CONGRESSMAN NEUGEBAUER STATEMENT ON THE PASSAGE OF HIS SMALL AIRCRAFT SAFETY AMENDMENT TO THE FAA REAUTHORIZATION ACT.

WASHINGTON -- The following information was released by the office of Texas Rep. Randy Neugebauer:

Representative Randy Neugebauer (R-TX) issued the following statement today after the House passed his amendment to the FAA Reauthorization and Reform Act, H.R. 658, which will direct the FAA Administrator to conduct a feasibility study on the development of an internet-based public resource that would list the exact height, longitude, and latitude of potential low-altitude aviation obstructions:

"I am very pleased and grateful the House passed my amendment to the FAA Reauthorization and Reform Act today. My amendment will direct the Administrator of the FAA to conduct a study on the feasibility of creating a public online database that lists the exact location and height of low-altitude aviation obstructions, many of which are currently unlit and unmarked.

"There have been a number of fatalities in recent years caused by aircraft collisions with these structures. This is an important issue to all low-altitude pilots including agriculture aviators, Emergency Medical Services, firefighters, fish and wildlife service aircraft, mosquito control and many others.

"This amendment is the first step in making vital information publicly available. Doing so will allow low-flying pilots to operate safely and conduct many important activities, including operations that are crucial to West Texas agriculture. Pilot fatalities and injuries can be avoided by providing easy-to-access information on the Internet regarding the location of these obstructions, and my amendment encourages the FAA Administrator to consider the development of such a resource."

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