New NBAA Committee To Tackle Emerging Technology Issues

NBAA has established a new committee to focus on a spectrum of emerging aviation technologies, from unmanned aircraft systems and electric propulsion to urban air mobility, unmanned traffic management, and commercial space, among others. The association is soliciting applications for membership in the Emerging Technologies Committee, adding it is, in particular, looking for participants with experience in the development of these technologies, integration of them into the U.S. National Airspace System, support of associated infrastructure,

NOAA To Grow Data-collecting Fleet with G550, King Air

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has awarded contracts totaling $52.5 million to Gulfstream Aerospace and Textron Aviation for new aircraft to gather weather and environmental data. “These American-made aircraft will greatly enhance NOAA’s ability to collect data that are vital to forecasters, researchers, and emergency managers,” acting NOAA administrator Neil Jacobs said.

Of that amount, $40.7 million has been awarded to Gulfstream for a G550 that will support hurricane and tropical storm forecasts,

Boeing To Boost Moses Lake Headcount To Speed Max Return

Boeing has begun preparations to hire “a few hundred” temporary employees at Moses Lake, Washington, to perform jobs associated with returning the 737 Max to service. The external job openings call for skills specific to avionics technicians, aircraft mechanics, airframe and powerplant (A&P) mechanics, and aircraft electricians, according to a company spokesman. The company said it would offer external hires paid housing and a meal allowance and post job openings.

Boeing’s plan for returning the airplanes to service calls for returning all the airplanes stored outside the Puget Sound region of Washington to Seattle and Everett for delivery.

U.S. Air Force and Civil Air Patrol Help Tackle the Pilot Shortage

The Air Force and its auxiliary, the Civil Air Patrol, are testing a new approach to help tackle the service’s pilot shortage. The Pilot Prep Program (PPP) will prepare 52 airmen from 38 installations across the globe for the Air Force’s fiscal 2020 undergraduate flight training selection board this fall. Pentagon Aircrew Crisis Task Force boss Brig. Gen. Christopher Short created the initiative as part of his effort to dig the service out of an approximately 2,000-pilot shortfall.

Stephen Dickson Sworn in as FAA Administrator

Stephen Dickson became the 18th FAA administrator on August 12, 2019, as sworn in by U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao. The ceremony took place in the West Atrium of the U.S. Department of Transportation in Washington, D.C.