Warbird Information Exchange

There's a new sheriff in town:

http://www.cnn.com/2007/TRAVEL/10/23/faa.nomination.ap/

Robert A. Sturgell, the nominee, appears to be a "pilot's pilot" who was both a former Navy Topgun fighter pilot, airline pilot and lawyer. At least he will have some sense of what's needed to keep airplane operators happy. I'm not too familiar with his stance on different aviation issues, but the EAA appears to be happy with the choice. Does anyone know how this might impact different legislative inititiatives or rules in regards to warbird operations in the future?

I am a little skeptical about who's pilot he is, although I don't know any direct information. The FAA funding proposals from the Bush Administration include shifting costs of funding operations from the airlines to general aviation. This new man is an airline pilot. Who does he think should bear the cost of the complex and expensive IFR control system that is Always used by the airlines and many times not needed by general aviation? The Bush plan shifts charges onto gen av pilots like having to pay a fee for each landing or approach or flight plan. This impacts the average pilot who wants to fly his Cub or Stearman or Cessna and shouldn't have to pay more. Corporate jets won't even go short distances on a CAVU day without all the expensive control oversight. It has been strongly opposed by AOPA and EAA.

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Bill Greenwood
Spitfire N308WK

I've been around politics for a LONG time as a real insider with the door closed. I can say this. I don't care what his background is, unless he has some BACKBONE (which is rare) he will hold the party line and do whatever his boss (The Pres) says is right. I can say to get that job, he will have a proven track record as a company man. Trust me, our government doesn't want much in the way of "free thinkers". They want predicatability.

Mark H

Well said.

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What is red, furry and on your six?

Looks like EAA is pleased with the choice of the new FAA Administrator


http://www.eaa.org/communications/eaanews/071023_sturgell.html

His being an airline pilot might be taken as a good thing. As an airline pilot myself I can tell you that I've yet to meet another airline pilot that was anti G.A. let alone anti warbird. Every pilot I work with (that I've had the user fee discussion with) is completely opposed to it. It would single handedly destroy G.A. and the gain to the airlines would be minimal at best a promptly waisted at that. If anything I would say that most airline pilots are anti airline. Especially after their actions in the wake of 9-11. If you want to have fun flying the best way to do it is still G.A. Preferably with a warbird. Hopefully this guy will remember that. It's just one of the things that makes this nation truly great. The freedom of aviation.

Maybe someone needs to take him warbird flyin' ? Show him how important it is not to stifle them with unnecessary, knee jerk regs.