Supersonic, ATC Bills Wind Way Through U.S. Congress

U.S. House lawmakers have advanced two aviation-related bills addressing both near-term operational stability for the FAA and longer-term changes to civil supersonic flight policy.

The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee approved the Aviation Funding Solvency Act (H.R.6086), legislation intended to keep FAA air traffic operations running during a future federal government shutdown. This bill would allow the FAA to use aviation user fees already collected to pay air traffic controllers and sustain other critical functions if appropriations lapse. It is sponsored by committee chairman Sam Graves and ranking member Rick Larsen, along with Aviation Subcommittee leaders Troy Nehls and Andre Carson.

Committee action follows a 43-day government shutdown that ended last month, during which unpaid air traffic controllers contributed to reduced capacity at dozens of major airports and restrictions on general aviation activity at several facilities.

Separately, the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee’s Aviation Subcommittee voted to advance H.R.3410, the Supersonic Aviation Modernization Act. It would direct the FAA to issue regulations permitting civil supersonic flight over land, provided no sonic boom reaches the ground. Supersonic flight over land in the U.S. has been largely prohibited since 1973, with limited military exceptions.

NBAA issued statements noting the measures address longstanding concerns within the aviation community. Both bills must advance through the full House and Senate before becoming law.