GREETINGS! First, Here’s an update from Washington, D.C. The U.S. House Appropriations Committee approved just prior to the August recess its version of the FY2005 DOT/Treasury spending bill, which includes monies for FAA operations and the Airport Improvement Program (AIP). Among provisions in the bill:
·AIP would receive $3.993 billion; Vision 100 legislation authorizes $3.5 billion for 2005.
·$20 million in AIP monies for the Small Community Air Service Development Program.
·$101.7 million for the Essential Air Service Program.
Secondly, FAA issues a program guidance letter (PGL 04-4) concerning the use of AIP funds for runway safety area projects; www.faa.gov/ARP/financial/aip/guidance/PGL0404.pdf FAA is also seeking comments through September 23rd, on its “Notice of Modification of Airport Improvement Grant Assurances and of the Opportunity to Comment.” Agency seeks to change some assurances to grant agreements or certifications, and calls for a new assurance concerning the statutory requirement for DBE (disadvantaged business enterprise) participation in airport concessions.
Thirdly, Transportation Security Administration (TSA) adds Boston Logan to its registered traveler pilot program for screening. TSA also announces that it has extended the contract with the Boeing Company for the deployment, nstallation, and maintenance of security equipment at U.S. airports.
Fourthly, DOT Inspector General issues its latest Airline Industry Metrics Report, which foresees increasing congestion in the U.S. Air Transportation System and
growing pressure from low-cost carriers.
Fifthly, Here’s an update Concerning Missouri Aviation. The only Airports and Aviation Bills are as follows: NOTE: Same Bills Listed as Last Month, No Changes.
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.
HCR 22 ---Sponsor:Jackson, Jack
Requests the Department of Transportation, in consultation with the Public Service Commission, to study the problems associated with telecommunications towers located in close proximity to airports.
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.
Last Updated September 9, 2004 at 9:20 am
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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 may 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.”
UNTIL NEXT TIME!
SAFE FLYING!
Larry G. Harmon
United States Pilots Association
Vice President
Government & Technical Affairs
E-mail address: USPAVPLHARMON228@aol.com