General Aviation Acts to Stifle Last-Minute Privatization Effort

The National Air Transportation Association (NATA) urged its members to contact their Members of Congress in opposition to a provision in the Manager’s Amendment of H.R. 4 – The FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018, that would have created an Aerospace Management Advisory Council to control the nation’s air traffic control system. You responded, and thanks to your efforts, the general aviation community was successful in turning the tide on the inclusion of this controversial language.

Language in the Manager’s Amendment, submitted by Transportation Committee Chairman Bill Shuster (R-PA), would have taken managerial responsibility of the system out of the FAA in favor of a Council run primarily by airline interests, essentially creating a privatized air traffic control corporation. The language also called for making the Chief Operating Officer of the FAA’s Air Traffic Organization report directly to the Transportation Secretary.

The House Rules Committee heard our opposition, and questioned the last-minute attempt, calling the provision “a step too far.” Ultimately, Chairman Shuster agreed to remove the provision from the Manager’s Amendment.

The FAA reauthorization bill, and all supporting amendments made in order under the rule, now heads to the full House of Representatives for consideration. A final vote in the chamber is expected any day. Follow NATA’s social media outlets for coverage of the legislation as it moves through Congress.