NBAA Hails Senate Passage of FAA Reauthorization

The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) praised action by the U.S. Senate to approve legislation to reauthorize the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The "FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012" now moves to the White House for the president’s signature.

"This legislation will ensure our aviation infrastructure has the investment needed to keep the U.S. air transportation system the largest, safest and most efficient in the world," said NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen. "This four-year reauthorization provides the FAA with the roadmap to implement a Next Generation Air Traffic System, so that we will be able to meet America's aviation needs of today and tomorrow. We thank leaders in both the Senate and House for their continued commitment to getting an FAA reauthorization completed."

The legislation authorizes $63.3 billion for FAA programs through 2015. The measure retains, at existing levels, the proven, efficient and effective fuel tax as the means for general aviation to pay for its use of the aviation system, in lieu of new user fees. The reauthorization package also reflects a commitment to make the Next Generation Air Traffic System ("NextGen") a reality.

Prior to today's Senate vote, the Congress had passed 23 temporary extensions to keep the FAA operating for most of the last 52 months.