Brian Cobb

Five key roles of a Chief of Staff: 1) Air Traffic Controller: Manage the flow of information and rebalance priorities for the executive team. 2) Integrator: Break down silos to align efforts. 3) Communicator: Translate key messaging from the board level to the rest of the organization and vice versa. 4) Unbiased Observer: Present the facts without a departmental agenda. 5) Coach: Work through ideas before making a key decision.

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The Alliance for Aviation Across America today commended the bipartisan passage of Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reauthorization, the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024 (H.R. 3935). This vital legislation, reauthorizing the FAA through fiscal year 2028, was passed with robust bipartisan support: an 88-4 vote in the Senate last week, followed by today’s House vote of 387-26. President Biden is expected to sign the bill into law this week before the current extension expires on Friday. Devin Osting, the interim executive director of the Alliance for Aviation Across America, stated, “This FAA reauthorization is critically important for general aviation and our national air transportation infrastructure. It includes vital investments in our local airports, increasing the authorization of the Airport Improvement Program from $3.4 billion to $4 billion annually, and promotes significant advancements in areas such as workforce development and advanced air mobility, which are essential for the future growth of industry. “We extend our gratitude to the committee leadership in both chambers, including House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chair Sam Graves (R-MO) and Ranking Member Rick Larsen (D-WA), as well as Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation Chair Maria Cantwell (D-WA) and Ranking Member Ted Cruz (R-TX), for coming together in bipartisan, bicameral compromise and their commitment to ensuring the stable and predictable continuation of essential programs for the aviation sector in the United States.” General aviation supports $247 billion in economic impact annually and 1.2 million American jobs. It provides critical services including access to medical care, disaster relief, law enforcement, and connects rural communities across the country.

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Is your aviation operation as safe as you think it is? This year’s theme of the Flight Safety Foundation (FSF) Business Aviation Safety Summit (BASS) is “Operational Safety Resiliency – Are You as Good as You Think?,” which will help business aviation professionals determine if their flight department is performing as expected and identify and mitigate risks if not.

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The Federal Aviation Administration will require air traffic controllers to take more rest between shifts to reduce fatigue - Starting in July, they will be required to take 10 hours off between shifts and 12 hours off before midnight shifts - The changes are based on recommendations from an expert panel on fatigue the agency commissioned last December - They recommended air traffic controllers' schedules be changed to incorporate sleep and circadian principles. Read More : https://lnkd.in/dYwUfX6H #airtrafficmanagement #airtrafficcontroller #fatigue

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In May 1989, the National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) celebrated the ratification of their first collective bargaining agreement. This landmark contract, approved by a decisive 84 percent of union members, marked a significant turning point as the first time a union representing air traffic controllers and the FAA reached a collective bargaining agreement after the PATCO strike and subsequent decertification. Key provisions included mandatory breaks, immunity for reporting errors, and involvement in NTSB investigations, establishing a framework for improved working conditions and stronger union representation. NATCA also successfully bargained regional representatives 50 percent official time off to conduct union representational duties. The foundations laid by the dedicated NATCA founders and activists have continued to evolve, building a Union to further strengthen and expand the rights of aviation safety professionals, solidifying NATCA’s role as a powerful advocate for its members.This anniversary not only commemorates a pivotal moment in labor history but also reflects on decades of progress in aviation safety operations and advocacy. Read more about NATCA’s history on our website: https://lnkd.in/guvmH3pv Learn more about your National Historical Committee: https://lnkd.in/edmsVwpg

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Something to keep an eye on - many of the updated sections in Title VIII (General Aviation) are regarding ADS-B and pondering "voluntary" ADS-B to promote adoption for those not already equipped. ADS-B Out is currently required for aircraft flying in this airspace: * Class A: 18,000 ft and above * Class B: From surface to 10,000 ft mean sea level (MSL) * Class C: From surface up to 4,000 ft MSL * Class E: At and above 10,000 ft MSL over the 48 states and DC, excluding airspace at and below 2,500 ft agl * Mode C Veil: Airspace within a 30 NM radius of any airport listed in Appendix D, Section 1 of Part 91 * Gulf of Mexico: Within 12 nm and at or above 3000 feet MSL off the US shore #aviation #information #rules #faa #aviationindustry #generalaviation #aviationlovers #avgeek #pilot #Pilottraining #pilotlife #learn #law #airport #fly #aircraftowner #businessaviation #bizav

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Remember that time an unexpected engine issue forced us to divert mid-flight?  Heart rates spiked, but our training kicked in. Calm communication, rapid decision-making, and teamwork brought us to a safe landing. That experience solidified for me that crisis management isn't just about having a plan—it's about adapting, leading with composure, and making tough decisions under pressure. Here's what I've learned over 20 years in aviation 👇 Effective crisis management isn't just about reacting; it's about anticipating potential threats and having strategies in place to mitigate them. Think about these questions: 👉 What are the most likely crisis scenarios you could face? 👉 Do you have clear communication protocols in place? 👉 Is your team empowered to make decisions quickly and decisively? By regularly evaluating your crisis management plan and training your team to respond effectively, you can safeguard your operations and protect your reputation. #CrisisManagement #Leadership #AviationSafety #DecisionMaking

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What is your thought of this report in related to solving PW1000G ground issue and reduce operational impact to airlines? #aviation #aerospace #airlines #MRO https://lnkd.in/ggbA8hpu

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PIA Managed Co-Ownership Program Features: #5 - WELL-DEFINED TERMS The PIA Co-Ownership Agreement includes defined and transparent terms for: How you own the aircraft How you share the aircraft How you exit, continue or upgrade How you are protected from default Schedule a consult at https://buff.ly/3cJ94sb to get your questions answered. #privateaviation #businessaviation #terms

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FAA Bill to Enhance Air Traffic Control and Safety In response to recent close calls at airports, U.S. Congressional negotiators have finalized a $105 billion legislation aimed at bolstering aviation safety. The bill, set for a Senate vote possibly next week, mandates an increase in air traffic controllers and introduces new anti-collision technology. Key provisions include a ban on additional fees for family seating and a tripling of fines for consumer law violations. It retains the pilot retirement age at 65, contrary to a proposed increase. Other aspects of the bill focus on stronger consumer protection measures and extended validity for travel credits. The legislation, which guides FAA operations for the next five years, reflects bipartisan efforts to address safety and operational concerns following the controversial certification of Boeing jets linked to fatal crashes in 2018 and 2019. Follow the AEROTHRIVE LinkedIn page for frequent aviation safety news!

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NATCA CALLS ON FAA TO COLLABORATE ON AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLER FATIGUE: Union Warns Agency Unilateral Decision Could Lead to Additional Mandatory Overtime Due to Understaffing and Policy’s Reduced Controller Availability Although the National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA) is encouraged that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has turned its attention to the serious issue of air traffic controller fatigue, our Union is disappointed that the FAA did not collaborate with NATCA in advance of its decision and announcement today. Earlier this morning, FAA first shared a copy of the report with NATCA moments before our Union was briefed on the report and the Administrator’s changes. FAA has not modeled these changes to determine what unintended consequences they may have to the already strained air traffic control staffing coverage. For more than a decade, NATCA has been sounding the alarm about the FAA’s staffing shortage and the fatigue and stress that places on the hardworking controllers we represent. NATCA is concerned that with an already understaffed controller workforce, immediate application of the Administrator’s new rules may lead to coverage holes in air traffic facilities’ schedules. These holes may affect National Airspace System capacity. Requiring controllers to work mandatory overtime to fill those holes would increase fatigue and make the new policy nothing more than window dressing. Understaffing currently requires FAA to assign mandatory overtime to controllers, including regular 6-day workweeks, which leads to fatigue. In 2022, controllers at 40% of FAA facilities worked 6-days a week at least once per month. Several facilities required 6-day workweeks every week. The 2024 schedules were negotiated in late 2023 for each of FAA’s 313 air traffic control facilities. Immediate application of this change would disrupt the lives of controllers who rely upon their year-long schedules for work-life responsibilities. We expect that the FAA will meet its bargaining obligations before implementing any changes. Congress has a historic opportunity to address this staffing crisis in FAA Reauthorization by ensuring the FAA puts in place a staffing plan that meets the needs of the flying public and all of FAA’s operational, contractual, and statutory requirements, and by requiring the FAA to hire the maximum number of air traffic controller trainees possible for the next five years. Read the full press release here: https://lnkd.in/ezvAzhdD

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Just brushed upon this topic of Aviation Fatigue Managment after a while, it is a great resource designed by Federal Aviation Administration primarily for Aviation Maintenance Technicians (AMTs) but can be utilized by anyone (available for free on FAA safety website) in industry to gain a basic understanding of how fatigue can impact work performance and safety, especially during performing safety critical tasks. #AviationSafety #AviationFatigue #SafetyCulture #HumanFactors

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🔥���🔥🔥🔥🔥 As a professional involved in processing reports of battery-related fires on aircraft, and as a contributor to the voluntary data collection efforts discussed in the Washington Post article, I cannot stress enough the importance of handling these devices with care. Experiencing a fire onboard is always a scary and potentially dangerous situation. However, I am reassured knowing such incidents are managed by skilled and trained flight attendants rather than risking an undetected fire in the cargo hold. It’s crucial to remember: vape pens, which should never be checked in, must always travel in carry-on luggage, ideally kept on your person. 💡 Fun Fact: Approximately 90% of vape pen batteries are recycled from used batteries and are repurposed without stringent quality standards or safety regulations. Let’s prioritize safety by staying informed and prepared. Knowledge and awareness are keys to prevention!

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Excited to share a pivotal update: the Emergency Vacating of Aircraft Cabin (EVAC) Act is now law, a crucial step forward for aviation safety. Senator Duckworth's press release highlights key priorities, from reinforcing the 1,500-hour rule to enhancing emergency evacuation standards. Check it out for more details: https://lnkd.in/gmp9Fv4m ✈️#AviationSafety #FAAReauthorizationAct ✈️ #AviationSafety #FAAReauthorizationAct

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Reflections on the Pilot Shortage Over the last few months, the major airlines' formerly frantic pace of pilot hiring seems to have eased somewhat. United recently paused its hiring due to aircraft delivery delays. American, Southwest and Delta have all indicated they will hire fewer pilots in 2024, although American has stated it will continue to need about 1,300 pilots per year for the foreseeable future (Maharishi, 2024). But what does this mean from a big-picture perspective? Are these occurrences mere anecdotes, or are they indicators of a significant change in pilot demand? I’ve been asked variations on this question many times over the last few months, and several people who are considered authorities on hiring and retention have opined that the demand for pilots is waning. https://lnkd.in/dbYferjm

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