FAA outlays its long-term plans in new Reauthorisation Act

US Congress has passed a long-term Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) reauthorisation bill that aims to provide long-term stability to the FAA and push forward its priorities for general aviation.

The Act will provide the FAA with funding for the next five years, as well as making changes to how drones are allowed to operate in the US, a call for transparency in the air ambulance industry, and moves to address the pilot shortage currently affecting the aviation sector.

Matt Zuccaro, Helicopter Association International President and CEO, applauded the new bill: “This reauthorisation bill provides significant improvements for general aviation and the helicopter industry specifically. The helicopter industry faces a severe pilot and mechanic shortage, and this bill provides important solutions to help address this critical industry issue. Additionally, the bill addresses needed reform to FAA regulations pertaining to training programs at aviation maintenance technician schools.”

Section 412 of the bill addresses the growing concern of the US public about emergency air ambulance bills. It advises that air ambulance operators should be required to ‘clearly disclose charges for air transportation services separately from charges for non-air transportation services within any invoice or bill’ as well as establishing consumer protections for customers of air ambulance operators.

The Act also tries to put in a more stable framework for drone operators, especially recreational ones. The Act will put in place new requirements which will necessitate recreational drone users to take an aeronautical knowledge test and register their aircraft in order to operate it. Whilst some recreational users’ groups have spoken out against the Act, many others have backed it.

Brian Wynne, president and CEO of the Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI), offered his praise: “The Senate passage of the FAA bill provides much-needed, multi-year stability to the entire US aviation system and launches the UAS industry to new heights. The bill calls for rulemaking on a UAS Traffic Management (UTM) system, which will help ensure the safe and efficient use of the national airspace.”

Wynne pinpointed the implementation of remote identification standards as a key strength of the new bill, claiming that ‘the ability to remotely identify and track UAS is the linchpin needed to advance the UAS industry, and it is critical for the ultimate realisation of expanded operations’.

The Act also delved into topics such as airport improvements and creating provisions for the size of airplane seats. The only hurdle the bill now has to jump is to get President Trump’s approval.

Read the full report here.