Charleston Leader

U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) has voted to advance the Federal Aviation Administration Reauthorization Act of 2024, a five-year reauthorization of FAA programs that aims to invest in airport infrastructure, promote safety and American leadership in aviation, and strengthen consumer service. Senator Capito fought to include several provisions in the legislation that benefit West Virginia.

One of the key provisions that Senator Capito advocated for is the increase in the cockpit voice recorder and flight data recorder length to 25 hours from 2 hours. This change will ensure that crucial information is available in assessing future accidents. Additionally, Senator Capito, in collaboration with Senator Kyrsten Sinema (I-Ariz.), introduced an amendment to enable aircraft flying extended overwater routes to transmit data to the cloud. This measure will ensure that authorities have access to necessary data in the unfortunate event of an aircraft being lost at sea.

Senator Capito also championed the Global Aviation Maintenance Safety Improvement Act, which aims to level the playing field for foreign repair stations and hold them to the same standard as American-based counterparts. Another provision supported by Senator Capito encourages the inclusion of an opioid overdose reversal medication in onboard Emergency Medical Kits on commercial aircraft.

In terms of airport benefits, the legislation increases the federal cost share for airport improvement projects to 95%, providing further support for improvements to West Virginia airports. Additionally, the bill includes a program for general aviation public-private partnerships that will lead to more hangar construction and better infrastructure at airports across the country, including West Virginia.

The FAA reauthorization bill also addresses workforce development by supporting the Aviation Workforce Development and Recruitment Act, which aims to make educational requirements more attainable for individuals interested in pursuing careers in aviation. Moreover, the bill includes improvements to pilot medical certificate issuances at the FAA, ensuring greater accountability and reducing unnecessary delays for pilots.

Other provisions in the legislation include allowing transplant organs to be transported in the aircraft cabin, rather than in the cargo hold, to ensure their utmost care during transit. Senator Capito also authored a bill that commissions a report on airlines' capacity to prepare for and respond to extreme weather events and natural disasters.

Senator Capito expressed her support for the bill, stating, "While I would have preferred an updated bill that addresses more of the air traffic controller workforce and safety issues we have seen exacerbated in the last eight months, I believe this bill includes many strong elements, including 13 of my priorities that will benefit West Virginia airports and fliers."

The FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024 now moves to the House for further consideration and collaboration with the Senate version of the bill. Senator Capito looks forward to working with her colleagues in the House to address any differences and ultimately send the bill to the president's desk.