WashingtonWatch.com - Revisions for S. 1300, The Aviation Investment and Modernization Act of 2007

Revision by webmaster (August 4, 2007, 18:43:28)

Sat, 04 Aug 2007 17:43:28 EDT

S. 1300 would amend title 49, United States Code, to authorize appropriations for the Federal Aviation Administration for fiscal years 2008 through 2011, it would improve aviation safety and capacity, and it would modernize the air traffic control system.

Detailed Summary

Aviation Investment and Modernization Act of 2007 - Authorizes appropriations for FY2008-FY2011 for: (1) Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) operations; (2) FAA air navigation facilities and equipment; (3) civil aviation research and development (R&D); (4) airport planning and development and noise compatibility planning programs; (5) certain other aviation programs; and (6) administrative expenses for certain airport programs.

Directs the FAA to impose a surcharge of per flight on owners or operators of passenger aircraft for air traffic control costs.

Revises passenger facility charge (PFC) provisions granting an eligible agency (a public agency that controls a commercial service airport) the authority to impose a PFC on passengers boarding an aircraft, including requiring such agency to submit annually to air carriers and foreign air carriers operating at the airport, and make available to the public, a status report on the agency's PFC program. Establishes an alternative PFC collection pilot program.

Authorizes the FAA Administrator to carry out a pilot program for certain airports to takeover operational responsibility for airport terminal area air navigation equipment.

Revises the federal share of costs for certain airport improvement projects.

Establishes an Air Traffic Control Modernization Oversight Board.

Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to carry out a pilot program for non-federal acquisition of Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast ground stations.

Requires: (1) the FAA Administrator to make recommendations for the realignment of FAA services and facilities to assist in the transition to next generation facilities; and (2) the head of a participating department or federal agency to establish an office to coordinate its Next Generation Air Transportation System activities with other departments or federal agencies.

Requires each air carrier: (1) to provide passengers with adequate food, potable water, and restroom facilities in cases of a substantially delayed flight departure; and (2) in the absence of a plan providing a clear timeframe for passengers to deplane a delayed aircraft, to provide such passengers an option to deplane, with exceptions, if more than three hours have elapsed, and during any subsequent three-hour periods of delay.

Increases additional funding for each fiscal year for the essential air service program.<br>

Extends the small community air service development program through FY2011.

Sets forth requirements with respect to: (1) installation of systems to alert controllers and flight crews to potential runway incursions; (2) the reduction of aircraft fuel tank flammability; and (3) research grant programs to reduce civilian aircraft noise and emissions and to develop jet fuel from clean coal.

Extends the Secretary of Transportation's authority to provide insurance and reinsurance against loss or damage arising out of any risk from the operation of a domestic or foreign aircraft.

Allows a pilot who has attained 60 years of age to serve as a passenger airline pilot until the age of 65 years old if certain conditions are met.

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Status of the Legislation

Latest Major Action: 8/3/2007: Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 329.

Points in Favor

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Points Against

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Revision by webmaster (July 10, 2007, 18:41:42)

Tue, 10 Jul 2007 17:41:42 EDT

Detailed Summary

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Status of the Legislation

Latest Major Action: 5/16/2007: Senate committee/subcommittee actions. Status: Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Ordered to be reported with amendments favorably.