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USPA Legislation ReportsMonthly Legislation Reports cover various topics concerning General Aviation Issues across the United States of America. |
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May 2009
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May 2009 Legislation Report
April 2009 Legislation Report
March 2009 Legislation Report
CAF RESPONDS TO TSA PROPOSAL
February 2009 Legislation Report
January 2009 Legislation Report
December 2008 Legislation Report
November 2008 Legislation Report
October 2008 Legislation Report
June 10, 2009
July 2009 Legislation Report
Greetings! First, Here is an update from Washington, D.C. As Aero-News put it, “Meet the New FAA Boss.” On May 21st, the U.S. Senate confirmed J. Randolph “Randy” Babbitt as the new FAA Administrator. After swearing in, Babbitt will take up his position at 800 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. As a pilot who has been flying since he was 16 years old, former president of the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA), and member of the FAA Management Advisory Council, Babbitt brings a wealth of aviation experience as he takes the reins at this pivotal time. During his Senate confirmation, hearing Babbitt said that he will seek input from all aviation stakeholders to address the issues facing the FAA. Among those issues are achieving an agreement with the controllers union and making clear progress on building the Next Generation Air Transportation System, or NextGen. At his confirmation hearing, Babbitt said NextGen will allow for approaches by general aviation pilots into many small airports throughout the country.
Secondly, The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) issues an urgent safety recommendation to FAA in which it asks the agency to prohibit further flight of a type of small airplane that has been involved in six in-flight structural breakups since 2006.
The recommendations apply to the Zodiac CH-601XL, a low-wing, fixed-gear, single-engine, two-seat general aviation airplane designed by Zenair, Inc. The CH-601XL, was certified as a Special Light Sport Aircraft (SLSA) by FAA in 2005.
Thirdly, following is an update concerning Missouri Aviation. Here is the only list of current Bills as follows:
May 03, 2009
May 2009 Legislation Report
Greetings! First, Here is an update from Washington, D.C. The Obama Administration announced last Thursday that it will create a mediation team to immediately address the FAA/NATCA contract dispute and NATCA President Patrick Forrey was quick to respond with praise. Controllers have been dissatisfied with work conditions since contract negotiations broke down and the FAA imposed non-negotiated work rules on the union nearly three years ago. NATCA understood the President’s comments and action to indicate that the Administration’s resolve to stabilize the controller workforce and restore a collaborative work environment is a top priority. Said Forrey, “With this step, President Obama is fulfilling his commitment to the safety and modernization of the air traffic control system, and to the dedicated men and women safety professionals who run the system each day.” Forrey added thanks to Transportation Secretary LaHood “for his leadership and commitment to resolving this issue.”
Secondly, President Obama has nominated Randy Babbitt to become the next Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration, a move generally welcomed by industry groups. Babbitt, former President and COO of the Air Line Pilots Association, has 40 years of aviation experience. Last year, U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Mary Peters named Babbitt to the independent review team tasked with evaluating and crafting recommendations to improve the FAA’s implementation of the aviation safety system and its culture of safety.
Comments James k. Coyne, President of the National Air Transportation Association, “There is a lot of good intent on Capitol Hill to improve a long-term (aviation funding) measure, finally. I am hopeful that with Randy filling the Administrator slot, momentum will carry us over the hump towards passage of a bill that modernizes our air traffic control system, rejects user fees, and invests in airport infrastructure.” Says Chip Barclay, President of the American Association of Airport Executives, “AAAE is very pleased that Randy has been chosen to lead FAA.”
Ed Bolen, President of the National Business Aviation Association, says, “He’s a pilot, with a thorough understanding of how our nation’s aviation system works. He also has a businessperson’s expertise, having started a successful aviation consulting company.”
Thirdly, following is an update concerning Missouri Aviation. Here is the only list of current Bills as follows:
Missouri
House of Representatives
95th General Assembly, 1st Regular Session
(2009)
Bills Indexed by Subject
AIRCRAFT AND AIRPORTS
HB 737 --- Sponsor: Schaaf, Robert
Decreases the percentage of an aircraft's true value in money to 7% when assessing personal property tax on certain aircraft HB 1018 --- Sponsor: Komo, Sam --- CoSponsor: Flook, Tim
Authorizes a state and local sales and use tax exemption for purchases of aviation jet fuel by air common carriers for immediate consumption or shipment on transoceanic flights HB 1140 --- Sponsor: Schoeller, Shane
Allows airports to retain sales taxes collected on enplanements at the airport for marketing purposes
SB 535 --- Sponsor: Days, Rita D.
Creates the crime of breach airport security
Last Updated May 1, 2009 at 1:55 pm
NOTE: Your Web site address for Texas Legislation: www.texas.gov
Look for Transportation-Aviation, to search all aviation bills.
Web site address for Illinois legislation: www.illinois.gov
Look for Transportation-Aviation, to search all aviation bills.
All other states should follow this same format, to search your specific state’s aviation and airport bills.
Remember, that as members of USPA, MPA, TPA, TXAA, NMPA, NPA, IPA, EAA, AOPA, or other pilot associations of which you may be a member, we have a powerful voice, in Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Texas, or whatever state you may represent. Every group of taxpayers and pilots carries a strong voice to Washington, D.C., as well as at the state and local level.
We need to learn how to use our voices, and speak up for general aviation.
So let us not forget to exercise our rights and privileges, so we can continue to make a “Difference for General Aviation”.
UNTIL NEXT TIME!
SAFE FLYING!
Larry G. Harmon
Vice President
Government & Technical Affairs
United States Pilots Association