'PLANE Act Of 2019' Introduced By Senators Inhofe, King

The NBAA has joined with other aviation groups and unions in voicing support for S.2198, Aviation’s Next Era Act of 2019, also known as the “PLANE Act of 2019”. The bipartisan bill introduced by Sens. James M. Inhofe (R-OK), Chairman of the Armed Services Committee and an avid pilot, and Angus King (I-ME), member of the Armed Services Committee, sets the stage for positive growth and future development for the aviation industry.

“The general aviation industry is poised for a critical phase of innovation and progress – an era of advancement not witnessed in decades,” said NBAA president and CEO Ed Bolen (pictured). “This legislation would help ensure that general aviation, which is an essential contributor to the nation’s economy, can continue its advancement in a safe and efficient manner for the benefit of all citizens.”

Bolen joined several other aviation leaders in signing a July 22, 2019 letter supporting the legislation. View the industry letter in its entirety.

The PLANE Act would ensure fairness for pilots by expanding the Pilot’s Bill of Rights, enhancing protections for the aviation community and guaranteeing timely resolution of investigations. These protections would help current and future pilots meet the ongoing challenges related to pilot hiring. The bill also encourages investment in general aviation infrastructure including hangars and tarmacs by establishing public-private partnership programs at general aviation airports. The legislation recognizes the important role that airports play in national disaster relief efforts, as well as providing new access to funding for airport development and other projects.

The PLANE Act also seeks to provide the fair distribution of aviation federal fuel tax receipts, a portion of which are currently diverted to the Highway Trust Fund. With this change, the PLANE Act would ensure aviation-generated user fees are fully distributed to the Airport and Airway Trust Fund to support aviation-related projects.

Bolen further stated that “we thank Sens. Inhofe and King for their leadership on this important aviation legislation and look forward to working with them–and our aviation industry colleagues–to obtain Senate passage of this important aviation legislation.”

(Source: NBAA news release. Image from file)

FMI: www.nbaa.org