Avionics News June 2012 - 81

THE VIEW FROM WASHINGTON
Continued from page 58

zation on Feb. 6, which authorized $15.9 billion annually through fiscal year 2015. The flat funding reflects the fiscal realities affecting all federal agencies, not just the FAA. But, the FAA reauthorization did include new policies for NextGen, foreign repair stations and addressed industry regulatory concerns. As a result of this act, the AEA is participating in the Aircraft Certification Process Review and Reform (ACPRR) Aviation Rulemaking Committee. Hunter concluded by giving the FAA budget outlook for fiscal year 2012 ($15.9 billion), which is the same level included in the FAA bill through 2015. However, sequestration mandates that Congress cut up to $55 billion from domestic programs annually through 2021. These generic mandatory budget cuts could impact the FAA resources. Some of the budget issues include the $100 user fee and limits on bonus depreciation that are included in the president’s proposed budget as potential revenue raisers. Finally, even though the FAA was authorized a budget level with 2012 expenditures, Congress must complete the 2013 appropriations bills, which cannot exceed the authorization, but can and likely will be below the authorization levels. The AEA Leadership Panel was a huge success, and the AEA is grateful to the FAA leadership that participated and brought this program to our membership. The presentations are available online at www. aea.net. On Friday, April 6, the AEA hosted another Regulatory Rise and Shine session. This program focused on NextGen, presented by Bruce DeCleene, manager, avionics systems at the FAA Aircraft Certifi-

cation Service. DeCleene’s presentation focused on NextGen as more than just a… • Single project… It is the integration of many projects, concepts and technologies. • Program plan… It is the integration of many program plans, some new and some ongoing, to deliver new service capabilities to meet increasing needs. • New system… It is the integration of new systems, procedures, aircraft performance capabilities, renewable fuels, supporting infrastructure and a new way to do business as the Air Transportation System. The session concluded with the

introduction of the AEA solution to SMS: a smart, manageable and intuitively simple business tool designed by the AEA to meet the international requirements of SMS, while being appropriate to the avionics industry. Formal presentations will be given at the AEA Regional Meetings in 2012. Whether we liked what we heard or not, these presentations, fair and honest, gave us a radar view and provided a path forward so that the AEA can continue to develop and support efforts that allow our membership to “take care of our own.” q

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Avionics News June 2012

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