Sponsor Says He'll Drop HR 5035

EAA, AOPA and other aviation organizations saw their Congressional education efforts pay off today, as Rep. Anthony Weiner (D-NY) said he will not introduce a bill that would have devastated general aviation activities.

During a "mark-up" session today of the House Subcommittee on Aviation, where various amendments could have been considered, Rep. Weiner confirmed that he would not bring the bill forward as written. In effect, he also committed not to introduce his bill, HR 5035, as an amendment to legislation implementing the recommendations of the 9/11 Commission. The House subcommittee approved the aviation elements of that comprehensive bill without amendment and forwarded it to the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.

In his statement before the subcommittee, Rep. Weiner indicated that "Sometimes you see the tree but not the forest. We still do want general aviation, commerce and business to go on."

EAA members who contacted their Congressional representatives as news of this legislation emerged late last week made a difference in halting the bill, along with the efforts of EAA's Washington Office and other aviation associations such as AOPA.

The bill, as proposed, would have required the Department of Homeland Security to create a method of screening all passengers and property on each flight of all passenger aircraft in the US, including general aviation aircraft of all types. It would also prohibit any non-airline aircraft from flying within 1,500 feet of any structure or building, and prohibit non-airline aircraft from flying over any US city with a population of 1 million or more. It would further require that pilots of all aircraft in US airspace remain in contact with the Federal Aviation Administration, presumably by radio, regardless of altitude or location.

"The aviation community's efforts caused a positive outcome on this issue," said Doug Macnair, EAA's vice president of government relations. "This is why EAA and the general aviation community devote considerable resources in Washington, and why the participation of EAA members is so essential."

Rep. Weiner also stated he does have continuing concerns about general aviation, particularly helicopters, with respect to security in metropolitan areas, but noted that there is a "bigger picture" that must be considered when contemplating any additional security requirements. Congressman Leonard Boswell (D-Iowa), who is a pilot, indicated a willingness to work with Weiner and industry to craft any future legislation that might be required.

FMI: www.eaa.org, www.aopa.org, www.nbaa.org