H.R. 2563: AERO Act

This bill, known as the Aviation Education Remaining Operational Act or the AERO Act, aims to ensure the continuous operation of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Academy in Oklahoma City. Here are the key components of the bill:

Continuation of Activities

The FAA Administrator is required to maintain all activities and support services necessary for the operation of the FAA Academy during any period when there is a lapse in appropriations to the FAA. This lapse might occur due to a government shutdown or an emergency furlough. The provision specifically includes:

• Air Traffic Controller Training: Training for air traffic controllers will be prioritized to remain ongoing.
• Other Support Services: Additional services that support the academy’s operations will also continue.

Employee Protection

In the event of a lapse in appropriations that leads to a government shutdown or furlough:

• Exemption from Furlough: All FAA employees who are working at the Academy, as well as students who are currently undergoing training and are employed by the FAA, will be exempt from furlough and will be able to continue their work and studies.

Affected Circumstances

This bill specifically addresses scenarios where funding is unavailable due to legislative or financial delays, aiming to prevent disruptions in essential training for air traffic controllers.

Enforcement and Oversight

While the bill does not outline specific enforcement mechanisms, it places a responsibility on the FAA Administrator to ensure adherence to the provisions laid out regarding continuity and employee protections during funding gaps.

Funding Considerations

The bill does not directly allocate funds but emphasizes maintaining operations during times when appropriations may not be available, which could arise under various budgetary constraints at the federal level. The expectation is that FAA operations can be sustained without interruption despite potential financial challenges.

Relevant Companies

None found.