NBAA BACE HIGHLIGHTS 10.21.2024
We are off to a great start over here at the National Business Aviation Association Business Aviation Convention Exposition in Las Vegas!
I arrived this morning and went straight to an exciting newsmakers luncheon where NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen sat down with Congressmen Sam Graves (R-6-MO) and Rick Larsen (D-2-WA), who were the key authors of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) bill that was passed by Congress earlier this year. ✈️💪🏼
They discussed the impact the bill will have and how all of the new legislation will help to create a more safe, more clean, more green and more accessible aviation system here in the U.S. and continue to highlight America as a shining example of aviation excellence globally.
Some key talking points about the new bill that I found interesting:
- Re: sustainable aviation fuel (SAF): T&I Ranking Member Rick Larsen mentioned that there is an actual library of SAF formulas as we continue ongoing research and development! 👩🏻🔬
- Heavy focus on innovation and technology (ex: electric, hybrid and hydrogen propulsion research as well as the safe testing and integration of drones and advanced air mobility (AAM) into general aviation airports). Airports and FBOs are also beginning to explore what operational needs will be required moving forward to support them.
- The organizational structure of the FAA was revised to help create more efficiency and streamline innovation
- Revisions on the AIP (Aeronautical Information Publication) have resulted in nearly a billion dollars of new money according to T&I Chairman Sam Graves, that would likely be directed towards our small and medium sized airports for much needed improvements 🙌🏼
- They also said that neither Presidential candidate Trump or Harris had mentioned Transportation at all as a focus, yet most great civilizations in history have shown to have very strong transportation & infrastructure so we need to continue advocating for support
Congratulations to Graves and Larsen for both winning the NAHF’s Congressional Leadership Award for their efforts and contribution to aviation!
I am excited to see the effects of these initiatives for years to come and will definitely be following the progress of these two inspiring aviation advocates.
To read more about the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024, please visit:
