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What We Looked At
The Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) air traffic controllers use the En Route Automation Modernization (ERAM) system to manage over 3 million high-altitude en-route aircraft a month. Because of ERAM’s importance to air traffic management, system outages can significantly impact operations in the National Airspace System (NAS). Our audit objective was to assess the causes of ERAM’s outages and FAA’s actions to address them.
 
What We Found
Library Item
11.09.2018

The continuing growth of Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) within the National Airspace System (NAS) presents challenges for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in maintaining the world’s safest aviation system while fostering innovation. To help speed up UAS airspace authorizations, FAA has implemented an automated system in partnership with industry called the Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability (LAANC), which provides near real-time processing of airspace authorizations below approved altitudes.

Library Item
11.08.2018

The United States has the largest and most diverse general aviation community in the world, with more than 220,000 aircraft. To help protect safety, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) establishes medical requirements for pilots of these aircraft. In January 2017, FAA issued new pilot medical requirements, known as BasicMed. Under BasicMed, pilots are now required to complete a medical education course, undergo a medical examination every 4 years with any State-licensed physician, and comply with aircraft and operating restrictions.

Library Item
11.07.2018

The Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Administrative Services Franchise Fund (Franchise Fund) offers a variety of services ranging from accounting and travel to aircraft maintenance to training. The Franchise Fund charges customers—both Department of Transportation (DOT) and non-DOT entities—on a fee-for-service basis. 

Library Item
11.05.2018

On October 26, 2018, Jianguo Zhong, owner of Zhong Supply LLC, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court, Orlando, Florida, to illegally introducing a misbranded hazardous material into interstate commerce. Zhong was charged by information on August 15, 2018.

Library Item
11.02.2018

On October 23, 2018, Allan Adams, an FAA-certified senior parachute rigger, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court, Orlando, Florida, to making a false statement to FAA. Adams was charged by information on October 5, 2018.

Around August 2016, Adams wrote in a parachute logbook that he inspected, serviced, and repacked an emergency parachute, as required by FAA regulations. The investigation revealed that Adams never opened the parachute pack and falsified the logbook when he said it was inspected—jeopardizing the safety of pilots and passengers. 

Library Item
11.02.2018

On October 9, 2018, Brian Roberts, Krisina Roberts, and John Roberts were charged by information in U.S. District Court, Aiken, South Carolina, for defrauding the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Brian and Krisina Roberts were charged with conspiracy, and John Roberts was charged with misprision of a felony. 

Library Item
11.02.2018

On March 15, 2018, a pedestrian bridge under construction at Florida International University (FIU) in Miami collapsed onto the highway below, resulting in six fatalities and eight injuries. The Secretary of Transportation and Members of Congress asked us to review the Department of Transportation’s (DOT) role in the FIU project and also a project to improve Interstate 4 (I-4) in Orlando. The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has designated both projects for greater oversight under its risk-based stewardship and oversight framework.

Library Item
10.31.2018