President signs aviation bill
February 21, 2012, 10:18 am
President Barack Obama recently signed legislation that finances the modernization of the nation's aviation system, accelerating the transition from radar to an air traffic control system based on GPS technology.
The law authorizes Congress to allocate $63.4 billion to the Federal Aviation Administration over the next four years to implement the air traffic system and modernize other aspects of the industry. The bill was finally agreed upon by members of Congress after a year of debate and a two-week shutdown of the FAA.
In order to properly transition to a modernized air traffic control system, the FAA requires consistent funding to develop the system, which is predicted to cost $22 billion through 2025. Since the end of World War II, the FAA has wanted to switch to an air traffic control system without radar technology. The bill will also advance research and development in the aviation industry, which will add a much-needed boost to the U.S. economy.
"The FAA bill creates jobs, restores a fair collective bargaining process for tens of thousands of dedicated aviation safety professionals, and provides for a safer and more efficient air traffic control system," said Paul Rinaldi, president of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association.
According to Republican Representative John Mica of Florida, chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, it is vital that the air traffic control system be upgraded to a GPS-based technology to improve air traffic efficiency and safety while reducing energy consumption and pollution from air travel. These advancements are also expected to reduce costs for travelers. Another way air travel can be more efficient is through investment in pilot insurance to keep the skies safer.
"This new technology will help reduce delays, give controllers better tools with which to perform their jobs even more efficiently and provide a platform for further technological and safety enhancements," Rinaldi said.
The FAA has until June 2015 to develop new arrival procedures for the nation's busiest airports in an effort to speed up the upgrading process.
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