Wed, Apr 23, 2003
HAI Calls on Congress to Authorize Gulf Infrastructure in
Flight-100
The Helicopter Association International continues
to ask Congress, on behalf of offshore helicopter operators, for
inclusion of language in the Centennial of Flight Aviation
Authorization Act ("Flight-100") that would develop a low
altitude air traffic infrastructure in the Gulf of Mexico. At
present, the National Airspace System (NAS) lacks the required
communications, surveillance, and weather equipment to support
efficient flight and aviation growth in that region. HAI believes
that an immediate need exists for the development of a low-level
air traffic infrastructure to support the 5,000 to 9,000 flights
that operate daily to and from more than 3,800 offshore platforms
that support the 35,000 citizens who live and work in the offshore
industry.
HAI has met with members of the Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi,
Florida, and Alabama Congressional delegations alerting them that
the lack of reliable weather data and low altitude communications
capability affect both safety and efficiency of flight operations
in the Gulf of Mexico.
The organization is requesting that Congress
include language in the FAA Reauthorization Bill supporting a
low-level air traffic infrastructure in the Gulf to provide
communications, surveillance, and weather equipment for helicopter
operations.
Despite significant Congressional interest, little investment
has been made by the FAA to provide services in the Gulf of Mexico.
Flight operations in the Gulf require the same services that are
available and are the norm in other parts of the NAS. HAI believes
that an immediate investment by the FAA in currently available,
proven VHF communications and automated weather technologies would
serve as a short-term solution to the problem. HAI also supports a
Capstone demonstration project, incorporating ADS-B surveillance
and satellite communications, which would address long-term
operational needs in the Gulf of Mexico and would integrate
helicopter requirements into future NAS design.
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