Washington, DC, Aug. 15, 2018 – The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) today joined a broad coalition of aviation groups in calling on the U.S. Senate to expedite legislation that would provide a long-term reauthorization for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The agency’s current reauthorization extension expires on Sept. 30.
“It is essential that the FAA be provided with long-term authorization for its activities in order to maintain and advance the safest, most efficient aerospace system in the world,” the aviation groups wrote in a letter to Senate leaders Mitch McConnell (R-KY) and Charles Schumer (D-NY). “The FAA’s success and that of the aviation system will be significantly enhanced by progress and passage of a long-term reauthorization bill.”
In its letter to the Senate leaders, the aviation coalition noted that the U.S. House of Representatives passed a five-year FAA reauthorization bill last April. In the Senate, thanks to the efforts of Commerce Committee Chairman John Thune (R-SD) and Ranking Member Bill Nelson (D-FL), a bill has already advanced out of the committee. “Prompt consideration by the Senate will enable discussions with the House to resolve any outstanding differences between the two bills, prior to the expiration of authority on Sept. 30,” wrote the aviation groups.
“Long-term reauthorization legislation for the FAA is critical for the good of the entire aviation industry and workforce,” said Christa Lucas, NBAA vice president, government affairs. “Business aviation alone contributes $219 billion to the U.S. economic output and employs more than 1.1 million people nationwide, while providing essential air transportation to communities and citizens all across the country.”
The coalition letter said that long-term reauthorization “will allow employers, customers and communities to continue to build, invest, hire, innovate and grow in this dynamic industry. The FAA is foundational to the incredible safety record of aviation in the United States; makes critical airport and air traffic investments in communities across this country; and enables innovation and the integration of new technology into the aviation system.”
In addition to NBAA, the letter to McConnell and Schumer was signed by representatives of Airlines for Aerospace Industries Association, Aeronautical Repair Station Association, Air Line Pilots Association, Air Medical Operators Association, Air Traffic Control Association, Aircraft Electronics Association, Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, Airlines for America, Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International, Association of Flight Attendants – CWA, Aviation Suppliers Association, Aviation Technician Education Council, Cargo Airline Association, Commercial Drone Alliance, Experimental Aircraft Association, General Aviation Manufacturers Association, Global Business Travel Association, Helicopter Association International, International Air Transport Association, International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, International Brotherhood of Teamsters, Modification and Replacement Parts Association, National Air Carrier Association, National Air Traffic Controllers Association, National Association of Manufacturers, National Air Transportation Association, Professional Aviation Safety Specialists, Regional Air Cargo Carriers Association, Regional Airline Association, Small UAV Coalition, Travelers United, and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
