While the effect of the proposed bill would be enormous, it had its start with a very narrow focus. Weiner told the House Committee on Wednesday that his primary focus was on helicopters but that he’d try to fashion a bill that accommodated the full range of GA security concerns. Weiner spokesman Kaye said, “There are a lot of people who are worried about how close those helicopters fly to their residences” in the city’s taller buildings and that those concerns prompted the bill. Washington insiders told AVweb that Weiner’s bill was a political long shot at best, and was unlikely to make it into the current legislative session, which ends in a few days. Weiner’s comments on Wednesday virtually assure it won’t see light of day in the current session. Said Kaye, “It seems appropriate to start thinking about how to make our skies safer from not only jumbo jets but from smaller aircraft.”
…What He Meant, Not What He Said…
Key Takeaways:
- Rep. Weiner introduced a bill primarily focused on helicopter security, prompted by urban residents' concerns about low-flying aircraft near tall buildings, with plans to expand its scope to general aviation security.
- The bill aims to enhance sky safety from all aircraft types, not just jumbo jets.
- Despite its introduction, the bill is considered a "political long shot" and is highly unlikely to pass in the current legislative session, which is ending soon.
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