The U.S. House of Representatives passed the Securing Growth and Robust Leadership in American Aviation Act (H.R. 3935) on Thursday in a 351-69 vote. The bill, which will reauthorize the FAA through 2028, was introduced on June 9 by House Transportation and Infrastructure (T&I) Committee Chairman Sam Graves, R-Mo., and co-sponsored by full Committee Ranking Member Rick Larsen, D-Wash., Aviation Subcommittee Chairman Garret Graves, R-La., and Aviation Subcommittee Ranking Member Steve Cohen, D-Tenn. The T&I Committee approved the bill by unanimous vote on June 14.
“This bipartisan legislation improves the safety of our system, our airport infrastructure, and the quality of service for passengers,” said T&I Committee Chairman Graves. “Not only that, this bill will make the FAA more efficient, encourage the safe adoption of new and innovative technologies, and address growing workforce shortages, from pilots and mechanics to air traffic controllers. In addition, this bill provides the first title dedicated specifically to our critical general aviation sector—the backbone of the American aviation system.”
H.R. 3935 (PDF) includes provisions aimed at improving FAA efficiency and operations, growing the aviation workforce, providing airport infrastructure funding and encouraging the testing and integration of new technologies. In addition, it looks to address safety issues, improve the airline passenger experience and reauthorize the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). The T&I Committee noted that the bill has gained support from more than 1,000 aviation leaders and stakeholders.
To become law, reauthorization legislation will also need to be passed in the U.S. Senate and signed by the president. The FAA’s current authorization expires on Sept. 30.
Nothing about redefining LSA, building planes under 6K/12K lbs to consensus standards rather than Part 23, getting rid of 3rd class medical for PPl, preventing FBO price gouging, minimal seat pitch and width standards for passenger planes. In other words – nothing of interest for GA or the public.
Ditto
I agree with most of what you said. But disagree with FAA mandating seat width and pitch. The flying public wants cheap, PERIOD. If people want more pitch or width they can get it at a price. If the FAA, for example were to mandate the width and pitch of a first class seat for all planes what do you think tickets would cost? For now you have a choice of cheap (or maybe just cheaper) and more room by voting with your wallet for extra legroom or butt room.
A good point. In the absence of working toward a good conclusion, the best type of government is one that passes no new laws or legislation, because then at least they aren’t making things worse or taking things away from you.
Would this legislation prevent another Meigs event from happening again?
I don’t believe so….
Sect 206, eliminating N-number piracy and profiteering….finally.
Well, I have only managed to wade through the first 88 pages and the only thing of note is that they will increase the gross weight of an aircraft a pilot on Basic Med can fly up to 12,500 pounds. Other than that, it is basically rearranging some terms and definitions and changing some budget numbers. Typical government bill – a fancy title and lots of meaningless words.