AIP Program Takes Major Hit

NATA President James K. Coyne greeted the arrival of President Bush’s Fiscal Year 2006 budget with concern due to cuts in Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) spending. The President’s budget contains cuts both in the FAA's Facilities and Equipment (F&E) account as well as the popular Airport Improvement Program (AIP).
 
The Administration requested $3 billion for AIP funding, which is $500 million below the amount authorized in the most recent FAA Reauthorization, Vision-100. Like last year, the FAA's F&E budget also suffers a drastic reduction, with $2.448 billion requested, approximately $600 million less than authorized in Vision-100.
 
"I am concerned that the Administration is neglecting to look at the big picture when it comes to analyzing our national aviation system," Coyne said. "Significantly cutting aviation funding at a time when Americans are returning to the skies in record numbers can have a far-reaching negative impact on the industry. Additionally, once again reducing much-needed funds for the FAA to modernize the air traffic control system only serves to worsen the problems we face today, with antiquated technology holding back the potential for significant improvements to the system. I understand the President has some tough choices to make in this year's budget proposal, and hopefully the Administration and Congressional leaders can eventually reach a compromise that includes more funding for FAA programs."
 
The budget also proposes to fund the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) at a level of $5.561 billion, which is an increase of $156 million from FY 2005. TSA spending is now approximately 14% of the budget of the Department of Homeland Security. 
 
"We are pleased the Administration is equipping the TSA with more resources with which to conduct its mission," Coyne (right) stated. "NATA is hopeful the TSA will continue to invest in programs featuring biometric technology, as well as the development of the Transportation Worker Identification Card (TWIC). New programs like these can greatly increase aviation security while creating efficiencies that can generate savings for both the government and industry in the long run. NATA will also seek to ensure that the ‘Twelve-Five' Security Program for on-demand air charter operators receives the proper staffing and funding. Attention to the program has greatly improved in recent budget proposals, but the program continues to fall short of the funding it needs."
 
Following the introduction of the President's budget, Coyne hopes the annual budget and appropriations process can begin moving quickly on Capitol Hill. "Although this year's budget will present a number of challenges for both the President and Congress, I sincerely hope Congressional leaders can quickly adopt a budget resolution and start the appropriations process," Coyne concluded. "NATA will continue to work to see that the FAA is given the proper resources to maintain and expand our national aviation system. We will also continue to keep a watchful eye on any attempts to incorporate user fees on the aviation industry as a means to make up for budget shortfalls as the process continues."

FMI: www.nata.aero