The law provides $3.35 billion for airport planning and development and noise compatibility planning and programs. Appropriations for facilities and equipment from the Airport and Airway Trust Fund will run for the same term, increasing annually from $3.33 to $3.707 billion in 2023. These monies will be used in part to upgrade ASOS/AWOS systems, fund remote (unattended) towers, eliminate the deferred maintenance backlog of air navigation facilities (many of which are over 40 years old) and improve cybersecurity within ATC as well as in the National Airspace System.
The FAA Reauthorization Bill of 2018 provides $90 billion in long-term funding for the FAA and TSA over five years, enabling significant investments in aviation infrastructure, facility upgrades, and cybersecurity improvements.
The legislation introduces key regulatory reforms and pilot protections, including streamlining flight standards, expanding the Pilot's Bill of Rights for greater transparency in investigations, clarifying pilot expense sharing rules, and protecting volunteer pilots from liability.
It mandates pilot programs for advanced technologies such as remote towers and airport surface surveillance, while also initiating efforts to promote youth and women's involvement in aviation careers through STEM education and outreach programs.
On October 5th the president signed the FAA Reauthorization Bill of 2018 into law. It contains important provisions that directly affect how the FAA operates and how we fly. There is much in the law that we care about as pilots and airspace system users.
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