Congressman Rick Nolan

Representing the 8th District of Minnesota
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Aviation

As a member of both the General Aviation Caucus and House Transportation Subcommittee on Aviation, and having lived in Northern Minnesota my whole life, I understand the enormous economic benefit general aviation has to the 8th District, Minnesota, and our nation as a whole. Our numerous regional airports are important economic drivers of our business and tourism industries, and critical hubs for visitors and commuters alike. It is vital we ensure their continued success as major employers in our district and across the United States.

I was the original Democratic sponsor of the Small Airplane Revitalization Act (H.R.1848), which was signed into law by the President in 2013. Senators Amy Klobuchar and Al Franken championed the bill in the Senate. This measure requires the FAA to update their Aviation Rulemaking Plan and give producers of small airplanes, like Cirrus Aircraft in Duluth, their own set of regulations. Over the past two decades, the small aviation industry in America has been slowly choking due to an outdated, unnecessarily lengthy approval process that increases the price of safety and technology upgrades by up to ten times, costing us jobs and innovation. The Small Airplane Revitalization Act will help regenerate those lost jobs, as well as spur investment and accelerate new designs and lifesaving safety features for a whole new generation of small planes being built in the United States.

More on Aviation

Jan 3, 2017 In The News

The first Cirrus Vision Jet produced for commercial sale was presented to its buyer Monday during an elaborate ceremony at the company’s new production facility near Duluth International Airport.

“It’s a major milestone to deliver the first airplane. This is a major step in the growth of our company,” said Cirrus co-founder and CEO Dale Klapmeier, who credited company employees for reaching the goal. “It’s about what you have accomplished.”

Jan 3, 2017 In The News

Christmas came early for Joe Whisenhunt and his family on Monday as they picked up a shiny new jet in a shiny new building in Duluth.

“It’s a day we get to celebrate with Joe and his family,” said Cirrus Aircraft CEO Dale Klapmeier. “Most of you have seen Joe around. This is Cirrus number 11 for Joe.”

Jan 3, 2017 In The News

DULUTH, Minn. – After years of planning , Cirrus Aircraft, unveiled their very first Vision Jet to the Duluth community.

The Cirrus Aircraft Vision Jet is the worlds first single engine personal jet and is known for being spacious. It can accommodate up to five adults and two children.

Senator Amy Klobuchar, Congressman Rick Nolan and Mayor Emily Larsen were among many others in attendance today..

Jan 3, 2017 In The News

With much fanfare, Cirrus Aircraft opened its new $12.7 million finishing plant in Duluth Monday and celebrated the first delivery of its new single-engine Vision Jet.

It took Cirrus and more than 1,000 employees a decade to design, build, test and win federal approval for the propeller-less aircraft that costs just under $2 million. A recession, layoffs and company sale delayed — but never derailed — the project over the years to create the first single-engine "personal jet."

Dec 1, 2016 Press Release

U.S. Rep. Rick Nolan’s legislation (H.R. 6014) to reduce unnecessary cost burdens on State and Local governments and their airports from the Federal Government when conducting airport improvement and expansion projects today passed in the U.S. Senate and is now heading to the President’s desk for final approval.

Sep 22, 2016 In The News

The plight of a development project at Brainerd Regional Airport helped inspire U.S. Rep. Rick Nolan to introduce legislation he says will lower costs when airports across the country want to build.

The bill that passed unanimously in the House Thursday night was inspired by incidents business leaders in the Brainerd lakes area recently experienced when they wanted to build a hangar at the airport capable of housing private jets, and were willing to put up $1 million to fund it, Nolan said—but the project hit a snag.

Sep 22, 2016 In The News

(International Falls, MN)  --  The U-S Department of Transportation will spend two-million dollars helping officials at Falls International Airport begin the first phase of a major renovation project.  Congressman Rick Nolan and Senators Amy Klobuchar and Al Franken had pushed the federal agency to provide the help.  The existing airport terminal was built about four decades ago.  Part of the money will pay for a jetway to move passengers from the terminal to aircraft without going outside into the weather.

Sep 21, 2016 Press Release

The U.S. House of Representatives today passed U.S. Rep Rick Nolan’s bill, H.R. 6014, with unanimous support to reduce unnecessary cost burdens on State and Local governments and their airports from the Federal Government when conducting airport improvement and expansion projects. Currently, State and Local governments are being forced to pay an inordinate amount of money to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to complete a project that could be done at a lower cost by the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT).

Aug 18, 2016 In The News

WASHINGTON—U.S. Sens. Amy Klobuchar and Al Franken, along with Rep. Rick Nolan, announced Tuesday the U.S. Department of Transportation awarded Brainerd Lakes Regional Airport a grant of $1,253,575 for infrastructure improvements, a news release said.

"The funds from this grant will help the Brainerd Lakes Regional Airport make critical investments in its infrastructure to move goods and people quickly," Klobuchar said in the release. "Investing in our airports will boost performance, enhance safety, and help support good local jobs."