Working To Do Same In House

The Helicopter Association International (HAI) continues to work with Congress to obtain language in the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Reauthorization Bill that would authorize the development of a communications and weather infrastructure in the Gulf of Mexico.

On May 1, the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee approved a manager's amendment to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Reauthorization Bill (S. 824) authored by Senator John Breaux (D-LA). Senator Breaux's amendment contains language that directs the Secretary of Transportation to develop and carry out a program designed to expand and improve the safety, efficiency, and security of air traffic control services provided to aircraft flying in the Gulf of Mexico.

Senator Ernest Hollings (D-SC), the ranking Minority Member of the Commerce Committee, offered the amendment for Senator Breaux, expressing his concern for the safety of helicopters operating in the Gulf, as well as the need to expand and control navigation in that region. Senator Trent Lott (R-Mississippi), Chair of the Senate's Aviation Subcommittee also voiced strong support for the measure.

HAI has worked closely with Congressman Richard Baker (R-LA), a member of the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee, to include the Breaux language in the House version of the FAA Reauthorization Bill. A Committee working-draft of the House FAA Reauthorization Bill includes language to enhance the safety and security of aircraft operations in the Gulf of Mexico and allows for the appropriation of funds for fiscal years 2004 through 2007.

New Flight Procedures

The House draft also includes language for the establishment of "helicopter and tiltrotor approach and departure procedures" using advanced technologies, such as the Global Positioning System and Automatic Dependent Surveillance (ADS), to permit operations in adverse weather conditions, in order to meet the needs of air ambulance services. The House Subcommittee on Aviation will hold a markup on the draft bill to reauthorize programs for the Federal Aviation Administration on May 14.

HAI staff have also worked closely with the offices of Representatives Richard Baker (R-LA), Don Young (R-AK), James Oberstar (D-MN), Kevin Brady (R-TX), Ron Paul (R-TX), John Culberson (R-TX), Gene Taylor (R-MI), Joe Barton (R-TX), Chris Johns (D-LA), and Gene Green (D-TX) to pursue a letter of congressional support for the draft language.

The goal of aviation leaders in both chambers is to have a bill ready for conference before the August recess.

FMI: www.rotor.com