FAA Administrator Randy Babbitt and a host of senior agency officials appeared Tuesday before a key House panel to discuss NextGen implementation and the FY 2010 FAA budget request.
Lawmakers pressed FAA to expedite the deployment of NextGen technology and the pursuit of alternative fuels for aircraft.
Controller work issues, including ongoing FAA/NATCA contract negotiations, hiring plans, training protocols, and staffing levels were a key topic of discussion.
Subcommittee Chairman John Olver (D-Mass.) noted in his opening statement that he was pleased that the budget request "rejects the practice of under-funding AIP." Subcommittee member Ed Pastor (D-Ariz.) also highlighted the need to focus on AIP funding.
AAAE legislative members may view the full hearing report online at http://www.aaae.org/federal_affairs/airport_legislative_alliance/hearing_reports/.
