The leadership and staff of NATA are committed to safeguarding our member businesses’ present success while charting the course for the entire industry’s future growth—and a key aspect of that work involves collaboration with the Federal Aviation Administration. As such, much of our work here on Capitol Hill involves advocacy for sufficient resources and strategic policies to equip the Agency to maintain a safe and secure NAS that supports a thriving business aviation industry.
On May 15, NATA (National Air Transportation Association) welcomed the final passage of the Securing Growth and Robust Leadership in American Aviation Act (H.R. 3935), transformational legislation overwhelmingly approved by the U.S. Senate the Thursday prior and by the U.S. House of Representatives that afternoon in a 387-26 vote.
The bipartisan, bicameral legislation reauthorizes the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for five years, providing the Agency clear direction to maintain the gold standard in aviation safety during a time of both immense innovation and immense pressure on the National Airspace System (NAS). Final passage of the bill comes ahead of the May 17 expiration of the current short-term authorization.
NATA offered sincere appreciation to the Senate Commerce Committee and the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee for carefully crafting a comprehensive bill that balances the needs of all users of the NAS.
“Senate Commerce Committee Chair Maria Cantwell (D, WA) and Ranking Member Ted Cruz (R, TX) worked with Senate Aviation Subcommittee Tammy Duckworth (D, IL) and Ranking Member Jerry Moran (R, KS) to successfully navigate complex issues in a bipartisan manner while recognizing the input of diverse aviation industry stakeholders. House Transportation Chairman Sam Graves (R, MO), Ranking Member Rick Larsen (D, WA), Aviation Subcommittee Garret Graves (R, LA), and Ranking Member Steve Cohen (D, TN) demonstrated remarkable commitment to a timely, collaborative process that recognizes the significance of the general aviation sector to the overall aviation industry,” said NATA President and CEO Curt Castagna.
The bill’s consensus policies include investments in a robust and diverse aviation workforce, directives for increased FAA/industry collaboration, general aviation protections during a safe transition to unleaded fuels, and provisions to foster emerging technologies such as Advanced Air Mobility (AAM). In addition, H.R. 3935 recognizes the general aviation (GA) sector’s vital national role by including the first-ever GA title, which makes critical reforms to FAA services including aircraft registration and designated pilot examiners. Of note, the legislation includes NATA priorities to address FAA inefficiencies and inconsistencies related to part 135 certification, aircraft conformity, and pilot checks.
“The FAA’s current certification backlog and lack of timely check pilot and aircraft conformity functions inhibit the growth of NATA’s aviation business members while creating barriers to legitimate new industry entrants and increasing the risk of illegal charter activity. H.R. 3935 addresses these concerns, reflecting the advocacy of NATA and our members on FAA policies to increase efficiencies, ensure consistency, and safely maintain the continuum of certification and conformity for part 135 and 145 operations,” said Castagna.
After testifying before the House Aviation Subcommittee, NATA President and CEO Curt Castagna answers “7 Questions” for Ranking Member Rick Larsen and his staff.
2024 FAA Reauthorization Resources
Press Release: NATA’s Castagna Testifies Before House Aviation Subcommittee, Providing Insight on Securing the Successful Future of General Aviation
Hearing Recording: FAA Reauthorization: Securing the Future of General Aviation
Testimony: NATA “Securing the Future of General Aviation” Hearing Testimony
Policy Proposal: NATA 2023 FAA Reauthorization Proposal Senate Commerce
Enacted Law: FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024