Legislation to provide a five-year reauthorization for the Federal Aviation Administration, the longest enacted since 1982, passed the U.S. Senate on Oct. 3, and will become law when signed by President Trump.
“In Alaska where the majority of our communities simply can’t be reached by road, the important of Alaska air service cannot be overstated,” said Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, who voted in favor of the legislation. “This bill reauthorizes the Essential Air Service Program, which is vital to so many of our rural communities.”
“Aviation isn’t just a means of transportation for Alaskans – it means food deliveries, access to medical treatment, and basic necessities. Aviation is truly a lifeline in Alaska,” she said.
The legislation reauthorizes a yearly increase for the Essential Air Service program, which provides vital air services for rural communities that are otherwise isolated from the National Air Transportation System. The bill adds Little Diomede as a new addition to the EAS program, allowing for greater access and service to this community.
The legislation significantly expands integration of unmanned aircraft systems (drones) into national airspace, with specific permissions for the UAS in the Arctic. The bill also includes new provisions to address privacy protections for unmanned aircraft, updates the special rule for model aircraft, and provides greater flexibility to FAA to approve advanced UAS operations.
Other areas of Alaska interest in this bill include a requirement for the FAA to establish a risk-based framework to accelerate installation of safety equipment enhancements for small, general aviation planes; support for major airport facility improvements and a provision to protect the Airport Improvements Program to benefit communities like Haines and Manokotak; and streamlining of the process to help airports pay for upgrades and repair projects.
The bill also reforms Federal Emergency Management Agency programs to help communities better prepare and respond to disasters, as well as provide $1.68 billion in disaster relief for Americans impacted by Hurricane Florence, Murkowski said.
