MPA LEGISLATION REPORT
November 2006

GREETINGS! First, Here's an update from Washington, D.C. The Senate Appropriations Committee approves $3.52 billion in AIP (Airport Improvement Program) funding as part of a $141 billion FY07 spending bill. The bill next moves to consideration by the full Senate; however, it is possible that this year it will be folded into an omnibus spending bill to be taken up by Congress after the November election.

The measure includes a provision that requires FAA to pay for space it uses in airport-owned buildings. It provides $19.8 million for airport technology research; $117 million for the Essential Air service Program; and $10 million for the Small Community Air Service Development Program.

Secondly, Former Federal Highway Administrator and Director of the Arizona Transportation Department Mary Peters has been nominated by President Bush to serve as the next Transportation Secretary, succeeding the retired Norman Mineta. The announcement was generally met with industry approval-the Air Transport Association terms it an "outstanding nomination".

Thirdly, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) adds new member Robert L. Sumwalt, whose term of office will run through December 31, 2011. President Bush designates Sumwalt as vice chairman of the NTSB for a two-year term.

Fourthly, Here's an Update Concerning Missouri Aviation. The only Airports and Aviation bills are as follows:

Missouri House of Representatives

93rd General Assembly, 2nd Regular Session (2006)
Bills Indexed by Subject
AIRCRAFT AND AIRPORTS

HB 1398 --- Sponsor: Pearce, David
Changes the laws regarding military facilities and personnel

HB 1529 --- Sponsor: Storch, Rachel
Requires statewide elected officials and the General Assembly to report any use of a private plane, the cost of the flight, and the passengers aboard the flight within 72 hours after the flight

HB 2005 --- Sponsor: Aull, Joe
Specifies the purposes for which the Civil Air Patrol may be used and clarifies the employment status of air patrol members and the sources of funding for various missions

SB 767 --- Sponsor: Graham, Chuck
Requires Office of Administration and Highway Patrol to oversee use of state aircraft and places restrictions on certain state officers with respect to use of state aircraft.

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!

SAFE FLYING!