After advancement by the House, proponents of Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reauthorization are pressing Senate leadership for action — action which has been lacking since 2012.
That year marked the last time the FAA was granted a multiyear authorization bill by Congress, and ever since, has been operating solely under short-term extensions, which leave their future in constant doubt. The current extension lasts until Sept. 30, 2018, but both the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) and Aerospace Industries Association (AIA) demand more certainty, and soon.
“This comprehensive bill includes key FAA certification and regulatory reforms that will help bring new safety technologies to the market, strengthen aviation sales and exports, and more effectively utilize the resources of the FAA and industry,” Pete Bunce, GAMA president and CEO, along with Eric Fanning, AIA president and CEO, said in a letter to Senate leadership.
The groups’ leaders pointed to previous efforts by the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, which encouraged inclusion of certification and regulatory reforms, as well as more effective management and oversight tools they say will cut down on unnecessary delays and reduce redundant regulations.
“Overall, the bill will have the impact of enhancing the aviation industry’s global competitiveness and stimulating exports and jobs,” Bunce and Fanning said.
Predictability and stability, they argue, is key for both government and industry. Without long-term commitments and reforms of existing procedures, one of the nation’s strongest next exporting sectors could take a hit to international competitiveness. While the House has moved on efforts to reauthorize long term, the Senate has as yet made no move on the issue.