MPA LEGISLATION REPORT
October 2009

GREETINGS! First, Here is an update from Washington, D.C. The Federal Aviation Administration is proposing restructuring the low-level VFR airspace around Manhattan in response to this summer's collision between a sightseeing helicopter and a light aircraft over the Hudson River. FAA wants to separate traffic flying over the river from aircraft flying to and from heliports and seaplane bases by altitude, and will include a new Class B VFR corridor that the agency wants to be the preferred choice of pilots flying over the Hudson.
The new airspace will go from 1,300 feet to 2,000 feet and aircraft within it will operate under direct air traffic control. Uncontrolled VFR traffic will operate between 1,000 and 3, 000 feet and pilots will be required to monitor a common frequency and announce entry, progress, and departure from the airspace. The working traffic below 1,000 feet will monitor the same frequency. New charts will be created to clearly delineate the corridors and will highlight the hybridized Class B. 'These steps will significantly enhance safety in this busy area and create crystal-clear rules for all of the pilots who operate there," says FAA Administrator Randy Babbitt. The new rule would also formalize some common practices.
Secondly, Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General finds that the FAA's process for awarding stimulus funds for Airport Improvement Program (AIP) projects does not meet federal requirements, in an advisory to DOT. Federal stimulus requirements call for transparent, merit-based selections and effective administration of funds, but FAA awarded millions to low-priority airport projects of questionable-economic merit and to airports whose operators have histories of grant management problems, says the Office of Inspector General. FAA said it wanted to ensure widespread geographic distribution of funds. DOT was awarded $1.1 billion in stimulus funds for airport improvements; FAA has approved some 263 projects worth $873.9 million.

Missouri House of Representatives
95th General Assembly, 1st Regular Session (2009)
Bills Indexed by Subject
AIRCRAFT AND AIRPORTS

HB534 --- Sponsor: Schlottach, Charles --- CoSponsor: Faith, Sally A.
Changes the laws regarding the Missouri Public-Private Partnerships Transportation Act and authorizes the Governor to convey state property for the new Mississippi River Bridge project

HB 644 -- Sponsor: Wilson, Kevin
Changes the laws regarding the registration and licensing of motor vehicles and issuance of lien titles and certificates of ownership for vehicles, trailers, motors, aircraft, vessels, and manufactured homes

HB 737 --- Sponsor: Schaaf, Robert
Decreases the percentage of an aircraft's true value in money to 7% when assessing personal property tax on certain aircraft

HB 913 --- Sponsor: Jones, Kenny
Changes the laws regarding certificates of ownership and lien titles for motor vehicles, trailers, outboard motors, aircrafts, and vessels

HB 1018 --- Sponsor: Komo, Sam --- CoSponsor: Flook, Tim
Authorizes a state and local sales and use tax exemption for purchases of aviation jet fuel by air common carriers for immediate consumption or shipment on transoceanic flights

HB 1140 --- Sponsor: Schoeller, Shane
Allows airports to retain sales taxes collected on enplanements at the airport for marketing purposes

SB 535 --- Sponsor: Days, Rita D.
Creates the crime of breach airport security

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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!