Charleston Leader

U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), a member of the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, cast her vote in favor of the Federal Aviation Administration Reauthorization Act of 2024. The legislation was approved by the Senate with an 88-4 majority and will now proceed to the U.S. House of Representatives for further consideration.

The Federal Aviation Administration Reauthorization Act of 2024 seeks to extend Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) programs until September 2028. These programs focus on investing in airport infrastructure, promoting safety and American leadership in aviation, and enhancing consumer service. Senator Capito successfully included several provisions in the legislation that are expected to benefit West Virginia.

“After numerous conversations with stakeholders in West Virginia impacted by this legislation, I’m pleased that the Senate has reauthorized important FAA programs through September 2028 and worked to strengthen our air travel infrastructure," said Senator Capito. She further elaborated on the significance of this legislation for West Virginia airports and fliers, addressing safety and maintenance concerns. "By passing this bill tonight, the Senate has provided needed support for our airports and the vast workforce that performs their operations, which should bolster our aviation sector for the future."

The senator also highlighted several key provisions she advocated for within the bill. These include safety priorities such as increasing cockpit voice recorder and flight data recorder length from two hours to 25 hours; ensuring aircraft flying extended overwater routes can transmit data to cloud storage; introducing drug testing and security protocols at foreign repair stations; encouraging inclusion of opioid overdose reversal medication in onboard Emergency Medical Kits on commercial aircraft; protecting voluntary safety data from civil litigation; using advanced tools for high-risk flight testing in certifying aerospace products; and improving fire protection standards.

In terms of airport benefits, provisions include increasing federal cost share for airport improvement projects to 95%, thereby supporting improvements to West Virginia airports more substantially. The bill also includes a provision for the use of advanced digital construction software under the Airport Improvement Program (AIP), which is expected to save airports time and money when planning new projects.

Workforce benefits in the legislation include making educational requirements more attainable to grow the aviation workforce and providing greater accountability for pilots waiting for their medical issuances through the FAA. A working group of experts will be assembled to improve the current system, specifically looking at ways to improve medical requirements and hold the FAA accountable for unnecessary delays.

Other critical priorities in the legislation include allowing transplant organs to be transported in aircraft cabins rather than cargo holds, and commissioning a report on airlines' capacity to prepare for and respond to extreme weather events and natural disasters.

Senator Capito concluded by urging her colleagues in the House to assist in expeditiously passing this legislation so that it can be signed into law by the president.