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to Cuba, you’ve missed your chance, for now. A new federal rule took effect this summer that bans the “people-to-people” educational travel exemption, which allowed private aviation flights to the island country. It’s part of the Trump administra- tion’s effort to limit non-family travel to Cuba. Anyone who violates the new rule may face a fine as much as $300,000. What’s not affected are commercial, charter and air ambulance operations with authorized travelers on board. What the FAA Needs is Leadership As of this writing, the FAA still doesn’t have a permanent administrator with the President’s nominee facing a number of orange barrels on his way to confirmation. Unfortunately, the process has become politicized, something that has not happened in regard to the confirmation of the FAA and NASA administrators in recent history. If and when an administra- tor is on board, there will be no shortage of issues to address, especially as it relates to the Boeing 737 MAX grounding. Let’s hope our governing agency can find its way through its roadblocks – especially for the sake of GA. Alpine Acceptance Holds LLC Dianne White is the executive director of MMOPA and editor of MMOPA Magazine. For a total of 14 years, she was editor of Twin & Turbine and has worked in the business aviation industry for nearly 30 years. She also serves on the board of directors for Angel Flight Central. An active multi-engine, instrument-rated pilot, Dianne lives in the Kansas City area and can be reached at editor@diannewhite.com. Turbines Inc. August 2019 / TWIN & TURBINE • 5