Greg Pecoraro, President & CEO of the National\nAssociation of State Aviation Officials (NASAO), testified before the U.S.\nHouse of Representatives Aviation Subcommittee last week on how to help sustain\nexisting general aviation airports and prepare for emerging technologies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
During his opening statement, Pecoraro said \u201cNASAO is\ngrateful for all Congress has recently done to keep the nation\u2019s aviation\nindustry alive and to begin rebuilding and improving our aviation\ninfrastructure. But we are here to show you the need for more. Additional\nfunding for AIP is needed to clear the $14 billion backlog of priority\nAIP-eligible projects needed through 2025 for GA, and other non-primary\nairports.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Pecoraro said, “As we prepare for a new era of\naviation, general aviation airports will be the first staging grounds for these\nemerging technologies. Now that you have begun to rebuild America\u2019s airports,\nwe encourage you to finish the job, improve the airports we have and begin\ndeveloping the airports of the future.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
On behalf of NASAO, Pecoraro made three key recommendations\nto Congress:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Increase Airport Improvement Program (AIP) investment by\n$250 million each year during the next five years to a new authorization of $4\nbillion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Increase the maximum amount a general airport may receive\nfrom the AIP\u2019s Nonprimary Entitlement (NPE) Program from $150,000 to $256,000\nper year and correspondingly increase State Apportionment to ensure that an\nincrease in NPE does not further reduce State Apportionment funds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tasking the FAA with establishing a national standard to\naddress AAM airspace coordination and control. Established standards would\nenable the system to expand more rapidly as AAM aircraft become certified while\nmaintaining the appropriate level of safety.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Click here to view Greg Pecoraro\u2019s full written testimony.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n