Washington, DC, Feb. 8, 2024 – The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) welcomes a Senate committee’s vote today approving a five-year Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) authorization bill. The legislation will now head to the Senate floor.

The Senate Commerce, Science & Transportation Committee bill (S.1939) provides authorization for the agency to ensure that the U.S. strengthens its global leadership in aviation safety. The bipartisan legislation contains a host of NBAA-supported provisions that reflect the business aviation community’s priorities with regard to safety, sustainability, innovation and workforce development.

“NBAA applauds Sens. Cantwell, Cruz, Duckworth, Moran and members of the committee for passing a strong bill that provides stability, enhances safety, embraces new technologies and will help grow our workforce,” NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen said. “We urge Congress to act with urgency on the bill, so we can move forward on the priorities and programs identified in the legislation.”

The bill passed by the Senate panel includes provisions that would:

  • Reform and digitize systems such as the FAA aircraft registry and Part 135 certification to enhance safety and efficiency.
  • Improve FAA aeromedical policies and procedures related to pilot mental health and other matters.
  • Modify supplemental oxygen requirements under Part 135 to increase the flight level (FL) threshold from FL 250 to 410.
  • Position the U.S. as a leader in advanced air mobility (AAM), directing a practical regulatory path and investments in electric infrastructure to help scale AAM at U.S. airports.
  • Increase student loan caps for accredited flight education and training programs to make the pilot career path more accessible to everyone and grow the pilot workforce.
  • Strengthen air traffic controller workforce staffing.
  • Direct the FAA to implement a plan to strengthen international engagement on safety, certification and integration of valuable new technologies.

The House passed its FAA reauthorization bill (H.R.3935) on July 20, 2023.