Norwegian Air International

Describe Norwegian Air International. Where is the company based? Where are the pilots based? Where are their destinations?

Norwegian Air International is registered in Ireland and has its head office in Dublin.  They operate Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft.  NAI hires Thai flight cabin crews.  The routes they fly are all over the world, including the US, Africa, Asia, and Europe.

Why are US carriers opposed to Norwegian Air International operating routes into the US?

The US carriers are opposed to NAI operating us routes because it creates unfair competition.  The whole airline including crews are basically outsourced.  Safety is also a major concern, that's because the lack of  the same regulation requirements the US airlines are held to.

The DOT recently denied the NAI request to operate into the US. On what premise? Do you agree with the decision? Why or why not?

Due to the complexity of the case it was denied.  I do agree with the decision to deny the request for operation into the US.  There are too many unanswered questions and too many people and major companies against them operating here.  By approving them at this very moment would have caused an uproar in the industry

If NAI is eventually granted permission to fly into the US, what ramifications, if any, do you believe this will have on the industry?

It could cause a lot of damage to the US airline industry, competition with these lower paid employees and lack of regulation can make it almost impossible for US airlines to compete.  US airlines would need to find a way to compete, which could lead to even more outsourcing in the industry.  

Sources

http://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/flights/2014/09/02/dot-norwegian-air-alpa-foxx/14810499/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Norwegian_Long_Haul

http://www.irishtimes.com/business/sectors/transport-and-tourism/no-reason-to-refuse-norwegian-air-shuttle-a-transatlantic-licence-1.1939256

UAV

1) What civilian purpose, if any, are UAVs currently being used for in United States? How are these civilian UAVs regulated (if they are regulated)?

I found an article online published last month that said "the government plans to grant waivers to seven movie and television companies to use small unmanned aircraft in film making, the first permits for commercial drone flights in the continental U.S." It sound like they are regulated/restricted for wide commercial use.


2) Do you foresee UAVs integrating into the NAS? If so, how? Also, what problems do you foresee resulting from this? Be sure to include not only logistical problems, but also potential perception problems.
Unmanned aircraft are flying in the NAS under very controlled conditions, performing border and port surveillance by the Department of Homeland Security, helping with scientific research and environmental monitoring by NASA and NOAA, supporting public safety by law enforcement agencies, helping state universities conduct research, and supporting various other missions for public entities.  The issue with the public perception of UAVs is the thought of being watched or spied on, possibly violating privacy laws. 
3) As for the military application of UAVs, how have they transformed military strategy? Has their integration been efficient (consider all aspects - from financial to ethical)?

The military has been using UAVs for missions that can be to dangerous or to possibly avoid being seen.  UAVs are able to spy without much risk, and drop weapons.  From an ethical standpoint I can see where this may be an issue.  UAVs can be used almost anywhere and can contribute to violations of laws or standards.

4) Finally, do some research and find out if their are UAV jobs that are advertised for civilians (both flight and management students). If so, include this as your link. If you are unable to locate a job posting, reference your above answers to brainstorm the potential for types of UAV jobs in the future.

UAV Specialist
http://adorama.theresumator.com/apply/job_20140917215422_LQABMVS6DI7MXDVE/UAV-Specialist.html?source=INDE





http://www.buffalonews.com/business/faa-expected-to-grant-waivers-today-to-allow-commercial-use-of-drones-20140925