Three measures supporting general aviation are becoming law in Louisiana.
The state legislature has passed and Gov. Bobby Jindal has signed measures repealing state aircraft registration requirements and increasing the amount of money available for general aviation airport grants.
A third measure that would prohibit the construction of landfills near airports is awaiting his signature.
“Taken together these measures show that Louisiana’s elected officials are taking seriously issues of importance to the aviation community,” said AOPA Regional Representative Shelly deZevallos, who met with legislators and state aviation officials on a recent trip to Baton Rouge to express AOPA’s support for the bills.
S.B.102 increases the maximum amount of Transportation Trust Fund money made available for GA airport grants each year from $200,000 to $300,000. That money can then be used to maintain and improve general aviation and reliever airports, helping to keep them safe.
H.B.1190 eliminates the requirement to register aircraft in the state, simplifying and reducing the cost of aircraft ownership in Louisiana.
The final measure, which the governor is expected to sign, H.B.493, creates a buffer zone between airports and waste management facilities—a safety measure that can help reduce bird and animal hazards for aircraft.