On Oct. 5, 2018, the president signed the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 (H.R. 302) into law, securing programs and federal grants like the Airport Improvement Program, for the next five years. The measure will also work to streamline FAA certification and regulatory processes and encourage innovation in aviation. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) are included in the reauthorization.
“The bipartisan and bicameral long-term FAA reauthorization bill raises the bar on aviation safety, improves the public’s traveling experience, better prepares and diversifies the aviation workforce, increases the global competitiveness of domestic aerospace manufacturers and safely advances drone operations in U.S. airspace,” says Aviation Subcommittee Ranking Member Rick Larsen (D-WA).
The bill also creates the Disaster Recovery Reform Act of 2018, (DRRA) which will help communities better prepare for, respond to, recover from, and mitigate against disasters. DRRA increases focus on actions taken before disaster strikes that will lessen future impacts, reduce disaster costs, and prevent loss of life.
According to Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management Subcommittee Chairman Lou Barletta (R-PA), 26.4 million people were affected by natural disasters last year. Provisions in the DRRA include reforms that will help curb the impacts of climate change and rebuild infrastructure to improve ADA compliance.
“The many reforms in this law will help strengthen American leadership in aviation, create jobs, and improve safety and service for passengers. The law also shifts disaster programs to focus more on proactive actions that will help protect lives and property from flooding, hurricanes, fires, and other catastrophes,”says Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman Bill Shuster (R-PA).
