Thune Statement on Establishment of Small Community Air Service Working Group

December 19, 2016

Pierre Mayor Laurie Gill and South Dakota Department of Transportation Program Manager Jack Dokken Selected to Serve on Working Group

WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.), chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, issued the following statement after the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) announced it had made appointments to the Small Community Air Service Working Group that originated in the Federal Aviation Administration Reauthorization Act, of which Thune was the lead Senate sponsor. The provision was ultimately enacted in July. Pierre Mayor Laurie Gill and South Dakota Department of Transportation Program Manager for the Office of Air, Rail, and Transit Jack Dokken were appointed to the working group, which means South Dakota will have a strong voice on these important issues.

“I want to thank Secretary Foxx and his team for making these appointments so the group’s work can get underway and congratulate them particularly for tapping Mayor Laurie Gill as one of their appointees,” said Thune. “Mayor Gill has been a strong leader and vocal advocate for rural air service, and I’m confident she and Jack will work hard in these new roles to help draw attention to the unique needs faced by rural communities throughout South Dakota.”  

The Small Community Air Service Working Group will coordinate with local, state, and federal officials to help develop potential solutions to challenges faced by rural airports and the communities they serve, including reliability of air service and pilot training.

In September, Thune wrote to DOT Secretary Foxx and encouraged him to quickly assemble the working group because “rural communities around the country that have lost, or are being faced with losing, commercial service cannot afford to wait.”

FAA’S New Part 23 Rule Will Streamline Approval of New Technologies

December 16, 2016

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) today issued a final rule that overhauls the airworthiness standards for small general aviation airplanes. This innovative rule will reduce the time it takes to move safety enhancing technologies for small airplanes into the marketplace and will also reduce costs for the aviation industry.

 “Aviation manufacturing is our nation’s top export and general aviation alone contributes approximately $80 billion and 400,000 jobs to our economy,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx. “The FAA’s rule replaces prescriptive design requirements with performance-based standards, which will reduce costs and leverage innovation without sacrificing safety.”

FAA’s new Part 23 rule establishes performance-based standards for airplanes that weigh less than 19,000 pounds with 19 or fewer seats and recognizes consensus-based compliance methods for specific designs and technologies. It also adds new certification standards to address general aviation loss of control accidents and in-flight icing conditions.

“The rule is a model of what we can accomplish for American competitiveness when government and industry work together and demonstrates that we can simultaneously enhance safety and reduce burdens on industry,” said FAA Administrator Michael Huerta.

The rule responds to the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 and the Small Airplane Revitalization Act of 2013, which directed the FAA to streamline the approval of safety advancements for small general aviation aircraft. It also addresses recommendations from the FAA’s 2013 Part 23 Reorganization Aviation Rulemaking Committee, which recommended a more streamlined approval process for safety equipment on small general aviation aircraft.

The new rule also promotes regulatory harmonization among the FAA’s foreign partners, including the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA), and Brazil’s Civil Aviation Authority (ANAC).  This harmonization may help minimize costs for airplane and engine manufacturers and operators of affected equipment who seek certification to sell products globally.

The rule affects airplane manufacturers, engine manufacturers, and operators of affected equipment.  Click here to learn more from the FAA and industry about the benefits of streamlined certification.

This regulatory change is a leading example of how the FAA is transforming its Aircraft Certification Service into an agile organization that can support aviation industry innovation in the coming years.  The Service is focused on using risk-based oversight to refresh the certification strategy, investing in management systems to improve performance, and improving the overall organization.

The rule will be effective eight months from publication in the Federal Register.

FAA Rebate Program for General Aviation Aircraft Owners (ADS-B)

WASHINGTON – Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Administrator Michael Huerta announced today that the FAA is delivering on its commitment to incentivize general aviation aircraft owners to equip their aircraft with required NextGen avionics technology before the January 1, 2020 deadline.

On September 19, 2016, the FAA’s Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) rebate website will go live, and general aviation aircraft owners will have the opportunity to apply for a $500 rebate to help offset the cost to equip eligible aircraft in a timely manner, rather than waiting to meet the mandatory equipage date.

“NextGen has played and will continue to play an important role in ensuring that our airspace is safe and efficient for the American people, and we are focused on achieving its full potential,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx.  “This incentive program is an innovative solution that addresses stakeholder concerns about meeting the 2020 deadline, and will make a huge difference in helping the general aviation community equip.”

ADS-B is a foundational NextGen technology that transforms aircraft surveillance using satellite-based positioning. ADS-B Out, which is required by January 1, 2020, transmits information about a plane’s altitude, speed, and location to air traffic control and other nearby aircraft.  ADS-B In allows aircraft to receive traffic and weather information from ground stations and to see nearby aircraft that are broadcasting their positions through ADS-B Out. Owners can choose to install only ADS-B Out equipment to meet the 2020 requirement, or they can purchase an integrated system that also includes ADS-B In.

On June 6, 2016, Secretary Foxx and FAA Administrator Michael Huerta announced that the rebates would be available starting this fall, and that only installations performed after the program launched would be eligible for the rebate.  Previously equipped aircraft will not be eligible.  The $500 rebate will help offset the cost of purchasing required avionics equipment, which is available for prices as low as $2,000.

Beginning this month, the FAA will issue 20,000 rebates on a first-come, first-served basis for one year or until all 20,000 rebates are claimed – whichever comes first.  The rebate is available only to owners of U.S.-registered, fixed-wing, single-engine piston aircraft that were first registered before January 1, 2016.  The FAA will not provide rebates for software upgrades on already equipped aircraft, or for aircraft for which the FAA has paid or committed to upgrade.  The FAA estimates that 160,000 aircraft need to be equipped by the deadline.

“We promised that we would help aircraft owners equip with ADS-B, and I am pleased to say that today we are honoring that commitment and we are delivering on our target date,” said Huerta.  “We are encouraging aircraft owners to start equipping now.  Do not wait until the last minute, because you may not be able to get an appointment with a certified installer.”

Aircraft owners who have a standard airworthiness aircraft may have a repair station or an appropriately-licensed A&P mechanic install the ADS-B equipment.  Owners of aircraft certificated as experimental or light sport must adhere to applicable regulations and established standards when installing ADS-B equipment.

Owners are only eligible for the rebate if they install the avionics after September 19, 2016 and within 90 days of the rebate reservation date.  Aircraft owners will have 60 days after the scheduled installation date to validate their equipage by flying their aircraft, and will then be able to claim the rebate.  The reservation system will require an N number, installation date, and the planned ADS-B equipment being installed. The reservation system will be available at the ADS-B Rebate website.

The FAA published a final rule in May 2010 mandating that aircraft flying in certain controlled airspace be equipped with ADS-B Out by January 1, 2020.  That airspace is generally the same busy airspace where transponders are required today.  Aircraft that fly only in uncontrolled airspace where no transponders are required, and aircraft without electrical systems, such as balloons and gliders, are exempt from the mandate.

The FAA has been working with stakeholders, including the Aircraft Electronics Association, the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, the Experimental Aircraft Association, the General Aviation Manufacturers Association, and others to inform and educate the aviation community about the ADS-B requirements.

More information about equipping and the rebate program is available on the following websites:
http://www.faa.gov/go/rebate
http://www.faa.gov/nextgen/equipadsb/

Federal Aviation Administration Announces Operational Rules For Use of Commercial Drones

WASHINGTON – Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Administrator Michael Huerta today announced the implementation of the first operational rules for routine non-hobbyist use of small unmanned aircraft systems (UAS or “drones”). The regulations on June 21, 2016 officially take effect today.

“People are captivated by the limitless possibilities unmanned aircraft offer, and they are already creating business opportunities in this exciting new field,” said Secretary Foxx. “These new rules are our latest step toward transforming aviation and society with this technology in very profound ways.”

“The FAA’s role is to set a flexible framework of safety without impeding innovation,” said Administrator Huerta. “With these rules, we have created an environment in which emerging technology can be rapidly introduced while protecting the safety of the world’s busiest, most complex airspace.”

The provisions of the new rule – formally known as Part 107 –are designed to minimize risks to other aircraft and people and property on the ground. A summary is available here: http://www.faa.gov/uas/media/Part_107_Summary.pdf

Effective today, the FAA has several processes in place to help users take advantage of the rule:

Waivers. The agency is offering a process to waive some of the rule’s restrictions if an operator demonstrates the proposed flight will be conducted safely under a waiver. Users must apply for these waivers at the online portal located at http://www.faa.gov/UAS

The FAA is issuing more than 70 waivers today, based on petitions for Section 333 exemptions. These waivers will be posted on September 1, 2016. The majority of the approved waivers were for night operations under Part 107.

Airspace Authorization. Users can operate their unmanned aircraft in Class G (uncontrolled) airspace without air traffic control permission. Operations in Class B, C, D and E airspace need air traffic approval. Users must request access to controlled airspace via the electronic portal at http://www.faa.gov/UAS.

The FAA will evaluate airspace authorization requests using a phased approach.
Operators may submit their requests starting today, but air traffic facilities will receive approved authorizations, if granted, according to the following tentative schedule:

Class D & E Surface Area October 3, 2016
Class C October 31, 2016
Class B December 5, 2016

The FAA will make every effort to approve requests as soon as possible, but the actual processing time will vary, depending on the complexity of an individual request and the volume of applications the FAA receives. The agency is urging users to submit requests at least 90 days before they intend to fly in controlled airspace.

The FAA will use safety data from each phase to ensure appropriate mitigations are in place as small UAS operations are integrated into controlled airspace.

Aeronautical Knowledge Test. Testing centers nationwide can now administer the Aeronautical Knowledge Test required under Part 107. After an operator passes the test, he or she must complete an FAA Airman Certificate and/or Rating Application to receive a remote pilot certificate at:
https://iacra.faa.gov/IACRA/Default.aspx

It may take up to 48 hours for the website to record that the applicant has passed the knowledge test. The FAA expects to validate applications within 10 days. Applicants will then receive instructions for printing a temporary airman certificate, which is good for 120 days. The FAA will mail a permanent Remote Pilot Certificate within 120 days.

In the future, the FAA also will address operations not covered by Part 107 without a waiver, including operations over people, beyond line of sight operations, extended operations, flight in urban areas, and flight at night.

Part 107 does not apply to model aircraft. Model aircraft operators must continue to satisfy all the criteria specified in Section 336 of Public Law 112-95 (which is now codified in part 101), including the stipulation they be operated only for hobby or recreational purposes. Click here for more information on hobby or recreation uses.

Thune Announces Bipartisan, Bicameral Agreement on Aviation Bill

Thune Announces Bipartisan, Bicameral Agreement on Aviation Bill

“As we face ongoing terrorist threats, this legislation will make significant improvements to airport security and help keep South Dakota families safe while traveling.”

 July 6, 20126

WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.), chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, today announced that House and Senate leaders have reached a bipartisan agreement on an aviation bill that would reauthorize Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) programs through September 30, 2017, and make several key reforms to security, safety, consumer protection, regulation of unmanned aircraft, and general aviation.

“The bipartisan, bicameral agreement reached today makes important investments in the future and includes numerous consumer protections,” said Thune. “As we face ongoing terrorist threats, this legislation will make significant improvements to airport security and help keep South Dakota families safe while traveling. The sooner we get this bill to the president’s desk, the sooner the FAA can get to work implementing these reforms.”

Thune served as the Senate’s lead negotiator during discussions between the House and Senate.  

Highlights of the House-Senate agreement:

1.      Aviation Security:

Tightens the access controls and employee vetting standards for aviation workers with access to secure and sterile areas of airports, in order to mitigate the insider threat to aviation security.

Strengthens security for foreign airports by requiring comprehensive security assessments for all overseas airports serving the United States and considers the level of information sharing and security capabilities of foreign airports.

Expands the TSA PreCheck program by directing TSA to partner with the private sector to develop enhanced enrollment and vetting methods. By developing and marketing this program, TSA can strengthen security by identifying trusted travelers, while also increasing operational efficiency of checkpoints by providing expedited screening to more passengers.

2.      Aviation Safety: 

 Streamlines processes for approval and interagency cooperation to deploy unmanned aircraft during emergencies, such as disaster responses and wildfires.

 Requires the marking of certain towers to improve their visibility to low-flying aircraft and help prevent accidents.

 Directs the FAA to establish a comprehensive and strategic framework to identify and address cybersecurity risks to the aviation system.

3.      Additional Provisions:

 Directs the Department of Transportation to create a working group on air service to small communities, including consideration of how to improve pilot training.

 Reforms and streamlines the third-class medical certification process.

 Requires air carriers to provide a refund of paid baggage fees when items are lost or unreasonably delayed.

 Requires airlines to generally ensure that children 13 years of age or under are seated adjacent to an adult or older child traveling with them.

Click here for a full summary of the agreement.

 

FAA and The National Air Traffic Controllers Association Reach Tentative Agreement on CBA

WASHINGTON – The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and its largest union, the National Air Traffic Controllers Association, AFL-CIO (NATCA) announced today they have reached a tentative agreement on a new collective bargaining agreement (CBA) covering the air traffic control specialists assigned to the terminal and en route options, traffic management coordinators/specialists, air traffic controllers assigned to the flight service option, and Notice to Airmen specialists (NOTAMS).

The tentative agreement culminates a swift, and very effective interest-based bargaining process that began in January. It reflects the strong collaborative relationship that FAA and NATCA have established over the past seven years. The current collective bargaining agreement was signed in 2009, and extended in 2012.

NATCA will now send the agreement to its members for a ratification vote. NATCA anticipates that it will be concluded by mid-July.

“Together, NATCA and the FAA have continued to work successfully on safety and modernization, labor relations, professional standards, training, and many other important issues,” said FAA Chief Operating Officer Teri Bristol. “These interest-based negotiations have reflected that same commitment to successful collaboration.”

“This agreement was achieved through a collaborative process, building upon our successful working relationships at all levels of the FAA and NATCA,” NATCA President Paul Rinaldi said. “This agreement recognizes the vital role that NATCA members play in meeting the FAA’s mission to ensure that the United States airspace is the safest and most efficient system in the world.”

This CBA will provide stability for the workforce and ensure continued collaboration for the employees who provide the safest air transportation system in the world.