Briefing: November 2010

The FAA handed over another $356 million to Lockheed Martin along with a three-year contract extension for running our automated flight service system. Lockheed Martin took over the AFSS function in 2005 and says the net result of the changes over the past five years is better, more efficient service, despite slashing the number of flight service stations and staff. Said Jim Derr, Lockheed Martin Flight Service Program Director, We are excited to have the opportunity to continue providing the most accurate and reliable flight service briefings available. We noted he didnt say, useful.

Editorial Staff

Wednesday, November 26, 2014 at 12:00 AM ET

Verified

Key Takeaways:

The FAA extended Lockheed Martin's automated flight service system contract for three years with an additional $356 million.
The NTSB cited limitations of the "see-and-avoid" concept and an air traffic controller's negligence as probable causes for a fatal 2009 midair collision over the Hudson River, leading to new airspace rules.
The FAA announced that the ADS-B ground system will be fully operational across the U.S. by 2013, with Wide Area Multilateration (WAM) technology providing coverage in challenging terrain.
A "bonus depreciation" tax break for businesses purchasing aircraft was signed into law, aimed at re-energizing general aviation manufacturing and creating jobs.

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Flight Services Contract Extended

The FAA handed over another $356 million to Lockheed Martin along with a three-year contract extension for running our automated flight service system. Lockheed Martin took over the AFSS function in 2005 and says the net result of the changes over the past five years is better, more efficient service, despite slashing the number of flight service stations and staff. Said Jim Derr, Lockheed Martin Flight Service Program Director, “We are excited to have the opportunity to continue providing the most accurate and reliable flight service briefings available.” We noted he didn’t say, “useful.”