Committee approves Shuster bill to modernize air traffic control, FAA

The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee approved legislation on Thursday that U.S. Rep. Bill Shuster (R-PA) co-sponsored to create a private, non-profit corporation to oversee air traffic services.

The Aviation Innovation, Reform and Reauthorization (AIRR) Act, H.R. 4441, was introduced by Shuster and U.S. Rep. Frank LoBiondo (R-NJ). The bill would reauthorize the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and modernize the country’s air traffic services.

Under the bill, the FAA would retain its role as the country’s aviation safety regulator.

“The AIRR Act provides the transformational reform necessary to bring our antiquated air traffic system into the modern era, and allow America to lead the world again in aviation,” Shuster, the chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, said. “The committee considered approximately 75 amendments during (Thursday’s) meeting, and more than half of them were approved. (Thursday’s) open process led to many improvements to the legislation, and I look forward to moving ahead.”

A board comprised of members representing the interests of both the public and aviation system users would oversee the air traffic control corporation established under the AIRR Act.

“The robust debate during today’s committee markup brought bipartisan improvements to the AIRR Act looking to address inefficiencies and shortcomings of our current aviation system,” LoBiondo, the chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee on Aviation, said. “I applaud Chairman Shuster and my colleagues for their unwavering commitment to keeping our skies safe.”

The measure would also streamline the FAA’s certification process for aircraft and equipment and would give the agency tools to integrate unmanned aircraft into aviation systems. Additionally, the measure would address aviation safety issues and pave the way for airport infrastructure improvements across the nation.