Aviation Organizations Push For FAA Reauthorization

The General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) and the Aerospace Industries Association (AIA) sent a letter to Congress on Monday urging the U.S. Senate to consider the FAA Reauthorization Act (S. 1405) as soon as possible. Both organizations expressed support for the bill in the letter (PDF), writing that "This comprehensive bill includes key FAA certification and regulatory reforms that will help bring new safety technologies to the market, strengthen aviation sales and exports, and more effectively utilize the resources of the FAA and industry."

GAMA and AIA, who together represent more than 400 member companies, are pushing to have a long-term funding solution in place before the FAA's temporary funding extension expires on Sept. 30. The Senate bill was introduced in June of last year by Senator John Thune, R-S.D.S. 1405would authorize funding for the FAA through 2021.

The U.S. House of Representatives passed the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 (H.R. 4) on April 27, which cover FAA funding through 2023. For reauthorization to go forward, the Senate legislation must also be passed and the differences between the two bills reconciled. At the time the House bill was passed, it was reportedly hoped that the Senate bill would make it to the floor by May or June. The last multiyear authorization bill for the FAA was enacted in 2012.