Aviation

FAA Reauthorization

Given the nature of our aviation system, delays on the runways at O'Hare or La Guardia will be felt by travelers in West Virginia and across the country. The fact is, when congestion increases, small communities are the first ones to lose flights or service.

Experts predict that the current air traffic control system is incapable of handling increased capacity. As a result, by 2015 gridlock in the skies and on the runways will become so bad that its impact will be felt throughout the system - especially at West Virginia's regional airports.

Senator Rockefeller believes that modernizing our air traffic control system and building new runways will allow commerce and people to keep moving. That's why he co-authored the Aviation Investment and Modernization Act of 2007 (AIM Act).

The bill creates a new Air Traffic Control Modernization Board to ensure that the FAA is working with the government and aviation industry to implement the "Next Generation Air Traffic Control System" - the program to replace the existing analog communication system with a state-of-the-art digital system.

In addition to providing billions of dollars for much needed aviation infrastructure improvements, the bill also requires the airline industry to provide consumers with information about on-time arrivals and delays, and restores balance and fairness in the FAA labor negotiation process.

Other key provisions in the bill include: an extension of the Small Community Air Service program; increased funding for the Airport Improvement Program; expanded use of discretionary AIP funding at general aviation airports to include revenue generating facilities such as fuel farms and hangars; and the creation of a national center of excellence to begin investments in alternative fuel sources for aircraft.