FAA Coverage

FAA data shows increase in airline passengers causing problems
New data from the Federal Aviation Administration reveals hundreds of passengers have already interrupted flights during the first six weeks of 2022, most of them over COVID-19 and mask requirements.

FAA: More than 250 mask incidents reported on flights in first weeks of 2022
New data from the Federal Aviation Administration reveals hundreds of passengers have already interrupted flights during the first six weeks of 2022, many over COVID-19 and mask requirements.

FAA clears Verizon and AT&T to turn on more 5G cell towers
Airline industry groups and the FAA have been at odds with Verizon and AT&T as the wireless communications companies launch new technology.

Airlines warn of potential 'catastrophic disruption' at RDU, other airports with 5G rollout
An airline industry group warns of potential "catastrophic disruption" at airports such as RDU due to new rollout of 5G technology from wireless providers. But an AT&T spokesperson told WRAL TechWire that neither airlines or the FAA "utilized the two years they’ve had to responsibly plan for this deployment."

FAA seeing spike in unruly behavior among passengers
The Federal Aviation Administration is warning air travelers about what it describes as a dramatic increase in unruly or dangerous behavior aboard passenger airplanes.

Get a drone for Christmas? FAA's flying rules are changing - here's how
There are more drones in the air every day; trials continue for product deliveries, but the FAA is making changes in rules for drone operations. Big ones. 

Helicopter crash in Wayne County kills pilot
WRAL's Rosalia Fodera spoke with a witness who heard the helicopter moments before it crashed, killing the pilot, on Thursday in Wayne County.

Drone safety 101: What to know before your new 'toy' takes flight
Got a drone for Christmas? They're not as simple to operate as they look. Make sure you know these rules and safety guidelines before you operate your drone.

Airlines now required to allow emotional support animals on flights
New regulations state that airlines have to allow emotional support animals as well as trained service animals on flights.

Preparing pets for airplane travel
New regulations state that airlines have to allow emotional support animals on flights along with trained service animals.

FAA's testing of shrinking airplane seats not sitting well with some
The FAA is coming under fire over its testing of shrinking airplane seats.

FAA to investigate after plane slides off runway during attempted takeoff in Harnett Co.
Members of the FAA will be on the scene at the Harnett County Regional Airport early Friday after a plane ran off the runway after attempting a takeoff on Thursday.

Plane runs off runway in Harnett County
WRAL's Rosalia Fodera has the latest on what happened after a small plane ran off the runway during a takeoff attempt at the airport in Erwin.

Boeing, FAA faulted for Max 8 problems
A damning report released Friday provided the first detailed account of how federal regulators certified Boeing's 737 Max jet without a clear understanding of a crucial new system on the plane, a failure that contributed to two deadly accidents.

Surgeon & pilot, WakeMed Innovations director sees bright future for drones in health care
Dr. Stuart Ginn, a former pilot and flight instructor, brings a keen eye to the evolving drone delivery program at WakeMed. And so far he likes what he sees, especially after the US Department of Transportation on Tuesday cited the pilot project as a key reason in approval a first “drone airline” for UPS.

What’s next for drones in NC? Department of Transportation has aggressive agenda
The FAA’s decision to award UPS a “drone airline” after a trial in which UPS partnered with the North Carolina Department of Transportation and WakeMed for a series of trial deliveries is a victory but it marks just the beginning of an aggressive drone agenda in the state known as “First in Flight.”

FAA approves UPS for a ‘drone airline’ after WakeMed trial deliveries
UPS says it has won government approval to run a drone airline, a first for a U.S. company, and it plans to expand deliveries on hospital campuses and eventually other industries.

FAA issues warning as rate of laser pointers impacting flights rises
The FAA is putting out a warning after a number of laser strikes on planes across the country.

NTSB, FAA continue search for answers after deadly chopper crash
The helicopter had been seen flying erratically over New York City prior to the crash.