Status Update on FAA Reauthorization

March 8, 2010 – The United States Senate is expected to consider S. 1451, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Air Transportation Modernization and Safety Improvement Act, in March 2010. S. 1451 is the Senate version of FAA Reauthorization bill H.R. 915, which passed the U.S. House of Representatives in 2009. Unlike the House-passed bill, S. 1451 does not contain IAFF-backed language requiring the FAA to bring Airport Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) standards into conformity with existing national consensus standards.

Having undergone the last significant revision in 1988, current ARFF standards do not reflect the reality of modern fire fighting or modern air travel.  Current standards place fire fighters and the flying public at significant risk in the event of a fire emergency.

Despite the clear threat to public safety, the IAFF continues to face significant opposition from the airport industry in its pursuit of updated standards.

IAFF General President Harold Schaitberger wrote to the lead Republican member of the House Transportation Committee who had disparaged the IAFF’s safety proposals as “junk.” To read a copy of Schaitberger’s letter, click here.

The IAFF will continue to pursue all avenues to update ARFF standards and will work to ensure that the House-passed provision is included in the final FAA Reauthorization bill.