SUPPORT PART 135 FLIGHT AND REST AMENDMENT

March 31, 2011

What’s at Issue
Today, U.S. Representative Rob Woodall (R-GA) will offer an amendment on the House Floor to H.R. 658, the FAA Reauthorization and Reform Act of 2011, that would prohibit the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) from finalizing a Notice of Proposed Interpretation to revise existing Part 135 interpretations that permit flight crews to extend their duty day when unexpected circumstances beyond their control occur.

Why It’s Important
The new proposed interpretation is based upon an interpretation previously issued to the Part 121 scheduled airlines and is in direct conflict with prior definitive interpretations for Part 135 that the FAA has issued. The FAA is attempting to apply this interpretation inappropriately to Part 135 and should, instead, conduct rulemaking in order to adopt changes in the application of the rules.

What to Do
Contact your Member of Congress today by visiting NATA’s Legislative Action Center.  NATA’s Legislative Action Center provides association members a quick, easy way to email letters directly to your Member of Congress.  Talking points on the Woodall amendment are also provided.

NATA Position
NATA, in comments submitted earlier this year, highlighted its concerns with the FAA's rejection of prior interpretations and the agency's effort to apply Part 121 interpretations to Part 135. The association continues to advocate that the FAA should conduct a full re-write of the existing Part 135 flight, duty and rest rules to effect changes in how crew duty is assigned and managed rather than resort to manipulation of the issue via legal interpretations.

The Part 135 on-demand air charter industry has an opportunity to halt this Notice of Proposed Interpretation in its tracks with the consideration of the Woodall Amendment.  NATA urges all members to both call and email their U.S. House Representatives to ensure that this important amendment is voted in favor of on the House Floor. 

Status
The amendment is expected to be offered tomorrow.  Members should contact their Member of Congress today to help ensure that the amendment is accepted.

Staff Contact:  Kristen Moore
Director, Legislative Affairs
kmoore@nata.aero

Click here for a pdf of this Action Call.