Affects Helicopter Operations in the Gulf of Mexico

The full Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee today approved a manager’s amendment to the FAA Reauthorization Bill (S. 824) authored by Senator John Breaux (D-Louisiana). 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 aviation in the Gulf of Mexico.

The Helicopter Association International (HAI) has actively worked to bring the need for communications and weather services in the Gulf of Mexico to the attention of Members of Congress. At present, the National Airspace System (NAS) lacks the required communications, surveillance, and weather equipment to support safe and efficient flight, as well as aviation growth in the Gulf. An immediate need exists for the development of a low-level air traffic infrastructure to support general aviation operations there. Currently, operators make between 5,000 and 9,000 flights each day in the Gulf. These flights service more than 3,800 offshore platforms, which in turn support the 35,000 citizens who live and work in the offshore industry.

Senator Ernest Hollings (D-South Carolina), the ranking Minority Member of the Commerce Committee, offered the amendment for Senator Breaux (right), expressing his concern for the safety of helicopters operating in the Gulf, as well as the need to expand and control navigation in the Gulf. Senator Trent Lott (R-Mississippi), Chair of the Senate’s Aviation Subcommittee also voiced his support for the measure, citing his own familiarity with the rigs and equipment currently being used in the Gulf. Senator Lott told fellow Committee members that his home is located in the Gulf, and that helicopters are important to the region. Senator Lott also said that industry is supportive of this measure.

HAI has worked closely with the offices of Senator Breaux and Senator Lott in recent weeks to bring this amendment to the Senate Commerce Committee. HAI has also met with the staffs of Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-Texas) and Senator Bill Nelson (D-Florida). Members of the Senate Aviation Subcommittee have been very supportive on the issue of low-level surveillance in the Gulf, and have worked closely with HAI to build bipartisan support for it.

The goal of aviation leaders in both chambers is to have a bill ready for conference before the August recess. The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee is expected to move its version later in May. HAI is working closely with House members to ensure that the Breaux language is included in the House bill. For more information on this or any other legislative issue, contact Ann Carroll, HAI Legislative Affairs.

HAI is the professional trade association for the civil helicopter industry. Its 1,300-plus-member organizations and 1,100 individual members, in more than 73 nations, safely operate more than 4,500 helicopters approximately 2.3 million hours each year. HAI is dedicated to the promotion of the helicopter as a safe, effective method of commerce and to the advancement of the civil helicopter industry.

FMI: www.rotor.com