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At the Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development hearing on the Federal Aviation Administration 2009 Budget Request, Congressman Joseph Knollenberg (R-MI) said he couldn’t think of any greater issue than aviation. A safe air system, he said, is essential to the economy. Unfortunately, he said, chances of real reform seem unlikely, and air congestion gets worse ever day. He said he wants to be sure that what is given up to do next generation upgrades is not superseding current issues.

Robert Sturgell, acting FAA Administrator, said he thinks the 2009 funding will cover all “critical” systems. Safety, Sturgell said, is the biggest concern. Two thirds of the budget is appropriated to the “safety mission.” We need to avoid complacency and always strive for better results. Last year, he said, there were only eight runway incursions among over 61 million planes. Everyone has stepped up and has been involved in the positive results.