By Adam Studzinski
BLOOMINGTON – U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis (R-Taylorville) made stops at several Central Illinois airports Thursday afternoon to hear what officials want to see in the Federal Aviation Administration re-authorization bill.
Congress will begin discussing the bill this summer. During his visit to Central Illinois Regional Airport, Davis said one of the top issues everyone wants to talk about is drones.
“It’s companies like State Farm, County Insurance and our local farmers that can use this technology to really make things better for their own companies, make things better for their customers and also make things better for the environment,” he said.
Davis added the FAA has been “leading from behind” on drone regulation. He believed Congress needs to make sure and address the issue when re-authorization talks begin.
Davis said another problem needing to be addressed is the fact the FAA produces plans and procedures which are outdated by the time they’re fully in place.
“The drone technology is a prime example of that,” said Davis. “A rule was recently introduced that is probably going to be outdated by the time it becomes finalized in a couple of years. That’s why government needs to be reactive when it comes to technology.”
CIRA Executive Director Carl Olson said the FAA re-authorization is a “terribly important” issue.
“We’re looking for language to put in the new FAA re-authorization bill that is going to allow airports to continue to receive the funding they need for important safety projects for expansion as needed,” said Olson. “And just the ability to operate the airport and provide the safety enhancements that are so important for the community and the region,”
Davis also stopped at airports in Decatur, Champaign, and Springfield.
Adam Studzinski can be reached at [email protected].
