The NBAA has welcomed congressional passage of legislation to temporarily fund all government agencies and extend authorisation for FAA operations.

The legislation funds the federal government for 47 days (through November 17) and provides a three-month extension (through December 31) on the multi-year FAA reauthorisation bill passed by Congress in 2018.

“Aviation is one of the nation's most regulated industries, relying on the FAA for a variety of personnel and services to support safety, security, certification and other priorities,” says NBAA president and CEO Ed Bolen. “We thank Congress for passing this important funding and authorisation extension to ensure the agency is able to continue its mission to maintain a safe and efficient national airspace system used by millions of Americans each day.”

In calling for law makers to pass the extension, NBAA and other organisations noted that the aviation industry is responsible for approximately five per cent of US GDP and more than 10 million jobs. A lapse in FAA authority would disrupt the operations of this vital agency and industry.

Bolen also thanked NBAA members for making their voices heard in calling for passage of the FAA authorisation extension. The association recently issued a call to action to alert law makers to the pressing need for an extension through the use of NBAA's online Voter Voice advocacy resource.

“As always, NBAA members stood ready to mobilise on a key priority,” Bolen adds. “We will remain vigilant and prepared for further action as needed, while we continue to underscore the urgent need for Congress to complete work on the annual appropriations bills to fund the federal government and a long-term FAA reauthorisation.”