We close out 2022 by celebrating some of the many achievements in aviation and aerospace this year. — At the FAA, we love a good story, and in 2022 we had plenty to talk about…from pilots and air traffic controllers passing incredible records, new research that is helping create greener tomorrows, and the availability of more resources for pilots to fly safely. Here are just a few of…

Reduce the stress of family air travel with these tips! — Flying during the holidays with your family can be fraught with anxiety, but some planning and flexibility can help reduce those air travel stressors. While the kids focus on planes, pilots and pretzels, pack your patience and follow these tips in the three Ps below. Plan Ahead If you’re looking for seats…

The dedication of a state-of-the-art aircraft de-icing facility serves as further evidence of the FAA’s role in strengthening the supply chain and keeping goods and passengers moving even in inclement weather. — By Jim Tise, FAA The opening of a huge centralized aircraft de-icing facility at Memphis International Airport — the largest de-icing pad in the United States — marks the latest advancement in reinforcing the nation’s supply chain as the holiday season approaches. And the FAA played Santa Claus by helping…

Air traffic controller Yahay Obeid’s youth outreach and community service in the Bronx and beyond landed him on the Arab American Foundation’s “40 Under 40” list of accomplished young Arab Americans. — By C. Troxell, FAA Communications Yahay Obeid’s leadership and influence in the aviation community, and his extensive youth outreach, landed him on the Arab America Foundation’s 40 Under 40 list of accomplished young Arab Americans — the list’s sole representative from the aviation sector.

Increasing the availability of environmentally beneficial alternatives to petroleum-based jet fuel has been a 15-year focus for the FAA. — By Jim Tise, FAA The FAA’s research into sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) has taken on greater importance now that the United States has committed to achieving net zero emissions by 2050. The Biden-Harris administration’s plan shows the key role of SAF to meet this aggressive climate goal.

The FAA has upgraded testing and research into electric aircraft propulsion systems. — By Jim Tise, FAA Envision a near future where airplanes outfitted with electric engines glide cleanly and quietly through the air, whisking 100 passengers on short-haul flights from New York to Boston, Paris to London, Doha to Dubai. This year, the FAA upgraded a laboratory to help visions like this…

Randy Green’s disability has never been an obstacle to accomplishing his goals. — By Jim Tise, FAA Randy Green’s aspirations might remind you of the old Army recruitment motto: “Be all that you can be.” Randy, who is training to be an FAA aviation safety inspector (ASI), likes to hunt, fish, shoot. He is a gearhead who enjoys working on and building hot…

The FAA’s True North Project introduces automation to respond to magnetic declination in radar system. — By Jim Tise, FAA The FAA is in the midst of a major change to its air traffic control radars that will ensure the safety of the National Airspace System (NAS) while significantly cutting maintenance time and costs. The True North project addresses the need to periodically realign radar settings…

Research from the FAA’s William J. Hughes Technical Center aims to eliminate all aircraft fire hazards, whether arising from the cabin or post-impact exigencies. — Over the last half-century, statistics show that the probability of death by fire in a survivable aviation accident had dropped by more than 50 percent. This improvement can be directly attributed to advancing research in fire safety, the purpose and quest of the Fire Safety Branch at the FAA William…