Industry Calls FAA Bill Passage 'Historic Achievement'

Senate passage of the comprehensive FAA reauthorization bill is drawing resounding support as an “historic achievement” that will provide for much-needed stability for the agency. The passage, which followed House approval last week, sends the bill to the White House for signature into law.

Shortly after yesterday’s midday passage by a 93-6 vote, Senate Commerce Committee chairman John Thune (R-South Dakota) said the bill was one of bipartisanship and collaboration, providing for the longest FAA authorization to be adopted since the 1980s. “In creating new protections and enhancements for the flying public, this bill creates five years of stable policy direction for the aviation community,” he said.

Funding stability has been a key issue in the battle over air traffic control reorganization. “This bill will provide a stable path forward for the FAA without controversial proposals to privatize our nation's ATC system,” said NBAA president and CEO Ed Bolen, hailing its passage.

In a letter to members Bolen had added, “The entire general aviation community should be extremely proud of its efforts to oppose the so-called ATC privatization plan…Through tens of thousands of letters and phone calls to Congress, the voice of general aviation was heard loud and clear on Capitol Hill, leading to this victory.”

Bolen’s support was strongly echoed by other members of the business and general aviation community.

“[The National Air Transportation Association] believes passage of this legislation will bring the industry and the FAA one step closer to financial stability and modernization of our nation’s air transportation system,” added Gary Dempsey, the newly appointed president of the association. “The legislation includes many provisions, sought by NATA, that benefit general aviation businesses across the country…Congressional transportation leaders heard our collective voice and rejected poison pills, including attempts to promote illegal flight sharing, that will negatively impact the industry for years to come.”

General Aviation Manufacturers Association president and CEO Pete Bunce praised the bipartisan leadership in both the House and Senate authorizing committees, and pointed to many of the beneficial provisions, particularly on the certification regulatory reform front, but also those intended to help address workforce issues and to ensure full implementation of the Part 23 rewrite.

“This reauthorization bill provides significant improvements for general aviation and the helicopter industry specifically,” added Matt Zuccaro, HAI president and CEO. “The helicopter industry faces a severe pilot and mechanic shortage, and this bill provides important solutions to help address this critical industry issue. Additionally, the bill addresses needed reform to FAA regulations pertaining to training programs at aviation maintenance technician schools.” He further praised measures that provide “needed clarity on the safe integration of unmanned aircraft systems.”

As for repair stations, Aeronautical Repair Station Association executive v-p Christian Klein called passage an “historic achievement for Congress,” adding it “puts the agency on the path to more effectively regulate a growing industry. Just as important, it’s a major piece of workforce legislation.”

But not everyone was as pleased with the legislation. One provision drawing objections is designed to facilitate new regulation on supersonic travel. “It’s shameful that Congress is trying to resurrect these incredibly dirty planes so rich people can get to business meetings and vacations faster,” said Clare Lakewood, a senior attorney at the Center for Biological Diversity. “Supersonics are a needless extravagance that will supersize the aviation industry’s already hefty contribution to the climate crisis.”