HR 915, the FAA Reauthorization Act
of 2009, is more than just a resolution to keep paying the FAA's
Bills... it has become a nexus for a number of changes, a dumping
fround for pet projects, and an amalgam of competing (and
occasionally, conflicting) interests...
The Congressional Research Service, a nonpartisan arm of the
Library of Congress, has summarized the current bill... which
deserves some examination... as you might find some surprises. Let
us know what you think.
FAA Reauthorization Act of 2009 - Reauthorizes appropriations
for FY2009-FY2012 for:
(1) airport planning and development and noise compatibility
planning programs;
(2) air navigation facilities and equipment;
(3) Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) operations; and
(4) FAA research, engineering, and development. Authorizes
additional authorizations of appropriations from the general fund
of the Treasury for aviation programs through FY2012.
Amends the airport improvement program (AIP) to increase
passenger facility charges that can be imposed by an eligible
agency to finance an eligible airport-related project. Makes
projects for construction of airport bicycle storage facilities and
an intermodal ground access pilot project eligible airport-related
projects.
Specifies FAA services for which user fees may be charged.
Requires adjustment of overflight fees by expedited rulemaking.
Prescribes certain registration fees.
Revises requirements for the airport improvement program (AIP).
Increases the allotment of discretionary funds in a fiscal year for
the airport security program.
Expresses the sense of Congress that the modernizing of the
U.S. air transportation system, through implementation of the Next
Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen), is a national
priority.
Requires the FAA Administrator to report to Congress on the
program and schedule for integrating automatic dependent
surveillance-broadcast (ADS-B) technology into the national
airspace system. Prescribes other requirements for development of
the NextGen System.
Directs the FAA Administrator to develop a monitoring system
for flight service specialist staffing and training under service
contracts for flight service stations.
Establishes a NextGen research and development center of
excellence.
Directs the FAA Administrator to:
(1) develop a strategic runway safety plan, including systems
to alert controllers and/or flight crews to potential runway
incursions;
(2) prescribe standards for the occupational safety and health
of flight attendants;
(3) establish a pilot program to provide surveillance for
aircraft flying outside of radar coverage in mountainous areas;
and
Requires the Secretary of Transportation to develop a plan for
the safe integration of commercial unmanned aircraft systems into
the national airspace system.
Establishes in the FAA an Aviation Safety Whistleblower
Investigation Office.
Increases from 24 to 34 the number of slots exempt from
specified requirements and prohibitions concerning operation of an
aircraft nonstop in air transportation between Ronald Reagan
Washington National Airport and another airport more than 1,250
statute miles away (Perimeter Rule limit).
Increases additional funding and revises requirements for the
Essential Air Service program.
Requires certain air carriers and airport operators to submit
for the Secretary's approval emergency contingency plans for
passenger service during grounded aircraft flight delays.
Directs the Secretary to establish in the Department of
Transportation (DOT):
(1) an Office of Rural Aviation; and
(2) an advisory committee for aviation consumer
protection.
Prohibits voice communications using mobile communications
devices on scheduled flights.
Requires the FAA Administrator to
enter into a cooperative agreement with an institution, entity, or
consortium to carry out a program for the development, maturing,
and certification of CLEEN (continuous lower energy, emissions, and
noise) engine and airframe technology for aircraft over the next 10
years.
Prohibits operating certain aircraft weighing 75,000 pounds or
less that do not comply with stage 3 noise levels.
Directs the Secretary to establish:
(1) a pilot program to carry out up to six environmental
mitigation demonstration projects at public-use airports; and
(2) an aircraft departure queue management pilot program.
Revises FAA personnel management system requirements with
respect to the mediation, alternative resolution, and binding
arbitration of disputes between the FAA Administrator and FAA
employees about implementation of proposed changes to the
system.
Directs the FAA Administrator to:
(1) increase the number of aviation safety inspectors in the
Flight Standards Service;
(2) assess training programs for FAA air traffic controllers;
and
(3) establish an FAA Task Force on Air Traffic Control Facility
Conditions.
Extends the Secretary's authority to provide insurance and
reinsurance against loss or damage arising out of any risk from the
operation of a domestic or foreign aircraft.
Authorizes the FAA Administrator to access the criminal history
records or databases systems of specified federal law enforcement
agencies.
Establishes within the FAA a working group to make
recommendations for the realignment of FAA services and facilities
to assist in the transition to next generation facilities.
Directs the FAA Administrator to establish a pilot program for
redevelopment of airport properties.
Federal Aviation Research and Development Reauthorization Act
of 2009 - Directs the FAA Administrator to establish a research
initiative to assess the impact of aviation on the climate and, if
warranted, to evaluate approaches to mitigate such impact.
Directs the FAA Administrator to establish a Center for
Excellence in Aviation Employment.
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