MPA LEGISLATION REPORT
May 2010

GREETINGS! First, Here is is an update from Washington, D.C. The U.S. Senate at last cleared its FAA reauthorization bill, which, among other provisions, funds the Airport Improvement Program at $4 billion in FY 2010 and $4.1 billion in FY 2011. The legislation moves into conference committee to resolve major issues that remain between the House and Senate versions, including a passenger facility charger increase, FedEx unionization, and new ARFF mandates.
Other provisions of the Senate bill include:
o Raise the tax on general aviation fuel from the current 21.9 cents per gallon to 36 cents per gallon.
o Accelerate the deadlines for adopting existing Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen) navigation and surveillance technology, including the development of Required Navigation Performance (RNP) and Area Navigation (RNAV) procedures at the busiest 35 airports by 2014, and for the entire National airspace System (NAS) by 2018; and
o Increased authorized funding for Essential air Service (EAS) to $175 million annually, a $48 million increase.

Secondly, The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) at its annual Forecast Conference predicts that, long term, general aviation is expected to grow by about 50,000 airplanes and 52,000 active pilots by 2030. FAA predicts the GA fleet will grow an average of 0.0 percent a year, from 229,149 aircraft in 2009 to 278,723 in 2030.
Use of light sport aircraft is expected to rise by more than 800 a year through 2013, then level to nearly 335 per year. GA hours flown are forecast to increase from 23.3 million in 2009 to 38.9 million in 2030, an average growth rate of 2.5 percent.

Missouri House of Representatives
95th General Assembly, 2nd Regular Session (2010)
Bills Indexed by Subject
AIRCRAFT AND AIRPORTS

HB 1312 --- Sponsor: Talboy, Mike
Prohibits members of the General Assembly from jointly owning property with any registered lobbyist unless the member is the lobbyist's spouse or family member or is dating the lobbyist.

HB 2285 --- Sponsor: Thomson, Mike
Authorizes a conveyance to the City of Maryville

HCR 65 --- Sponsor: Nolte, Jerry --- CoSponsor: Allen, Sue
Endorses an observer status for Taiwan in the International Civil Aviation Organization.

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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.

All other states should follow this same format, to search your specific state's aviation and airport bills.

Remember, that as members of USPA, MPA, TPA, TXAA, NMPA, NPA, IPA, EAA, AOPA, or other pilot associations of which you may be a member, we have a powerful voice, in Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Texas, or whatever state you may represent. Every group of taxpayers and pilots carries a strong voice to Washington, D.C., as well as at the state and local level.
We need to learn how to use our voices, and speak up for general aviation.

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

SAFE FLYING!