The Latest From Washington
Airport Affairs
Congress Approves Third CR, Extending Federal Funding into Early March
On January 18, both the United States Senate and House of Representatives approved a continuing resolution (CR) that extends federal funding into March 2024, averting a possible government shutdown.
01/19/2024
Regulatory Affairs
AAAE Responds to FAA's Proposed Update to "Aeronautical Activity" Definition
On January 15, AAAE responded to the FAA proposed policy that would update the definition of “aeronautical activity” to include UAS, AAM, and commercial space launch or re-entry vehicle operations.
01/17/2024
Airport Affairs
Senate Clears Extension of FAA Programs and Excise Taxes Through March 8, 2024
On December 19, the Senate cleared H.R. 6503, a bill to extend aviation programs and excise taxes through March 8, 2024.
12/20/2023
Federal Affairs
TSA Shares Winter Travel Security Operations Plan
On December 19, TSA shared with AAAE its updated 2023 Winter Travel Security Operations Plan, often referred to as a “placemat” for the busy holiday travel period.
12/19/2023
Airport Affairs
House Clears Extension of FAA Programs and Excise Taxes Through March 8, 2024
The House on December 11, easily passed H.R. 6503, a bill to extend aviation programs and excise taxes through March 8, 2024.
12/12/2023
Airport Affairs
AAAE Requests Action on Aviation Worker Screening and Funding for TSA and CBP in Final FY24 DHS Spending Bill
As Congress works in the weeks ahead to finalize federal spending bills for FY24, including the DHS/TSA/CBP funding measure, AAAE President and CEO Todd Hauptli has weighed in with House and Senate leaders.
12/11/2023
Regulatory Affairs
FAA Releases Final Policy on Processing Land Use Changes
On December 8, the FAA released a final policy that outlines how the agency will process and evaluate an airport sponsor’s request to use federally acquired or federally conveyed airport land for non-aeronautical or mixed-use purposes.
12/08/2023
Regulatory Affairs
FAA Releases Final Policy on Air Carrier Incentive Programs
On December 7, the FAA released a final policy statement that provides guidance to airports on how to determine if its ACIP complies with federal grant obligations, which apply to any airport that receives financial assistance through the AIP.
12/07/2023
Regulatory Affairs
FAA Extends Deadline to Provide Feedback on Expanding the Definition of "Aeronautical Activity"
On December 7, the FAA extended the deadline for airports and other stakeholders to respond to the agency’s proposed policy that would update the definition of “aeronautical activity.”
12/07/2023
Regulatory Affairs
EPA Submits Final Rule to Designate PFOA/PFOS as CERCLA Hazardous Substances to White House
On December 6, the EPA submitted a draft final rule to designate two PFAS chemicals, PFOA and PFOS, as “hazardous substances” under CERCLA, known as the Superfund law, to the White House’s OMB.
12/07/2023
Federal Affairs
Summary of TSA's Monthly Conference Callfor Airport Stakeholders
On December 7, TSA held its monthly conference call for airport stakeholders. The conference call was led by Alan Paterno, TSA's Industry Engagement Manager for Airports in the office of Policy, Plans and Engagement (PPE).
12/07/2023
Regulatory Affairs
AAAE Responds to Proposed Rule to Update PFC Program Regulations
AAAE responded to the FAA proposed rule that would make a series of changes to the regulations governing the passenger facility charge program.
11/28/2023
Federal Affairs
TSA Issues Updated FAQs on Cybersecurity Joint Emergency Amendment
TSA issued its fourth version of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on the Joint Emergency Amendment (EA 23-01) on Cybersecurity -- Performance Based Measures.
11/21/2023
Regulatory Affairs
FAA Releases FY24 Allocations for Airport Infrastructure Grant Program
The FAA released $2.89 billion in fiscal year 2024 allocations for the Airport Infrastructure Grant Program
11/16/2023
Regulatory Affairs
FAA Extends Application Deadline for Sustainable Aviation Fuels Grant Program
The FAA extended the deadline for airports and other eligible entities to apply for a share of approximately $291 million in funding for projects that promote the production and use of SAFs and low-emissions aviation technologies.
11/16/2023
Airport Affairs
Senate OKs Measure Extending Federal Funding into Early 2024, Averting Possible Shutdown
The United States Senate approved a continuing resolution (87-11) that extends federal funding into early 2024, averting a possible government shutdown, for now.
11/16/2023
Regulatory Affairs
Regulatory Alert: FAA Proposes to Expand the Definition of 'Aeronautical Activity' to Include AAM, UAS, and Commercial Space Operations
The FAA published a proposed policy that would update the definition of “aeronautical activity” to include unmanned aircraft systems, advanced air mobility, and commercial space launch or re-entry vehicle operations.
11/15/2023
Federal Affairs
TSA Issues Updated FAQs on Aviation Worker Screening
TSA posted a long anticipated update to the Frequently Asked Questions regarding aviation worker screening under ASP amendment TSA-NA-23-02.
11/15/2023
Airport Affairs
House Passes Bill to Extend Federal Funding Into 2024
The House of Representatives by a vote of 336 to 95 has just passed a continuing resolution that extends federal funding into early 2024.
11/15/2023
Airport Affairs
House Republicans Write Buttigieg to Oppose Using Airports to Shelter Illegal Immigrants
A large group of House Republicans wrote to DOT Secretary Pete Buttigieg to express concerns about the potential use of airports as temporary shelters for illegal immigrants.
11/09/2023
Federal Affairs
Summary of TSA's Monthly Conference Call for Airport Stakeholders
On November 2, TSA held its monthly conference call for airport stakeholders.
11/02/2023
Airport Affairs
Senate Approves FY24 DOT/FAA Funding Bill
The Senate on a 82-15 vote approved a three-bill spending package that includes proposed funding for the DOT and the FAA for FY2024.
11/02/2023
Airport Affairs
Michael Whitaker Confirmed as FAA Administrator
The United States Senate confirmed Michael Whitaker to be Administrator of the FAA for a five-year term by a vote of 98 to 0.
10/25/2023
Regulatory Affairs
Regulatory Alert: EPA Releases Final Endangerment Finding for Piston-Engine Aircraft Lead Emissions
The EPA releases a final endangerment finding that lead emissions from piston-engine aircraft cause or contribute to air pollution that may reasonably be anticipated to endanger public health and welfare.
10/18/2023
Regulatory Affairs
Regulatory Alert: AAAE Submits Comments on FAA's Noise Policy Review
AAAE submits comments to the Federal Aviation Administration in response to the agency’s ongoing “Noise Policy Review” (NPR).
10/02/2023
