Following successful passage of the multi-year FAA Reauthorization bill by the U.S. House of Representatives last week, the Senate is scheduled to take up the bill this week. In addition to authorizing funding for the FAA through Sept. 2015, the bill contains numerous provisions relating to the helicopter industry including:

FAA Reauthorization:
• Fuel Taxes- The final bill leaves fuel taxes flat through 2015.
• Labor Provision- A compromise was reached regarding the labor provision that was holding up the bill for months. The number of votes required to establish a union is increased to 50 percent from the current 35 percent.
• Regulatory Interpretation- The bill addresses reports that the FAA’s Aircraft Certification and Flight Standards offices issues inconsistent rulings. An advisory legal panel is established, composing of government and industry representatives who will study the issue and issue a report on how to improve communications between the two branches.
• HEMS- The final bill contains new safety standards for Part 135 aircraft engaging in EMS operations. The language requires the FAA Administrator to issue a final rule by June 1, 2012 regarding safety standards and risk assessment programs. The Administrator is also required to execute follow-on rulemaking regarding CRM and pilot training requirements. Finally, the Administrator is also required establish a records database containing information to be submitted by operators, including hours flown and accidents, and compile this information into a report for Congress.
• Foreign Repair Stations- The bill establishes a safety assessment system for Part 145 repair stations that subjects them to inspections by FAA personnel based on risk, with all stations requiring at least one inspection per year. Foreign aviation authorities under a bilateral maintenance agreement will be allowed to inspect stations in lieu of the FAA.
• Unmanned Aircraft- The bill requires the FAA to develop a plan to integrate unmanned aircraft into the U.S. national airspace by 2015, along with a set of operational standards for safety.