Turbulent Struggle For FAA Stability MAY Be Nearing End

A process that displayed some of the worst Washington dirty tricks (particularly in regards to the deplorable actions and behaviors of Rep. Bill Shuster), the aero-industry has seen in many years may be nearing a conclusion... we hope.

The House of Representatives has passed H.R. 4, a long-term FAA Reauthorization bill that will allegedly help advance key priorities for the general aviation manufacturing industry.

GAMA summarizes that H.R. 4 as containing provisions to dramatically improve the FAA certification process, including directing that the FAA fully utilize Organizational Designation Authorization (ODA), sending a clear message to the FAA to improve safety cooperation with international partners by focusing on effective and efficient validation and acceptance processes, streamlining FAA’s acceptance of mandatory continuing airworthiness instructions, and directing the FAA to improve its guidance and communication in order to establish more consistency in regulatory interpretation.

The legislation also includes language establishing a FAA Task Force on Flight Standards Reform to help drive needed improvements in the FAA Flight Standards Office, whose work directly impacts the efficiency of product certification and the timely entry into operational service of newly manufactured aircraft.

Additionally, H.R. 4 adopts a broad range of amendments that support various workforce initiatives to address the looming technical worker shortage that threatens to undermine the future growth and competitiveness of the general aviation manufacturing industry. These initiatives include promoting programs to encourage more women to seek careers in the aviation industry, hire more veterans and enhance the education and training of the workforce.

NBAA's Ed Bolen states, “We are pleased to see this legislation pass the House,” said NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen. “While the bill is not perfect, a long-term reauthorization is critical to advancing our shared priorities. Equally important, this bipartisan bill will modernize, not privatize air traffic control. We are grateful that members of Congress heard their constituents’ concerns about ATC privatization, and reflected those concerns in bringing this legislation to final passage.”

Bolen noted that, along with the exclusion of ATC privatization from the House bill, a number of passages are incorporated into H.R. 4, which reflect the general aviation community’s priorities, including language supporting airport investment, industry workforce development, certification reform, exempting the FAA registry from a government shutdown and other important provisions.

“With final passage of this House legislation, we look forward to the completion of a bipartisan, bicameral FAA reauthorization bill that supports long-term investment in the nation’s aviation infrastructure, advances the work already underway to modernize America’s aviation system, and ensures that our country remains the world’s aviation leader for decades to come,” Bolen concluded.

On the unmanned side of the roster, the Academy of Model Aeronautics's Chad Budreau, Public Relations & Government Affairs Director, reports that, “Long-term reauthorization of the FAA is needed to ensure ongoing safety in the nation’s airspace and AMA is happy to see the inclusion of language we have supported which makes meaningful refinements to Section 336, the Special Rule for Model Aircraft.
 
“AMA supports narrowing and redefining Section 336 while giving the FAA the authority it needs to integrate UAS. Modifications to Section 336 in the House bill clarify to whom the Special Rule applies, provide a clear definition of a community-based organization (CBO) and gives the FAA the authority to designate a CBO, ensuring that CBOs such as AMA can continue to safely manage a niche group of responsible hobbyists as it has done for over eight decades. 
 
“We are, however, concerned about the inclusion of alternative language relating to Section 336 that, while perhaps well-intentioned, places an extreme burden on the FAA, an agency already underfunded and understaffed. Safety is a high priority for AMA and creating an untenable workload for the FAA could lead to delays and, most importantly, have negative implications for the safety of our nation’s skies. In addition, this alternative language creates further ambiguity for the recreational community, adds additional burdens for both commercial and recreational operations, and could stifle future innovation.

“Model aviation enthusiasts have been the cradle of innovation for both the manned and unmanned communities for decades. Many mistakenly believe drones are a recent innovation. To the contrary – the AMA community has helped to develop and advance the platform since the 1930s. Even today, as drone technology continues to improve, modelers are dreaming up new ways to apply and use this technology every day. Furthermore, flying models is an effective tool for teaching science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) to many kids and teenagers. Any changes to Section 336 must continue to support innovation and model aviation’s role in facilitating STEM education.
 
“AMA greatly appreciates Congressmen Mark Sanford’s (R-SC) and Rodney Davis' (R-IL) leadership in protecting Section 336, which is vital to our hobby, our members and the safety of our nation’s airspace. We are especially grateful for the support of thousands of AMA members who contacted Congress to express support for the Special Rule for Model Aircraft and the CBO model. Moving forward, we hope to work with the Senate to ensure the appropriate modifications to Section 336, which is vital to our hobby, our members and our nation’s airspace.”

On the commercial side of the unmanned world, AUVSI's Boss, Brian Wynne, notes that, "We are pleased that the House of Representatives passed the FAA bill, which will help expand the commercialization of UAS technology and ensure that UAS are integrated into the national airspace in a manner that is safe for all aircraft – both manned and unmanned.

“The bill includes UAS initiatives that build upon existing industry-government collaboration and expand commercial operations. In particular, the bill calls for rulemaking around a UAS Traffic Management (UTM) system, which will help ensure the safe and efficient use of the national airspace. It also has provisions for rulemaking concerning carriage of property, a necessary step for allowing UAS package deliveries.

“We applaud the bill’s commitment to UAS research, particularly its extension of the FAA UAS test site program. Research conducted at these test sites on sense-and-avoid technologies and beyond-line-of-sight operations will help to spur greater innovation and find solutions to make UAS fly higher and farther, more safely and efficiently.”

An AUVSI economic report forecast that the expansion of UAS technology will create more than 100,000 jobs and generate more than $82 billion for the U.S. economy in the first decade following full integration of UAS into the nation’s airspace.

FMI: www.faa.gov