Hearing Report: House Aviation Subcommittee Hearing on FAA Implementation
December 11, 2024
Today, the House Aviation Subcommittee held a hearing entitled, “FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024: Stakeholder Perspectives on Implementation”. The witness panel featured Jason Terreri, A.A.E., ACE, Executive Director of the Syracuse Regional Airport Authority; as well as Adam Woodworth, CEO of Wing; Pete Bunce, President and CEO of the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA); and Greg Regan, President of the Transportation Trades Department, AFL-CIO (TTD). Terreri testified on behalf of ACI-NA in his capacity as chair of their U.S. Policy Council.
Subcommittee Chair Garret Graves (R-LA), in his final hearing as a member of Congress, underscored the bipartisan support for the FAA reauthorization bill’s passage, emphasized its significance, and reaffirmed the subcommittee's ongoing commitment to ensuring the FAA implements the provisions of the law promptly and in accordance with congressional intent.
Jason Terreri's testimony concentrated on key provisions in the FAA bill that affect airports, particularly the need for the agency to release the AIP funding allocation formula, implement provisions in the bill dealing with the agency’s land use policy, and begin a rulemaking to implement provisions streamlining the PFC application process. He also highlighted ongoing efforts to integrate drones into airport airspace and acknowledged the progress made in transitioning from aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) to fluorine-free foam (F3), though he stressed the necessity for additional guidance and liability relief under CERCLA. Rep. Salud Carbajal (D-CA) highlighted the importance of federal support in transitioning away from AFFF foams, but Rep. Scott Perry (R-PA) questioned the effectiveness of new firefighting foam alternatives and if the government should be forcing airports to transition at this time.
Other witnesses discussed advanced air mobility (AAM) and drone operations, with participants emphasizing the urgency of timely FAA rulemaking to maintain a competitive edge and develop standardized regulations instead of relying on case-by-case exemptions. Additionally, noise management and the development of infrastructure to support AAM were recognized as essential for connecting underserved communities. Questions about drone detection and mitigation raised concerns about gaps in FAA collaboration and enforcement, with airports like Syracuse using advanced technology to detect unauthorized drones but lacking clear authority to address threats.
GAMA’s Pete Bunce raised concerns that any future effort by the incoming administration to eliminate aviation regulations could prove counterproductive since FAA regulations are needed to enabling aviation activity rather than restrict it. He urged focus to improve FAA’s rulemaking process rather than simply cutting regulations. Further discussion delved into pay and training standards for airport service workers, air service improvements, and the role of technology in enhancing airport operations. Overall, participants called for greater clarity, collaboration, and timely action from the FAA to address critical issues and support the aviation industry's growth and modernization.
Link to Hearing and Witness Testimony
Today, the House Aviation Subcommittee held a hearing entitled, “FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024: Stakeholder Perspectives on Implementation”. The witness panel featured Jason Terreri, A.A.E., ACE, Executive Director of the Syracuse Regional Airport Authority; as well as Adam Woodworth, CEO of Wing; Pete Bunce, President and CEO of the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA); and Greg Regan, President of the Transportation Trades Department, AFL-CIO (TTD). Terreri testified on behalf of ACI-NA in his capacity as chair of their U.S. Policy Council.
Subcommittee Chair Garret Graves (R-LA), in his final hearing as a member of Congress, underscored the bipartisan support for the FAA reauthorization bill’s passage, emphasized its significance, and reaffirmed the subcommittee's ongoing commitment to ensuring the FAA implements the provisions of the law promptly and in accordance with congressional intent.
Jason Terreri's testimony concentrated on key provisions in the FAA bill that affect airports, particularly the need for the agency to release the AIP funding allocation formula, implement provisions in the bill dealing with the agency’s land use policy, and begin a rulemaking to implement provisions streamlining the PFC application process. He also highlighted ongoing efforts to integrate drones into airport airspace and acknowledged the progress made in transitioning from aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) to fluorine-free foam (F3), though he stressed the necessity for additional guidance and liability relief under CERCLA. Rep. Salud Carbajal (D-CA) highlighted the importance of federal support in transitioning away from AFFF foams, but Rep. Scott Perry (R-PA) questioned the effectiveness of new firefighting foam alternatives and if the government should be forcing airports to transition at this time.
Other witnesses discussed advanced air mobility (AAM) and drone operations, with participants emphasizing the urgency of timely FAA rulemaking to maintain a competitive edge and develop standardized regulations instead of relying on case-by-case exemptions. Additionally, noise management and the development of infrastructure to support AAM were recognized as essential for connecting underserved communities. Questions about drone detection and mitigation raised concerns about gaps in FAA collaboration and enforcement, with airports like Syracuse using advanced technology to detect unauthorized drones but lacking clear authority to address threats.
GAMA’s Pete Bunce raised concerns that any future effort by the incoming administration to eliminate aviation regulations could prove counterproductive since FAA regulations are needed to enabling aviation activity rather than restrict it. He urged focus to improve FAA’s rulemaking process rather than simply cutting regulations. Further discussion delved into pay and training standards for airport service workers, air service improvements, and the role of technology in enhancing airport operations. Overall, participants called for greater clarity, collaboration, and timely action from the FAA to address critical issues and support the aviation industry's growth and modernization.
Link to Hearing and Witness Testimony
