MPA LEGISLATION REPORT
November 2000

GREETINGS!

This is my Forth Report to MPA Members. Here's some important information on the National Level.

Officials Testify On ATC delays: U.S. airline, government, and other officials testified recently before the Senate Commerce Committee on the issue of delays, and the potential for relief to growing congestion in the nation's Air Traffic Control System.

In summary, there was agreement that much of the current initiatives being taken by the FAA, and the carriers will only provide incremental relief. Robert Poole, President of the Reason Public Policy Institute, says his group is finishing up a study, which will recommend a nonprofit corporation be created to handle ATC. The National Air Traffic Controllers Association testified it opposes any move toward privatization of ATC.

Here's some information on AIP (Airport Improvement Program): Last month FAA sent out a memorandum regarding AIR-21 provisions that affect funding for non-primary airports. Here's some excerpts of the Program Guidance Letter's guidelines on those changes. AIR-21, section 104 (f), amends the Title 49, United States, code, section 47117 (e) (1), to establish a new reliever airport set-aside when the total annual amount made available for the AIP is $3.2 billion or more. Parameters for this reliever set aside include annual operations (more than 75,000), landing distance (5,000 feet), based aircraft (100 or more), precision instrument procedures (localizer and glide slope unit, microwave landing system, or interim standard microwave landing system), and delay for commercial passenger aircraft at the relieved
(20,000 hours annually).

We recommend that there should be a discussion of the basic provisions of AIP eligibility, funding plans, and assurances with which the airport will be required to comply. Airports should not receive a grant for any year when no work is required. It is important that FAA procedures typically applied to projects should not unnecessarily impede the issuance of smaller grants to non-primary airports. For example, an airport may want to use its entitlement for pavement maintenance or similar eligible purpose and not have funds available to develop an extensive airport layout plan. If a location or sponsor decides to carry over its entitlement as a result of the Annual Federal Register notice, conversions of those funds to discretionary for other uses do not deprive the location or sponsor of those funds in the future. A state may sponsor airport development projects at one or more airports within its boundaries if the sponsor gives its written consent and we find that there is administrative merit and aeronautical benefit.

This information will keep you informed on the National Level in Washington, DC. We as Pilots must continue to keep a watchful eye on "User Fees" in any form, and make sure the AIP funds are dispensed properly.

Now, on the State Level, we must continue to work towards getting The Missouri Airport Protection Act (MAPA) passed this Legislative Session. To monitor and control the Tall Towers from being built around our Missouri Airports. Contact your Local House Representatives and tell them we need this vital important Legislation Passed.

Next important item, is the Jet Fuel Tax. This is very important to our General Aviation Airports here in Missouri. We need to work hard towards getting this Legislation passed so we can continue to improve and build new airports Statewide.

Now, in Conclusion, Remember we have a Real Battle Ahead of Us Concerning Missouri Aviation Issues.
We Need, "To Work Together." "United We Stand, Divided We Fall."

Until Next Time!

Safe Flying!

Larry G. Harmon
Legislation Chairman
E-mail address: MPALHARMON@aol.com

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