowly, But Not So Surely

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Post-9/11 Relief For Aviation Still On The Drawing Board…

Heres the latest attempt to extract a little financial relief on the behalf of struggling aviation workers in the post-9/11 world. House Transportation Committee Ranking Member, Congressman James L. Oberstar (D-Minn.) has introduced a bill that would extend benefits to laid-off aviation industry workers. The Aviation Worker Relief Act, H.R. 5678, would provide laid-off employees with extended unemployment and healthcare insurance benefits, as well as training perks. The bill would cover former aviation employees who lost their jobs as a result of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, and would include, for the first time, employees in jobs that service the airlines, such as manufacturers. Eligible workers would get six more months of unemploymentcompensation, 13 additional weeks of benefits, 75 percent of their healthcare premiums paid and priority consideration for screening jobs with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). Of course, well have to get through the November elections first. The political types are MIA on the Hill for the next couple of weeks.

…A Global Appeal For Normalcy…

It isnt just the U.S. Aviation across the globe has been hit with tough economic times since the terrorist attacks. Aviation groups desperately want to see that change and are urging aviation authorities to do something about it. Specifically, the International Council of Aircraft Owner and Pilot Associations (IAOPA) met earlier this week and approved a handful of resolutions they feel would benefit general aviation. Featured quite prominently on their wish list is a simple and streamlined approval process for foreign flight-training students who dare to want to train at U.S. flight schools. The delegates also want the powers-that-be to consult with the rank and file before taking action on aviation security issues. Well, Christmas is right around the corner…

…Flight Explorer Dealing With Today

Maybe things will get back to something resembling normal one of these days but until they do, Flight Explorer is dealing with todays reality. The company recently added graphical depiction of Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) to its Flight Explorer Personal Edition software. The new feature helps pilots identify and avoid restricted airspace. TFRs are currently distributed to pilots through NOTAMs, but they are not as easy to visualize and plot that way, according to company executives at Flight Explorer. “Piloting an airplane, even in perfect weather, takes skill and concentration,” said Walt Kross, president and CEO of Flight Explorer. “Pilots accidentally violating restricted airspace can lose their licenses or worse. Anything we can do to help pilots fly safely is important.”

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