Adrian is Auckland bureau chief for Aviation Week, based in New Zealand. He covers commercial aviation in the Asia-Pacific region.
Adrian was previously based in Aviation Week’s Washington office for nine years, writing for a range of the group’s publications and covering many aspects of the commercial aviation industry. He has won Australasian and international awards for his aviation writing.
Prior to joining Aviation Week in 2002, Adrian covered aviation industry and policy issues for two other publishing companies in Washington. He has also worked for newspapers in Texas and New Zealand, covering a wide range of topics. Adrian graduated from Auckland University with a degree in history and English in 1992.
Mexican aviation authorities are stressing that FAA’s decision to downgrade the nation’s safety rating is due to a lack of inspectors rather than quality problems.
The House and Senate both approved legislation that extends the FAA’s operating authority and introduces new pilot safety rules, although leading aviation lawmakers expressed frustration that a long-term FAA bill could not be achieved. This is the 15th extension for the FAA since the last full authorization expired in 2007. It will cover the agency through the end of September, effectively giving lawmakers another month to work on the long-term reauthorization after they return from recess. The current extension ends Aug. 1.
The FAA on July 30 determined that Mexico is not in compliance with ICAO safety standards, causing the agency to downgrade the nation to a Category 2 rating. The rating change means Mexican carriers cannot establish new service, although existing flights will not be affected.
