Tampa Republic

FAA bill addresses some consumer-friendly improvements as air travel is busier than ever, including at TPA

WASHINGTON, D.C. – On July 20, 2023, U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL-14) celebrated House passage of her legislation to bring transparency to the process by which the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) selects air traffic control towers (ATCT) for replacement. The bipartisan Air Traffic Control Tower Replacement Process Report Act (H.R. 3218) was passed as part of a legislative package to reauthorize the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) through Fiscal Year 2028.

“After a years-long holding pattern, the air traffic control tower at Tampa International Airport finally has been cleared for replacement,” said Rep. Castor. “However, the lack of clarity throughout the selection process led to significant delays and frustration. With strong airport infrastructure improvement funding in hand, the FAA must pull back the curtain and make clear all information used in the process to select ATCTs for replacement.”

Specifically, the Air Traffic Control Tower Replacement Process Report Act will require the FAA to deliver to the Congress a report on the process used to select ATCTs for replacement, including:

1. All parties involved in decision-making
2. Criteria used in the selection process
3. Information on investigations used in the selection process
4. A timeline for the replacement of an individual ATCT facility
5. Any additional information the Administrator considers relevant

Additionally, the FAA will be required to maintain public lists of all:

1. ATCT facilities replaced within the previous 10-year period
2. ATCT facilities currently being replaced
3. ATCT facilities being considered for replacement

The Securing Growth and Robust Leadership in American Aviation Act (H.R. 3935) reauthorizes the FAA through Fiscal Year 2028 and includes important safety improvements to protect the flying public, preserve American leadership in aviation safety and innovation, promote diversity in the aviation workforce and invest in sustainability and resiliency. 

Original source can be found here.