ATCA applauds passing of FAA reauthorization bill

The Air Traffic Control Association (ATCA) applauds the passing of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reauthorization bill and recognizes it as a dedicated move toward ensuring continued aviation safety for the United States.

“Our industry has been awaiting the passage of the bill for quite some time and ATCA is optimistic that this is a positive step toward transformation and modernization,” said Peter F. Dumont, President and CEO of ATCA. “The association is founded on the principles of furthering the science and safety of air traffic control, and this bill enables the country’s ATC system to do just that.”

The FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 (H.R. 658) is a long-term FAA reauthorization, approved by the House on Friday, February 3, 2012. The Senate passed the bill on Monday, February 6, 2012 (75-20). Such aviation-dedicated resources are essential to furthering programs such as NextGen, GPS technology, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), and more.

Each of our ATCA’s nearly 3,000 members, including our partners at the FAA and the National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA), will benefit greatly from the passing of this bill. We urge President Obama to sign the bill, and appreciate his recognition of aviation’s rich history and importance in the U.S.

With the busiest air space in the world, and one of the most advanced air traffic systems, the United States is already the leader in aviation safety. This measure ensures that we continue to lead in innovation and safety. The bill also brings a much-needed economic boost to regions specializing in aviation.

The bill authorizes $63.4 billion for the FAA over four years (2011 rate), $11 billion going to air traffic control and its modernization. The bill is the first long-term law guiding FAA policy and spending Sept. 30, 2007. The agency has since operated under 23 short-term extensions.