A former Senior Counsel on the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation explains how Washington works with respect to aviation policy and oversight. In the news, a Production Specification for Swift Fuels 100R unleaded avgas, the DOT Solicitation for Air Traffic Control Integrator Contract, EMAS and runway overruns, carrier qualifications for new Navy fighter pilots, and the Boeing strike.

Guest

Alex Simpson is Senior Vice President at Cassidy & Associates, a bipartisan government relations firm, where he focuses on the transportation sector. Previously, Alex served as Senior Counsel on the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation under Chair and Ranking Member Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-WA). In that role, he led oversight of the FAA, TSA, NTSB, and the aviation industry. He executed over 25 hearings, including multiple high-profile hearings with airline and manufacturing CEOs, union leaders, DOT Secretaries, and FAA Administrators. Alex maintains close ties with the Senate Commerce and House Transportation & Infrastructure committees.

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Alex explains the major Congressional members and committees that create aviation policy and provide industry oversight. That includes the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, & Transportation, and the House Committee on Transportation & Infrastructure. In addition, non-government stakeholders that influence policy decisions include organizations such as Airlines For America (A4A), ALPA, NATCA, Boeing, and even crash victim families acting as advocacy groups.

Alex discusses a variety of topics, including ATC infrastructure, likely prime integrator candidates, and elements of a possible TSA reauthorization bill, such as the use of facial recognition technology at TSA checkpoints. Also, Boeing and the deferred prosecution agreement, lifting the 737 MAX production cap, and the 1500-hour rule for commercial airline pilots. We touch on consumer protection and the Full Fare Rule aimed at preventing deceptive airfare advertisements.

As a Committee staffer, Alex drafted and negotiated the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024. He also worked closely on the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which included more than $25 billion for airport infrastructure upgrades. 

Before his tenure in the Senate, Alex practiced law at the U.S. Department of Transportation and Zuckert, Scoutt, & Rasenberger (now KMA Zuckert), where he helped clients problem-solve aviation issues, including those related to the Essential Air Service Program, airport landing rights (slots), antitrust, air carrier economic authority and fitness, federal preemption, and airport grant assurances.

Aviation News

Swift 100 R Gets ASTM Spec

ASTM International recently approved a Production Specification for Swift Fuels 100R unleaded avgas. Swift is one of three unleaded fuel makers, and the first to get ASTM approval. Swift Fuels has devoted years of research working with the FAA, Lycoming, Continental Aerospace, Rotax, Textron Aviation, Piper, and others. The ASTM AvGas standards define the required chemical, physical, and performance characteristics for unleaded Avgas sold for aviation use.

DOT Opens Solicitation for Air Traffic Control Integrator Contract

The Department of Transportation issued an updated request for solutions to identify a Prime Integrator for the Brand New Air Traffic Control System. (Solicitation Number BNATCSRFSFINAL.) Submissions to the Request for Solutions – Brand New Air Traffic Control System at Sam.gov must be submitted by September 21, 2025.

Carrier Qualifications Axed From Graduation Requirements For New Navy Fighter Pilots

U.S. Navy Tactical Air (Strike) aviators in training are no longer required to take off and land from aircraft carriers before earning their Naval Aviator wings. A Navy official said “Students in the strike pipeline, those training to fly F/A-18s, F-35s, and EA-18Gs, are no longer required to qualify by landing on a carrier prior to graduation.” Instead, Naval aviators from the Tactical Air pipeline will conduct their first carrier qualifications when they reach a Fleet Replacement Squadron (FRS). The FRS units provide initial training on the specific type of tactical jet assigned to the pilot.

EMAS Halts Two Overruns in 24 Hours

Engineered Material Arresting Systems (EMAS) are safety systems designed stop aircraft experiencing a runway overrun. The crushable material slows the aircraft more effectively than soft ground. The FAA says the EMAS can handle most overruns at speeds up to 70 knots.

Recently, a Gulfstream G150 overran a wet 5,000-foot runway at Chicago Executive Airport. The plane was stopped short of a major roadway by EMAS. Only hours later, a Bombardier Challenger 300 overran the runway at Boca Raton Airport. The EMAS prevented the aircraft from leaving the airport property.

Currently, Runway Safe is the sole manufacturer of EMAS products that meet the FAA standards of Advisory Circular 150-5220-22B, “Engineered Materials Arresting Systems for Aircraft Overruns.”

Boeing hires replacement workers as defense unit strike enters second month

About 3,200 defense workers represented by the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers District 837 have been on strike since August 4. Boeing offered a 20% general wage increase and a $5,000 ratification bonus. The company says it will hire new workers to replace the striking employees.

Amber Combs

David’s fiancée joins us to explain his medical condition and the need for a kidney transplant. She’s created a special page on the National Kidney Registry website that tells David’s story and explains how you can help: https://nkr.org/XQZ327. Please help spread this message.

Mentioned

Special Exhibit: Over the Horizon at the American Helicopter Museum. U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps rotorcraft operations from 1931 to today.

The Navy 250th Celebration

B-52 Close Call at Minot, Midair in Colorado, and Jammed Flight Controls

Is the Air Traffic Control System Broken? from Freakonomics Radio.

Hosts this Episode

Max Flight, David Vanderhoof, Rob Mark, and our Main(e) Man Micah.