The Senate Commerce Committee successfully passed a modified version of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2023 (S. 1939) that included a NATA-supported amendment by Sen. Deb Fischer (R, NE) striking two proposed grant assurances related to FBO pricing. The Committee approved the bipartisan “managers package” by a voice vote this morning after considering only one other amendment—on raising the pilot retirement age—which failed 13-14. Efforts to require airport ramp parking for transient aircraft and passage through FBOs for transient pilots were unsuccessful, although Sen. Ted Budd (R, NC) announced his intentions to continue his efforts on the Senate floor.
NATA will continue to work with Congressional leaders to protect airports and FBOs from onerous provisions, and we appreciate your powerful advocacy on these issues. Last summer, our FBO and airport members successfully educated members of the Senate Commerce Committee on the issues at stake, and last month NATA members urged the Senate to move on a long-term FAA bill. Your voice was heard! As always, we will keep you apprised of further action as we work toward full passage of a comprehensive FAA bill and will contact you if the transient ramp mandate or other problematic provisions resurface.