Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

Us Congress House Bill HB878

Introduced
2/8/23  

Caption

To direct the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration to appoint an Associate Administrator for Aviation Safety Technology, and for other purposes.

Impact

This bill is poised to impact the operational framework of aviation safety within the United States significantly. By establishing the Associate Administrator for Aviation Safety Technology, the FAA aims to streamline certification processes and improve the efficiency of safety technology integration into aviation operations. The role will facilitate better collaboration across departments, which is expected to enhance the overall safety of air travel. Moreover, the bill authorizes $10 million annually for these initiatives, indicating a financial commitment to advancing aviation safety technology.

Summary

House Bill 878 directs the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to appoint an Associate Administrator for Aviation Safety Technology. The creation of this position aims to enhance the oversight and integration of safety technologies within the aviation sector. The Associate Administrator will not be a political appointee, ensuring a focus on expertise rather than political influence. This role comes with comprehensive responsibilities, including overseeing the review and certification of aviation safety technologies and collaborating with various stakeholders within the FAA and related agencies.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding HB 878 include the potential challenges associated with implementing a new layer of oversight and the possible resistance from stakeholders who might view additional regulations as burdensome. Critics may argue that creating new positions does not inherently translate to tangible improvements in safety or efficiency, emphasizing the importance of existing frameworks. Additionally, there are concerns regarding the qualification requirements for the Associate Administrator, which stipulate a minimum of 10 years in aerospace or aviation management, possibly limiting the pool of candidates.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

US HB2565

To direct the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration to establish an advisory committee for communities impacted by aviation, and for other purposes.

US HB3958

To direct the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration to publish guidance and implementation procedures for unmanned aircraft systems with respect to environmental reviews, and for other purposes.

US HB2618

Federal Aviation Administration Engagement and Transparency Act

US HB3616

To direct the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration to include medications and medical equipment for the emergency treatment of known or suspected opioid overdose in aircraft emergency medical kits, and for other purposes.

US HB220

Advanced Aviation Act This bill directs the Department of Transportation (DOT) to redesignate the Office of NextGen as the Office of Advanced Aviation within the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The new office duties include the coordination of rulemaking and approval processes on matters relating to advanced aviation systems (e.g., drones, supersonic aircraft technologies, counter-unmanned aircraft systems). The bill also establishes an Office of Advanced Integration within the Office of Advanced Aviation. Additionally, DOT must establish an Advanced Aviation Coordination Unit within the FAA whose responsibilities shall include the promotion of the safe and responsible integration of advanced aviation systems into the national airspace system. Further, DOT must redesignate the William J. Hughes Technical Center as the William J. Hughes Technical Center for Advanced Aviation. The center must establish and manage a program to evaluate new aviation-related technologies proposed to be used in the national airspace system and facilitate the integration of such technologies into the national airspace system.

US HB3634

Safe Aviation and Flight Enhancement Act of 2023

US HB6448

To require the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration to conduct a study to compare the effects of allowing certain aircraft certified under part 23 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, to operate under part 121 of such title, and for other purposes.

US HB3935

Securing Growth and Robust Leadership in American Aviation Act

US HB1048

Aviation Noise and Emissions Mitigation Act

US HB8216

To amend title 49, United States Code, to authorize appropriations for the Federal Aviation Administration for fiscal years 2024 through 2028, and for other purposes.

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