WASHINGTON, DC—The General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) today praised the U.S. House of Representatives for passing the Small Airplane Revitalization Act. The bill, H.R. 1848, which was introduced in May by Congressman Mike Pompeo (R-KS) and has 31 bipartisan co-sponsors, was passed unanimously by the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee last week. The legislation would require the FAA to implement the agency’s Part 23 Reorganization Aviation Rulemaking Committee (ARC) recommendations by December 31, 2015. As stated by FAA Administrator Michael Huerta, these recommendations have as a goal to double safety and cut certification costs in half for light general aviation (GA) airplanes. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) introduced a companion U.S. Senate bill, S. 1072, in May.

“GAMA is extremely gratified by Congressman Pompeo’s leadership and the House’s passage of this important bill, which will spur the FAA to work with industry to improve general aviation safety,” said GAMA President and CEO Pete Bunce. “The bill will allow manufacturers to bring innovative, safety-enhancing products to market, reduce certification costs and help revitalize the lighter end of the GA market. The overwhelmingly positive vote today makes it crystal clear that the FAA should implement these rules without delay. GAMA is very thankful to Congressman Pompeo, the bill’s co-sponsors and the bipartisan leadership of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee for moving the bill through the House speedily.”

Bunce added, “We hope the Senate will soon act on S. 1072. We appreciate the leadership of Senators Klobuchar and Murkowski in introducing the bill, and the support of their co-sponsors, including Senators Kelly Ayotte (R-NH), Mark Begich (D-AK), Heidi Heitkamp (D-ND), James Inhofe (R-OK), Mike Johanns (R-NE), Jerry Moran (R-KS), James Risch (R-ID), Pat Roberts (R-KS), Jon Tester (D-MT) and Tom Udall (D-NM). We look forward to working with them and their colleagues to ensure this important legislation soon becomes law.”