A number of US general aviation groups have advised Congress that continued short term extensions of authorisation for the FAA would challenge the certainty that industry, and the FAA, depend on to enable long-term planning and investment in many critical areas required to ensure the safety of the NAS and America's global leadership in aviation.

The agency is currently authorised through to the end of December. In July, the House of Representatives passed bipartisan reauthorisation legislation for the FAA through to 2028. That legislation is awaiting Senate action.

The GA organisations submitted a written statement to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee on Aviation's hearing titled 'Turbulence Ahead: Consequences of Delaying a Long-term FAA Bill'. The statement highlights the many ways the general aviation industry is vital to the US, including its role in providing jobs, connecting communities, helping during times of natural disasters and more. It says: "The general aviation industry contributes an estimated $247 billion in economic output and supports 1.2 million jobs in the US while supporting critical services and providing an essential lifeline to thousands of communities nationwide."

The organisations' statement went on to commend the House for passage of its FAA reauthorisation bill, the Securing Growth and Robust Leadership in American Aviation Act, HR 3935.

"This bill enables the FAA to move forward on areas of significant importance to general aviation including workforce development, regulatory process improvement, airspace modernisation and the development and enabling of new technologies," according to the statement.

In addition to the NBAA, the statement was signed by the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, the Experimental Aircraft Association, Helicopter Association International, NATA and the National Association of State Aviation Officials.