One Down, One (and a Signature) to Go!

Captain Jason Ambrosi, head of the Air Line Pilots Association, International, applauded the United States Senate for passing the 5-year reauthorization for the Federal Aviation Administration.

Now, ALPA has urged the House to move quickly to send the bill to the president's desk for signature. Given the constant stream of extensions to previous authorizations, it's understandable why the industry could really have some consistency for its primary regulatory authority.

"Today's action by the Senate is a major step forward for the safety and security of our nation's skies, and I urge the House to act expeditiously to enact this groundbreaking bipartisan bill. The world's safest aviation system will be substantially strengthened under this bill, and passengers and crewmembers owe lawmakers a debt of gratitude.

"Thanks to bipartisan leadership and the activism of thousands of ALPA members, this bill maintains rigorous pilot training standards and rejects attempts to arbitrarily raise the pilot retirement age, which would have introduced uncertainty into the U.S. aviation system and interfered with collectively bargained agreements. Additionally, the bill enhances safety, security and improves resources for our fellow aviation workers.

"The bill also ensures that the United States is focused on breaking down barriers and opening up opportunities to ensure a robust and qualified pipeline of aviators, as well as providing air-service support for those living in rural and small communities without lowering the bar on safety."

FMI: www.alpa.org