NTU urges all Representatives to vote “YES” on H.R. 2997, the “21st Century Aviation Innovation, Reform, and Reauthorization Act.” This legislation would reauthorize the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for six years, improve the flying experience for consumers, and provide much-needed reforms to the outdated Air Traffic Control (ATC) system.
The most transformational reform in H.R. 2997 is the transition of the ATC system from the FAA to a non-profit corporation with a 13-member board, while retaining the function of safety regulation within the government. Nearly 60 countries around the world have adopted a similar model as this legislation. Similar reforms in Canada have reduced their aviation user fees by 45 percent and their cost per flight hour is 25 percent lower than the FAA’s. Importantly, safety has not been compromised, while the technology has been modernized and costs have been reduced.
Decades-old ATC technology cost the public and economy $25 billion per year due to delays and congestion. While the FAA has attempted to modernize the system, it has shown it is incapable of doing so in a timely and cost-effective manner. A 2016 Inspector General report found that a majority of ATC purchases by the FAA were substantially over-budget and years behind schedule. H.R. 2997 is the consummation of years of conservative work to ensure greater consumer choice, lower taxpayer costs, and an expansion of advanced aviation innovation.
Roll call votes on H.R. 2997 will be significantly-weighted in our annual Rating of Congress and a “Yes” vote will be considered the pro-taxpayer position.
If you have any questions, please contact NTU Policy and Government Affairs Associate Thomas Aiello at (703) 683-5700