GA groups urge Congress to pass long-term FAA reauthorization bill

General Aviation groups warned Congress that a continued short-term extension of FAA authorization would "challenge the certainty that industry and the FAA depend on to enable long-term planning and investment in many critical areas required to ensure the safety of the NAS and America's global leadership in aviation." The NBAA shared the statement on Thursday, noting the ways in which the GA industry is crucial in the U.S. by providing jobs, connecting communities and helping during disasters. GA organizations submitted a written statement to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee on Aviation's hearing titled "Turbulence Ahead: Consequences of Delaying a Long-term FAA Bill." The collective included the AOPA, EAA, HAI, NASAO, NATA and NBAA. "The general aviation industry contributes an estimated $247 billion in economic output and supports 1.2 million jobs in the United States while supporting critical services and providing an essential lifeline to thousands of communities nationwide," the statement said. The world of general aviation is vast, encompassing various types of operations including disaster relief and recovery, search and rescue, emergency medical personnel and supplies delivery, agricultural, recreational and personal transport. GA operations run out of over 5,000 public-use airports, 13,000 private airports and airstrips and 5,500 heliports. General Aviation supports the industry through its different types of operations. The GA sector also supports the commercial aviation industry by training a large number of airline pilots. The FAA Reauthorization Act was due to expire at the end of September, while Congress remained at a standstill over government spending. Preventing a possible government shutdown, temporary action was taken. A short-term funding bill was passed, including a statutory authorization of the FAA through Dec. 31. The House of Representatives passed the bill in July with overwhelming support, in a 351-69 vote. The legislation now waits for Senate approval to authorize the FAA for the net five years.RELATED STORIES:Senate unanimously confirms FAA administrator after 19 month vacancyShort-term funding bill extends FAA authorizationHouse passes FAA reauthorization bill with overwhelming supportHouse, Senate versions of FAA reauthorization bill - What's included in each one The statement went on to commend the House and Committee and its leadership in the passage of the Securing Growth and Robust Leadership in American Aviation Act, H.R. 3935. The bipartisan legislation will reauthorize the FAA for five years, providing a multi-year structure, resources and a direction for the agency. On Oct. 25 a new Administrator was appointed to the FAA after 572 days without a permanent leader. The Senate unanimously confirmed Michael Whitaker to serve as the head of the agency, the first permanent leader in 19 months. Now, armed with a permanent leader, the FAA needs reauthorization. "This bill enables the FAA to move forward on areas of significant importance to general aviation including workforce development, regulatory process improvement, airspace modernization, and the development and enabling of new technologies," the statement said.