MPA ANNUAL LEGISLATION REPORT
September 2003
First, Here’s an update from Washington, D.C. The U.S. House and Senate
have each approved FAA reauthorization bills that contain numerous benefits
for General Aviation.
Perhaps most significantly, each bill contains language requiring that
air traffic control (ATC) be returned to it’s “inherently governmental”
classification. The White House Office of Management and Budget had declared
ATC a commercial function eligible to be contracted out. AOPA believes that
this is the first step toward a privatized ATC system and user fees, and pushed
hard to have Congress reclassify it.
The House version would only reclassify the controllers’ function, while
the Senate version would include flight service station and equipment maintenance
functions as well.
The White House has threatened to veto the entire FAA reauthorization bill if
the reclassification measure remains in the final version.
Both versions also include a “Meigs Legacy” amendment, which imposes
stiff fines on communities that fail to give adequate notice before closing
an airport that’s part of the National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems.
Airport sponsors would have to pay $10,000 a day for every day short of the
required notice that an airport is closed.
“The Meigs Legacy legislation will provide the FAA with a big enough stick
that any community even contemplating closing such a crucial airport will be
forced to think twice,” said AOPA President Phil Boyer.
The House and Senate each approved an amendment that would require the FAA to
regularly rejustify the need for the Baltimore-Washington Air Defense Identification
Zone (ADIZ), or any other ADIZ that may be imposed over the United States.
The FAA reauthorization bill is a multiyear spending blueprint that outlines
what Congress believes the FAA’s priorities need to be. The House and
Senate versions differ in a number of respects, and need to be reconciled by
a conference committee.
Secondly, Here’s an update Concerning Missouri Legislation. The Missouri
State Senate is not in Session. The Senate will convene the Second Regular Session
of the 92nd General Assembly on Wednesday, January 7, 2004.
The Missouri House of Representatives, is not doing much either. The Aircraft
and Aviation Bills, are dead this year. We will need to regroup our efforts,
before January 7, 2003.
Nothing more to report concerning Missouri Legislation.
Now, In Conclusion, Remember, we as MPA, USPA, EAA, AOPA, or any other State
Pilot Associations you may be a Member of, we all have a powerful voice, be
it here in Missouri, or whatever State you live in. Because we carry a strong
voice to Washington, D.C. So Let's not forget to exercise our privileges, and
continue to make a "Difference for General Aviation."
Until Next Time!
SAFE FLYING!
Larry G. Harmon
Legislation Chairman
E-mail address: MPALHARMON@sbcglobal.net
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