"FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024: Stakeholder Perspectives on Implementation One Year Later"

House Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee on Aviation

2025-06-04

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Summary

This meeting of the Subcommittee on Aviation convened to review the one-year anniversary of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024, focusing on the progress and challenges in its implementation. Speakers emphasized the importance of timely execution of the landmark legislation to ensure aviation safety, modernize infrastructure, and strengthen the workforce [ 00:29:12-00:29:23 ]

[ 00:32:28 ] . The discussion highlighted key areas where the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Department of Transportation (DOT) are meeting, or falling short of, congressional mandates and industry expectations [ 00:30:03-00:30:18 ] .

Implementation of FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024

The FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024, signed into law a year ago, was hailed as comprehensive and landmark legislation intended to strengthen every aspect of the aviation ecosystem [ 00:29:12-00:29:23 ]

[ 00:32:28 ] . It included over 500 mandates for the FAA and DOT, covering safety, general aviation, workforce development, infrastructure, and technology integration [ 00:29:27-00:29:58 ] . Despite its ambition, significant concerns were raised about delays in implementing crucial provisions [ 00:30:31-00:30:40 ] . Specific provisions, such as Section 372 for enhanced pilot qualification, Section 930 for drone operations beyond visual line of sight, and Section 1110 for supersonic aircraft policies, have faced delays [ 00:31:08-00:31:21 ] . While some progress was noted, such as in Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) pilot training and BasicMed enhancements, speakers stressed that legislation alone cannot save lives; timely and accountable implementation is paramount [ 00:32:45 ] . The subcommittee was urged to hold the DOT and FAA accountable to achieve the goals set forth in the legislation [ 00:31:25 ] [ 00:31:40 ] .

Air Traffic Control (ATC) Modernization and Staffing

A critical and urgent theme was the modernization of the nation's air traffic control system, which is currently hampered by outdated equipment and severe staffing shortages . Speakers highlighted the need for substantial investments in personnel, facilities, and equipment, including the recruitment of 14,000 air traffic controllers . The current reliance on antiquated technologies, like floppy disks and decaying copper wires, creates operational risks and inefficiencies, necessitating a shift towards modern digital infrastructure . Appreciation was expressed for Secretary Duffy's and Chairman Graves's efforts to prioritize ATC modernization and allocate significant funding . However, concerns persist regarding the efficiency of these modernization efforts and the bureaucratic hurdles involved . The idea of privatizing ATC was strongly opposed by some, arguing against the introduction of a for-profit motive into a safety-critical system .

Workforce Development and Well-being

The aviation sector's reliance on a highly trained and skilled workforce was a central concern . Speakers pointed to the negative impact of current administration actions, such as staff departures, hiring freezes, and proposed budget cuts, on the FAA's capacity to fulfill its mandates and support its personnel . A significant area of discussion was pilot mental health, with calls to address the stigma and bureaucratic delays that penalize aviation professionals for seeking treatment [ 02:09:41-02:10:06 ]

. Reforms to the FAA's medical clearance process, including updating the Form 8500, were suggested to encourage self-reporting and reduce punitive measures . Flight attendant safety issues, including exposure to contaminated cabin air, radiation, unruly passengers, and ramp worker hazards, were also highlighted, with calls for improved reporting systems, education, and realistic tasking schedules [ 02:03:56-02:04:22 ] . The importance of maintaining a two-pilot complement in commercial aircraft was stressed, citing instances where teamwork prevented incidents .

Advanced Aviation Technologies and Innovation

The integration of new technologies, such as drones and Advanced Air Mobility (AAM), into the national airspace was discussed as crucial for maintaining U.S. leadership in aviation [ 00:29:55 ]

. However, significant delays in regulatory action for Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) drone operations were noted, hindering industry scalability and innovation . The need for electronic conspicuity solutions was emphasized to enhance situational awareness in increasingly complex airspace and move towards a "zero-collision" environment . The discussion also touched upon modernizing regulations for supersonic aircraft, advocating for the revision of outdated 1973 laws to allow for quieter, more advanced designs [ 01:02:45-01:03:00 ] . Concerns were raised about the impact of certification delays on innovation, although some progress in AAM certification was acknowledged [ 01:01:01 ] .

General Aviation (GA) and Airport Infrastructure

The FAA Reauthorization Act marked a significant milestone by including the first-ever title specifically for general aviation, aiming to strengthen this vital sector [ 00:29:39 ]

. Investments in the country's airport infrastructure, particularly for small and general aviation airports, were identified as a priority in the Act [ 00:29:51 ] . However, issues such as a lack of fee transparency at Fixed-Base Operators (FBOs) and challenges for small airports to secure Airport Improvement Program (AIP) funding due to complex eligibility requirements were raised . A significant concern for general aviation pilots was the misuse of ADS-B data, with examples of it being used for frivolous lawsuits and to enforce landing fees, which can deter pilots from adopting this critical safety technology . A national approach to regulate ADS-B data use was suggested to avoid a patchwork of state laws [ 02:25:17 ] .

Tone of the Meeting

The overall tone of the meeting was serious and underscored by a sense of urgency, particularly regarding aviation safety and the timely implementation of the FAA Reauthorization Act [ 00:30:03-00:30:18 ]

[ 00:32:45-00:32:54 ] . There was a clear bipartisan commitment to the goals of the Act and to maintaining the U.S.'s leadership in aviation [ 00:32:28 ] [ 03:00:21-03:00:33 ] . However, frustration was evident regarding bureaucratic inefficiencies, staffing shortages, and delays in implementing key provisions, with some speakers directly criticizing the administration's actions . Speakers frequently emphasized safety as the paramount priority, often citing recent incidents and near-misses as stark reminders of the need for action [ 00:32:54 ] . There was also a strong sense of pride in American innovation and the desire to leverage it for future aviation advancements .