Mark Huber is an aviation industry veteran who has worked in the flight training, aircraft sales, aircraft component, and airport development businesses. He has flight time in more than 50 different and diverse aircraft, including helicopters, aerobatic aircraft, vintage warbirds, jet fighters, business jets and turboprops, and transport-category aircraft. He has jumped out of several of these—on purpose—with a parachute. His defense and aviation journalism has been published in a variety of national and international periodicals.

Contributor

Mark Huber

The House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations is holding hearings today examining the National Parks Air Tour Management Program (ATMP). Critics of the ATMP maintain that the new rules governing these flights are draconian and will cripple the air tour industry at these locations, virtually eliminating them in some instances.
Opponents also claim that the rules were constructed by the National Park Service (NPS) and the FAA without sufficiently consulting the industry and stakeholder National Parks Overflights Advisory Group (NPOAG). NPOAG was formed by the FAA and the NPS in the wake of the National Parks Air Tours Management Act becoming law in 2000.
Ruling on a suit brought by environmental groups, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia in 2020 ordered the FAA and the NPS to implement ATMPs or voluntary agreements for 23 NPS areas. The agencies were given 24 months to comply, a deadline extended through this year with the consent of the court.
The Helicopter Association International (HAI) and other groups and operators have charged that hastily drawn agency compliance rules, resulting from the court’s ruling, either eliminate air tours over certain areas—such as South Dakota’s Mount Rushmore—or are so restrictive as to make them uneconomical. They also believe that some altitude, route, and radio frequency mandates pose safety issues.

News about bills, laws, regulations and other governmental decisions affecting aviation and aerospace. Topics include FAA re-authorizations, taxes on fuel and aviation activities, environmental legislation, ICAO decisions, governmental mediation of labor conflicts and World Trade Organization disputes and decisions.

Congress Takes Up Parks Air Tour Management Program

Critics charge that new rules will cripple air tour industry 

Critics of the National Parks Air Tour Management Program, or ATMP, believe that the new rules governing these flights will cripple the air tour industry.

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Charles Alcock

Kaleyesus Bekele

News and issues concerning the aviation charter and fractional-ownership industries and markets, including company announcements, regulations, new developments and labor issues.

News and issues relating to business, corporate and private aviation, primarily regarding turbine-engine-powered airplanes and helicopters. Subjects include aircraft, engines, maintenance, operations, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security, and training.

Industry group presses for regulatory progress and continuity across the continent 

African Bizav Strives for Greater Market Opportunity

Amy Wilder

News about simulators and training procedures, as well as workforce.

News and issues concerning general aviation, specifically airplanes and helicopters powered by piston and alternative engines (i.e., non-turbine powered aircraft). Subjects include aircraft, engines, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security and training.

Rule would not apply to insulin-treated diabetes

FAA Proposes Easing Medical Approvals for Diabetic Pilots

Kerry Lynch

News and issues relating to international air transport and cargo carriers, national airlines and regional airlines, including aircraft, engines, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security and training.

More In Regulations and Government

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Rule would not apply to insulin-treated diabetes

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His career spanned more than five and a half decades

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Kassebaum pushed through the General Aviation Revitalization Act

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FAA InFO Outlines CVR Upgrade Deadlines

Larger new bizav aircraft face 2027 deadline, while small new turbine bizav aircraft have 2029 deadline

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