WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sen. Kelly Ayotte (R-N.H.), chair of the Subcommittee on Aviation Operations, Safety, and Security, will convene two hearings next week as part of an ongoing process for reauthorizing the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
 
The first hearing will be on Tuesday, April 21, 2015, at 2:30 p.m. entitled, “FAA Reauthorization: Certification and U.S. Aviation Manufacturing Competitiveness.”
 
This hearing will focus on the FAA’s regulatory certification process and reforms that could improve U.S. competitiveness in the global marketplace for aviation products and manufacturing.
 
Delays in the FAA’s certification process for new aircraft designs have sometimes resulted in long wait times, cost increases, and varying interpretations of regulations by FAA field offices. The hearing will examine potential solutions that could expedite approval processes and shorten the timeframe for U.S. products to enter the market while maintaining safety standards.
 
Sen. Ayotte will convene the second hearing next week on Thursday, April 23, 2015, at 10:00 a.m. entitled, “FAA Reauthorization: Airport Issues and Infrastructure Financing.”
 
The subcommittee will examine the funding of airport capital needs through the Airport Improvement Program (AIP), Passenger Facility Charge (PFC), tax-exempt bonds, and state and local grants, among other sources. The hearing will also examine the Federal Contract Tower program, small community air service issues, aircraft noise, and the Airport Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program.
 
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Details for the April 21, 2015, hearing, “FAA Reauthorization: Certification and U.S. Aviation Manufacturing Competitiveness”:
 
Witnesses:
 
•      Ms. Dorenda Baker, Director of Aircraft Certification Service, Federal Aviation Administration
•      Dr. Gerald Dillingham, Director of Civil Aviation Issues, Government Accountability Office
•      Mr. Pete Bunce, President, General Aviation Manufacturers Association

Hearing Details:  
 
Tuesday, April 21, 2015
2:30 p.m.  
 
The hearing will take place in Senate Russell Office Building, Room 253. Witness testimony, opening statements, and a live video of the hearing will be available on 1.usa.gov/1CTsg79.
 
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Details for April 23, 2015, hearing, “FAA Reauthorization: Airport Issues and Infrastructure Financing”:
 
Witnesses:
 
•      Dr. Gerald Dillingham, Director of Civil Aviation Issues, U.S. Government Accountability Office
•      Ms. Sharon Pinkerton, Senior Vice President, Legislative and Regulatory Affairs, Airlines for America
•      Mr. Todd Hauptli, President and CEO, American Association of Airport Executives
•      Mr. Mark Reis, Managing Director, Aviation Division, Port of Seattle
•      Mr. Michael J. Minerva, Vice President, Government and Airport Affairs, American Airlines
 
Hearing Details:
 
Thursday, April 23, 2015
**9:45 a.m. (time changed to 9:45 a.m. from 10:00 a.m.)**
 
The hearing will take place in Senate Russell Office Building, Room 253. Witness testimony, opening statements, and a live video of the hearing will be available on 1.usa.gov/1J8rs3m.