Issue Brief: FY06 FAA Budget

Issue Brief

FY06 FAA Budget

February 2005

The Issue

President Bush's FY06 budget submitted to Congress contains major cuts to aviation programs that would negatively affect general aviation airports across the country.

Major Provisions

On February 7, President Bush submitted a budget for fiscal year 2006. There are four main accounts that make up the FAA's budget: Operations, Facilities and Equipment, Airport Improve Program (AIP), and Research.

The President's budget for FY06 recommends funding AIP at $3 billion. This level is $600 million below the authorized level of $3.6 billion. Congress funded the program at $3.5 billion in FY2005.

The Airport Improvement Program provides funding for infrastructure and safety improvements at general aviation and non-primary airports. According to the funding formulas authorized under the Vision 100 - Century of Aviation Reauthorization Act, general aviation and non-primary airports receive 20 percent of the AIP funds. In addition, general aviation airports on the National Plan of Integrated Air Service receive an annual entitlement of $150,000.

By law, if AIP funding falls below $3.2 billion, the small airport set aside is reduced from 20 percent to 18.5 percent, and the general aviation entitlement of $150,000 would be eliminated.

AOPA Position

The association supports fully funding the program at the authorized level and is concerned that a cut of this magnitude could severely undermine many safety upgrades at general aviation airports.

Congress must now approve its own budget for FY2006 and begin work on the annual appropriations process. AOPA will continue to work with members of Congress in order to ensure that the FAA is funded at a level that preserves critical general aviation programs.

Legislative History

February 7, 2005 - President's budget is submitted to Congress