More from AAAE in San Diego ...

FAA Administrator Marion Blakey says the ultimate goal is a "robust AIP (Airport Improvement Program);" the proposed cuts to AIP for FY07 are themselves robust. Talking to airports here at the annual meeting of the American Association of Airport Executives, Blakey says the cuts don't reflect the importance the Administration places on the program, nor the necessary funding levels. Which of course leads to FAA's current call for a new way to fund the system - a plan which has been formulated but not yet publicized. Blakey says she expects it to be in the near future; observers say we might not find out the details until after November's elections. Blakey says that despite proposed Administration cuts, the agency should be able to "support" current projects and initiatives. In the next breath, she explains that will be at the cost of entitlements, which will be cut in half, and the elimination of entitlements to general aviation airports. Unfortunately, the extended Southern drawl doesn't make it all any more believable. Among other items of note in San Diego: The discussion that the association is exploring creation of a guidance document or group that would be available for airports looking to get into airline services. Apparently, enough airports have expressed an interest to justify AAAE taking a look. This one is worth watching. Thanks for reading.