USPA Legislation Reports

October 2005 Legislation Report

GREETINGS! First, Here’s an update from Washington, D.C. The U.S. House of Representatives passes its version of the DOT/FAA (H.R.3058) spending bill, maintaining $3.6 billion for the Airport Improvement Program (AIP). The Bill eliminates some $20 million in funding for the Small Community Air Service Development Program and $10 million for the Airport Cooperative Research Program. This Bill now moves to the Senate.

Secondly, The General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) reports a 31.6 percent jump in General Aviation billings in the first half 2005; expects industry to deliver some 3,000 aircraft this year.

Thirdly, National Air Transportation Association (NATA) President Jim Coyne is as much as anyone responsible for the reopening of Reagan National (DCA) to general aviation, if for no other reason than his tenacity on this issue. That said, he too was a bit surprised at the severity of the guidelines recently announced, although he expresses optimism that the time will smooth out the rough spots.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) announcement reads, “DHS Implements Stringent Security Plan” for opening DCA to General Aviation.

If not stringent, then at best complex. A few complexities are as follows:

• A law enforcement officer must be on board.
• Under Orange or Red threat levels, all General Aviation operations cease; and
• Incoming General Aviation aircraft must be arriving from one of 14 “gateway” airports, where final screening will occur prior to departing for DCA.
• Word is, official at Signature Flight Support the FBO at DCA aren’t expecting a flurry of General Aviation activity following implementation of the procedures, which occurs 90 days after the final rule comes out.

Fourthly, Here’s an update concerning Missouri Aviation. The only airport and Aviation 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 September 19, 2005 at 2:45 PM

Note: Here’s your we site address for Texas Legislation: www.texas.gov Look for Transportation-Aviation, to search all your Aviation Bills.

Web site address for Illinois Legislation: www.illinois.gov  Look for Transportation-Aviation, to search all your Aviation Bills.

All other States can follow the same format, to search your specific state’s aviation and airport bills.

Now, In Conclusion, remember we as USPA, MPA, TPA, NMPA, NPA, EAA, AOPA, or other state pilot associations 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

Posted by JC at October 7, 2005 05:28 PM