FAA Reauthorization Act Revisited

GA-specific legislation is included for the first time.

Friday, September 06, 2024 at 08:59 AM ET

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While precious little meaningful lawmaking occurred in year one of the 118th Congress, there is one very bright spot in year two—the 2024 FAA Reauthorization Act. [iStock]

Key Takeaways:

The 2024 FAA Reauthorization Act is a rare bipartisan achievement in a largely unproductive Congress, highlighting the consensus on the importance of aviation.
The Act brings significant benefits and updates across general aviation, addressing areas such as airport funding, protection against closures, and infrastructure for electric aircraft.
It mandates progress on key issues like setting a deadline for the Modernization of Special Airworthiness Certification (MOSAIC) decision and facilitating the transition to unleaded aviation fuel by 2030.
The legislation also expands BasicMed parameters for aviators and lays groundwork for the integration of new technologies, including electric propulsion, advanced air mobility, and beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) drone operations.

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It’s no secret that the politically polarized 118th Congress hasn’t been able to accomplish much. In fact, this Congress has passed fewer bills in its first full year than any since the Great Depression—only 34. As a matter of perspective, the 117th Congress passed 362 bills during the Joe Biden administration and the 116th Congress passed 344 during the Donald Trump administration.

While precious little meaningful lawmaking occurred in year one of the 118th Congress, there is one very bright spot in year two—the 2024 FAA Reauthorization Act.