Bill Does Not Privatize ATC, Has Provisions Beneficial To General Aviation

The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation on Wednesday approved a bill providing long-term funding for the FAA.

“Passage of this bipartisan legislation is a win for airline passenger rights, advancing responsible drone usage, boosting the competitiveness of the aerospace industry, and making our skies safer,” said Committee Chairman John Thune (R-SD). “I look forward to considering these reforms on the Senate floor and building consensus with our colleagues in the House."

“It’s really encouraging to see the FAA bill pass and have such bipartisan support,” said Ranking Member Bill Nelson (D-FL). “There are some good provisions in it that will help consumers and improve drone safety.”

The Senate version of FAA reauthorization does not contain any language in support of ATC privatization or GA user fees. According to analysis from EAA, it contains several provisions that support general aviation as well, including:

• Aeromedical reform language that was included in the Pilot’s Bill of Rights 2 passed by the Senate in December
• Direction to the FAA on completing its mandated revisions to FAR Part 23 rules on aircraft certification and airworthiness standards
• FAA authority to conduct fleet-wide authorization to implement the use of a future unleaded aviation fuel under the Piston Aviation Fuels Initiative (PAFI), a program that EAA helped develop and now plays a leadership role
• Sen. Jerry Moran (R-KS) introduced an amendment that would guarantee that the active construction, restoration, or repair of a personal-use aircraft is a protected aeronautical activity in airport hangars under FAA grant assurances
• Sen. Ron Johnson (R-WI)  introduced a requirement that FAA provide ATC and safety support to aviation events without fees, taxes or other charges
• Sen. Dan Sullivan (R-AK) introduced an amendment that extends the registration period for noncommercial general aviation aircraft to five years

After passage by the Senate, the bill would still have to be reconciled with companion legislation passed in the U.S. House before being presented to the President for his signature.

FMI: Senate FAA Reauthorization Bill