1. For home-based pilots, the badging requirements apply if the person has leased space or is part of a tenant program, unless alternate measures have been approved by the airport operator. An example of an alternative measure would be an escort program.
2. For transients, they will not be required to have airport badges or back-ground checks from any of the non-home based airports they visit. Transient pilots are advised to remain in the footprint of their aircraft and to and from a service provider or airport exit.
Secondly, The U.S. House of Representatives passed its version of the FAA Reauthorization (HR 915) and did it without user fees. The House prefers funding the agency using excise taxes on fuel and airline tickets and a general fund contribution to provide $70 billion for FAA programs, including Next Generation funding, between fiscal years 2009-2012. While HR 915 does not impose user fees, it does include a moderate increase in taxes on GA fuel as had been agreed in the 2007 reauthorization bill. Consistent with the prior compromise not to implement user fees on GA operations the bill raises taxes from 19.3 cents per gallon to 24.1 cents per gallon for aviation gas, and from 21.8 cents per gallon to 35.9 cents per gallon for jet fuel used in noncommercial operations. The increase in fuel taxes is specifically designed to help fund the modernization of the air traffic control system.
The House Transportation Committee has consistently rejected user fees as a means of funding the FAA or the air traffic modernization. The Senate will now take up HR 915 or introduce its own legislation. To date, two hearings on the FAA reauthorization have been held by the Senate Commerce Committee’s Aviation Subcommittee, but no reauthorization bill has been introduced in the Senate.
Thirdly, following is an update concerning Missouri Aviation. Here is the only list of current Bills as follows:
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 as 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
Posted by JC at July 8, 2009 04:31 PM