Washington – A long-awaited Federal Aviation Administration reauthorization bill that includes an amendment to fight pilot fatigue was passed by the Senate on Feb. 17.
The FAA Air Transportation Modernization and Safety Improvement Act (S.223) passed with amendments by a vote of 87-8. Under the bill, the FAA administrator will initiate a new rulemaking proceeding regarding flight time limitations and rest requirements for pilots. The bill also will provide funding for airport personnel salaries and facilities and the Next Generation Air Transportation System.
The FAA reauthorization bill was set to expire March 31. The last four-year reauthorization bill was enacted in 2003 and covered fiscal years 2004-2007. Since Sept. 30, 2007, FAA has operated on a series of short-term extensions.
