Federal Aviation Administration Story Archives - Page 3 of 3

Manchin Co-Sponsors Bill to Loosen Medical Exams for Private Pilots

An 81-year-old senator who is an avid pilot is trying to loosen medical exam requirements so that private pilots don’t have to make so many doctors’ visits to show they are fit to fly.

Oklahoma Republican Jim Inhofe had quadruple heart bypass surgery two years ago, but still flies.

His bill would increase the time allowed between exams for pilots over age 40 from every two years to every four years, so long as they also hold a valid driver’s license. Pilots could see any doctor they like instead of a government-approved medical examiner. There would also be no requirement that the doctor certify to the Federal Aviation Administration that the pilot is healthy enough to fly.

The bill’s lead Democratic co-sponsor is Sen. Joe Manchin of West Virginia.

Air Force Reserve, Morgantown to Partner on Runway expansion

The Morgantown Municipal Airport is partnering with the Air Force Reserve on a runway extension project.

The city expects the partnership to save it at least $8 million in construction costs. The city says it hopes to put the savings toward its match for Federal Aviation Administration funding for the project.

The city said Sunday in a news release that Air Force Reserve engineers could begin work in the spring of 2016.

The city says the Air Force Reserve plans to submit a package for the 2016 fiscal year to support the project as part of its Innovative Readiness Training program.

Yeager Airport Board Explores Solar Panel Project

Yeager Airport officials are exploring a project that could make the airport the first in the nation to run entirely on electricity it generates from solar panels.

The Charleston Gazette reports that members approved a motion to find the lowest bid on the project at a board meeting Thursday.

The project would place solar panels atop the parking garage closest to the airport’s terminal and in the airfield near the runway.

The money for the $15.3 million project would come from the Federal Aviation Administration. The FAA is reviewing the project to ensure the panels won’t negatively impact on current air operations.

Airport director Rick Atkinson said the project would essentially eliminate its annual $450,000 electricity bill. Officials say the project could be scaled back if needed.

Three W.Va. Airports Received Grants for Improvements

Three airports in Southern West Virginia have been awarded federal grants to improve airfield infrastructure.

U.S. Rep. Nick Rahall says Greenbrier Valley Airport will receive $1 million to pay for the design of reconstructing apron pavement and building a new taxi lane. The airport also will use the funding to acquire snow removal equipment.

Logan County Airport will receive $150,000 to acquire a new runway visual guidance system.

The Federal Aviation Administration also awarded nearly $130,000 to Summersville Airport to remove trees and obstructions from one of its runway approaches and transitional surfaces.