Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
Washington, D.C.,
May 10, 2007 -
The FAA is in the middle of a transition to secure the future of aviation in America. The Next Generation Air Transportation System, or NextGen, will replace the current system and will include satellite based surveillance systems. Therefore, the FAA introduced a new finance structure. However, I am concerned by this as general aviation users will have to pay 19 cents per gallon for aviation gas and 22 cents for general aviation jet fuel, which could increase transport costs in Alaska.
I also hope that the transition period in the FAA will bring about a resolution to the ongoing contract talks for air traffic controllers. The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee will aim to move swiftly and responsibly to adequately address the needs of over 11,000 controllers, as they are vital to America’s safety in the air.
In addition, general aviation users may see an in crease in fees when trying to use hub airports. This is because the FAA is trying to route smaller planes to smaller, less congested airports. However, the new proposals may be less profitable than originally thought. Therefore, I do not endorse the proposed plan which was submitted to Congress. I believe that the FAA and Congress can work together and create a financial plan which can pay for NextGen and deliver a first-class system for passengers, pilots and air traffic controllers.
