Lawmakers have introduced a bipartisan FAA reauthorization deal that aims to address the shortage of air traffic controllers and improve runway collision prevention technology. The legislation would not increase the pilot retirement age, but rather focuses on various other safety measures and regulations. The bill authorizes funding of over $105 billion for the FAA and $738 million for the National Transportation Safety Board for fiscal years 2024 through 2028. A vote on the bill is expected soon, as the current law guiding the FAA is set to expire on May 10.
The bill includes provisions to enforce recently announced Department of Transportation rules on refunds for canceled or delayed flights. Airlines would be required to issue refunds for domestic flights delayed for three hours and international flights delayed for six hours, with easy-to-find refund request buttons on their websites. Airlines must also establish reimbursement policies for lodging, meals, and transportation for passengers affected by cancellations or delays. Travel credits issued by airlines must be valid for at least five years.
The legislation addresses cockpit voice recorders by requiring commercial aircraft to carry 25-hour devices, a significant increase from the current two-hour standard. This change was requested by the NTSB to improve aviation safety investigations. The bill also mandates the FAA to hire and train more air traffic controllers to fill a gap of 3,000 vacancies and increase research into the staffing needs at different control towers. Additional runway technology must be installed at medium and large hub airports to reduce the risk of collisions and near-collisions.
The bill strengthens protections for aviation workers by expanding legal protections for ground-based employees and enhancing self-defense training for flight attendants. It aims to address increasing attacks on workers and unruly passengers, particularly during the Covid-19 pandemic. While the legislation does not mandate minimum airline seat sizes, it directs the FAA to reassess seating and evacuation standards. The issue of seat sizes and safety concerns has been a topic of debate among lawmakers and passenger advocates.
The bill does not include a provision to raise the retirement age for commercial pilots from 65 to 67, a move that has been proposed by airline interests but opposed by pilot unions. The retirement age for pilots was last increased to 65 in 2007, and further research is needed to determine the safety implications of another increase. The legislation also does not allow pilots to substitute more time in flight simulators for actual flight experience when qualifying for their licenses, a provision that was previously considered but not included in the final bill. The FAA reauthorization legislation aims to enhance aviation safety and address various challenges faced by the industry.
