GREETINGS! First, Here’s an update from Washington, D.C. U.S. House passes H.R. 2360, the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, which funds DHS for 2006. Included in the legislation is a provision requiring DHS to implement a security plan that would reopen DCA to charter and GA operations within 90 days of the bill’s enactment.
The House also passes H.R. 1817, the Department of Homeland Security
Authorization Act, which is the first-ever authorization bill for the
department. The bill contains a provision that directs DHS to develop and
implement a plan to allow charter and general aviation operations at DCA within
60 days of the bill’s enactment.
Secondly, The FAA delays cockpit voice recorder comment period until June 28TH,
at the request of the Aerospace Industries Association. Also the FAA’s
Management Advisory Council (MAC) issues a report blaming the White House and
Congress for cutting funding for FAA programs. The FAA also notifies pilots that
the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) will use the laser warning
system to alert operators who have entered restricted airspace over the
Washington, D.C. area.
Thirdly, While the air traffic booming, 1.8 million passengers daily, from our
nation’s airports and the issue of security at an all-time high, cutting airport
funding would seem an unlikely notion.
The Bush administration, though, has proposed cutting AIP (Airport Improvement
Program) by $500 million, which will be detrimental to airports who are already
struggling with airport capacity, infrastructure improvement, and added security
measures. It’s yet another reason airports are pressing to keep costs in line,
while their largest tenants, the legacy airlines, are in dire straits.
The carriers are fighting their own battle against a TSA proposal that would
double the federal security fee for passengers, to be used for screening
systems. The airlines say the cost should be covered by the general fund, since
it’s a matter of national security.
A valid question is, How much improvement has TSA really made in airport
security in the last three years? After taking over the screening process and
the screeners themselves, breaches are still occurring in airports from people
entering unauthorized areas, prohibited items getting through screening, fake
badges being uncovered, and an ongoing concern about cargo screening.
To date, only two airports have applied to “opt out” and work with private
screeners. Some of the reluctance to opt out is related to concerns over further
funding cuts and liability issues.
While there may be no way of proving at the present time if private screening companies are more effective, in most cases private firms are more responsive and accountable to their customers.
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
Note: Here’s your web 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 Related Bills.
Now, In Conclusion, remember we as USPA, MPA, TPA, NMPA, NPA, 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