The U.S. Senate recently passed the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018, which reauthorizes both the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the Transportation Security Administration.
The bill also modernizes the agencies and improves efficiency.
Several aviation groups, including the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA), have already applauded the bill’s passage.
“On behalf of our more than 11,000 members, NBAA thanks congressional leaders for making this important legislation a priority,” NBAA president and CEO Ed Bolen said. “This bill will provide a stable path forward for the FAA without controversial proposals to privatize our nation’s air traffic control system. It is imperative that the agency be allowed to focus on modernization of our national airspace system without distractions.”
National Air Transportation Association (NATA) President Gary Dempsey said that many of the provisions outlined in the legislation benefit general aviation businesses across the country.
“[Those provisions include] regulatory consistency, aircraft certification reform, FAA delegation expansion, a review of flight standards reform, the formation of the Aviation Workforce Development Pilot Program to address aircraft maintenance issues, and the establishment of a centralized database to review outdated or conflicting material on a current and ongoing basis,” Dempsey said. “NATA also praises the inclusion of language, supported by Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), that directs the FAA to report on its efforts to combat illegal charter, which will help the industry to understand the scope of the issue and what future steps might be needed to protect passengers and legitimate businesses.”
Capt. Tim Canoll, president of the Air Line Pilots Association, Int’l (ALPA), acknowledged what the passage of the FAA reauthorization bill means for industry security and safety.
“By keeping pilot qualification and training requirements strong and two fully qualified pilots in the cockpit, Congress has taken significant steps to ensure that flying remains the safest mode of transportation – and that the United States remains a global aviation leader,” Canoll said. “We are grateful for the bipartisan leadership in the House and Senate, and for the thousands of ALPA members who worked tirelessly to ensure that the priorities of the professional airline pilot were incorporated into this landmark agreement.”
The legislation now moves to President Donald Trump for his signature. To avoid expiration of FAA funding, Trump must sign the act into law by Sunday, Oct. 7.