Curbelo amendments included in FAA reauthorization, modernization bill

Amendments authored by U.S. Rep. Carlos Curbelo (R-FL) were included in legislation to reauthorize and modernize the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) that was approved on Friday by a House committee.

Curbelo introduced amendments to the Aviation Innovation, Reform and Reauthorization (AIRR) Act, H.R. 4441, that would address the use of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) by insurance companies and transparency in airline ticket prices.

“The purpose of the AIRR Act is to bring the U.S. air traffic control (ATC) system into the 21st century, as much of the technology currently being used dates back to World War II,” Curbelo said. “With a more advanced ATC system, airplanes will be able to operate with greater fuel efficiency and reduce their carbon footprint, while also making travel safer by decreasing congestion in the air and on the runway. This will all save travelers time and money.”

One Curbelo amendment would enable insurance companies to use UAS to survey damage in the wake of natural disasters. Another amendment would allow airlines to disclose the price of airline tickets before government fees and taxes are added on.

“The AIRR Act will also revitalize airport infrastructure throughout our nation, update the certification process, and make it safer for passengers to travel and employees to work,” Curbelo said. “Additionally, this bill will improve upon methods to safely integrate UAS.”

U.S. Rep. Bill Shuster (R-PA) authored the AIRR Act. The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, which Shuster chairs, approved the bill on Friday.