House readies backup plan for FAA bill

House readies backup plan for FAA bill    Leaders of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee dropped new legislation on Friday to provide a temporary extension of Federal Aviation Administration funding and programs in case Congress does not quickly complete work on a long-term reauthorization bill.
   The FAA has had much of its budget and policies frozen since 2008 because Congress has not passed a comprehensive, multiyear bill giving the agency authority to move ahead on new initiatives such as the Next Generation (NextGen) aviation system. The FAA is operating under its 18th short-term extension, which expires at the end of May.
   Both the House and Senate have passed four-year guidance bills for the FAA. A conference committee of legislators is working to reconcile the two versions.
   The backup legislation would extend FAA programs through June 30.
   The 'FAA Reauthorization and Reform Act of 2011' passed by the House on April 1 would consolidate programs and air traffic control facilities, modernize the air traffic control system by increasing investment in NextGen technology, and institute a risk-based approach to inspections of foreign repair stations. The Transportation and Infrastructure Committee estimates the elimination of obsolete facilities and other efficiencies will save $4 billion.
   The House will not be in session this week and rules require that bills be filed at least three days before consideration on the floor.
   NextGen is a combination of procedures and technology that will replace the use of ground radar with satellite-based communication between aircraft and air traffic controllers, improving safety and allowing planes to fly closer together.

Petri

   Thomas Petri, chairman of the Aviation Subcommittee, last week said the system eventually would enable the aviation industry to reduce fuel use by 25 percent and allow airlines to expand capacity without adding infrastructure.
   NextGen could shave as much as a half-hour off the transit time for a flight between Chicago and New York, the Wisconsin Republican said at the annual conference of the Coalition for America's Gateways & Trade Corridors in Washington.
   'It's good for public safety and should make airlines more profitable after their initial investment,' he said.
   The system requires aircraft to be outfitted with new navigation systems and transponders. ' Eric Kulisch