Charter & Fractional
America (still) rising, albeit slowly
Fledgling helicopter commuter airline America Rising has pushed back to 2006 the launch of its New York to Washington, D.C.

Fledgling helicopter commuter airline America Rising has pushed back to 2006 the launch of its New York to Washington, D.C. rotorcraft shuttle service, blaming a lack of suitably de-ice-equipped helicopters and continued delay in gaining approval for the operation from the Transportation Security Administration.

Chairman Steve Walker said he is seeking TSA approval to operate from South Capitol Street heliport in Washington, D.C., as a scheduled carrier. However, the landing site has been closed to commercial traffic since 9/11. Walker said the scheduled operation, which was granted Department of Transportation (DOT) approval last year, meets all the requirements of the agency’s heliport security plan.