Chad is the editor of AINalerts, AIN's daily business aviation newsletter, and is also the news editor at AIN Media Group.&nbsp;He has been writing about aviation, with an emphasis on business aviation, since 1994. Chad started his writing career at The Avion,&nbsp;the&nbsp;student newspaper at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, Florida, serving as editor-in-chief before graduating with a bachelor's in aeronautical science. After a stint as managing editor at Professional Pilot&nbsp;magazine, he joined&nbsp;AIN in late 1998. Chad holds a commercial pilot certificated with instrument and multi-engine ratings, and he also is a CFI/CFII. He lives and works from his home in Venice, Florida.

Online Editor

Chad Trautvetter

On Thursday, the Senate Appropriations Committee approved the transportation appropriations bill for Fiscal Year 2015, which starts October 1, to move toward a floor vote for the entire chamber. If passed as written, the <a href="https://onedrive.live.com/view.aspx?resid=7314477D3B08D3AC!773&amp;app=WordPdf">bill</a> would provide $15.86 billion to the FAA in FY2015, $580 million more than the Obama Administration’s request.


Notably, the committee provided $149 million for the contract tower program, including $10.35 million for the cost-share program; both amounts exceed the Administration’s request. These levels are close to those requested by 11 aviation associations, including NATA and NBAA, in a <a href="http://www.nata.aero/data/files/gia/natanews/fy15associationfctappropsletter.pdf">letter</a> sent to House and Senate appropriators in April.


Like the House transportation bill, the Senate version expressed support for streamlining the Part 23 certification process and requested a report on how the FAA is coming along in implementing Aviation Rulemaking Committee recommendations.


According to NATA, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid has indicated that at least two weeks will be set aside this month for the consideration of appropriations bills. The full House will take up its version of the transportation funding bill as early as this week, NATA said.

Senate Bill Allocates $15.86B for FAA in FY2015

Appropriations are $580 million more than the Obama Administration requested for the agency.

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

AIN Products

SUBSCRIPTIONS

RESOURCES

ABOUT AIN