Shuster FAA modernization bill would move 30,000 employees off federal payroll

U.S. Rep. Bill Shuster’s (R-PA) Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reform bill approved by a House committee on Thursday would move 30,000 federal employees off the government’s payroll.

The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee approved Shuster’s Aviation, Innovation, Reform and Reauthorization (AIRR) Act, H.R. 4441, to establish a non-profit corporation to modernize the country’s air traffic control system.

The AIRR Act also includes provisions authored by U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis (R-IL) to make flying easier for families and to exempt small unmanned aircraft systems, also known as drones, from FAA regulation.

“It isn’t easy to make major reforms in Washington — too many people want to keep the status quo,” Shuster, the chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, said. “This FAA measure takes on some in the establishment who don’t want to see changes, and makes the transformational improvements we need in order to modernize our nation’s aviation system and allow for better service for the consumers.”

A provision authored by Davis, a member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, would require airlines to notify passengers with young children if there are no seats available together at the time of initial booking.

Davis also introduced an amendment that would make small drones weighing less than 4.4 pounds exempt from FAA regulations. Under the amendment, small drones would be required to operate no more than 400 feet from ground level and at least five miles away from airports.

“U.S. policy regarding drones has not kept up with technology and lags behind that of other countries,” Davis said. “This commonsense amendment will remove bureaucratic red tape and allow for the responsible use of small drones. This new classification will spur innovation and help small manufacturers like Horizon Hobby, which specializes in manufacturing drones for agriculture use, in my district expand and create jobs.”

The larger AIRR Act would establish a federally-chartered air traffic control corporation. A board comprised of members that represent the public’s interest and aviation system users would govern the corporation.

“In order for this nation to truly move forward we need to inject conservative ideas into the challenges we face,” Shuster said. “The AIRR Act is moving thousands of people out of the federal government, while providing an aviation system that is safe, modern, and efficient. I hope that my colleagues take a hard look at what we are doing in my committee and use it as a blueprint for an agenda focused on a smaller and reduced role of the federal government in our lives.”

Additionally, the AIRR Act would streamline the administration’s process for equipment and aircraft certification. It would also take steps to enhance aviation safety, improve airport infrastructure across the country and equip the FAA with tools to integrate unmanned aircraft systems.