MPA LEGISLATION REPORT
August 2005

GREETINGS! First, Here's an update from Washington, D.C. The Bush Administration objects to provisions in the FY2006 transportation appropriations bill, which recommends an FAA budget that's $1.7 billion more than the Administration proposed.

Secondly, The General Accounting Office (GAO) says FAA faces challenges in its efforts to modernize the air traffic control system; FAA has spent $43.5 billion on airspace modernization since the early '80s and plans to spend nearly another $10 billion through FY09. GAO says the initiative has suffered cost, schedule, and performance problems.

Thirdly, The Office of Management & Budget (OMB) receives the Transportation Security Administration's (TSA) interim final rule (IFR) to establish a security protocol that would provide business aviation operators access to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA). OMB can take up to 90 days to review an IFR rule.

Fourthly, Flight Service Stations are the focus of a U.S. House measure (H.R. 3058) to undo the FAA's contract for Lockheed Martin to take over their operation; the amendment prohibits FAA from spending money on competitive sourcing of flight service stations. FAA in February awarded a five-year, $1.9 billion contract to Lockheed Martin to consolidate and operate the FSS network for the FAA.

The contract is slated to take effect October 1, 2005.

Fifthly, Here's an update concerning Missouri Aviation. The only Airports and Aviation Bills are as follows:

93nd General Assembly, 1st Regular Session (2005)

Bills Indexed by Subject
AIRCRAFT AND AIRPORTS

HB 38 --- Sponsor: Jack Jackson
Authorizes an income tax designation to the Airborne Law Enforcement Fund

HB 306 --- Sponsor: Tom Dempsey
Extends the expiration of the aviation jet fuel sales and use tax exemption

SB 169 --- Sponsor: Charles Gross
Renews aviation sales tax until 2010 and technical addition to title section 305.230.

HB 713 --- Sponsor: Nathan Cooper
Extends sunset of transfer of jet fuel tax to the aviation trust fund and increases air control tower funding.

SB 396 --- Sponsor: Jason Crowell
Extends sunset of transfer of jet fuel tax to the aviation trust fund and increases air control tower funding.

SB 498 --- Sponsor: Robert Mayer
Amends sales and use tax exemption for aircraft sales to not-for-profit organizations.

Note: Here's your web site address for Texas Legislation: www.texas.gov.
Look for Transportation-Aviation, to search all Aviation Bills.

Note: Here's your web site address for Illinois Legislation: www.illinois.gov.
Look for Transportation-Aviation, to search all Aviation Bills.

Now, In Conclusion, Remember, we as USPA, MPA, EAA, AOPA, or any other State Pilot Associations of which you may be a member, all have a powerful voice, be it here in Missouri, Indiana, Texas, or whatever state you may represent. Every group of pilots and taxpayers carries a strong voice to Washington, D.C., and on the State and Local Level.

So Let's not forget to exercise our privileges, and continue to make a "Difference for General Aviation."

UNTIL NEXT TIME!

SAFE FLYING!