FAA Reauthorization and Modernization
NBAA supports the continued transition to a future aviation system that is satellite-based rather than today's ground-based navigation system and supports preserving the general aviation community's financial contributions to the air transportation system through the payment of fuel taxes, rather than new user fees.
Related Resources
‘Fuel Tax’ – The Most Effective Payment System For General Aviation
- The Most Effective Payment System For General Aviation The fuel tax has long been a proven, efficient, reliable means for general aviation to pay for its use of the nation's aviation system. NBAA and the rest of the general aviation community support proposals for aviation modernization that use adjustments of the fuel tax for funding. Learn more.
Related News
Sen. Begich Speaks Out Against User Fees
October 9, 2011
In statement on the Senate Floor last Thursday, Sen. Mark Begich (D-AK) opposed the administration's proposed $100 per-flight user fee as a way to fund a bill to address the nation's jobs and deficit crises. The user fee "is not a wise or even cost-effective way to administer a tax," said Begich, noting that with limited or no road access for 80 percent of Alaska's communities, "General aviation is not a luxury in Alaska; it is a necessity." As for user fees, "General aviation users pay their fair share now," said Begich. "They pay for the aviation system through a per gallon tax on their aviation fuel." Read more, and view Begich's statement.
Industry United in Thwarting Latest User Fee Threat
September 23, 2011
The Obama administration's decision to include per-flight user charges as part of its legislation to address the deficit and jobs crises has been met with unconditional opposition from across the aviation industry. Immediately after the plan was unveiled, National Business Aviation Association President and CEO Ed Bolen promised to stand united with leaders of other industry groups to battle the measure. Learn more.
FAA Shutdown Not Disrupting Business Aviation
July 25, 2011
Congress adjourned last week without passing the 21st temporary funding measure for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) since its last long-term budget was approved in 2007. "For all practical purposes, they've gone home," FAA Administrator Randy Babbitt noted in this week's edition of the NBAA Flight Plan. However, NBAA Senior Vice President, Operations & Administration Steve Brown said critical daily functions such as ATC services, and ATC support functions such as weather service, flow control and the ATC System Command Center, would continue without disruption. NBAA has also prepared a resource on the Association's web site with information on how business operators' tax collection duties might be affected by the shutdown. Learn more.
Tell Congress to Preserve BARR in Final FAA Reauthorization Bill
May 23, 2011
The final hurdle for an FAA reauthorization bill is a panel of conferees from the House and Senate who will reconcile differences in the bills passed earlier this year by each chamber. NBAA has joined other industry groups in urging the conference panel to include language in the House version of FAA reauthorization preserving the BARR program – an appeal that has also made by a group of senators. With NBAA's Contact Congress resource, you can send your own message to the panel, telling them that "significantly limiting the BARR represents an unwarranted invasion of the privacy of aircraft owners and operators, a threat to the competitiveness of U.S. companies and a potential security risk to persons on board." Learn more about the BARR program, or Contact Congress today.
May 16, 2011
Senators Call for BARR Preservation in Final FAA Reauthorization Bill
Four U.S. senators recently urged that the final Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reauthorization bill include House-passed language preserving the Block Aircraft Registration Request (BARR) program. "The BARR program protects the legitimate security and privacy interests of aircraft owners, pilots and their passengers by ensuring real-time flight tracking information of private aircraft is not available to the public upon the aircraft operator's request," wrote Senate General Aviation Caucus co-chairs Mark Begich (D-AK) and Mike Johanns (R-NE) and their colleagues Sens. Mark Warner (D-VA) and Ben Nelson (D-NE). The four sent their letter to the chair and ranking member of the Senate Commerce, Science & Transportation Committee, Sens. Jay Rockefeller (D-WV) and Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-TX), respectively, who will serve on the House and Senate conference panel reconciling the FAA bills passed by each chamber. Send your own message to Congress echoing the senators' message to preserve the BARR. Read the letter.
May 16, 2011
Joint Industry Letter Echoes Senators' Call for Preserving the BARR
On May 13, NBAA joined with the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association and Experimental Aircraft Association in signing a letter calling for preservation of the House-passed language to continue the BARR program as part of FAA reauthorization. The letter was sent to the members of Congress who will serve on a conference committee to reconcile the House and Senate FAA reauthorization measures. The groups' joint letter comes as other aviation groups, national business groups and members of Congress weigh in with similar letters supporting the BARR program. Learn more and read the letter.
Babbitt Discusses Need For Final FAA Reauthorization Bill
May 9 2011
In remarks before the Atlanta Aero Club on May 5, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) chief Randy
Babbitt said a final FAA reauthorization bill would help the agency's planning and management of
the large-scale, long-term work involved in completing the transformation of today's ground-based
aviation system into a satellite-based Next Generation ("NextGen") system. Once the necessary
NextGen technologies are installed, Babbitt pointed out, savings in costs and time would follow for all
aviators. Following his remarks in Atlanta, Babbitt was interviewed for this week's NBAA Flight Plan
podcast. Read more, and hear the podcast interview with the Administrator.
House Approves FAA Reauthorization Bill
April 4, 2011
NBAA last week applauded passage by the U.S. House of Representatives of a reauthorization measure (H.R. 658) for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to ensure continued progress on modernizing the nation's aviation system. The bill reflects a number of business aviation priorities and preserves the general aviation fuel tax in lieu of creating user fees. "We commend the House for this action to strengthen our nation's aviation system by approving this FAA reauthorization measure," NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen said. Learn more.
Aviation Coalition Renews Call for FAA Reauthorization Passage
March 28, 2011
Last week, NBAA was among 33 aviation organizations and companies that sent a joint letter to leaders in the U.S. House of Representatives urging swift passage of H.R. 658, the multi-year FAA reauthorization package currently under consideration in the House. The letter notes, "H.R. 658 contains many provisions important to the aviation community, including strengthening the ability of FAA to implement the procedures, policies, and technology necessary for the success of NextGen." Read a copy of the industry letter.
White House, Congress Plan for FAA Reauthorization Without User Fees
February 21, 2011
Following the Obama Administration's release of its fiscal year (FY) 2012 budget last week, NBAA said the proposal strengthens the national aviation system and preserves funding for small and mid-size airports without imposing new, onerous user fees. The president's proposal comes as the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee approved a multi-year FAA reauthorization. In the Senate, final approval was given to its FAA legislation last Thursday. Both bills would fund aviation system modernization without imposing user fees. "We're encouraged that the proposals we've seen so far, including the president's FY2012 budget, reflect an understanding of the value and priorities of business aviation," said NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen. Read more.
NBAA Weighs In as House Moves on FAA Reauthorization
February 14, 2011
In testimony provided on February 9 to the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee's Subcommittee on Aviation, NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen stressed the importance of continually modernizing the nation's air transportation system as part of Congress's focus on creating more jobs and expanding the economy. Business aviation is "a vital link in our transportation system and powerful engine for job creation and economic growth," Bolen's testimony states. House aviation leaders introduced their FAA reauthorization bill, the FAA Reauthorization and Reform Act of 2011 (HR 658), last Friday. Learn more and review Bolen's testimony.
Senate Advances FAA Reauthorization Measure
February 14, 2011
Last week, the Senate Finance Committee approved its version of an FAA reauthorization measure, which increases taxes on Jet-A fuel to 35.9 cents per gallon to help fund aviation system modernization. "The business aviation community has long said the best way for general aviation (GA) to help fund modernization is by building upon the proven, efficient GA fuel tax," said NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen of the committee's action. "This bill mirrors previous FAA reauthorization proposals, in that it adjusts the fuel tax in lieu of introducing new user fees for general aviation." This week, the full Senate is expected to continue its consideration of FAA reauthorization. Review NBAA's position on aviation system modernization and learn more.
House Committee Hearing to Focus on FAA Reauthorization
February 7, 2011
As Congress debates "reauthorization" for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and aviation system modernization, the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee's Aviation Subcommittee has scheduled hearings this week on the matter. NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen has previously testified at similar hearings, and he will submit testimony for the February 9 hearing, which will gather input from aviation industry stakeholders. For more information, contact NBAA's Lisa Piccionelpiccione@nbaa.org. Read NBAA’sprevious congressional hearing testimony about FAA reauthorization.
Senate Approves Laser-Pointer Restrictions to Reauthorization Bill
February 7, 2011
The U.S. Senate has approved an amendment to the FAA reauthorization bill that would make aiming laser pointers at aircraft a federal crime. The measure passed by a vote of 96–1 on February 3, as the Senate continues to push for approval of long-awaited reauthorization legislation. The amendment comes on the heels of an FAA report showing that incidents of pointer-type lasers aimed at aircraft almost doubled in 2010 from the previous year to more than 2,800, with business-type aircraft accounting for an estimated 25 percent of the incidents involved. Read the full story.
NBAA Welcomes Congressional Emphasis on FAA Reauthorization
January 31, 2011
Recent announcements from committee leaders in the U.S. House and Senate indicate that a reauthorization bill for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) will be a top priority on the congressional agenda in the coming weeks. FAA reauthorization, including a multi-year plan for continued aviation system modernization, has been a long-standing priority for the entire general aviation community, including NBAA and its Members. "The general aviation community supports continued transformation to a modernized aviation system, and we are pleased that, in the coming weeks, Congress will be focused on this issue," Bolen said. Learn more and review NBAA's position on FAA reauthorization.
Senate Selects Members for Key Committees
January 31, 2011
Last week, the selection of Senate committee members was announced, including the makeup of the Committee on Commerce Science & Transportation and the Committee on Finance, which have jurisdiction over issues related to business aviation. "We look forward to working with these committees, and others in Congress who recognize the importance of business aviation to local communities and the national economy." Review the committee rosters.
NBAA Welcomes Congressional Letter to White House Urging 'No User Fees'
January 24, 2011
Last week, NBAA welcomed a bipartisan congressional letter urging President Obama to keep user fees out of the administration's fiscal year 2012 budget. Reps. Jerry Costello (D-12-IL) and Tom Petri (R-6-WI), who serve on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, joined with 114 other House members in signing the letter calling for user fees to be excluded from the next fiscal year budget proposal. Read NBAA's press release and view the letter.
Leadership, Members Selected for Key House Aviation Subcommittee
January 24, 2011
The Republican and Democratic leaders of the House Transportation and Infrastructure (T&I) Committee announced the leadership and members of the T&I aviation subcommittee on January 20. "We look forward to working with the members of this subcommittee, those on the full Transportation & Infrastructure Committee, and all in Congress on proposals that continue to strengthen the nation's aviation system, so that it remains the world's largest, safest and most efficient system," said NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen. Learn more and view a list of all subcommittee members.
Capitol Hill Ad Highlights Business Aviation Value
- September 17, 2010
NBAA has utilized print and broadcast messaging in and outside Washington, DC, to promote the value of business aviation to the nation’s economy and transportation system. Recently, NBAA joined with the General Aviation Manufacturers Association, the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, and the National Air Transportation Association in supporting this advertisement, placed in two Capitol Hill publications, Politico and Roll Call. The ad, which calls upon Congress to pass a final version of “reauthorization” for the Federal Aviation Administration, points out that the industry generates $150 billion, supports more than 1.2 million jobs and provides a trade surplus for the U.S. – all central messages in the No Plane No Gain program, which is sponsored by NBAA and GAMA.
View the “We’re ready to fly” advertisement (1.5 MB, PDF)
- Congress Extends FAA Authorization, Adds Safety Provisions
- July 30, 2010
Congress has approved another extension of FAA programs and funding as lawmakers continue work on a multi-year FAA reauthorization bill. The extension bill HR 5900, titled the Airline Safety and Federal Aviation Administration Extension Act of 2010, also includes new pilot training and aviation safety rules for regional and commuter flights, and runs through September 30. Neither of the pending FAA bills in the U.S. House of Representatives nor the Senate includes new user fees.
Download HR 5900 (191 KB, PDF)
- FAA's Latest Congressional Funding Extension Expires Aug. 1
- July 26, 2010
As the most recent congressional extension of funding and programs for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is set to expire this week, the House and Senate are working to reconcile the differences between their bills to reauthorize the FAA. The current funding extension expires on August 1, and if Congress is unable to approve a final, multi-year reauthorization bill by that date, lawmakers are expected to approve another extension of current law. NBAA supports a multi- year reauthorization bill that will enable the agency to do critically needed long-range planning, and make the long-term investments in airport infrastructure and technology that are required to modernize and expand the nation's aviation system. The reauthorization bills help fund the transformation to a Next Generation (NextGen) system in part through an adjustment in the general aviation jet fuel tax to 36 cents, instead of instituting new and onerous user fees.
- FAA Continues 'NextGen' Rollout
- June 14, 2010
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) recently issued plans for implementing Automatic Dependent Surveillance Broadcast (ADS-B) "out" equipage for aircraft operators. The guidelines require ADS-B out to be installed on aircraft operating in Class A, B and C airspace by 2020. The business aviation community has long supported continued transformation to a Next Generation Air Traffic Control system, or "NextGen," and ADS-B is seen as the cornerstone technology for such a system. "The FAA's plan for implementing ADS-B over the next 10 years, developed in consultation with all aviation stakeholders, demonstrates the shared priority government and industry have placed on aviation system modernization," NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen recently told media organizations. Get more information, and review the final rule.
- NextGen Planning Should Include [All] Stakeholders, NBAA Says
- May 10, 2010
While the inclusion of business aviation in a recently formed DOT planning group is a welcome development, NBAA nevertheless wants to ensure that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) understands the industry's long-standing support for continued investment in aviation system modernization. That’s why on May 10, 2010, NBAA joined several other groups in sending a letter to the FAA underscoring the need for all aviation segments to be involved in the government's planning of the Next Generation Air Transportation System, or NextGen. “We believe it is imperative that all stakeholders are involved as the FAA develops its modernization plans,” the letter states. Review the letter.
- Congress Approves FAA Extension Through July 3
- May 3, 2010
Last week, Congress extended FAA funding and programs through July 3, 2010. By that date, Congress must either finish its work on the FAA reauthorization bill or extend current law again to provide time for lawmakers to hammer out differences between the House and Senate versions. The two bills must be reconciled into a single piece of legislation before being sent to the President. Neither the House nor Senate bills include new and onerous user fees, and instead would help fund system modernization with an increase in the jet fuel tax. Learn more about General Aviation's committment to system modernization.
- General Aviation is Committed to Safety, System Modernization, and Expanded Capacity
- May 3, 20100
The general aviation community has always paid for its use of the nation's aviation system through a "fuel tax," which is also a proven, efficient and reliable means for contributing to FAA funding and aviation system modernization. Learn more.
- Business Aviation Active in 'NextGen' Dialogue at Key Washington Conference
- April 8, 2010
Leaders from across the aviation community - including representatives from the airlines, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Capitol Hill, the general aviation community and other stakeholders – gathered in downtown Washington on April 6-7, 2010, for a Spring Symposium hosted by the RTCA, a non-profit organization established to formulate consensus-based solutions to aviation system challenges. Learn more.
- NBAA and Others Tell Congress: NextGen Will Grow Jobs
- September 20, 2009
Review the letter.
- Industry Groups Support Tranisition to Next Generation ATC System
- February 9, 2009
Review the letter.
- NBAA’s routinely testifies before Congressional Committees, regulatory bodies, policy forums and other venues in the Association’s work to advance policies that foster business aviation in the United States and around the world.
- General Aviation United Against User Fees
- The general aviation community supports legislative proposals - approved by the US House of Representatives and under consideration in the Senate - to continue the important work already done to modernize the nation's aviation system. However, the industry rejects proposals to fund the FAA and aviation system modernization through untested, inefficient user fees. Learn more.
