Two amendments to FAA Reauthorization Act pass through Senate Committee

Two amendments to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Reauthorization Act of 2017 that aim to improve transparency and security of the nation’s airspace were recently approved by the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee.

Both amendments were authored by U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson
(R-WI).

Johnson’s first amendment requires the FAA to annually report the implementation status of the NextGen air traffic control system at commercial service airports throughout the country. The technology enhances flight efficiency by using GPS tracking technology to monitor flights instead of the contemporary radar technology used today.

The amendment additionally calls for the FAA to develop a standard for determining the efficiency of benefits achieved using the new system, the degree to which the system has been installed at airports, and the extent of controller training with the NextGen system.

The senator’s second amendment makes it unlawful to fly drones in a restricted airspace, such as the White House and the Vice President’s residence. The amendment builds upon an existing law that was approved by the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs during the 114th Congress.

“I’m confident that these common sense policies will advance the use of American airspace and hopeful that my colleagues in the Senate will move swiftly to consider the measure on the floor,” Johnson said.

In addition to the two amendments, Johnson was also able to include a provision that waived federal service fees for air shows.