RTCA meets for annual symposium
Founded in 1935 as the Radio Technical Commission for Aeronautics, the not-for-profit operates federal advisory committees under an FAA charter that provides a forum for industry and interest groups to come together, gain consensus, and provide recommendations on a number of issues, including NextGen.
Several AOPA staffers participated in the two-day event, and two were recognized for their leadership and outstanding work.
“The U.S. must maintain its leadership role in advancing ATC modernization, and NextGen stakeholders see high value in collaborating to make sure NextGen is a success,” Haines told the audience.
Melissa Rudinger, AOPA vice president of government affairs, hosted a panel on the FAA’s implementation of the NextGen Advisory Committee’s recommended priorities of surface traffic management, performance-based navigation, multiple runway operations, and data communications.
The second day began with a panel discussion about FAA reauthorization, which featured AOPA President Mark Baker. Baker noted that third class medical reform is in both the House and Senate’s FAA reauthorization legislation, but added “the Senate bill has the good stuff without the controversial” air traffic control privatization.
Baker also reiterated that AOPA will not support user fees in any form.
Two AOPA staffers were acknowledged for their contributions to aviation during the event. Rune Duke, AOPA director for airspace and air traffic, received an award for his work on the National Procedure Assessment Initiative Tasking. Melissa McCaffrey, AOPA Western Pacific regional manager, was also recognized for her leadership on the Class B Task Group.
