When Rep. Bill Shuster (R-PA) tried to pass his FAA reauthorization bill in 2016, he found resistance in Rep. Sam Graves (R-MO), who is a general aviation pilot. However, after making some changes, including the elimination of GA user fees, Shuster’s 2017 effort made a believer out of Graves, who heralded the 21st Century AIRR Act as it was passed by the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee by a vote of 32-25.
Rep. Sam Graves’ Support for AIRR Act Contradicts ‘Best Interests’ of General Aviation
Key Takeaways:
- Rep. Sam Graves, initially resistant, now supports the 21st Century AIRR Act, which includes Air Traffic Control (ATC) privatization, after securing changes like the elimination of general aviation (GA) user fees.
- Graves advocates for ATC privatization, arguing the private sector is better equipped to manage the system efficiently and that the bill, with his amendments, serves the best interest of aviation.
- Despite Graves's support and claims of protecting GA, over 120 aviation groups continue to strongly oppose the ATC privatization aspect of the AIRR Act, disagreeing with his assessment.
Key takeaways sponsored by Aviator Pro | Start Your Training ->
See a mistake? Contact us.
