Lauds Passage of 2024 Reauth, Cites Good And Not So Good

Pete Bunce, President and CEO of the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA), testified before the U.S. House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee on Aviation in a hearing entitled, “FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024: Stakeholder Perspectives on Implementation.”

In his testimony, he praised Congress for its passage and went on to highlight what’s good about it and the challenges still facing its implementation.

Bunce initially recognized Congressman Garrett Graves for his long-time public service on the aviation subcommittee and other areas. He went on to mention the key priorities that GAMA advocated for in the bill, including policies that advance safety, jobs, innovation and global competitiveness in aviation. Bunce said that now, the challenge is to ensure that the FAA implements the law in a timely manner and that Congress, the Administration, and the incoming Administration stay on course and appropriate the funds and adhere to the other requirements of the law.

Some of the topics Bunce testified on included fostering advancement, innovation, competitiveness, and safety. He mentioned that the FAA’s promulgation of rulemaking has improved but more needs to be done in that area including avoiding potential policies that could inhibit that progress.

Bunce discussed the optimization of FAA facilities and equipment, and bolstering the FAA workforce through industry knowledge sharing and skills enhancement. He also touched on implementing mobile delivery of air traffic clearances, developments in hydrogen propulsion systems, supply chain issues, and advancements in aviation noise reduction.

Bunce also discussed the FAA’s Aviation Workforce Development Program and how many companies have implemented similar programs and how scholarships and internships might augment the number of young people coming into the industry.

FMI:  transportation.house.gov/