WASHINGTON D.C. (WKZO-AM) — President Obama has signed a bill that will prevent Air National Guard bases that are changing missions from actually flying planes to operating “remotely-piloted aircraft” from being socked with large lease hikes by the FAA.
That is the situation with the base in Battle Creek, and others around the U.S.
This is a big win for Southwest Michigan as we keep an eye on the future for critical national defense undertakings,” Congressman Fred Upton said.
Upton, R-St. Joseph, and Sen. Gary Peters, D-Bloomfield Township, sponsored the legislation in the House and Senate to prevent the bases from having to pay millions more for their locations next to U.S. airports.
“With President Barack Obama’s signature on legislation, Air National Guard units that fly remotely piloted aircraft at civilian airports do not face large lease payment increases,” Retired Maj. Gen. Gus Hargett, the President of the National Guard Association of the United States, said. “Under the new law, the Federal Aviation Administration now considers RPA missions to be aeronautical and units that fly them are immune from possible lease hikes.”
The twin measures passed unanimously in both the House and Senate.
It prevents the leases from becoming a liability the next time Pentagon begins looking for ways to cut their budget by closing bases.
“The missions of the 110th Attack Wing are reshaping America’s fighting forces for the future, and they play a critical role in protecting our national security,” Peters said in a press release. “I’m pleased the legislation Congressman Upton and I worked together to pass was quickly signed into law. This new law will help theBattle Creek Air National Guard and W.K. Kellogg Airport continue to grow West Michigan’s role as a key location for cutting-edge national defense missions.”
“With President Barack Obam’s signature on legislation last week, Air National Guard units that fly remotely piloted aircraft at civilian airports do not face large lease payment increases,” Retired Maj. Gen. Gus Hargett, president of the National Guard Association of the United States, said. “Under the new law, the Federal Aviation Administration now considers RPA missions to be aeronautical and units that fly them are immune from possible lease hikes.”
