Aviation administrator to testify at FAA reauthorization hearing

The Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) administrator, Michael Huerta, will testify at a Subcommittee on Aviation hearing, which is scheduled to begin at 9:30 a.m. on March 3, in 2167 Rayburn House Office Building, Washington, D.C.

According to the press release, the hearing will focus on the reauthorization of the agency and on ensuring the U.S. has a modern aviation system. The current FAA law and federal aviation programs are reportedly set to expire Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2014, making new authorization for the agency one of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee’s highest priorities this year.

 At this time, Administrator Huerta is the only witness scheduled for the March 3 hearing, which is expected to help the FAA clarify its perspectives on reauthorization. Entitled “Federal Aviation Administration Reauthorization: Enabling a 21st Century Aviation System,” it will include both a testimony and live webcast.

“The aviation industry is a crucial sector of the U.S. economy,” said Aviation Subcommittee staff members. “Commercial aviation is responsible for roughly five percent of our gross domestic product and contributes roughly eleven million American jobs to our economy.”

The aviation industry in the U.S. is comprised of various sectors, including commercial aviation, airports, general aviation and manufacturing. There are approximately 19,453 airports in the U.S., while general aviation (GA) had a total economic output of $219 billion; it represents a broad range of aviation-related activities, including business, recreation, agriculture, law enforcement, air ambulance operations and disaster relief.

For more information, visit www.transportation.house.gov, email transport@mail.house.gov or call 202-225-9446.