The United States House of Representatives passed by a vote of 351-69 the bill entitled “Securing Growth and Robust Leadership in American Aviation Act”. The bill aimed to amend Title 49, United States Code, to reauthorize and improve the Federal Aviation Administration and other civil aviation programs, and for other purposes. The bill appropriates $4 billion per year to address various issues in civil aviation. The bill includes, among others, raising the airline pilot retirement age from 65 to 67.

“This bipartisan legislation improves the safety of our system, our airport infrastructure, and the quality of service for passengers,” said Sam Graves, Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman, who is one of those who introduced the bill. “Not only that, this bill will make the FAA more efficient, encourage the safe adoption of new and innovative technologies, and address growing workforce shortages, from pilots and mechanics to air traffic controllers. In addition, this bill provides the first title dedicated specifically to our critical general aviation sector—the backbone of the American aviation system.”

The Senate is currently deliberating on its own version of the bill.

Source: US House of Representatives