NATA Commends Passage of Bipartisan House Bill Focusing on Strong Leadership and a Healthy Aviation Ecosystem

The following is a statement by National Air Transportation Association (NATA) President and CEO Curt Castagna following today’s passage by the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the Securing Growth and Robust Leadership in American Aviation Act (H.R. 3935). The legislation would reauthorize the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) through Fiscal Year 2028, providing long-term funding and stability for the agency.

“The National Air Transportation Association (NATA) applauds Chairman Sam Graves and Ranking Member Rick Larsen for their bipartisan leadership in introducing the Securing Growth and Robust Leadership in American Aviation Act (H.R. 3935) and action moving toward a timely reauthorization of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA),” said Castagna.

As passed by Committee, the legislation addresses many of the concerns NATA raised on behalf of its members and includes multiple provisions to improve and streamline FAA processes. Specifically, NATA appreciates the legislation’s improvements to the Part 135 certification and check pilot processes, focus on the scalability of SMS requirements for small operators, the creation of an FAA ombudsman to provide impartial dispute mediation, and increased FAA/stakeholder engagement during the rulemaking process.

NATA also appreciates the bill’s focus on general aviation (GA) and the vital role it plays in our nation’s economy and transportation system.

“By including the first GA title in FAA reauthorization legislation, Chair Graves and Ranking Member Larsen have recognized general aviation’s many and significant contributions to the overall aviation industry and we appreciate the bill’s bipartisan focus on an efficient regulatory environment that allows the FAA to concentrate on safety assurance,” added Castagna.

The Senate Commerce Committee will mark up its bill on Thursday, June 15. NATA will continue to analyze the bill’s impact on members and monitor ongoing developments. A comprehensive bill must be signed into law by September 30th, when the current authority for the FAA expires.