The Senate overwhelmingly passed a long-term FAA reauthorization bill on Tuesday, sending the measure to the House of Representatives, where previous legislation stalled over plans to privatize ATC.
Lawmakers approved by a vote of 95-3 an amended measure that would fund the FAA through fiscal year 2017.
The Senate bill includes a number of provisions that are being championed by general aviation, including third-class medical reform, and would authorize annual increases in Airport Improvement Program funding, streamline certification for light GA aircraft, support a transition to unleaded aviation fuel, and make it easier to install modern safety equipment in legacy aircraft.
GA groups applauded the Senate bill’s passage for scrapping the ATC privatization proposal.
» Read more from FLYING
