WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Pat Roberts (R-Kan.) today voted in favor of the Federal Aviation Administration Reauthorization Act of 2018. This legislation will reauthorize federal aviation programs to modernize airport infrastructure, improve service for people traveling by plane, enhance safety and boost aviation industry innovation. The bill passed the Senate with a vote of 93-6.  

“The aviation industry is one of Kansas’ most important economic sectors,” said Sen. Roberts. “This legislation not only benefits the aviation industry, but will also make air travel safer and more efficient. I’m glad the Senate and House were able to work together to pass this bipartisan bill.”

Notably absent in the bill is an attempt to privatize air traffic control, something Senator Roberts strongly opposed because it would disrupt the reliability of general aviation and disadvantage smaller airports.

Two key measures supported by Senator Roberts were included in the final bill. The first, the Volunteer Pilot Protection Act protects pilots volunteering their services from civil liabilities. The second, the Aviation Maintenance Workforce Development Pilot Program helps support the education and recruitment of aviation maintenance technical workers and the development of the aviation maintenance industry workforce.

“For Kansas and especially Wichita, we need investment in aviation maintenance workforce development to meet growing demand for this highly skilled labor force. These grant programs will help train and recruit workers the aviation industry needs now.”

This legislation authorizes the FAA for five years.

# # #