MPA LEGISLATION REPORT
January 2007

GREETINGS! First, Here's an update from Washington, D.C. The Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) mission is to promote aviation safety and mobility by building, maintaining, and operating the Nation's air traffic control system; overseeing commercial and general aviation safety through regulation and inspection; and providing assistance to improve the capacity and safety of our airports. The 2007 budget request of $13.7 billion for the FAA reflects the Administration's commitment to increase the performance and capacity of our aviation system.

Secondly, The President's FY2007 budget requests $8.4 billion for FAA Operations. Most of the funds requested for FAA Operations in FY 2007 support the goal of maintaining and increasing aviation safety, reflecting the President's commitment in this area. Other significant amounts support mobility and security.

Thirdly, Here's and update from the U.S. Department of Transportation FY 2007 Budget in Brief on Safety.

o Safety--- $7.6 billion includes all funding for inspecting aircraft and ensuring the safety of flight procedures. This includes an increase of $18.2 million to hire and train 1,1136 air traffic controllers, resulting in a net gain of 132 controllers; $8 million to expand the Air Transportation Oversight System, $4.8 million for new aviation safety requirements; and $5.7 million for future aviation safety initiatives. The budget supports continued development of the Air Traffic Organization (ATO), which was formed in FY 2004 to improve the delivery of air traffic services by adopting "best business-like" practices. It also includes funding for operating and maintaining the air traffic control system, developing a replacement air traffic data and telecommunications system, commercial space transportation, and a share of agency overhead support costs.
o Mobility--- The request includes $480.9 million to improve air traffic efficiency by various means, including the flow of air traffic through better airspace design.
o Other--- The request includes $242.6 million to promote other goals, most notably global connectivity, environmental stewardship, security, and improvements in organizational excellence.

Fourthly, This fiscal year 2007 Budget, includes a lot of funding, we need to keep a watchful eye on where all this money will come from? Possibly from "user fees"?
This is where you need to stay in touch with your Congressmen and House of Representatives, telling them just say "no" to "user fees". Working Together We Can Make A Difference!

Fifthly, Here's an update concerning Missouri Aviation. The only Airport and Aviation Bills are as follows:
Missouri House of Representatives

94th General Assembly, 1st Regular Session (2007)
Bills Indexed by Subject
AIRCRAFT AND AIRPORTS

HB 118 --- Sponsor: Schaaf, Robert
Specifies the situations in which the Civil Air Patrol may be activated, which missions are federal or state, and who pays for the missions

HB 302 --- Sponsor: Bruns, Mark J. --- CoSponsor: Schaaf, Robert
Relating to State Aviation Trust Funds and air traffic control towers partially funded by the federal government under a cost-sharing program

HB 305 --- Sponsor: Bruns, Mark J. --- CoSponsor: Page, Sam
Increases the limit on the amount deposited to the aviation trust fund to eight million five hundred thousand dollars

SB 120 --- Sponsor: Nodler, Gary
Increases the cap on the Aviation Trust Fund and allows the Aviation Trust Fund to be used for certain federal air traffic control cost-sharing programs

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! Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!

SAFE FLYING!