ARSA’s Klein Hails FAA Bill as “Historic Victory”
WASHINGTON – Aeronautical Repair Station Association Executive Vice President Christian A. Klein released the following statement in the wake of Senate passage of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reauthorization bill (H.R. 302 as amended) on Oct. 3 by a vote of 93 to 6. The bill, which overwhelmingly passed the House on Sep. 26, now heads to the president’s desk and is expected to be signed into law before the FAA’s authorization lapses on Oct. 7.
The FAA bill includes a new Department of Transportation-administered grant program (Sec. 625) authorized at $5 million for five years to support aviation maintenance technical workforce development. ARSA proposed the program and led a coalition of more than 35 organizations representing all segments of the aviation industry to help secure its inclusion in the bill. The themes ARSA and its allies conveyed about aviation industry workforce challenges resonated so strongly on Capitol Hill that the final FAA bill includes an entire workforce title.
“The FAA reauthorization bill is an historic achievement for Congress, ARSA and the whole aviation industry. It restores long-term budget certainty for FAA safety oversight and infrastructure programs and puts the agency on the path to more-effectively regulate a growing industry.
“Just as importantly, it’s a major piece of workforce legislation. We’re extremely proud the bill includes the aviation maintenance technician grant program championed by an ARSA-led coalition of more than 35 aviation organizations. We thank Sens. Jim Inhofe [R-Okla.], Richard Blumenthal [D-Conn.], Jerry Moran [R-Kan.] and Maria Cantwell [D-Wash.] and Reps. Sam Graves [R-Mo.], Dan Lipinski [D-Ill], Markwayne Mullin [R-Okla.] and Brenda Lawrence [D-Mich.] for leading the charge and ensuring the grant program was included in the final FAA bill. The bill’s workforce title also includes important reforms to improve mechanic training and other initiatives to encourage more Americans to pursue aviation careers.
“We won the war; now we have to win the peace. With reauthorization behind us, it’s incumbent upon ARSA, its members and allies to work with FAA and the Department of Transportation to make the workforce initiatives successful. We will also continue to engage on Capitol Hill to ensure Congress appropriates money for the grant program to help attract and train the next generation of aviation maintenance workers.
“Thanks to all the maintenance industry leaders around the country who took the time to contact Congress and who came to Washington, D.C. to be part of the process. Give yourselves a pat on the back for helping make the wheels of government turn in the right direction for your employees, coworkers, company and industry.”
ARSA is the only association devoted to the unique needs of the global civil aviation maintenance industry. It is dedicated to helping member companies operate more efficiently and effectively, while continuing to ensure the safety of aircraft worldwide. To learn more about the association’s work on behalf of both industry stakeholders and the flying public, please visit ARSA.org.
