NATA News

Last Tuesday, NATA issued a statement refuting a call for industry support of the ongoing “Denial of Airport Access and Egregious FBO Fees” campaign. The association outlined the detrimental impacts the initiative has to the general aviation community, including increased costs for users, the redirection of resources from important operational and safety projects at airports, and a failure to recognize how airports carry out mandates from TSA and satisfy the agency’s rigorous requirements. “NATA remains focused on educating the public on the realities of running aviation businesses and collaborating to find solutions specific to each airport – instead of a universal approach that will not consider unique characteristics found at every airport,” said NATA President Marty Hiller. Women in Aviation (WAI), who initially signed onto AOPA’s campaign, rescinded their support. On Friday, WAI President Dr. Peggy Chabrian released a statement, noting that while there are financial challenges inherent in flying, “we also recognize that FBOs provide services crucial to our flying, as well as extending comforts, which enhance general aviation operations.” For more information about how FBOs contribute to the success of the general aviation industry, visit NATA’s Real FBO Facts and share your stories of extraordinary FBO service.

Two bills important to the general aviation community are still working their way through the legislative process, both seemingly stuck in the same place for the same reasons. S. 1405, the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2017, has come close to making a Senate floor appearance, but negotiations over amendments, as well as judicial nominations and other issues have shifted the bill back in the queue. Senate transportation leadership noted that a bill probably will not be ready this week, and the Senate is scheduled to take its one-week summer recess the following week, making potential floor time, if any, available mid-August. Expiration of FAA authority is September 30^th, and a House and Senate conference committee must convene to hash out differences between their bills by the deadline. Also, S. 3023, Fiscal Year 2019 transportation appropriations, is in its final preparation stages before it heads to the floor for a vote. However, the bill has been combined with three other bills (related to Agriculture, Financial Services, and Interior and the Environment), creating a “minibus” that requires time and containing many amendments to sort through. However, transportation and the other eleven appropriations bills, must be passed this year, making its path to the floor easier. Continue to follow NATA’s social media for updates on these important bills to the general aviation community.