GREETINGS! First, Here’s an update from Washington, D.C. The Bush Administration objects to provisions in the FY2006 transportation appropriations bill, which recommends an FAA budget that’s $1.7 billion more than the Administration proposed.
Secondly, The General Accounting Office (GAO) says FAA faces challenges in its efforts to modernize the air traffic control system; FAA has spent $43.5 billion on airspace modernization since the early ‘80s and plans to spend nearly another $10 billion through FY09. GAO says the initiative has suffered cost, schedule, and performance problems.
Thirdly, The Office of Management & Budget (OMB) receives the Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) interim final rule (IFR) to establish a security protocol that would provide business aviation operators access to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA). OMB can take up to 90 days to review an IFR rule.
Fourthly, Flight Service Stations are the focus of a U.S. House measure (H.R. 3058) to undo the FAA’s contract for Lockheed Martin to take over their operation; the amendment prohibits FAA from spending money on competitive sourcing of flight service stations. FAA in February awarded a five-year, $1.9 billion contract to Lockheed Martin to consolidate and operate the FSS network for the FAA. The contract is slated to take effect October 1, 2005.
Fifthly, Here’s an update concerning Missouri Aviation. The only airports and aviation bills are as follows:
HB 38 --- Sponsor: Jackson, Jackson
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
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 June 27, 2005
Now, In Conclusion, remember we as USPA, MPA, NPA, NMPA, TXAA, EAA, AOPA, or other state pilot associations of which you may be a member, all have a powerful voice, be it here in Missouri, Indiana, Illinois, Texas, 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 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
United States Pilots Association
Vice President
Government & Technical Affairs
USPAVPLHARMON228@aol.com