reauthorization

The legislators emphasized the need to address the stigma surrounding mental healthcare for pilots and air traffic controllers.

The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee passed a second extension of FAA authorization as lawmakers quibble over a contentious bill.

The U.S. House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure’s Subcommittee on Aviation invited key stakeholders from the aviation industry to gather in Washington, D.C., on Thursday for a hearing to outline exactly why passage of the long-term authorization bill is critical.

Pressure from the group of aviation organizations comes as the FAA’s current authorization is set to expire on Sept. 30.

The momentum may be lost, however, if FAA leadership waivers, the General Aviation Manufacturers Association said in its market report.

The nearly 800-page piece of legislation calls for $100 billion in funding for the agency and airports through 2028.

The agency’s recent NOTAM crash and a near collision in Austin were among topics discussed in the House hearing.