On May 9, U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), a member of the Senate Commerce Committee, welcomed Senate passage of legislation to reauthorize the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for five years.
This bill includes several provisions championed by Senator Fischer to advance safety and to support rural regional airports across Nebraska.
“This major legislation will strengthen safety for the flying public and bolster Nebraska’s manufacturing industry. I’m glad this bill takes meaningful steps to address the pilot shortage and includes provisions to support women in aviation and to protect Essential Air Service. By continuing support for small and rural airports, the bill ensures that Nebraskans remain connected with the nation,” said Senator Fischer.
“The passage of the Federal Aviation Administration reauthorization bill is an important milestone for airports like Eppley Airfield. This reauthorization supports ongoing airport capital programs including the Build OMA Terminal Modernization Program. We appreciate Sen. Fischer’s leadership to support airports in this important bill as travelers in Omaha and the State of Nebraska will benefit from this bill’s passage,” said Omaha Airport Authority CEO Dave Roth.
“I would like to thank Senator Fischer for all her efforts with the FAA reauthorization to make sure small EAS airports have the ability to continue to provide a connection to the air transportation system and make sure our customers are getting first class jet service out of Western Nebraska Regional Airport. Senator Fischer is a huge supporter of rural airports and with her continued efforts in fighting for air service, Western Nebraska Regional Airport will be here for decades to come,” said Western Nebraska Regional Airport Executive Director Raul Aguallo.
“The City of Kearney is pleased that the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives have reached an agreement to reauthorize the Federal Aviation Administration and its Essential Air Service (EAS) Program. The EAS Program is critical for residents, businesses, educational institutions, and healthcare providers in Kearney and in surrounding rural communities. The EAS program has helped grow our local economy and provides reliable service for our residents who work across the country. Additionally, reliable service enhances the quality of life offered to the residents of Kearney and the surrounding rural areas,” said Kearney City Manager Brenda Jensen.
Nebraska’s airports are set to receive robust funding from this legislation, including the following amounts annually:
Alliance Municipal – $403,914
Chadron Municipal – $566,751
Western Nebraska Regional/William B Heilig Field – $1,300,000
Eppley Airfield – $2,194,110
Lincoln Airport – $1,646,897
Kearney Regional – $1,300,000
Central Nebraska Regional – $1,300,000
North Platte Regional/Lee Bird Field – $1,300,000
Below is more information about specific provisions in the bill Senator Fischer championed:
Protect Essential Air Service: Maintains current EAS funding levels and does not include any cost-share language that would negatively impact Nebraska Essential Air Service (EAS) airports.
Pilot Shortage Study on Regional Commuter Service: Directs the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to evaluate the pilot shortage’s impact on rural, regional carriers and recommend concrete ways to address the constraints.
Data Portal: Directs the FAA to establish a data portal to track FAA application status, giving stakeholders a more efficient and transparent application process.
Fixed-based Operator Costs: Directs the GAO to assess fixed-based operator (FBO) costs to better understand the pricing structure when pilots use airport facilities.
Advanced Aviation: Establishes an Advanced Aviation Steering Committee to improve rulemaking and better coordinate new technologies entering the aviation space.
Workforce Grants: Expands the eligibility for workforce aviation grants at manufacturing facilities.
Women in Aviation: Establishes a permanent Women in Aviation Advisory Board to promote and recruit more women in the aviation field.