Today, Congressman Mike Turner (OH-3) wrote to Congressman John Mica, Chairman of the House Committee on Transportation & Infrastructure, to express his support for swift action on the long-term Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reauthorization measure. The bipartisan, fiscally responsible measure contains important provisions on air traffic control modernization, safety improvements, and job creation through technology and research. Turner focused on the fact that the bill would also provide a pathway for job creation in the field of Unmanned Aerial Systems.
“The United States cannot afford to further delay implementation of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) testing at the expense of American jobs while developments in aerospace technologies continue elsewhere around the globe,” wrote Turner.
Turner continued, “In working with you, Rep. Richard Hanna, and Rep. Rick Berg, language which I co-authored was included in the House-passed version of H.R. 658 which requires the FAA to establish a program for UAS test ranges.”
The long-term extension included language to create four new test sites for UAS. If signed into law, this legislation would require the FAA Administrator to establish a program to integrate the UAS into the national airspace system. This would take place in coordination with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the Department of Defense.
The importance of UAS testing was reaffirmed in the FY12 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). Similarly, the FY12 NDAA included language authored by Turner requiring the FAA to work with the Department of Defense and the Air Force to integrate UAS test ranges into the national airspace system. Together, these bills will help ensure that the United States remains at the forefront of aerospace development.
NOTE: The full letter follows below. PDF letter HERE.
January 23, 2012
The Honorable John Mica
Chairman
House Committee on Transportation & Infrastructure
2165 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Mr. Chairman:
As Congress works to extend air transportation authorities and programs, I am writing to express my support for swift action on the long-term Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reauthorization measure, H.R. 658. This bipartisan, fiscally responsible measure contains important provisions on air traffic control modernization, safety improvements, and job creation through technology and research.
The long-term reauthorization will improve not only our passenger and civilian aviation systems, but also our critical national security research systems. The United States cannot afford to further delay implementation of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) testing at the expense of American jobs while developments in aerospace technologies continue elsewhere around the globe.
In working with you, Rep. Richard Hanna, and Rep. Rick Berg, language which I co-authored was included in the House-passed version of H.R. 658 which requires the FAA to establish a program for UAS test ranges. I appreciate your commitment to these aerospace research opportunities, and your support of the test range provisions in the final, long-term measure. This Congress further emphasized the importance of UAS testing in the FY12 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). Similarly, the FY12 NDAA included language requiring the FAA to work with the Department of Defense and the Air Force to integrate UAS test ranges into the national airspace system. Together, these bills will help ensure that the United States remains at the forefront of aerospace development.
I look forward to continuing our work together in developing these UAS research opportunities with prompt consideration of the final long-term reauthorization measure. Thank you for your dedicated service as Chairman, and your continued leadership on this issue.
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