MPA LEGISLATION REPORT
May 2007

GREETINGS! First, Here's an update from Washington, D. C. Springtime and Congress is busy, with airport, tenant, pilot, and government groups testifying on how to fund the aviation system after FY07, which ends September 30, 2007. FAA's call for new user fees and a restructuring of how the system is funded is meeting opposition from user groups. At the top of their list, airports have an increase in passenger facility charges to $7.50, indexed to inflation, and reform to the alternative minimum tax.

One FAA proposal would change how entitlements are awarded to general aviation airports, and would structure them into four tiers so that the busiest and most complex, ala Teterboro and Van Nuys, would be eligible for $400,000; the smallest would eligible for $100,000. FAA proposes authorizations for AIP (Airport Improvement Funds) of $2.75 billion for FY08, $2.9 billion for FY09, and $3.05 billion in FY10.

Secondly, FAA is also calling for a five-member commission to be set up, the Realignment and Consolidation of Aviation Facilities Commission, to independently examine areas where certain facilities, including ATC, can be consolidated and realigned for efficiency. And, the agency seeks a pilot program for up to 15 airports to implement a system based on market-based pricing during peak hours, also known as peak period pricing.

Thirdly, U.S.DOT (Department of Transportation releases the "National Aviation Resource Manual for Quarantinable Diseases" to help airlines, airports, and local governments prepare to prevent the introduction of emerging diseases into the United States. The 144-page guide is part of a Bush Administration initiative to prepare for a potential outbreak of pandemic influenza, and is available at http://isddc.dot.gov/OLPFiles/OST/013334.pdf.

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

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

HB 529 --- Sponsor: Bruns, Mark J.
Changes the laws regarding the Aviation Trust Fund and air traffic control towers

HB 571 --- Sponsor: St. Onge, Neal C. --- CoSponsor: Schneider, Vicki
Changes the definition of "commercial aircraft" by lowering the maximum certified gross take-off weight from 7,000 to 1,000 pounds

HB 619 --- Sponsor: Aull, Joe --- CoSponsor: 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 624 --- Sponsor: Wilson, Larry --- CoSponsor: Quinn, Paul
Requires operators of storage facilities to provide documentation for property tax purposes

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

SB 602 --- Sponsor: Kennedy, Harry
Creates a sales and use tax exemption for purchases of aviation fuel for transoceanic flights


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."

SAFE FLYING!