A discussion about the airline industry, airline employees, and all things related

House FAA Reauthorization bill, HR 2881, has easily passed in the United States House of Representatives but faces obstacles in the Senate.  The bill that passed in the House calls for a slight increase in avgas taxes, funding for air traffic control modernization, no ATC user fees and a provision that calls for talks to be reopened between the FAA and controllers. 

The 267-151 vote lays the path for the bill to move onto the Senate where it will face a more even balance in the chambers. 

Rep. James Oberstar (D-MN) introducted the bill along with 38 co-sponsors.  

The AOPA has endorsed this new FAA funding bill citing that there were slight increases in avgas taxes to keep up with inflation and no ATC user fees. 

AOPA President Phil Boyer said, “The leadership of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and aviation subcommittee refused to be bullied by the airlines or accept the FAA's claims of poverty.  They took a reasoned, rational look at what needed to be done and how to pay for it, and delivered a solution that promotes the interests of all segments of aviation.” 

The ATA, which represents the Airlines has expressed their disappointment with the passage of HR-2881.  Citing that the bill would unfairly burden passengers and not force corp. jets to pay their fair share.   

Currently the Senate is considering their version of the bill that would impose a $25 per flight ATC fee on flights for passengers.  The AOPA says this would ultimately kill general aviation (GA). 

AOPA.org

Charts of Current Possible Funding Bills 

NATCA.org