USPA Legislation Reports

June 2004 Legislation Report

GREETINGS! First, Here's information from Washington, D.C. FAA forms the Joint Planning and Development Office, made up of a team of Executive Branch officials, to develop a vision statement for the U.S. Air Transportation System to meet traffic demand in 2025.

In other news, FAA agrees to hold two regional public hearings in Washington and Las Vegas on its National Air Tour Safety Standards proposal.

Secondly, The Senate Commerce Committee introduces the Aviation Security Advancement Act (S.2393) that would authorize an additional  million from Letters of Intent used to fund installation of explosives detection systems at U.S. Airports, and would also establish a schedule for replacement of trace detection equipment at airports with EDS.

Thirdly, The Transportation Security Administration selects eight airports to participate in its access control pilot program: Boise, MSP, Newark, Savannah, Southwest Florida (Ft. Meyers), T.F. Green (Providence, RI), Miami, and Tampa.

The program will test new technologies related to access control of secure areas.

In other news, TSA, is preparing to release its guidelines for general aviation security.

www.tsa.gov

Fourthly, U.S. House select Committee on Homeland Security introduces the Safe Passengers and Landing in Aviation for the National Enhancement of Security Act, or the Safe Planes Act, that would require all airport workers to pass through passenger screening before entering sterile areas. The Act would also call for study of the optimal number of screeners needed at U.S. airports.

Fifthly, Since FAA's role of promoting the industry was eliminated in 1996, there is concern about the diminishing role the agency plays in the industry. Says James Coyne, President of NATA, "Promoting aviation doesn't seem to be an issue for anyone."

Paula Hochstetler, President of the Airport Consultants Council, comments, "FAA's role has changed from one of technical review to one that's administrative. It has prompted ACC to pursue training in how to develop airports.

"FAA is updating the Acs (Advisory Circulars) at an increasing pace. It means that while it has a diminished technical role, it is committing time and money to update very old criteria that is used by industry to develop facilities. I don’t see it as a positive; I see it as a fact."

Sixthly, Here's an update concerning Missouri Legislation. The only Aviation Bills Listed are as follows:

Missouri House of Representatives
92nd General Assembly, 2nd Regular Session (2004)
Bills Indexed by Subject
AIRCRAFT AND AIRPORTS

HB 1244 --- Sponsor: Dempsey, Tom --- CoSponsor: Spreng, Michael

Changes governance of the St. Louis International Airport.

HB 1584 --- Sponsor: Phillips, Susan C. --- CoSponsor: Brown, Jason

Revises the crime of unlawful use of weapons by making it a class B misdemeanor to, with criminal negligence, carry a firearm or other weapon into certain areas of an airport.

SB 1276 --- Sponsor: Vogel, Carl

Classifies noncommercial hangars as within the residential property class.

SCR 33 --- Sponsor: Kinder, Peter

Urges the Secretary of Transportation to grant approval to the application of Primaris Airlines to operate a twice-daily service between Washington, D.C. and St. Louis.

Now, In Conclusion, Remember, we as USPA, MPA EAA, AOPA, or any other Pilot Associations of which you may be a member, all have a powerful voice, be it here in Missouri, Indiana, Texas, or whatever state you represent. Every group of pilots and taxpayers carries a strong voice to Washington, D.C., and on the state and local level.

So Let's not forget to exercise our privileges, and continue to make a "Difference for General Aviation."

E-mail Address: USPAVPLHARMON228@aol.com