House Approves Landmark FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024

Washington, D.C. – The U.S. House of Representatives today approved the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024 (H.R. 3935) a comprehensive, bipartisan bill to reauthorize the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and aviation infrastructure and safety programs for five years, with broad bipartisan support in a 387-26 vote.

H.R. 3935 was first introduced in the House last year by Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman Sam Graves (R-MO), Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Ranking Member Rick Larsen (D-WA), Aviation Subcommittee Chairman Garret Graves (R-LA) and Aviation Subcommittee Ranking Member Steve Cohen (D-TN).  The landmark aviation legislation provides key safety improvements, invests in infrastructure at airports of all sizes, promotes cutting-edge aviation solutions, enhances America’s aviation workforce, improves the flying public’s travel experience, and ensures a healthy general aviation sector for years to come.

“The FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024 is one of the farthest reaching, most consequential pieces of legislation this House will consider in the 118^th Congress.  For over a century, the United States has led the world in aviation safety and innovation, and this bill is critical to ensuring America remains the global leader in aviation. It’s vital to our economy, to millions of American jobs, and to the millions of passengers that depend on our National Airspace System every single day,” said T&I Chairman Sam Graves.  “This comprehensive bill improves our aviation system’s safety, infrastructure, and workforce.  It will enhance the FAA’s efficiency and the overall passenger experience, while encouraging domestic innovation in aviation.  And I’m proud to say this legislation includes the first-ever title in an FAA reauthorization bill dedicated to general aviation, the foundation of our civil aviation system and where many of our pilots, mechanics, and other hard-working aviation professionals begin their careers.”

Highlights of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024:

Upholds America’s Gold Standard in Safety

America’s aviation system is safe, but the system is not immune to stress and must continually be made safer. The FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024 addresses several safety issues to ensure the United States, and the FAA, remain the world’s gold standard in aviation safety.

Improves FAA Efficiency and Operations

The bill makes targeted changes to the organizational structure of the FAA to improve overall efficiency of the agency, allow for innovation, and streamline the regulatory process. These changes aim to seamlessly integrate with FAA’s ongoing efforts while simultaneously ensuring the agency is better organized to lead in an advanced aviation future.

Strengthens America’s General Aviation (GA) Sector

America’s aviation system would not be where it is today without a healthy GA sector, and in fact, most of all aviation professionals these days, including pilots and mechanics, get their start in GA. This bill recognizes that the success of the United States aviation system is built upon a strong GA foundation and includes the first-ever general aviation title to secure our aviation industry’s long-term success.

Grows the Aviation Workforce

Our aviation system is experiencing a shortage of qualified workers, including pilots, mechanics, and air traffic controllers, and the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024 addresses these challenges by investing in workforce development and training, removing barriers to pursuing aviation careers, improving pilot training standards, and more.

Invests in United States Airport Infrastructure

Recognizing that airports connect our communities, create jobs, and drive economic growth, the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024 authorizes robust funding for airport infrastructure, including prioritizing investments for small and GA airports, and expediting project deliveries.

Encourages Aviation Innovation

Various challenges, from bureaucratic hurdles to endless research, are beginning to jeopardize the United States’ leadership in aviation innovation. The FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024 ensures the safe and efficient testing and integration of new technologies, such as drones and advanced air mobility (AAM), into the airspace. The bill also encourages local communities to leverage the benefits of these new airspace entrants.

Enhances the Passenger Experience

While many parts of the aviation system typically function without incident despite its volume of travelers, one weak link in a trip can ruin a passenger’s experience. The FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024 delivers several necessary reforms that will enhance the experience for the traveling public.

Authorizes the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB)

As the independent Federal agency responsible for investigating all civil aviation accidents, in addition to accidents in other modes of transportation, the NTSB plays an important role in transportation safety. Last authorized in the 2018 FAA Reauthorization Act, this bill updates the NTSB’s authorization.