MPA LEGISLATION REPORT
September 2009

GREETINGS! First, Here is an update from Washington, D.C. In late July both Houses of Congress moved forward on FAA reauthorization, which has been subject to continuing resolutions for two years. The House passed H.R. 3288, its DOT/FAA spending bill which provides $3.515 billion for the Airport Improvement Program and some $175 million for the Essential Air Service Program, $53 million above the 2009 funding. The bill does not contain funding for the Small Community Air Service Development Program.

The Senate, meanwhile, passed S/1451, its reauthorization legislation that would increase AIP funding to $4.1 billion by 2011, but which does not offer a hike in the passenger facility charge cap, now set at $4.50.

Secondly, The FAA is proposing restructuring the low-level VFR airspace around Manhattan in reaction to last month's collision between a sightseeing helicopter and a PA32 over the Hudson River. The agency says it wants to separate traffic flying over the river from aircraft flying to and from heliports and seaplane bases by altitude. This will include a new Class B VFR corridor that it hopes will be the preferred choice of pilots flying over the Hudson. This 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 pilots who operate there," said FAA Administrator Randy Babbit. The new rule would also formalize some common practices.
Bills Indexed by Subject

AIRCRAFT AND AIRPORT

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 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!