The NBAA has welcomed the introduction in the US House of Representatives of a bipartisan measure to reauthorise the FAA through 2028, which includes key provisions supported by the association and the broader general aviation community.

The Securing Growth and Robust Leadership in American Aviation Act was introduced by House Transportation and Infrastructure (T&I) Committee chair Sam Graves, along with full committee ranking member Rick Larsen, Aviation Subcommittee chairman Garret Graves and Aviation Subcommittee ranking member Steve Cohen.

“We thank chairman Sam Graves and ranking member Rick Larsen for their tireless work on this landmark bipartisan reauthorisation bill and applaud the timely introduction of this vital legislation,” says NBAA president and CEO Ed Bolen. “This five year FAA reauthorisation package will strengthen America's global leadership as the gold standard in aviation. It addresses critical areas across our industry, from growing and diversifying the workforce to modernising FAA processes and improving critical infrastructure for airports of all sizes, while also recognising and prioritising the GA community.”

NBAA-supported priorities in the House bill include:

- Addressing industry workforce challenges through the removal of barriers to pursuing aviation careers, expanding the aviation workforce pipeline and improving training standards.

- Recognition of the important role of general aviation and prioritisation of the segment's role in attracting new talent to aviation with a first ever general aviation title.

- Enhancements to ensure the safety and security of everyone who flies.

- Maintaining the nation's leading global role in aviation through support for the safe an efficient integration of advanced air mobility (AAM) technology and infrastructure.

- Modernisation and digitisation of FAA forms and processes, and deadlines to eliminate backlogs in the FAA aircraft registry and Part 135 certifications.

- Improvements to processes and protocols of the FAA office of aerospace medicine including pilot mental health.

- Eliminating 'tail-end ferry flights' and enhancing record keeping requirements to minimise the risk of fatigue-related hazards in aviation.

- Renewed funding for airport infrastructure with a focus on investments for small and GA airports.

The measure further proposes a second deputy FAA administrator position focused on operational safety and a new FAA ombudsman role to advocate specifically on behalf of industry inquiries and requests to the agency.

“The House reauthorisation measure offers a clear roadmap toward a more focused, more responsive and more innovative FAA for all stakeholders,” Bolen continues. “We look forward to working with the House and Senate to ensure a strong bill that reflects these key priorities is signed into law before the current authorisation expires on 30 September.”

Introduction of the US Senate's FAA reauthorisation bill is anticipated in the coming days.