Senate Aviation Subcommittee Delves Into FAA Reauthorization

On May 13, the Senate Aviation Subcommittee held a hearing entitled "Reauthorization of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA): Perspectives of Aviation Stakeholders". The Senate has not yet introduced its version of FAA reauthorization legislation.

The hearing covered key topics in FAA reauthorization, focusing primarily on implementation of the Next Generation air traffic control system, the use of biofuels, and the ongoing standoff between the FAA and air traffic controllers. However, discussion of provisions aimed at repair stations, particularly those located overseas, came before the subcommittee.

In her testimony, Aerospace Industries Association President (and former FAA administrator) Marion Blakey drew attention to industry concerns over language in the House FAA reauthorization bill (H.R. 915) that will drastically harm the international maintenance industry (click here for details on these provisions). Blakey stated, "I would like to stress the aviation industry’s commitment to safety and security at repair stations around the world. As you know, aviation is a global industry and requires an international network of safe and secure repair stations." She elaborated on the damaging effect that language targeting foreign repair stations will have on domestic facilities, particularly those enjoying commercial relationships with European customers.

Subcommittee Ranking Member Jim DeMint (R-SC) expressed his view that maintenance work being completed at foreign part 145 certificate holders is of an equivalent, or even greater, level of safety as that being completed at domestic facilities. Further, Sen. DeMint noted he found the measures in the House bill taking aim at repair stations were "tangential" to current safety goals.

The final panel of the hearing consisted of representatives of organized labor, advocates for language that will undermine the use of foreign repair stations. Ken Hall of the Teamsters’ voiced the association’s emblematic view that contract maintenance facilities abroad endanger aviation safety.

A webcast of the hearing as well as the testimony of all witnesses is available for viewing on the committee’s Web site at:

Senate Aviation Subcommittee Hearing