GREETINGS! First, Here’s an update from Washington, D.C. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) issues a new publication that examines the safety improvements which have resulted from more than three decades of transportation accident investigations.
Titled NTSB: Lessons Learned and Lives Saved, the publication surveys safety measures inspired by NTSB recommendations in all modes of transportation and can be found at www.ntsb.gov.
Secondly, The FAA releases an NPRM that would require the retrofit of all cockpit voice recorders currently installed in aircraft and calls for adoption of new standards for flight data recorders.
FAA also, signs a Record of Decision approving a main runway extension, proposed runway safety area enhancements, and other infrastructure improvements at Gary/Chicago International Airport.
Thirdly, The Department of Homeland Security swears in Judge Michael Chertoff as Security of the United States Department of Homeland Security.
DHS also approves the nominations of Michael Jackson as Deputy Secretary of the United States Department of Homeland Security. He replaces James M. Loy.
Fourthly, The Transportation Security Administration issues a change to the Flight Training Provider account request process for the Alien Flight Student Program. The registration process can now be accomplished electronically.
TSA also, signs two contracts to provide maintenance for TSA’s Explosives Detection Systems machines with General Electric InVision, Inc., and L-3 Communications.
TSA, earmarks $20 million for in-line installation of baggage screening equipment at Miami International Airport.
Fifthly, Here’s an update concerning Missouri Aviation. The only Airports and Aviation Bills are as follows:
Missouri House of Representatives
93rd General Assembly, 1st Regular Session (2005)
Bills Indexed by Subject
AIRCRAFT AND AIRPORTS
HB 38 --- Sponsor: Jackson, Jack
Authorizes an income tax designation to the Airborne Law Enforcement Fund
HB 306 --- Sponsor: Dempsey, Tom
Extends the expiration of the aviation jet fuel sales and use tax exemption
HB 713 --- Sponsor: Cooper, Nathan D.
Extends the expiration date of the transfer of jet fuel sales tax into the State Aviation Trust Fund and increases air control tower funding
SB 169 --- Sponsor: Gross, Charles
Renews aviation sales tax until 2010 and technical addition to title section 305.230.
SB 396 --- Sponsor: Crowell, Jason
Extends sunset of transfer of jet fuel tax to the aviation trust fund and increases air control tower funding.
SB 498 --- Sponsor: Mayer, Robert
Amends sales and use tax exemption for aircraft sales to not-for-profit organizations.
Last Updated May 6, 2005 at 3:11 pm _
Note: Here’s your web site address for Texas Legislation: www.texas.gov.
Look for Transportation-Aviation, to search all Aviation Bills.
Note: Here’s your web site address for Illinois Legislation: www.illinois.gov.
Look for Transportation-Aviation, to search all Aviation Bills.
Now, In Conclusion, Remember we as USPA, MPA, TPA, IPA, EAA, AOPA, or any other State Pilot Association of which you may be a member, we all have a powerful voice, be it here in Missouri, Indiana, Texas, Illinois, or whatever state you may represent. Every group of taxpayers, and pilots carries a strong voice to Washington, D.C. and on the State and Local Government level.
So, let’s 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
E-mail: USPAVPLHARMON228@aol.com
Posted by JC at May 8, 2005 09:54 AM