Aviation groups lauded the agreement between House and Senate negotiators on a five-year FAA reauthorization bill. Announced yesterday by the leaders of the Senate Commerce Committee and House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, the bill is anticipated to be taken up by the Senate this week, followed by the House of Representatives. Lawmakers have until May 10 to approve the bill before the latest extension on the FAA’s authorization expires.
NBAA noted that the comprehensive bill includes many provisions supported by the association, including an expansion of workforce development programs, improvements to aviation safety, funding for community airports, and sustainability support.
“Agreement on the compromise marks a key step in ensuring the FAA has the direction needed for long-term planning, as well as operational safety and targeted investment,” said NBAA president and CEO Ed Bolen.
General Aviation Manufacturers Association president and CEO Pete Bunce called the agreement “welcomed progress” and said the association will be pushing for swift passage. “It is very encouraging to see that U.S. House and Senate aviation committee leaders have been able to work together to put forth a bipartisan, bicameral bill to reauthorize the FAA,” Bunce said, adding that the bill will "move both the FAA and industry forward by addressing safety issues, improving rulemaking and certification processes, strengthening the FAA’s international effectiveness, supporting workforce development, maintaining sustainability efforts, and fostering innovation.”
Aerospace Industries Association president and CEO Eric Fanning agreed. “This legislation will ensure the United States strengthens our global leadership in aviation—unleashing innovation so new technologies and the next generation of aviation workers can thrive. Most importantly, the policies in this bill enhance flight safety for everyone."
Fanning also added that it was glad that many of the priorities of the manufacturing sector were included: "modernizing FAA processes for safety and efficiency benefits; strengthening bilateral safety agreements; establishing a new aviation manufacturing workforce development program; and finalizing rules for the operation of powered-lift aircraft.”
National Air Transportation Association president and CEO Curt Castagna called the release of the bill “another significant milestone toward meaningful, comprehensive FAA reform” and added that the bipartisan agreement “will provide much-needed direction on FAA modernization and efficiency, improving the safety of the National Airspace System and enabling more effective, timely interaction between regulators and aviation businesses.”