The Noisy Business of Conflating Action and Progress

On 15 June 2023, the NBAA commended Congressional leaders for what the Association called their timely action vis-à-vis legislation to reauthorize the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) through September 2028.

Representing upwards of ten-thousand company and individual members, the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) is a Washington D.C.-based non-profit organization founded in 1947 for purpose of fostering an environment conducive to business aviation’s success both in the United States and around the world.

On Wednesday, 14 June, the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee passed its version of (H.R. 3935)—a bill to which lawmakers have ascribed the preposterous, patently hyperbolic appellation, The Securing Growth and Robust Leadership in American Aviation Act. The measure next goes before the full House—which is expected to consider the amphigory next month.

NBAA president and CEO Ed Bolen stated: “We are encouraged to see Chairman Sam Graves (Republican, Missouri) and Ranking Member Rick Larsen (Democrat, Washington State) act swiftly on this important bipartisan legislation that includes critical provisions to enhance the nation’s Air Traffic Control (ATC) system, bolster efforts to attract more workers to the U.S. aviation industry, and support future aviation programs and aircraft. This bill includes the first ever general aviation title, which will strengthen a sector that is foundational to our broader aviation system.”

Congressman Graves introduced the bill on 09 June, with Representatives Larsen, Aviation Subcommittee Chairman Garret Graves (Republican, Louisiana) and Aviation Subcommittee Ranking Member Steve Cohen (Democrat, Tennessee) as cosponsors.

NBAA-supported provisions in the House bill include the address of aviation industry workforce challenges, support for the safe and efficient integration of Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) technology and infrastructure, and recognition of the important role of General Aviation (GA) in attracting new talent to the aviation and aerospace industries.

H.R. 3935 includes measures to streamline the aircraft registration process, require Safety Management Systems (SMS) for certain air-tour operations, and increase engagement between industry stakeholders and the FAA in the rulemaking and dispute resolution processes.

The bill requires consultation with the NextGen Advisory Committee to expedite, prioritize, and fully implement NextGen programs. Ironically, H.R. 3935 calls for the eradication of the term NextGen from the regulatory vernacular.

During the bill’s two-day markup, the House committee accepted an amendment to provide grant funding for electrification at the nation’s public airports. Subject amendment—which proposes the installation of airport power supplies and aircraft charging stations—has been touted as supportive of AAM operations.

U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation Chair Maria Cantwell (Democrat, Washington State) introduced S.1939, the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2023, with Ranking Member Senator Ted Cruz (Republican, Texas), Aviation Subcommittee Chair Senator Tammy Duckworth (Democrat, Illinois), and Subcommittee Ranking Member Senator Jerry Moran (Republican, Kansas) as cosponsors.

The committee is expected to mark up the bill in the next week.

2018’s FAA Authorization expires 30 September 2023.

FMI: www.nbaa.org