Congressional Homestretch Makes Aviation Legislation Imperative

May 26, 2016 -  As the Memorial Day weekend arrives, the limited time left in the current congressional session is making it imperative that important aviation legislation moves forward that benefits EAA members and general aviation. EAA is using every resource to help push these measures through Congress prior to the start of AirVenture.

Earlier this month, EAA member Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-Oklahoma) attached his Pilot’s Bill of Rights 2 aeromedical reform – which has already been passed twice by the Senate – to a defense authorization bill that was passed by the Senate Armed Services Committee. The full Senate is expected to take up the bill shortly. It is part of the continuing effort to move the bipartisan language forward in a form that will be considered quickly by the House. Medical reform in the House had stalled as it was part of the FAA reauthorization bill containing a controversial air traffic control privatization proposal which EAA strongly opposes.

At the same time, Senate leaders are urging the House to approve the Senate’s bipartisan FAA reauthorization bill, which includes medical reform language along with several other positive measures for GA. Those provisions include hangar-use policy clarification, longer aircraft registration renewal periods, direction on Part 23 certification and airworthiness standards, and FAA authority to conduct the fleet-wide authorization necessary to implement a future unleaded aviation fuel, among others.

“We think it’s important to get that bill across the finish line,” said Sen. John Thune (R-South Dakota), chairman of the Senate Commerce Committee, who urged the House to move on the bill. There are fewer than 23 days left in the current congressional session before it adjourns in July.

EAA is continuing its ongoing contact with lawmakers and their staffs, urging them to move the legislation forward and eliminate uncertainty on major aviation issues that affect our fellow members.