House bill aims to streamline, modernize U.S. air-traffic control system

U.S. Rep. Bill Shuster (R-PA), chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, and Frank LoBiondo (R-NJ), chairman of the Aviation Subcommittee,  introduced the Aviation Innovation, Reform and Reauthorization (AIRR) Act.

The goal of the bill is to create a not-for-profit, independent corporation that is not connected to the federal government. The corporation would focus on upgrading and supplementing U.S. air-traffic control services.

“The United States has led the world in aviation since pioneering this modern mode of transportation,” Shuster said. “We have the safest system in the world, and we will continue to do so under this bill. But our system is incredibly inefficient, and it will only get worse as passenger levels grow and as the FAA falls further behind in modernizing the system. Furthermore, the FAA’s overly bureaucratic certification processes are handicapping American companies and causing us to fall behind our competition. The AIRR Act is transformational legislation that prepares the U.S. aviation system for the future; helps ensure a modern, safe system that benefits passengers and the economy; and keeps America competitive in a vital industry.”

The bill, HR 4441, will last for six years. It reauthorizes the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA’s) control over the U.S. aviation industry. The purpose is to make the aviation industry as safe as possible for passengers and employees.

“While the U.S. continues to have the safest aviation system in the world, it is clear we do not have the most efficient or effective system for future growth,” LoBiondo said. “I commend Chairman Shuster for his willingness to engage and openness to ideas not only from members of the committee, but from stakeholders across the industry to modernize and transform our aviation system to meet 21st century demands. We remain committed to moving forward with the AIRR Act, listening to and incorporating additional ideas from our colleagues and stakeholders that will strengthen our aviation system.”