December 12, 2008
December 2008 Legislation Report
Greetings! First, Here is an update from Washington, D.C. Former pilot union President Duane Woerth is among the names said to be at the top of the list, but reports over the weekend suggested both Woerth and Robert T. Herbert are among those who might be selected to lead the FAA. While Woerth is a familiar name for many longtime aviators (Woerth was president of the Airline Pilots Association from 1999-2007), the less familiar Herbert has worked as a longtime aide to Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid. Herbert’s aviation experience spans both military and civilian piloting and he has “advised Reid on transportation, defense and homeland security issues,” according to the Washington Post.
Reid has backed Herbert, sending a letter to President-elect Barack Obama’s transition team, the Post said, while Herbert has recently sought the audience of “aviation-related unions.” Meanwhile, Woerth carries the clout of union experience and some insiders believe that positions him as the one best able to navigate the maze of contract issues and labor disputes that frequently complicate matters between the FAA, the National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA) and the Professional Aviation Safety Specialists (PASS).
Secondly, L-3 Security and Detection Systems of Woburn, MA reports that the U.S. Transportation Security Administration has recently accepted delivery of 30 ProVision TM Checkpoint Security Systems. The order is part of an existing contract with the overall contract value of $24 million. After an initial evaluation of the ProVision in 2007, TSA tested systems at Los Angeles International Airport, and John F. Kennedy International Airport, and Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, which together serve an estimated 140 million passengers annually.
Thirdly, National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) President and CEO Ed Bolen announces that the association has joined forces with the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA), asking the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) for an extension to the comment period on TSA’s plan regarding proposed general aviation security requirements.
Fourthly, following is an update concerning Missouri Aviation. The only Aircraft and Airport Bills are as follows:
Missouri
House of Representatives
Bills Indexed by Subject
AIRCRAFT AND AIRPORTS
There are no bills indexed by this subject.
Last Updated December 9, 2008 at 8:28 am
Notice: The First Regular Session of the 95th General Assembly will convene Wednesday January 7, 2009
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!
MERRY CHRISTMAS & HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Larry G. Harmon
Vice President
Government & Technical Affairs
United States Pilots Association