MPA LEGISLATION REPORT
July 2001
GREETINGS! Here are some National Legislation Issues. The House Appropriations Committee approved last Wednesday
the annual funding bill for the Department of Transportation for the 2002 fiscal year that begins on October 1st.
The Bill that recommends $13.3 billion for the FAA includes input by AOPA, such as a provision to retain the language
prohibiting the funding of work on unauthorized user fees. Programs key to General Aviation that are currently
set to receive funding include: OASIS ($33.9 million), the program designed to modernize flight service stations;
Safe Flight 21 ($35 million), a program that will evaluate several GPS-based solutions to help reduce controlled
flight into terrain accidents, runway incursions, and midair collisions; Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS, $76
million), and the Local Area Augmentation System (LAAS, $42.45 million), which enhance the accuracy of current
GPS signals; and Notams ($1million). The full House is expected to consider the bill next week. To learn more about
the FAA funding process, see http://www.aopa.org/whatsnew/la-budget.html
Now, Here are some more National Legislation Issues. The FAA released last Wednesday a report that proves what
AOPA has been saying for some time, "that the majority of runway incursions are minor, particularly those
involving general aviation aircraft." The study, which looked at the years 1997 through 2000, also showed
that the number of runway incursions among aircraft operations is proportional to the activity levels-GA represents
60 percent of the incursions and nearly 60 percent of all aircraft operations. For the first time, the FAA report
categorized the severity of runway incursions, something that AOPA has been calling for in order to develop appropriate
responses to the problem. AOPA President Phil Boyer will testify before Congress, saying that "education,
rather than expensive technology is the best means to prevent runway incursions for GA." AOPA and the AOPA
Air Safety Foundation have been leaders in educating GA pilots on preventing incursions. Airport taxi diagrams
are available free to all pilots on AOPA Online http://www.aopa.org/asf/taxi/ and ASF recently pioneered an innovative
online runway safety program http://www.aopa.org/asf/runway_safety
Now here's an Update on our Local Missouri Airport Issues. Here's a Summary of the House Committee Version of HB
436. Committee Action: voted "do pass" by the Committee on Local Government and Related Matters by a
vote of 15 to 2. This bill requires the Highways and Transportation Commission to establish an airspace review
and permit process to regulate structures that may be erected within navigable airspace and to ensure that the
structures will not interfere with air navigation.
The Commission must investigate all permit applications, taking into consideration the safety and welfare of persons
and property in the air and on the ground. The Commission may approve application for temporary structures if it
is evident that the proposed temporary structure will not adversely affect safety or air navigation. Permits may
be withheld upon any type of Federal Aviation Administration investigation.
The bill also contains language concerning location requirements, when a permit is required, time required for
making application for a permit, permit exceptions, identification requirements to be noted on permits, notification
of denial of a permit, the appeal process upon denial, and rule making authority. FISCAL NOTE: Estimated Net Cost
to General Revenue Fund of $66.563 in FY 2002, $72.024 in FY 2003, and $73,828 in FY 2004.
PROPONENTS: Supporters say that the bill is only for small rural airports. Property around airports is being developed;
and in many cases, the structures are not safe for the air traffic. Many times towers are built which are hazards
to air traffic. The FAA does only a safety study, which is often not adequate. Twenty-five other states have similar
laws regulating structures around airports.
Testifying for the bill were Representative Merideth; Department of Transportation; Aircraft Owners and Pilots
Association; and Columbia Regional Airport.
OPPONENTS: Those who oppose the bill say that wireless companies and others invest large amounts of money in towers
and take safety seriously. Many of these towers can only be built in limited areas if they are to work. The FAA
does a safety study on hazards, and companies cannot operate without a letter from the FAA. Other states don't
have laws that are as strict as this proposed legislation. The builders of towers try to avoid airports. Any existing
tower would need Department of Transportation approval before doing repair or maintenance.
Testifying against the bill were Missouri Telecommunications Association; Sprint; and Missouri Small Telephone
Company Group.
This will give us all the information to help us get the Missouri Airport Protection Act passed during the next
Legislation. Let's continue to work together, so we can make a difference for Missouri Aviation.
Until Next Time!
Larry G. Harmon
Legislation Chairman
E-mail address: MPALHARMON@aol.com
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