Graves to Introduce GA Component in FAA Reauthorization Bill for 1st Time

EAA Chairman Jack Pelton testified on the vital importance of the country's general aviation system to the Aviation Subcommittee of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee in Washington, D.C..

Pelton made his way there to lobby on behalf of the industry, arguing that America has to be able to rely on an adequate, well-organized, predictable system for certification, regulation, and support. Pelton was joined by additional aviation stakeholders, like Rick Crider representing the American Association of Airport Executives, and Curt Castagna of the NATA.

“General aviation is stymied by delays for processing certificates for pilots, mechanics, and aircraft, and the current shortage of designated pilot examiners is a growing crisis that has been addressed by a recent DPE working group that recommended reforms,” Pelton said. “We also ask for congressional support of critical rulemaking, including the current MOSAIC (Modernization of Special Airworthiness Certificates) initiative to ensure it can be completed in a timely manner.”

In his testimony and questioning, Pelton managed to touch on a number of current issues, from the unleaded avgas efforts of the EAGLE initiative to cybersecurity, EAB safety, and rulemaking timelines.

Our own man in Washington, Representative Sam Graves (R-Missouri), also added some interesting news for the GA folks: He would include a general aviation section to the FAA reauthorization bill for the first time. Graves is Chairman of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, and a long time aviator himself - he knows as well as anyone that the industry needs to ensure future pilots enter the industry. Of note to some, Graves said that the elimination of "aviation advocacy" from the FAA's mission statement was one of the tougher moments in the body's history, as more advocates are needed within the administration. 

FMI: www.eaa.org