A dozen advisory circulars (ACs) have been issued to help interpret and carry out the wiring inspections mandated by the FAA (see Significant Regulatory & Related Activity). One of the best written is AC No. 25-27, titled thoroughly, “Development of Transport Category Airplane Electrical Wiring Interconnection Systems [EWIS] Instructions for Continued Airworthiness Using an Enhanced Zonal Analysis Procedure” (the full 100-page AC may be viewed at the FAA website).

If an airline keeps passengers cooped up in the airplane for more than three hours waiting to take off in New York state, it’s going to cost them, according to a “Passenger Bill of Rights” passed by the legislature last year and which takes effect this month.

President Bush recently signed into law a bill raising the commercial pilots mandatory retirement age from 60 to 65. The legislation is known as the Fair Treatment for Experienced Pilots Act. “Finally, some fairness for our most experienced pilots,” said Rep. John Mica (R – Fla.), the ranking minority member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. A cosponsor of the legislation, Mica said, “With enactment of this law, we’ve changed a half-century-old age discrimination rule that has left skilled veteran pilots at a disadvantage to international competitors.”