A lot of things are currently happening that will affect the future of aviation in Texas, some good, some not so good. From time to time, I’ll pass information on to you about the changes ahead. Currently, some of these are:
The Global Positioning Satellite System: The FAA appears to be making good progress implementing the Global Positioning Satellite System (GPS) for instrument flight rules use. On December 8, 1993, the FAA approved the GPS system for Initial Operational Capability (IOC) which signifies that the satellite component of the system is ready for use. This step had to be taken before any GPS receivers could be used for airborne navigation. Two companies have developed receivers which have been approved for “supplemental” use in enroute navigation. This means that the GPS system can be used for navigation as long as another approved system is available onboard the aircraft. The next step in the process is approval of a receiver for independent enroute and instrument approach use. Once receivers have been approved in accordance with FAA TSO C129, Class A1, which is anticipated to occur soon, they can be used to fly both enroute and NDB, VOR, VOR-DME, or RNAV approaches using GPS alone. Finally, it is expected that GPS system will become usable for precision approaches at some time in the future; however, no firm dates as to when this will occur are available at this time. The GPS system is a giant step forward in support of instrument flight, particularly for general aviation airports.
Delay in Federal Funding: The Federal Aviation Administration’s Airport Improvement Program which is administered by our Division expired on September 30, 1993. Congress has been working on reauthorization of this program and it is anticipated that the new funding program should become available within the next month or two. Unfortunately, it appears that Congress will probably pass another one year program, instead of a more desirable three or five year program, which means we will probably be experiencing another delay this time next year. More seriously, the total federal funding authorization nationally is being reduced by about one hundred million dollars, compared to last year’s allocation. This means that instead of Texas receiving an entitlement of approximately fifteen million dollars for general aviation airport development, we will receive only about thirteen million. Fortunately, the FAA has promised us some additional discretionary money; however, it is clear that future federal funding for general aviation airports will likely continue to decline. Obviously, now more than ever, we must significantly increase the amount of state funding in our airport grant program.
Texas Airport Operator’s Conference: Plans are well underway for this year’s conference to be held in Austin on April 20-22. Whether you are an airport operator, a city or county official, an aircraft owner or pilot, or simply someone who is interested in the future of aviation in Texas, I would encourage you to attend. If we are to move forward in improving airport facilities in Texas, we must join together and begin working toward a common goal. This conference provides an excellent opportunity to start consolidating our efforts.