Export-Import Bank

The Export-Import Bank of the United States is a US agency that assists international companies finance goods produced in the United States to contribute to its economy. The bank extends low interest loans and credit to buyers that purchase goods produced in the US.

Boeing has been the biggest beneficiary of the Export-Import Bank; they were given $48.63 Billion for aircraft last year alone. More can be read here. Though great for Boeing, this has been bad for other US air carriers, such as Delta, American, and United because of most foreign carriers such as Emirates Airlines, Qatar Airways, and Norwegian Airlines can offer lower cost tickets. 

If the US does not continue to disallow Cabotage (which would let foreign air carries travel within a country and transport those citizens within that country), it could really hurt American air carriers' profits. Hopefully, the US government will continue to disallow Cabotage within the US and preserve American airline jobs.

I believe that the Export-Import Bank has its place but the airline industry needs to make sure this bank is not taken advantage of. Some possible solutions could be putting a cap on the amount of money offered to foreign companies to purchase certain items or products. This would be a great compromise both for the Airlines and Aircraft Manufactures.  

UAVs

UAVs are currently being used in the United States for a myriad of reasons, most for government agencies for security and surveillance. Recently, Amazon.com announced their Amazon PRIME Air; a drone base delivery system, that can carry up to 5 pounds of physical goods to one's doorstep. Another civilian purpose of UAVs that has become extremely popular is 3D Mapping/Aerial photography, in which Model Airplanes and Helicopters take 3D images of cities, towns, and landscaping for surveying purposes.

The FAA currently states that anyone operating a drone in the United States must obtain an experimental aircraft permit. I found this interesting read about how much the FAA really does have control over UAVs. You can find it here.

I predict that UAVs will be integrated into the National Airspace System (NAS) very soon. I am sure that there will be a lot of problems in the beginning with the integration, such as the interaction with GA aircraft, privacy and security issues, and (potentially) public perception. Will the public accept the use of UAVs or will they cry Big Brother and 1984? Or will they welcome a pizza-delivering drone?

One thing for certain is Military Application of UAVs are on the rise. More of our operations are completed by Unmanned aircraft. Most of the operations done by drones are surveillance, although drone attacks are on the rise. Financially, the use of cones makes sense as they are cheaper than maned aircraft. 

I found many jobs for UAV Pilots. Here are two interesting ones brassring.com & brandesassociates.icims.com.