Mica’s Methods

Just in case there was any doubts about what Congressman John Mica was going to do with his new-found power as Chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, let me put them to rest.

Forcing the F.A.A. to Fly Blind

”...on the very day that Southwest’s Flight 812 was diverted to Yuma, Ariz., for an emergency landing, the House of Representatives passed a bill likely to make it more difficult to detect and prevent midair ruptures, metal fatigue and other serious flight risks.

The bill would cut $4 billion from the Federal Aviation Administration’s $37 billion budget. Representative John L. Mica, a Florida Republican who is the chairman of the House Transportation Committee, says the bill would streamline F.A.A. programs and promised the bill would “not negatively impact aviation safety.””

You must consider that $4 billion cut in perspective. And here’s a very good perspective from WWVB (WHAT WOULD VANNEVAR BLOG?):

NEXTGEN DERIVATIVE FINANCING: YOU DOWN WITH PPP?


”Use of the Public-Private Partnership was authorized in HR 658, FAA Reauthorization and Reform Act of 2011. The PPP was not included in the original legislation, but was added by Rep. John Mica as Amendment One.

They couldn't sell NextGen with any of the several initial approaches that they tried, so they've moved into more nuanced arrangements. Remarkably, as soon as FAA Reauthorization with Mica's Amendment One passed the House, a financial boutique shop announced the establishment of the NextGenFund (logo shown).”

The FAA loses $4 billion but we still can find money to fund a “partnership”. (And in case you forgot, that money is going to Russ Chew & Co..) Beware the FAA and anything to do with “partnership”. (Yes, that is aimed at you too NATCA.)

Don Brown
April 11, 2011