Cleared for Takeoff Blog
From safety oversight to technology innovations, the FAA Blog shares insights that keep the public and aviation community informed about how we're keeping the nation's skies safe.
A Chair, a Wheelbarrow and Two Flags
Published:
How Archie League Helped Pioneer Air Traffic Control
His office was a beach chair. His ‘control tower’ a wheelbarrow housing two rolled-up flags. The checkered flag signaled GO. The red flag commanded HOLD. With those tools to communicate with pilots Archie William League became America’s first air traffic controller at the St. Louis airfield. A lunch pail, drinking water, notepad and umbrella helped him get through the day. His hire date was January 1, 1929.
...
Published:
How Archie League Helped Pioneer Air Traffic Control
His office was a beach chair. His ‘control tower’ a wheelbarrow housing two rolled-up flags. The checkered flag signaled GO. The red flag commanded HOLD. With those tools to communicate with pilots Archie William League became America’s first air traffic controller at the St. Louis airfield. A lunch pail, drinking water, notepad and umbrella helped him get through the day. His hire date was January 1, 1929.
Surviving the Season
Published:
Best Practices for Winter Weather Readiness
Published:
Best Practices for Winter Weather Readiness
Make Your Winter Safety List, Check It Twice. Don’t be Naughty, Watch Out for Snow and Ice.
Published:
Pilots face new challenges as temperatures drop and precipitation falls. Here are the FAA’s top tips for pilots operating in winter weather.
Published:
Pilots face new challenges as temperatures drop and precipitation falls. Here are the FAA’s top tips for pilots operating in winter weather.
A Legacy of Greatness
Published:
How the Wright Brothers Transformed Our World
Published:
How the Wright Brothers Transformed Our World
Keeping Aviation’s Slow, Low and Beautiful Element Safe
Published:
How the FAA Helps Enhance Hot-Air Balloon Safety at the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta and Nationwide
Published:
How the FAA Helps Enhance Hot-Air Balloon Safety at the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta and Nationwide
Runway of Responsibility: The Critical Safety Role of Airport Inspectors
Published:
Airport Certification Safety Inspectors have an airport-sized role of responsibility.
Published:
Airport Certification Safety Inspectors have an airport-sized role of responsibility.
Elevating Safety for Rocket Launches and Reentries
Published:
The important role of space safety inspectors
Published:
The important role of space safety inspectors
Florida Ultra-High Airspace
Published:
Florida's airspace is in ultra-high demand, so the FAA introduced ultra-high airspace this spring over parts of the Southeast. We're already seeing major improvements – reduced congestion, more available airspace and fewer delays.
Published:
Florida's airspace is in ultra-high demand, so the FAA introduced ultra-high airspace this spring over parts of the Southeast. We're already seeing major improvements – reduced congestion, more available airspace and fewer delays.
The Facts About FAA Commercial Space Oversight
Published:
With an increase in commercial space activity, there is no shortage of interest from the news media and the flying public on what the FAA's role is in ensuring the safety and efficiency of commercial space launch and reentry operations. Here are some facts around what the FAA does.
Published:
With an increase in commercial space activity, there is no shortage of interest from the news media and the flying public on what the FAA's role is in ensuring the safety and efficiency of commercial space launch and reentry operations. Here are some facts around what the FAA does.
Laser-Focused on Safety
Published:
The FAA’s Law Enforcement Assistance Program brings aviation expertise to federal, state and local public safety partners, improving identification and apprehension of offenders in aviation-related crimes – including laser strikes.
Published:
The FAA’s Law Enforcement Assistance Program brings aviation expertise to federal, state and local public safety partners, improving identification and apprehension of offenders in aviation-related crimes – including laser strikes.