Government and Regulatory Affairs

letters

ATA corresponds frequently with government entities. Here you will find letters that ATA has sent on behalf of our members.

Joint Letter From The Aviation Industry With Recommendations On The Economic Stimulus Package

As Congress crafts legislation to guide our nation through the current economic downturn, the aviation industry urges Congress to recognize aviation's unique place in the American economy and include specific proposals in the economic stimulus package.

Alternative Fuels Funding in the Stimulus Package

The aviation industry urges President Obama to designate a portion of the stimulus package towards the development of alternative, biomass-based aviation fuels. Through certification assistance, infrastructure investment, and environmental assurances, jobs will be generated and the economy stimulated.

ATA Letter in Opposition to Auctioning Landing and Departure Slots

ATA letter urging Senator Reid to continue opposing Bush administration efforts to confiscate and auction landing and departure slots at New York City-area airports.

events

issue briefs

ATA covers a wide range of issues from energy to security to environmental. In this section, you will find issue briefs that highlight ATA's position on important issues facing our members and the airline industry.

ATA Policy Priorities - FAA Reauthorization

The U.S. airline industry is in serious decline – record-high fuel prices are hitting the airlines harder each day. Recently, seven airlines have either filed for bankruptcy protection and stopped operations or are continuing to operate under bankruptcy protection. Skyrocketing fuel prices are causing airlines to drop unprofitable routes and have resulted in more than 7,000 airline jobs being lost. The government can take steps to offset these draconian consequences for airline passengers – enact a sound National Energy Policy and refrain from imposing new taxes on airline passengers.

agency filings

ATA Comments on the DHS US-VISIT Exit NPRM

ATA comments oppose the DHS proposed rule to implement the US-VISIT Exit program. ATA’s comments explain in detail why DHS does not have the legal authority to impose this program on the airline industry and why it fails to meet basic cost-benefit standards. (June 23, 2008)

BUR Application for Noise Curfew

ATA filed comments on the Burbank-Glendale-Pasadena Airport Authority’s proposed curfew applicable to Stage 3 aircraft operations at Bob Hope Airport (BUR). This is the first application for a mandatory access restriction under FAR part 161. (June 12, 2008)

NPS Definition of “Substantial Restoration of Natural Quiet” at Grand Canyon

ATA filed comments on the National Park Service’s proposed clarification of the definition of "substantial restoration of natural quiet" as it relates to management of aircraft overflights at Grand Canyon National Park (May 8, 2008)

ATA Comments on DOT's Proposed Amendments to its Airport Rates and Charges Policy

ATA comments on DOT's proposed amendments to its Airport Rates and Charges Policy. (April 3, 2008)

ATA Comments on DOT Passenger Protection ANPRM

ATA filed comments in response to the DOT ANPRM concerning enhancing national airline passenger protections. (January 22, 2008)

ATA Comments on DOT Gate Reporting NPRM

The Air Transport Association of America, Inc. and the Regional Airline Association jointly filed comments in response to the Department of Transportation NPRM concerning revisions to airlines service quality performance reports and disclosure requirements. (January 22, 2008)

ATA Comments on Composition of Proxy Groups

The Air Transport Association filed comments with FERC on the "Composition of Proxy Groups for Determining Gas and Oil Pipeline Return on Equity". (August 30, 2007)

ATA Comments On Financial Reporting Requirements for Oil and Product Pipelines

In response to an initiative by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to review the financial data it requires pipelines to submit on a regular basis, ATA urged FERC to enhance the detail and transparency of that data. (March 28, 2007)

testimony

ATA provides the House and Senate committees and sub-committees expert testimony on a wide variety of issues. This section provides ATA oral and written testimonies.

ATA Testimony: Watch List

ATA testified before the House Homeland Security Subcommittee on Transportation Security & Infrastructures Protection on the critical issues associated with aviation security " watch lists."

ATA Testimony - Aviation Security - An Update

ATA Executive Vice President and COO John Meenan testifies before the House Transportation and Infrastructure Aviation Subcommittee on aviation security.

court filings

ATA participates as a litigant or amicus curiae in litigation matters concerning a wider range of legal and regulatory issues having a significant policy or precedential impact on the industry. In this section, you will find ATA briefs and other filings in these important cases.