Summary: Fair Treatment for Experienced Pilots Act - Amends federal transportation law to allow a pilot who has attained 60 years of age to serve as a passenger airline pilot until the age of 65, provided that a pilot who has attained age 60 may serve as pilot-in-command on international flights only if there is another pilot in the flight crew who has not yet attained 60 years of age. Prohibits subjecting pilots to different medical examinations and standards on account of age unless to ensure an adequate level of safety in flight, except that no person who has attained 60 years of age may serve as a pilot unless such person has a first-class medical certificate.Requires air carriers to: (1) continue to provide FAA-approved training to pilots, with specific emphasis on initial and recurring training and qualification of pilots who have attained 60 years of age; and (2) evaluate, every six months, the performance of pilots who have attained 60 years of age through a line check of such pilot.Requires the Comptroller General to report to Congress on the effect of the modification of pilot age requirements, if any, on aviation safety.

federal transportation law allow pilot attained years age serve passenger airline pilot age provided pilot attained age serve pilot command international flights pilot flight crew attained years age prohibits subjecting pilots different medical examinations standards account age ensure adequate level safety flight person attained years age serve pilot person class medical certificate requires air carriers continue provide faa approved training pilots specific emphasis initial recurring training qualification pilots attained years age evaluate months performance pilots attained years age line check pilot requires comptroller general report congress effect modification pilot age requirements aviation safety


Summary: Amends the Transportation, Treasury, and Independent Appropriations Act, 2004 to authorize the Secretary of Transportation to grant a waiver or exemption from certain airspace restrictions with respect to an event, stadium, or other venue if the Secretary of Homeland Security, acting through the Transportation Security Administration, determines that granting such waiver or exemption poses no security risk.

amends transportation treasury authorize secretary transportation grant waiver exemption certain airspace restrictions respect event venue secretary homeland_security acting transportation_security_administration determines granting waiver exemption poses security risk


Summary: Fair and Competitive Air Transportation Service in New York-New Jersey Region Act - Prohibits the Secretary of Transportation from taking action that only limits commercial air traffic from one airport operated by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey and not from all other airports operated by such Authority unless consent is given by the Authority. Provides an exception to such prohibition if such action is necessary to preserve air traffic safety or in cases of a national emergency.

fair new_york new region act prohibits secretary transportation taking action limits commercial air traffic airport operated port_authority_of_new_york new_jersey airports operated authority consent given authority provides exception prohibition action necessary preserve air traffic safety cases national emergency


Summary: Amends federal transportation law to encourage airport sponsors and state and local officials in the development of their airport master plans to take into account as additional goals: (1) customer convenience and access to airport facilities; and (2) threats of a terrorist attack, including the need to continually adjust plans to address new terrorist threats.

amends federal transportation law encourage airport sponsors state local officials development airport master plans account additional goals customer convenience access airport facilities threats terrorist attack including need continually adjust plans address new terrorist threats


Summary: Airport and Airway Extension Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend through June 30, 2008: (1) the excise taxes on aviation fuels and air transportation of persons and property for funding the Airport and Airway Trust Fund; and (2) the expenditure authority for such Trust Fund.Amends federal transportation law to provide funding for airport planning and development and noise compatibility planning programs for the nine-month period beginning October 1, 2007. Extends until June 30, 2008: (1) the authority of the Secretary of Transportation to incur obligations to make grants under such programs; (2) the increase in the federal government's share (to 95%) of certain airport improvement program costs; and (3) funding for airport development at Midway Island Airport.Directs the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to calculate funding apportionments for airport development programs in FY2008 in accordance with a specified formula.Extends through FY2008 the period for final orders issued by the Secretary of Transportation with respect to eligibility for essential air service compensation.

airport airway extension act amends internal revenue code extend june excise taxes aviation fuels air transportation persons property funding airport airway_trust_fund expenditure authority trust fund amends federal transportation law provide funding airport planning development noise compatibility planning programs month period beginning october extends june authority secretary transportation incur obligations grants programs increase federal government share certain airport improvement program costs funding airport development midway island airport directs administrator federal_aviation_administration faa calculate funding apportionments airport development programs fy2008 accordance specified formula extends fy2008 period final orders issued secretary transportation respect eligibility essential air service compensation


Summary: Halting Airplane Noise to Give Us Peace Act of 2008 - Prohibits any individual (except flight crew members, flight attendants, or federal law enforcement officers) from engaging in voice communications using a mobile communications device on a passenger aircraft during a flight. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to require all domestic and foreign air carriers to adopt this prohibition. Authorizes the Secretary to waive this prohibition for air carriers of foreign countries that have negotiated an alternative prohibition on voice communications using such devices during a flight.

airplane noise peace act prohibits individual flight crew members flight attendants federal law enforcement officers engaging voice communications mobile communications device passenger aircraft flight directs secretary transportation require domestic foreign air carriers adopt prohibition authorizes secretary waive prohibition air carriers foreign countries negotiated alternative prohibition voice communications devices flight


Summary: Directs the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to initiate a rulemaking proceeding to establish procedures to prohibit for a period of one year a flight standards inspector from accepting certain employment positions or responsibilities with an air carrier for whom the inspector has conducted inspections or had oversight responsibility in the past.

directs administrator federal_aviation_administration faa initiate rulemaking proceeding establish procedures prohibit period year flight standards inspector accepting certain employment positions responsibilities air carrier inspector conducted inspections oversight responsibility past


Summary: Catching Operational Vulnerabilities by Ensuring Random Testing Act of 2008, or the COVERT Act of 2008 - Amends the Aviation and Transportation Security Act to require the Secretary of Homeland Security to make sure that advance notice of a covert test of a transportation security system is not provided to any individual (including any security screener) before completion of the test, except: (1) that such information may be provided to certain federal, state, and local government employees, officers, and contractors (including military personnel); and (2) an individual conducting such a test may disclose his or her status if a security screener or other non-covered employee identifies such tester as a potential threat. Requires the head of each covert testing office to make sure that a covert testing person or group is accompanied by a cover team to monitor the test and confirm the identity of personnel involved. States, however, that a cover team is not required to be present during a test of the screening of persons or baggage at an aviation security checkpoint if the test: (1) is approved by the Federal Security Director for the airport; and (2) is administered under an aviation screening assessment program of the Department of Homeland Security. Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to study and report to Congress on the impact of implementing covert testing procedures under this Act on the Department's efforts to improve transportation security.

catching operational vulnerabilities ensuring random testing act covert act amends aviation transportation security act require secretary homeland_security sure advance notice covert test transportation security system provided individual including security screener completion test information provided certain federal state local government employees officers contractors including military personnel individual conducting test disclose status security screener non covered employee identifies potential threat requires head covert testing office sure covert testing person group accompanied cover team monitor test confirm identity personnel involved states cover team required present test screening persons baggage aviation security checkpoint test approved federal security director airport administered aviation screening assessment program department_of_homeland_security directs secretary homeland_security study report congress impact implementing covert testing procedures act department efforts improve transportation security


Summary: Biometric Enhancement for Airport-Risk Reduction Act of 2008 - Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security, acting through the Assistant Secretary of Homeland Security (Transportation Security Administration (TSA)), to: (1) study and report to Congress on how airports can transition to uniform, standards-based, and interoperable biometric identifier systems for airport workers with unescorted access to secure or sterile areas of an airport; and (2) conduct a risk-based analysis of selected Category X and I airports and other airports to identify where implementation of such systems could benefit them. Defines "biometric identifier system" as a system that uses biometric identifier information to match and confirm identity of individuals for purposes of transportation security. Requires the Secretary to convene a working group to assist with issues pertaining to implementing this Act.

airport risk reduction act directs secretary homeland_security acting assistant secretary homeland_security transportation_security_administration tsa study report congress airports transition uniform standards based interoperable biometric identifier systems airport workers unescorted access secure sterile areas airport conduct risk based analysis selected category airports airports identify implementation systems benefit defines biometric identifier system system uses biometric identifier information match confirm identity individuals purposes transportation security requires secretary convene working group assist issues pertaining implementing act


Summary: Travel Related Industries Protection Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to suspend for a specified period the excise tax on kerosene and certain liquids used as fuel in commercial aviation.

amends internal revenue code suspend specified period excise tax kerosene certain liquids fuel commercial aviation


Summary: Amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to direct the Secretary of Homeland Security to research, develop, and procure new technologies to inspect and screen air cargo carried on passenger aircraft at the earliest date possible. Requires existing checked baggage explosive detection equipment and screeners to be used to screen air cargo carried on such aircraft to the greatest extent practicable at each airport until the new technologies are available. Requires the Assistant Secretary of Homeland Security (Transportation Security Administration [TSA]) to work with air carriers and airports to increase incrementally each quarter the screening of air cargo carried on passenger aircraft.

amends homeland security act direct secretary homeland_security research develop procure new technologies inspect screen air cargo carried passenger aircraft earliest date possible requires existing checked baggage explosive detection equipment screeners screen air cargo carried aircraft greatest extent practicable airport new technologies available requires assistant secretary homeland_security transportation_security_administration tsa work air carriers airports increase incrementally quarter screening air cargo carried passenger aircraft


Summary: Prohibits the Secretary of Transportation and the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) from taking actions to regulate the scheduling of airline operations at a U.S. commercial airport if such an action includes: (1) auctioning rights or permission to conduct airline operations at that airport; (2) implementing peak-period or congestion pricing at the airport; (3) withdrawing an airline's right to operate at that airport; (4) charging a fee for use of navigable airspace at the airport; or (5) requiring, or providing incentives or disincentives to, airport owners to take any such actions.

prohibits secretary transportation administrator federal_aviation_administration faa taking actions regulate scheduling airline operations commercial airport action includes auctioning rights permission conduct airline operations airport implementing peak period congestion pricing airport withdrawing airline right operate airport charging fee use navigable airspace airport requiring providing incentives disincentives airport owners actions


Summary: Federal Aviation Administration Extension Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend through FY2008: (1) excise taxes on aviation fuels and air transportation of persons and property; and (2) the expenditure authority for the Airport and Airway Trust Fund.Amends federal transportation laws to extend funding through September 30, 2008, for various airport development projects, including: (1) the pilot program for passenger facility fees at nonhub airports; (2) state and local airport compatibility projects; (3) airport improvement projects; (4) Midway Island airport development; (5) small airport grants for airports located in the Marshall Islands, Micronesia, and Palau; and (6) airport planning and development grant programs.Extends through November 30, 2008, Department of Transportation (DOT) insurance coverage for domestic air carriers.Extends through March 31, 2009, air carrier liability limits for injuries to passengers resulting from acts of terrorism.

federal_aviation_administration extension act amends internal revenue code extend fy2008 excise taxes aviation fuels air transportation persons property expenditure authority airport airway_trust_fund amends federal transportation laws extend funding september airport development projects including pilot program passenger facility fees nonhub airports state local airport compatibility projects airport improvement projects midway_island airport development small airport grants airports located marshall_islands micronesia palau airport planning development grant programs extends november department_of_transportation dot insurance coverage domestic air carriers extends march air carrier liability limits injuries passengers resulting acts terrorism


Summary: Air Service Improvement Act of 2008 - Requires the Secretary of Transportation to collect, and publish on the Department of Transportation (DOT) website, data regarding cancelled and diverted flights of air carriers. Requires certain air carriers and hub airport operators to submit for the Secretary's approval emergency contingency plans for flight delays. Requires the Secretary to establish a consumer complaints hotline telephone number. Prohibits flight ticket sales on aircraft on which a insecticide has been applied within the last 60 days or on which an insecticide is planned to be used in the aircraft while passengers are on board, unless passengers are informed before buying a ticket. Requires the Inspector General of DOT to review air carrier flight delays, cancellations, and associated causes to update its 2000 report on such matters. Directs the Comptroller General to study and report to Congress on European Union rules for passenger rights. Establishes an advisory committee for aviation consumer protection. Sets forth requirements regarding: (1) denied boarding compensation; and (2) expansion of DOT airline consumer complaint investigations. Prescribes requirements for mediation of disputes between the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and its employees in attempting to reach an agreement concerning the implementation of proposed changes to the FAA personnel management system.

requires secretary transportation collect publish department_of_transportation dot website data cancelled diverted flights air carriers requires certain air carriers hub airport operators submit secretary approval emergency contingency plans flight delays requires secretary establish consumer complaints hotline telephone number prohibits flight ticket sales aircraft insecticide applied days insecticide planned aircraft passengers board passengers informed buying ticket requires inspector general dot review air carrier flight delays cancellations associated causes update report matters directs comptroller_general study report rules passenger rights establishes advisory committee aviation consumer protection sets forth requirements denied boarding compensation expansion dot airline consumer complaint investigations prescribes requirements mediation disputes federal_aviation_administration faa employees attempting reach agreement concerning implementation proposed changes faa personnel management system


Summary: Homecoming Help for Our Heroes Act - Requires an air carrier to offer: (1) reduced-price air transportation to active duty members of the Armed Forces; and (2) flexible terms that allow such members of the Armed Forces to purchase, modify, or cancel air tickets without time restrictions, fees, or penalties.

help heroes act requires air carrier offer reduced price air transportation active duty members armed_forces flexible terms allow members armed_forces purchase modify cancel air tickets time restrictions fees penalties


Summary: Aviation Safety Enhancement Act of 2008 - Establishes in the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) an Aviation Safety Whistleblower Investigation Office, with a Director appointed by the Secretary of Transportation, which shall receive and assess complaints and information relating to possible violations of aviation safety laws and regulations.Directs the FAA Administrator to modify the FAA customer service initiative, mission and vision, and other policy statements to: (1) remove any reference to air carriers or other entities regulated by the FAA as "customers"; (2) state that in regulating safety the only FAA customers are individuals traveling on aircraft; and (3) state that air carriers and other entities regulated by the FAA do not have the right to select the FAA employees who will inspect their operations.Prohibits any person holding an air carrier operating certificate from knowingly employing, or contracting with, an individual to act as an agent or representative of the certificate holder in any matter before the FAA if, in the preceding two-year period, the individual: (1) served as, or was responsible for oversight of, an FAA flight standards inspector; and (2) had responsibility to inspect, or oversee inspection of, the operations of the certificate holder.Prohibits any individual serving as a principal supervisory inspector of the FAA from being responsible for overseeing the operations of a single air carrier for a continuous period of more than five years. Authorizes appropriations.Directs the FAA Administrator to establish a process by which the FAA air transportation oversight system database is reviewed by a team of FAA employees on a monthly basis to ensure that: (1) any trends in regulatory compliance are identified; and (2) appropriate corrective actions are taken.

aviation safety enhancement act establishes federal_aviation_administration faa aviation safety whistleblower investigation office director appointed secretary transportation shall receive assess complaints information relating possible violations aviation safety laws regulations directs faa administrator modify faa customer service initiative mission vision policy statements remove reference air carriers entities regulated faa customers state regulating safety faa customers individuals traveling aircraft state air carriers entities regulated faa right select faa employees inspect operations prohibits person holding air carrier operating certificate knowingly employing contracting individual act agent representative certificate holder matter faa preceding year period individual served responsible oversight faa flight standards inspector responsibility inspect oversee inspection operations certificate holder prohibits individual serving principal supervisory inspector faa responsible overseeing operations single air carrier continuous period years authorizes appropriations directs faa administrator establish process faa air transportation oversight system database reviewed team faa employees monthly basis ensure trends regulatory compliance identified appropriate corrective actions taken


Summary: Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security (Secretary), acting through the Assistant Secretary of Homeland Security (Transportation Security Administration), to require category X or category 1 airport operators to modify their airport security programs to provide for the installation of airport security camera and video surveillance systems. Requires airport operators to submit their modifications to the Secretary for approval. Prohibits the use of images from such cameras and surveillance systems against an airport employee involved in an employment disciplinary matter, except in a criminal investigation or prosecution of criminal acts.

directs secretary homeland_security secretary acting assistant secretary homeland_security transportation_security_administration require category category airport operators modify airport security programs provide installation airport security camera video surveillance systems requires airport operators submit modifications secretary approval prohibits use images cameras surveillance systems airport employee involved employment disciplinary matter criminal investigation prosecution criminal acts


Summary: Directs the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration to: (1) approve a request from the town of Pollock, Louisiana, to close the municipal airport there; and (2) release the town from any restrictions that would prevent the closure of such airport and redevelopment of the facilities to nonaeronautical uses. Requires the town of Pollock, upon the approval of the request to close the airport, to obtain fair market value for the sale of the airport property and transfer all proceeds of the sale to the sponsor of a public airport designated by the Administrator to be used for the development or improvement of such airport.

directs administrator federal_aviation_administration approve request town pollock louisiana close municipal airport release town restrictions prevent closure airport redevelopment facilities uses requires town pollock approval request close airport obtain fair market value sale airport property transfer proceeds sale sponsor public airport designated administrator development improvement airport


Summary: Federal Aviation Administration Extension Act of 2008, Part II - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend from September 30, 2008, through March 31, 2009: (1) excise taxes on aviation fuels and air transportation of persons and property; and (2) the expenditure authority for the Airport and Airway Trust Fund. Extends funding from September 30, 2008, through March 31, 2009, for airport improvement program (AIP) projects, including project grant authority. Authorizes obligation at any time during FY2009 of funds made available by this Act. Prescribes a formula for calculating funding apportionments to implement the program. Extends through March 31, 2009, various airport development projects, including: (1) the pilot program for passenger facility fees at nonhub airports; (2) the small community air service development program; (3) small airport grants for airports located in the Marshall Islands, Micronesia, and Palau; (4) state and local airport compatibility projects; (5) the authority of the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority to apply for an airport development grant and impose a passenger facility fee; (6) the temporary increase to 95% in the government share of certain AIP project costs; (7) Midway Island airport development; and (8) airport planning and development grant programs. Extends through March 31, 2009, Department of Transportation (DOT) insurance coverage for domestic and foreign-flag air carriers. Extends through May 31, 2009, air carrier liability limits for injuries to passengers resulting from acts of terrorism. Extends through March 31, 2009, the authorization of appropriations for: (1) Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) operations; (2) air navigation facilities and equipment; and (3) research, engineering, and development.

federal_aviation_administration extension act amends internal revenue code extend september march excise taxes aviation fuels air transportation persons property expenditure authority airport airway_trust_fund extends funding september march airport improvement program aip projects including project grant authority authorizes obligation time fy2009 funds available act prescribes formula calculating funding apportionments implement program extends march airport development projects including pilot program passenger facility fees nonhub airports small community air service development program small airport grants airports located marshall_islands micronesia palau state local airport compatibility projects authority metropolitan_washington_airports_authority apply airport development grant impose passenger facility fee temporary increase government share certain aip project costs midway_island airport development airport planning development grant programs extends march department_of_transportation dot insurance coverage domestic foreign flag air carriers extends air carrier liability limits injuries passengers resulting acts terrorism extends march authorization appropriations federal_aviation_administration faa operations air navigation facilities equipment research engineering development


Summary: Military Air Travel Fairness Act of 2008 - Requires an air carrier to waive baggage fees for up to three baggage items (except those oversize or overweight) checked by a member of the uniformed services traveling under orders on a passenger air flight.

military air travel fairness act requires air carrier waive baggage fees baggage items overweight checked member uniformed services traveling orders passenger air flight


Summary: Revises requirements for the small community air service development progam to improve air service to underserved airports. Requires the Secretary of Transportation to give program priority to a community or consortium of communities that received scheduled air service from an airport as of December 31, 2007, but no longer receives such service. Treats as eligible airport development activities those related to air service development, including marketing, revenue guarantees, and subsidies.

revises requirements small community air service development improve air service underserved airports requires secretary transportation program priority community consortium communities received scheduled air service airport december longer receives service treats eligible airport development activities related air service development including marketing revenue guarantees subsidies


Summary: Requires the Secretary of Transportation to revise certain airline service quality performance reporting regulations to require air carriers that provide foreign air transportation, including foreign air carriers with permits, to disclose the nature and source of flight delays and cancellations experienced by air travelers.

requires secretary transportation revise certain airline service quality performance reporting regulations require air carriers provide foreign air transportation including foreign air carriers permits disclose nature source flight delays cancellations experienced air travelers


Summary: Volunteer Pilot Organization Protection Act of 2007 - Amends the Volunteer Protection Act of 1997 to exempt from liability a nonprofit volunteer pilot organization (or its referring agency) that flies for public benefit, its staff members, and its volunteers for harm caused by a volunteer while flying, in furtherance of the organization's purpose, an aircraft for which the volunteer was properly licensed and insured.

amends volunteer protection act exempt liability nonprofit volunteer pilot organization referring agency flies public benefit staff members volunteers harm caused volunteer flying furtherance organization purpose aircraft volunteer properly licensed insured


Summary: Amends the Foreign Relations Authorization Act, Fiscal Years 1994 and 1995 to provide for U.S. payments for 2005-2008 U.N. peacekeeping operations at 27.1%. (Current law provides for a 25% payment rate.) (Amends the Department of State and Related Agency Appropriations Act, 2005 to repeal the provision providing for 2005 payments at 27.1%.)

amends foreign_relations_authorization_act fiscal years provide payments peacekeeping operations current law provides payment rate repeal provision providing payments


Summary: Essential Air Service Preservation Act of 2007 - Repeals the mandate for the Essential Air Service local participation program (a pilot program under which up to 10 designated essential air service communities located near hub airports shall assume 10% of their essential air service subsidy costs for a four-year period).

repeals mandate essential_air_service local participation program pilot program designated essential air service communities located near hub airports shall assume essential air service subsidy costs year period


Summary: Aviation Security Improvement Act - Extends funding for aviation security. Provides for a system to screen all cargo transported on domestic and foreign passenger airlines. Directs the Administrator of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA Administrator) to: (1) evaluate the blast-resistant cargo container pilot program and then begin acquisition of containers to meet TSA cargo security program requirements; and (2) develop a system to make such containers available for use by domestic and foreign passenger airlines. Sets forth requirements regarding: (1) preventing explosive devices on passenger planes; (2) deployment of explosive detection systems at airports; (3) not applying certain TSA personnel limitations; (4) specialized training for TSA officers; (5) an appeal process for passengers wrongly delayed or prohibited from boarding a flight; (6) a strategic plan to test and implement an advanced passenger prescreening system; and (7) certification of foreign repair stations. Directs the Administrator to: (1) develop and implement a standardized airport threat and vulnerability assessment program; (2) based on a study, provide grants to airport operators for security upgrade projects; (3) develop a system under which foreign registered aircraft submit specified information to TSA; and (4) report on security credentials of airline crews.

aviation security improvement act extends funding aviation security provides system screen cargo transported domestic foreign passenger airlines directs administrator transportation_security_administration tsa administrator evaluate resistant cargo container pilot program begin acquisition containers meet tsa cargo security program requirements develop system containers available use domestic foreign passenger airlines sets forth requirements preventing explosive devices passenger deployment explosive detection systems airports applying certain tsa personnel limitations specialized training tsa officers appeal process passengers wrongly delayed prohibited boarding flight strategic plan test implement advanced passenger prescreening system certification foreign repair stations directs administrator develop implement standardized airport threat vulnerability assessment program based study provide grants airport operators security upgrade projects develop system foreign registered aircraft submit specified information tsa report security credentials airline crews


Summary: Student Borrower Bill of Rights Act of 2007 - Urges the Department of Education to enforce vigorously rules requiring lenders to complete lender verification certificates in a timely manner for borrowers seeking to consolidate loans. Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to require specified loan participants under the Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL) and Federal Perkins Loan programs to disclose to each national credit bureau organization any on-time payments made for such loans and their status as student loans. Requires FFEL consolidation loan borrowers or lenders to pay the Department 1% of the balance owed on the sum of such loans to obtain a subsequent FFEL consolidation loan. Allows borrowers to refinance Federal Direct Consolidation Loans. Creates a student borrower bill of rights. Requires the Secretary to limit a federal student loan borrower's monthly payments on the basis of the borrower's income. Revises the requirement that the Secretary discharge the liability of a permanently and totally disabled borrower by repaying the amount owed on the loan. Requires such a discharge even if a borrower, although not permanently and totally disabled, is unable to engage in any substantial gainful activity because of a medically determinable impairment which can be expected to result in death or last at least 60 continuous months. Amends federal bankruptcy law to allow discharge of certain educational benefit overpayments, repayments, and student loan debt. Directs the Secretary to study the interest rates and fees charged to private student loan borrowers. Limits the collection fee on defaulted federal student loans and the total interest and fees that can be imposed on such loan borrowers. Requires institutions of higher education (IHEs) that enroll students receiving assistance, and tout the employment prospects of their graduates, to make information publicly available concerning graduates' employment, earnings, and loan defaults. Establishes an appeals and settlement process for federal student loan borrowers who suffer economic losses from violation of their rights. Makes IHEs liable to a federal student loan borrower for the total amount of a student loan if they provide specified prohibited incentives to admissions officers to secure student enrollments or financial aid. Prohibits participating IHEs from causing unnecessary loan processing delays for borrowers who use lenders they do not recommend or suggest.

student borrower bill rights act urges department_of_education enforce rules requiring lenders complete lender verification certificates timely manner borrowers seeking consolidate loans amends higher education act require specified loan participants federal_family_education_loan ffel federal_perkins_loan programs disclose national credit bureau organization time payments loans status student loans requires ffel consolidation loan borrowers lenders pay department balance owed sum loans obtain subsequent ffel consolidation loan allows borrowers refinance federal_direct_consolidation_loans creates student borrower bill rights requires secretary limit federal student loan borrower monthly payments basis borrower income revises requirement secretary discharge liability permanently totally disabled borrower repaying owed loan requires discharge borrower permanently totally disabled unable engage substantial gainful activity medically impairment expected result death continuous months amends federal bankruptcy law allow discharge certain educational benefit overpayments repayments student loan debt directs secretary study interest rates fees charged private student loan borrowers limits collection fee defaulted federal student loans total interest fees imposed loan borrowers requires institutions higher education ihes enroll students receiving assistance employment prospects graduates information publicly available concerning graduates employment earnings loan defaults establishes appeals settlement process federal student loan borrowers suffer economic losses violation rights makes ihes liable federal student loan borrower total student loan provide specified prohibited incentives admissions officers secure student enrollments financial aid prohibits participating ihes causing unnecessary loan processing delays borrowers use lenders recommend suggest


Summary: Critical Access to Health Information Technology Act of 2007 - Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a program to award grants to states to increase access to health care in rural areas by improving health information technology. Requires a state that receives such a grant to designate a lead agency to: (1) administer the grant; (2) develop the state plan for use of grant funds; and (3) coordinate the expenditure of funds and provision of services under the grant with other federal and state health care programs. Directs the lead agency to award local grants on a competitive basis based on the extent to which an entity: (1) demonstrates a need to improve its health information reporting and health information technology; and (2) will serve a community with a significant low-income or other medically underserved population. Requires each grant recipient to be a government-owned or private nonprofit hospital located in a rural area. Requires the lead agency to annually report to the Secretary on: (1) the amounts received under the grant; (2) the amounts allocated to state grant recipients; and (3) the types of expenditures made by local grant recipients. Requires the Secretary to review and monitor state compliance with the requirements of this Act. Directs the Secretary to promulgate a final rule concerning the replacement of the International Statistical Classification of Diseases, 9th revision, Clinical Modification with the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, 10th revision, Clinical Modification and Clinical Modification Coding System. Authorizes the Secretary to adopt specified standards for electronic health care transactions that are recommended in relation to such replacements.

critical access health information technology act requires secretary health_and_human_services establish program award grants states increase access health care rural areas improving health information technology requires state receives grant designate lead agency administer grant develop state plan use grant funds coordinate expenditure funds provision services grant federal state health care programs directs lead agency award local grants competitive basis based extent entity demonstrates need improve health information reporting health information technology serve community significant low income medically underserved population requires grant recipient government owned private nonprofit hospital located rural area requires lead agency annually report secretary amounts received grant amounts allocated state grant recipients types expenditures local grant recipients requires secretary review monitor state compliance requirements act directs secretary promulgate final rule concerning replacement 9th revision 10th revision clinical modification coding system authorizes secretary adopt specified standards electronic health care transactions recommended relation replacements


Summary: Airline Passenger Bill of Rights Act of 2007 - Requires each air carrier, in the case of a delayed departure, to provide passengers with: (1) adequate food, potable water, and restroom facilities; and (2) an option to deplane, with exceptions, if more than three hours have elapsed, and during any subsequent three-hour periods of delay.

airline passenger requires air carrier case delayed departure provide passengers adequate food potable water restroom facilities option deplane exceptions hours elapsed subsequent hour periods delay


Summary: Consortium on the Impact of Technology in Aging Health Services Act of 2007 - Establishes the Consortium on the Impact of Technology in Aging Health Services. Requires the Consortium to conduct a study of all matters relating to the potential use of new technology to assist older adults and their caregivers, including: (1) methods for identifying technology that may be adapted to meet their needs; (2) methods for fostering scientific innovation in aging services technology within the business and academic communities; (3) barriers to innovation in and the adoption of technology and strategies for removing such barriers; (4) developments in such technology in other countries; and (5) methods for ensuring that U.S. businesses have a leadership role in the global market of such technology. Requires the Consortium to develop recommendations concerning: (1) developments in current technologies that may result in increased efficiency and cost savings to the healthcare system; (2) opportunities for research and development to accelerate the development and adoption of aging services technology; (3) methods to ensure that technology infrastructure is in place to deliver services; and (4) establishment of a federal interagency task force to facilitate the development and distribution of such technology and a National Resource Center to stimulate research, oversee demonstration projects, and provide training and assistance to entities that provide such services. Requires the Consortium to report recommendations regarding development of a national policy to address issues concerning technology and assistive health services for seniors, changes to federal laws and programs that would support and encourage the private sector to develop and make widely available consumer-empowered technology solutions, and establishment of a National Resource Center on Aging Services Technologies.

consortium impact technology establishes consortium impact technology requires consortium conduct study matters relating potential use new technology assist older adults caregivers including methods identifying technology adapted meet needs methods fostering scientific innovation aging services technology business academic communities barriers innovation adoption technology strategies removing barriers developments technology countries methods ensuring businesses leadership role global market technology requires consortium develop recommendations concerning developments current technologies result increased efficiency cost savings healthcare system opportunities research development accelerate development adoption aging services technology methods ensure technology infrastructure place deliver services establishment federal interagency task force facilitate development distribution technology national_resource_center stimulate research oversee demonstration projects provide training assistance entities provide services requires consortium report recommendations development national policy address issues concerning technology assistive health services seniors changes federal laws programs support encourage private sector develop widely available consumer empowered technology solutions establishment national_resource_center aging services technologies


Summary: Parents' Tax Relief Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) provide for a minimum tax credit for household and dependent care services for dependents under the age of seven and to phase out such credit based on the amount by which the taxpayer's adjusted gross income exceeds a threshold amount; (2) increase to $5,000 the amount of the personal tax exemption; (3) eliminate the marriage penalty in all income tax brackets and in the tax deduction for student loan interest; (4) establish a standard tax deduction for expenses related to business usage of a home; (5) make permanent increases in the child tax credit and adjust the amount of such credit for inflation on an annual basis after 2007; (6) allow employers a tax credit for employees who telecommute; and (7) allow an exclusion from employee gross income for employer-provided computer equipment used to work at home.Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to award social security credits to parents who stay at home, instead of working outside the home, to care for children who are either under age seven. Authorizes transfers from the general fund to specified Social Security trust funds to cover the cost of such credits.

parents tax relief act amends internal revenue code provide minimum tax credit household dependent care services dependents age seven phase credit based taxpayer adjusted gross income exceeds threshold increase personal tax exemption eliminate marriage penalty income tax brackets tax deduction student loan interest establish standard tax deduction expenses related business usage home permanent increases child tax credit adjust credit inflation annual basis allow employers tax credit employees allow exclusion employee gross income employer provided computer equipment work home amends title old age survivors disability insurance social security act award social security credits parents stay home instead working outside home care children age seven authorizes transfers general fund specified social_security trust funds cover cost credits


Summary: Allows a passenger facility fee imposed at a large hub airport (that is subject to an amended judgment and final order in condemnation filed on January 7, 1980, by the Superior Court of the State of California for the county of Los Angeles) to be used as an eligible project cost to carry out noise mitigation for certain school buildings in the noise impacted area surrounding the airport if: (1) the buildings are adversely affected by airport noise; (2) the buildings are owned owned or chartered by the school district that was the plaintiff in case number 986,442 or 986,446, which was resolved by such judgment and final order; (3) the project is for a school identified in one of the settlement agreements effective February 16, 2005, between the airport and each of the school districts; (4) in the case of a project to replace a relocatable building with a permanent building, the eligible project costs are limited to actual structural construction costs necessary to mitigate aircraft noise in instructional classrooms to an interior noise level that meet Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) standards; and (5) the project otherwise meets requirements for authorization of a passenger facility fee.

allows passenger facility fee imposed large hub airport subject amended judgment final order condemnation filed january county los_angeles eligible project cost carry noise mitigation certain school buildings noise impacted area surrounding airport buildings adversely affected airport noise buildings owned owned chartered school district plaintiff case number resolved judgment final order project school identified settlement agreements effective february airport school districts case project replace building permanent building eligible project costs limited actual structural construction costs necessary mitigate aircraft noise instructional classrooms interior noise level meet federal_aviation_administration faa standards project meets requirements authorization passenger facility fee


Summary: Next Generation Air Transportation System Financing Reform Act of 2007 - Authorizes appropriations for FY2008-FY2010 for: (1) Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) air traffic control services; (2) FAA safety and operations; and (3) civil aviation research and development (R&D). Makes funds available for FY2008-FY2010 for the airport planning and development and noise compatibility planning programs (earmarking amounts for the airport cooperative research program). Establishes certain user fees for aircraft owners or operators for FAA air traffic control and other related services. Amends the airport improvement program to expand eligibility requirements for airport-related projects financed by passenger facility charges (currently, fees) to include projects for: (1) capital costs of the airport or local airport system; and (2) capital costs of a local facility directly related to air transportation of passengers or property that is available for public use. Revises requirements authorizing the imposition of passenger facility charges. Increases passenger facility charge amounts that can be imposed by an eligible agency. Revises: (1) the federal share of costs for airport improvement projects; and (2) the formula for apportionment of airport development funds to specified airports. Eliminates the Secretary of Transportation's (Secretary) small airport fund. Authorizes the Administrator of the FAA to carry out a pilot program for certain airports to takeover operational responsibility for airport terminal area air navigation equipment. Authorizes the Secretary to carry out a pilot program for non-federal acquisition of Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) ground stations. Establishes an Air Transportation System Advisory Board. Authorizes the Secretary to establish the Realignment and Consolidation of Aviation Facilities and Services Commission to provide recommendations for consolidation of FAA services and facilities. Sets forth requirements authorizing the Administrator to access criminal history records or data bases systems with regard to FAA employees. Directs the Secretary to establish a program to evaluate market-based pricing mechanisms for domestic flights which may be adopted at congested airports. Directs the Secretary to carry out an environmental mitigation demonstration pilot program to reduce the impact of aircraft in the vicinity of airports. Extends the Secretary's authority to provide insurance and reinsurance against loss or damage arising out of any risk from the operation of a domestic or foreign aircraft. Revises eligibility requirements under the essential air service program. Terminates the Secretary's authority to set international mail rates. Revises requirements regarding prices, classifications, rules, and practices set for foreign air transportation. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to revise, on or after October 1, 2008, the tax rates imposed on aviation fuels. Extends the tax on the air transportation of persons and property through September 30, 2008. Decreases, on and after October 1, 2008, the tax imposed on persons for air transportation beginning or ending in the United States. Extends the expenditure authority of the Airport and Airway Trust Fund through October 1, 2017.

authorizes appropriations fy2008 fy2010 federal_aviation_administration faa air traffic control services faa safety operations civil aviation research development makes funds available fy2008 fy2010 airport planning development noise compatibility planning programs earmarking amounts airport cooperative research program establishes certain user fees aircraft owners operators faa air traffic control related services amends airport improvement program expand eligibility requirements airport related projects financed passenger facility charges currently fees include projects capital costs airport local airport system capital costs local facility directly related air transportation passengers property available public use revises requirements authorizing imposition passenger facility charges increases passenger facility charge amounts imposed eligible agency revises federal share costs airport improvement projects formula apportionment airport development funds specified airports eliminates secretary transportation secretary small airport fund authorizes administrator faa carry pilot program certain airports takeover operational responsibility airport terminal area air navigation equipment authorizes secretary carry pilot program non federal acquisition ads ground stations establishes authorizes secretary establish provide recommendations consolidation faa services facilities sets forth requirements authorizing administrator access criminal history records data bases systems regard faa employees directs secretary establish program evaluate market based pricing mechanisms domestic flights adopted airports directs secretary carry environmental mitigation demonstration pilot program reduce impact aircraft vicinity airports extends secretary authority provide insurance reinsurance loss damage arising risk operation domestic foreign aircraft revises eligibility requirements essential air service program terminates secretary authority set international mail rates revises requirements prices classifications rules practices set foreign air transportation amends internal revenue code revise october tax rates imposed aviation fuels extends tax air transportation persons property september decreases october tax imposed persons air transportation beginning ending united_states extends expenditure authority airport airway_trust_fund october


Summary: Informed Air Traveler Act of 2007 - Directs the Secretary of Transportation to promulgate rules to require a passenger air carrier to: (1) publish customer service data for all passenger flights on, or in conjunction with the issuance of, an airline ticket and on the air carrier's website; and (2) disclose on-time performance and cancellation rate for a chronically delayed or chronically canceled flight whenever a passenger makes a reservation or purchases a ticket for such flight in person, by telephone, or through the air carrier's website.

act directs secretary transportation promulgate rules require passenger air carrier publish customer service data passenger flights conjunction issuance airline ticket air carrier website disclose time performance cancellation rate chronically delayed chronically canceled flight passenger makes reservation purchases ticket flight person telephone air carrier website


Summary: Airport Security Enhancement Act of 2007 - Amends passenger and property screening provisions to require the screening by Transportation Security Administration (TSA) personnel of: (1) air carrier employees that board a passenger aircraft; and (2) as soon as practicable after the date of enactment of certain airport perimeter screening provisions, airport and air carrier employees, contractors, and vendors before entry into a secured area of an airport in the United States. Requires the heads of specified hub airports and nonhub airports to: (1) submit to the Administrator of TSA a plan for comprehensive screening of all individuals entering a secure area of an airport; and (2) implement the comprehensive screening plan not later than 60 days after its submission.

airport security enhancement act amends passenger property screening provisions require screening transportation_security_administration tsa personnel air carrier employees board passenger aircraft soon practicable date enactment certain airport perimeter screening provisions airport air carrier employees contractors vendors entry secured area airport united_states requires heads specified hub airports nonhub airports submit administrator tsa plan comprehensive screening individuals entering secure area airport implement comprehensive screening plan later days submission


Summary: Mapping Airport Proximity Act or the MAP Act - Requires the Secretary of Transportation, in determining compensation or eligibility for compensation for essential air service to a small community based on highway mileage, to use the highway mileage of the most commonly used route between an eligible place and the nearest medium hub airport or large hub airport.

mapping airport proximity act map act requires secretary transportation determining compensation eligibility compensation essential air service small community based highway mileage use highway mileage commonly route eligible place nearest medium hub airport large hub airport


Summary: Aviation Investment and Modernization Act of 2007 - Title I: Authorizations and Financing - (Sec. 101) Amends federal transportation law to authorize appropriations for FY2008-FY2011 for: (1) Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) operations; (2) FAA air navigation facilities and equipment; (3) civil aviation research and development (R&D); (4) airport planning and development and noise compatibility planning programs; (5) certain other aviation programs; and (6) administrative expenses for certain airport programs. (Sec. 106) Directs the FAA to impose, with specified exceptions, a surcharge of $25 per flight on owners or operators of passenger aircraft and to deposit such amounts in an Air Modernization Fund to modernize the air traffic control system and implement Next Generation Air Transportation System projects. Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation (Secretary) to borrow up to $5 billion to finance capital investments in the FAA's air traffic control system. Title II: Airport Improvements - (Sec. 201) Revises passenger facility charge (PFC) provisions granting an eligible agency (a public agency that controls a commercial service airport) the authority to impose a PFC on passengers boarding an aircraft, including requiring such agency to: (1) submit annually to air carriers and foreign air carriers operating at the airport, and make available to the public, a status report on the agency's PFC program; and (2) obtain approval from the Secretary before imposing a PFC to finance an intermodal ground access project or increasing a PFC. (Sec. 202) Directs the Secretary to establish and conduct an alternative PFC collection pilot program under which an eligible agency may impose a PFC without regard to dollar amount limitations, provided such agency collects the PFC from a passenger at the airport via the Internet, or in any other reasonable manner. (Sec. 203) Revises certain assurances required to be made before being eligible for an airport improvement program grant. (Sec. 204) Sets, for a specified period, the government's share of project costs at no more than 95% for an airport improvement project at a small hub airport that has subsequently been reclassified as a medium hub airport. (Sec. 205) Makes the cost of relocating or replacing an airport due to a change in design standards that is beyond the control of an airport owner or operator an allowable project cost under the airport improvement program. (Sec. 206) Provides that certain restrictions on the use of proceeds from the sale of a private airport to a public entity shall not apply. (Sec. 207) Authorizes the FAA Administrator to carry out a pilot program at not more than 10 airports to take over operational responsibility for airport terminal area air navigation equipment. (Sec. 208) Sets the government's share of project costs at 95% (under current law, 90%) for certain airport improvement projects at certain airports. (Sec. 209) Sets forth provisions: (1) making Afghanistan-Iraq war veterans eligible for the veteran's hiring preference on airport improvement projects; (2) increasing the apportionment of airport planning and development and noise compatibility planning and program funds to certain cargo airports to 4.0% each fiscal year; (3) making the construction of parking pads for mobile refuelers used while refueling aircraft at non-primary airports eligible for airport improvement program funding; (4) requiring a minimum discretionary funding level of $520 million for airport improvement programs in a fiscal year; and (5) revising criteria used in calculating the apportionment of airport improvement program funds to certain airports. (Sec. 210) Requires states participating in the state block grant program to comply with certain grant requirements in administering non-primary airport projects, including federal environmental requirements or an agreed upon equivalent. (Sec. 211) Provides for airport improvement program funding of special environmental studies for federally-funded airport projects or special studies or reviews to support approved noise mitigation programs or environmental mitigation in a FAA Record of Decision or Finding of No Significant Impact. (Sec. 212) Authorizes the Secretary to make airport improvement program grants to airport operators to assist in completing environmental review and assessment activities for implementation of proposed flight procedures under the airport noise compatibility planning program. (Sec. 213) Makes current or former military airports that are found to be critical to the safety of trans-oceanic air traffic eligible for certain discretionary grant funding used to develop current or former airports and improve the capacity of the national air transportation system. (Sec. 214) Allows a PFC imposed at a large hub airport (that is subject to an amended judgment and final order in condemnation filed on January 7, 1980, by the Superior Court of the State of California for the county of Los Angeles) to be used as an eligible project cost to carry out noise mitigation for certain school buildings in the noise impacted area surrounding the airport if: (1) the buildings are adversely affected by airport noise; and (2) certain other requirements are met. (Sec. 215) Directs the Secretary to carry out at public-use airports a program to fund environmental mitigation demonstration projects that will measurably reduce or mitigate aviation impacts on noise, air quality or water quality in the vicinity of such airports. (Sec. 216) Allows airport improvement project costs incurred before the award of an airport improvement program grant due to anticipation of severe weather to remain eligible for funding under the airport improvement program. Title III: FAA Organization and Reform - (Sec. 301) Establishes an Air Traffic Control Modernization Oversight Board to provide specific oversight of FAA's modernization activities (effectively replacing the Federal Aviation Management Advisory Council and the Air Traffic Services Subcommittee of the Council). (Sec. 302) Authorizes the Secretary to carry out a pilot program for non-federal acquisition of Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast ground stations. (Sec. 303) Sets forth certain factors that the FAA shall consider in determining whether to permit non-government sources to provide next generation air traffic services. (Sec. 305) Repeals a provision limiting the FAA's authority to use non-competitive procurement of goods and services only when such property or services are available from only one responsible source or only from a limited number of responsible sources and no other type of property or services will satisfy the needs of the FAA. (Sec. 306) Authorizes the Administrator of the FAA to competitively bid to provide air traffic services to aviation authorities abroad (under current law, the FAA may provide such services with or without reimbursement if it determines that providing such services promotes aviation safety). (Sec. 307) Allows senior FAA executives and employees to participate in the Presidential Rank Award Program. (Sec. 308) Requires: (1) the FAA Administrator to make recommendations for the realignment of FAA services and facilities to assist in the transition to next generation facilities; (2) the Air Traffic Control Modernization Oversight Board to study the Administrator's recommendations and make its independent recommendations for realignment of aviation services or facilities and submit them to the President and Congress; and (3) the head of a participating department or federal agency to establish an office to coordinate its Next Generation Air Transportation System activities with other departments or federal agencies. (Sec. 311) Grants the FAA Administrator authority to retain as part of its appropriation proceeds from the disposal of FAA property. (Sec. 313) Provides that in disputes arising between the FAA Administrator and its employees in attempting to reach an agreement concerning the implementation of proposed changes to the FAA personnel management system: (1) the services of the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service (FMCS) shall be used; (2) the Administrator and employees may by mutual agreement adopt procedures for the resolution of disputes or impasses arising in the negotiation of a collective-bargaining agreement; and (3) if the services of the FMCS have led to an impasse between the FAA and its employees in reaching an agreement with respect to implementing the proposed changes, the FAA Administrator and employees shall submit their controversy to the Federal Service Impasses Panel for binding arbitration. (Under current law, the services of the FMCS shall be used and, if the services of the FMCS do not lead to an agreement, the Administrator's proposed change to the personnel management system shall not take effect until 60 days have elapsed after the Administrator has transmitted the proposed changes, along with the objections of the employees to the changes, and the reasons for such objections, to Congress.) (Sec. 314) Directs the FAA Administrator to report to Congress, and issue regulations, on integrating ADS-B technology into the National Airspace System (NAS). Title IV: Airline Service and Small Community Air Service Improvements - (Sec. 401) Requires each air carrier: (1) to develop a plan to provide passengers with adequate food, potable water, and restroom facilities in cases of a substantially delayed flight departure; (2) in the absence of a plan providing a clear timeframe for passengers to deplane a delayed aircraft, to provide such passengers an option to deplane, with exceptions, if more than three hours have elapsed, and during any subsequent three-hour periods of delay; and (3) to post on its website a statement of its customer service policy and of the customers' consumer rights under federal and state law. (Sec. 402) Requires air carriers to publish and update monthly on its website a list of chronically delayed and canceled flights prior to the customer purchasing an airline ticket. (Sec. 403) Amends the Vision-Century of Aviation Reauthorization Act to mandate (under current law, authorizes) the Secretary to establish a pilot program authorizing the Secretary to require air carriers providing small community essential air service (EAS) and major air carriers serving large hub airports to participate in multiple code-share arrangements consistent with normal industry practice whenever and wherever the Secretary determines that such multiple code-sharing arrangements would improve air transportation services. (Sec. 404) Extends the effective period of final orders of the Secretary regarding the eligibility of small communities for EAS subsidies through September 30, 2011. (Sec. 405) Revises certain guidelines used to determine compensation for continued EAS to small and rural communities to include provisions permitting the Secretary to: (1) incorporate financial incentives in essential air service contracts based on specified performance goals; and (2) execute long-term essential air service contracts when in the public interest to do so. (Sec. 406) Directs the Secretary to establish a program to provide general aviation conversion funding for airports that serve places no longer eligible under the EAS program. (Sec. 407) Increases additional funding for each fiscal year for the EAS program. (Sec. 408) Applies resolution of airport fee dispute provisions to foreign air carriers (under current law, applies only to domestic air carriers). (Sec. 409) Revises certain priorities in the funding of communities under the small community air service development program to give priority in funding to multiple communities who cooperate to submit a region or multistate application to improve air service under such program. Extends the small community air service development program through FY2011. (Sec. 410) Establishes funding levels for FY2008-FY2011 for the air traffic control contract tower program. Increases the federal share of the cost of construction of a nonapproach control tower under the program. Directs the Secretary to establish uniform standards and requirements for safety assessments of air traffic control towers that receive funding under such program. (Sec. 411) Expresses the sense of Congress that each U.S. air carrier should: (1) establish reduced air fares for all members of the armed forces; and (2) offer flexible terms that allow active duty members of the armed forces to purchase, modify, or cancel air tickets without time restrictions, fees, and penalties. (Sec. 412) Directs the Secretary, subject to availability of appropriations, to investigate airline consumer complaints, including canceled flights, lost or damaged baggage, and deceptive or misleading advertising. (Sec. 413) Requires air carriers applying to provide EAS to submit a marketing plan. (Sec. 414) Increases the number of slots exempted from requirements prohibiting an air carrier's operation of an aircraft nonstop in air transportation between Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport and another airport more than 1,250 statute miles away (Perimeter Rule limit). Increases the number of slot exemptions for air carriers that are required to operate within the Perimeter Rule limit. Title V: Aviation Safety - (Sec. 501) Directs the FAA Administrator, not later than December 31, 2008, to issue a plan to develop an installation and deployment schedule for systems that alert air traffic controllers and flights crews to potential runway incursions. Requires such plan to be integrated into the annual FAA operational evolution plan. (Sec. 502) Directs the FAA, not later than December 31, 2007, to issue a final rule regarding the reduction of fuel tank flammability in transport category aircraft. (Sec. 503) Authorizes a person who has been denied an airman certificate by an order of the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), or the FAA Administrator when a NTSB order will have a significant adverse impact on the Administrator issuing or renewing airman certificates, to seek judicial review in the appropriate United States Court of Appeals. (Sec 504) Sets forth a process under which the FAA may release, without the consent of the owner of record of an aircraft, data relating to abandoned aircraft type certificates and supplemental aircraft type certificates for an aircraft, engine, propeller, or appliance to a person seeking to maintain the airworthiness of such aircraft. (Sec. 505) Extends by one year the authority of the FAA to issue a design organization certificate to a design organization authorizing such organization to certify compliance with certain requirements and minimum standards for the type certification of aircraft, aircraft engines, propellers, or appliances. (Sec. 506) Sets forth requirements authorizing the FAA Administrator to access criminal history records or data bases systems with regard to FAA employees. (Sec. 507) Directs the FAA Administrator to: (1) conclude arrangements with the National Academy of Sciences for a study of pilot fatigue; and (2) initiate a process to carry out the recommendations of the Civil Aerospace Medical Institute (CAMI) study on flight attendant fatigue. (Sec. 508) Requires all helicopter emergency medical service operators to comply with certain federal safety regulations whenever there is a medical crew on board, without regard to whether there are patients on board. Requires the FAA to initiate a rulemaking to: (1) require helicopter emergency medical service operators to use a standardized checklist of risk evaluation factors to determine whether a mission should be accepted; (2) create standardized flight dispatch procedures for such operators to use during flights; (3) require helicopters used for emergency medical service operations to have an operational terrain awareness and warning system on board; and (4) require, after a certain feasibility study is done, flight data and cockpit voice recorders on board such helicopters. (Sec. 509) Prohibits, with a specified exception, an air carrier from using a person as a flight attendant unless such person has the ability to read, speak, and write English. (Sec. 510) Requires the FAA to establish a plan in which Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requirements may be applied to crewmembers while working in an aircraft cabin. (Sec. 511) Requires the FAA to set a target of achieving a minimum of 200 Required Navigation Performance approach procedures per fiscal year through FY2012. Title VI: Aviation Research - (Sec. 601) Requires the Secretary to permanently maintain the airport cooperative research program. Authorizes appropriations through FY2011 for such program, earmarking an amount for certain research activities related to the airport environment. (Sec. 602) Requires the FAA Administrator to establish a research grant program that accomplishes by January 1, 2015, certain performance objectives to reduce civilian aircraft noise, emissions, and energy consumption. (Sec. 603) Directs the Secretary to establish a research grant program that includes participation of Centers of Excellence for Coal-to-Jet-Fuel Research to develop technologies that produce jet fuel from clean coal. (Sec. 604) Establishes the Advisory Committee on the Future of Aeronautics. Requires the Committee to report to Congress on its recommendations for consolidating civil aeronautics research and development (R&D) in the United States. (Sec. 605) Extends the authority of an existing research program to improve airfield pavements. (Sec. 606) Requires the FAA to conduct aviation safety research to reduce the dangers of wake turbulence, volcanic ash, and weather on aircraft. (Sec. 607) Authorizes the FAA Administrator to conduct developmental work and service testing to improve unmanned aircraft for eventual integration into the national airspace system. Authorizes appropriations for FY2008 and FY2009. (Sec. 608) Reauthorizes for FY2008-FY2012 the FAA Center for Excellence in applied research and training in the use of advanced materials in transport aircraft. Title VII: Miscellaneous - (Sec. 701) Extends the Secretary's authority to: (1) provide war risk insurance and reinsurance against loss or damage arising out of any risk from the operation of a domestic or foreign aircraft through October 1, 2017; and (2) certify that an air carrier is a victim of an act of terrorism and not liable for losses suffered by third parties that exceed $100 million, as well as immunity from punitive damages (with the federal government responsible for any liability above $100 million) through December 31, 2012. (Sec. 702) Directs the FAA Administrator to develop a Human Intervention Management Study program for cabin crews employed by U.S. commercial air carriers. (Sec. 703) Directs the FAA Administrator to establish a certification training program for the airport concessions disadvantaged business enterprise program. (Sec. 704) Extends through FY2011 the eligibility for a grant under the airport improvement program for: (1) the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority; and (2) the Marshall Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, Palau, and Midway Island Airport. (Sec. 705) Makes permanent certain provisions requiring large or medium hub airports to file competitive access reports with the Secretary before receiving approval for a grant under the airport improvement program. (Sec. 706) Allows a pilot who has attained 60 years of age to serve as a passenger airline pilot until the age of 65 years old if certain conditions are met. (Sec. 707) Provides for the adjustment of overflight fees by the FAA. (Sec. 709) Directs the Comptroller General to conduct, and report to Congress on, a study of the training of FAA airway transportation systems specialists. Directs the FAA Administrator to develop a staffing model for aviation safety inspectors. (Sec. 710) Replaces the Director of the National Park Service with the Secretary of the Interior with respect to provisions regarding the overflight of national parks by commercial air tour operators. Authorizes commercial air tour operations over a national park or tribal lands in cases where there is a voluntary agreement allowing such operations over such park or lands. Authorizes, with a specified exception, the Secretary of the Interior to waive requirements prohibiting commercial air tour operations over a national park or tribal lands when there are 100 or fewer such operations conducted in a year or there is a voluntary agreement to manage such operations over the park. Sets forth certain reporting requirements for commercial air tour operators. Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to assess fees on commercial air tour operators conducting commercial air tour operations over national parks. Authorizes appropriations for the development of air tour management plans for national parks or tribal lands. Sets forth certain requirements with respect to the authority of commercial air tour operators to operate over a national park or tribal lands. (Sec. 711) Prohibits the operation of any civil subsonic turbojet of 75,000 pounds or less operating out of airports in the continental United States unless such aircraft complies with stage three noise levels. Allows an opt-out of such requirement for any aircraft operator at an airport notifying the Secretary of intent to continue the operation of noncompliant aircraft. Requires notices of such opt-outs to be made accessible to the public. (Sec. 712) Prohibits the FAA Administrator from eliminating weight restrictions or prior permission rules at Teterboro Airport in Teterboro, New Jersey. (Sec. 713) Amends the Railway Labor Act to provide coverage under such Act giving air carrier employees certain protections with respect to intended changes sought affecting such employees' pay, rules, and working conditions due to the merger or acquisition of the employees' air carrier. (Sec. 714) Directs the FAA Administrator to establish a pilot program for redevelopment of airport property.

aviation investment modernization act title authorizations financing sec amends federal transportation law authorize appropriations fy2008 fy2011 federal_aviation_administration faa operations faa air navigation facilities equipment civil aviation research development airport planning development noise compatibility planning programs certain aviation programs administrative expenses certain airport programs sec directs faa impose specified exceptions surcharge flight owners operators passenger aircraft deposit amounts modernize air traffic control system implement generation_air_transportation_system projects authorizes secretary transportation secretary borrow billion finance capital investments faa air traffic control system title airport improvements sec revises passenger facility charge pfc provisions granting eligible agency public agency controls commercial service airport authority impose pfc passengers boarding aircraft including requiring agency submit annually air carriers foreign air carriers operating airport available public status report agency pfc program obtain approval secretary imposing pfc finance intermodal ground access project increasing pfc sec directs secretary establish conduct alternative pfc collection pilot program eligible agency impose pfc regard dollar limitations provided agency collects pfc passenger airport internet reasonable manner sec revises certain assurances required eligible airport improvement program grant sec sets specified period government share project costs airport improvement project small hub airport subsequently reclassified medium hub airport sec makes cost relocating replacing airport change design standards control airport owner operator allowable project cost airport improvement program sec provides certain restrictions use proceeds sale private airport public entity shall apply sec authorizes faa administrator carry pilot program airports operational responsibility airport terminal area air navigation equipment sec sets government share project costs current law certain airport improvement projects certain airports sec sets forth provisions making afghanistan iraq war veterans eligible veteran hiring preference airport improvement projects increasing apportionment airport planning development noise compatibility planning program funds certain cargo airports fiscal year making construction parking pads mobile refueling aircraft non primary airports eligible airport improvement program funding requiring minimum discretionary funding level million airport improvement programs fiscal year revising criteria calculating apportionment airport improvement program funds certain airports sec requires states participating state block grant program comply certain grant requirements administering non primary airport projects including federal environmental requirements agreed equivalent sec provides airport improvement program funding special environmental studies federally funded airport projects special studies reviews support approved noise mitigation programs environmental mitigation faa record sec authorizes secretary airport improvement program grants airport operators assist completing environmental review assessment activities implementation proposed flight procedures airport noise compatibility planning program sec makes current military airports found critical safety trans oceanic air traffic eligible certain discretionary grant funding develop current airports improve capacity national air transportation system sec allows pfc imposed large hub airport subject amended judgment final order condemnation filed january county los_angeles eligible project cost carry noise mitigation certain school buildings noise impacted area surrounding airport buildings adversely affected airport noise certain requirements met sec directs secretary carry public use airports program fund environmental mitigation demonstration projects measurably reduce mitigate aviation impacts noise air quality water quality vicinity airports sec allows airport improvement project costs incurred award airport improvement program grant anticipation severe weather remain eligible funding airport improvement program title iii reform sec establishes provide specific oversight faa modernization activities effectively replacing sec authorizes secretary carry pilot program non federal acquisition ground stations sec sets forth certain factors faa shall consider determining permit non government sources provide generation air traffic services sec repeals provision limiting faa authority use non competitive procurement goods services property services available responsible source limited number responsible sources type property services satisfy needs faa sec authorizes administrator faa competitively bid provide air traffic services aviation authorities abroad current law faa provide services reimbursement determines providing services promotes aviation safety sec allows senior faa executives employees participate sec requires faa administrator recommendations realignment faa services facilities assist transition generation facilities study administrator recommendations independent recommendations realignment aviation services facilities submit president congress head participating department federal agency establish office coordinate generation_air_transportation_system activities departments federal agencies sec grants faa_administrator authority retain appropriation proceeds disposal faa property sec provides disputes arising faa_administrator employees attempting reach agreement concerning implementation proposed changes faa personnel management system services federal_mediation_and_conciliation_service fmcs shall administrator employees mutual agreement adopt procedures resolution disputes impasses arising negotiation collective bargaining agreement services fmcs led impasse faa employees reaching agreement respect implementing proposed changes faa_administrator employees shall submit controversy federal_service_impasses_panel binding arbitration current law services fmcs shall services fmcs lead agreement administrator proposed change personnel management system shall effect days elapsed administrator transmitted proposed changes objections employees changes reasons objections congress sec directs faa administrator report congress issue regulations integrating ads technology national_airspace_system nas title sec requires air carrier develop plan provide passengers adequate food potable water restroom facilities cases substantially delayed flight departure absence plan providing clear timeframe passengers deplane delayed aircraft provide passengers option deplane exceptions hours elapsed subsequent hour periods delay post website statement customer service policy customers consumer rights federal state law sec requires air carriers publish update monthly website list chronically delayed canceled flights prior customer purchasing airline ticket sec amends vision century aviation reauthorization act mandate current law authorizes secretary establish pilot program authorizing secretary require air carriers providing small community essential air service eas major air carriers serving large hub airports participate multiple code share arrangements consistent normal industry practice secretary determines multiple code sharing arrangements improve air transportation services sec extends effective period final orders secretary eligibility small communities eas subsidies september sec revises certain guidelines determine compensation continued eas small rural communities include provisions permitting secretary incorporate financial incentives essential air service contracts based specified performance goals execute long term essential air service contracts public interest sec directs secretary establish program provide general aviation conversion funding airports serve places longer eligible eas program sec increases additional funding fiscal year eas program sec applies resolution airport fee dispute provisions foreign air carriers current law applies domestic air carriers sec revises certain priorities funding communities small community air service development program priority funding multiple communities cooperate submit region multistate application improve air service program extends small community air service development program fy2011 sec establishes funding levels fy2008 fy2011 air traffic control contract tower program increases federal share cost construction nonapproach control tower program directs secretary establish uniform standards requirements safety assessments air traffic control towers receive funding program sec expresses sense congress air carrier establish reduced air fares members armed forces offer flexible terms allow active duty members armed forces purchase modify cancel air tickets time restrictions fees penalties sec directs secretary subject availability appropriations investigate airline consumer complaints including canceled flights lost damaged baggage deceptive misleading advertising sec requires air carriers applying provide eas submit marketing plan sec increases number slots exempted requirements prohibiting air carrier operation aircraft nonstop air transportation ronald_reagan washington national airport airport statute miles away perimeter rule limit increases number slot exemptions air carriers required operate perimeter rule limit title aviation safety sec directs faa administrator later december issue plan develop installation deployment schedule systems alert air traffic controllers flights crews potential runway incursions requires plan integrated annual faa operational plan sec directs faa later december issue final rule reduction fuel tank flammability transport category aircraft sec authorizes person denied airman certificate order national_transportation_safety_board ntsb faa administrator ntsb order significant adverse impact administrator issuing renewing airman certificates seek judicial review appropriate united_states_court_of_appeals sets forth process faa release consent owner record aircraft data relating abandoned aircraft type certificates supplemental aircraft type certificates aircraft engine propeller appliance person seeking maintain airworthiness aircraft sec extends year authority faa issue design organization certificate design organization authorizing organization certify compliance certain requirements minimum standards type certification aircraft aircraft engines propellers appliances sec sets forth requirements authorizing faa administrator access criminal history records data bases systems regard faa employees sec directs faa administrator conclude arrangements national_academy_of_sciences study pilot fatigue initiate process carry recommendations study flight attendant fatigue sec requires helicopter emergency medical service operators comply certain federal safety regulations medical crew board regard patients board requires faa initiate rulemaking require helicopter emergency medical service operators use standardized checklist risk evaluation factors determine mission accepted create standardized flight dispatch procedures operators use flights require helicopters emergency medical service operations operational terrain awareness warning system board require certain feasibility study flight data cockpit voice recorders board helicopters sec prohibits specified exception air carrier person flight attendant person ability read speak write english sec requires faa establish plan occupational_safety_and_health_administration osha requirements applied crewmembers working aircraft cabin sec requires faa set target achieving minimum approach procedures fiscal year fy2012 title aviation research sec requires secretary permanently maintain airport cooperative research program authorizes appropriations fy2011 program earmarking certain research activities related airport environment sec requires faa administrator establish research grant program january certain performance objectives reduce civilian aircraft noise emissions energy consumption sec directs secretary establish research grant program includes participation centers_of_excellence coal jet fuel research develop technologies produce jet fuel clean coal sec establishes advisory committee requires committee report congress recommendations consolidating civil aeronautics research development united_states sec extends authority existing research program improve airfield pavements sec requires faa conduct aviation safety research reduce dangers wake volcanic ash weather aircraft sec authorizes faa administrator conduct developmental work service testing improve unmanned aircraft eventual integration national airspace system authorizes appropriations fy2008 fy2009 sec reauthorizes fy2008 fy2012 applied research training use advanced materials transport aircraft title vii miscellaneous sec extends secretary authority provide war risk insurance reinsurance loss damage arising risk operation domestic foreign aircraft october certify air carrier victim act terrorism liable losses suffered parties exceed million immunity punitive damages federal government responsible liability million december sec directs faa administrator develop human intervention management study program cabin crews employed commercial air carriers sec directs faa administrator establish certification training program airport concessions disadvantaged business enterprise program sec extends fy2011 eligibility grant airport improvement program metropolitan_washington_airports_authority marshall_islands federated_states micronesia palau midway island airport sec makes permanent certain provisions requiring large medium hub airports file competitive access reports secretary receiving approval grant airport improvement program sec allows pilot attained years age serve passenger airline pilot age years old certain conditions met sec provides adjustment overflight fees faa sec directs comptroller general conduct report congress study training faa airway transportation systems specialists directs faa administrator develop staffing model aviation safety inspectors sec replaces director national_park_service secretary interior respect provisions overflight national parks commercial air tour operators authorizes commercial air tour operations national park tribal lands cases voluntary agreement allowing operations park lands authorizes specified exception secretary interior waive requirements prohibiting commercial air tour operations national park tribal lands fewer operations conducted year voluntary agreement manage operations park sets forth certain reporting requirements commercial air tour operators authorizes secretary interior assess fees commercial air tour operators conducting commercial air tour operations national parks authorizes appropriations development air tour management plans national parks tribal lands sets forth certain requirements respect authority commercial air tour operators operate national park tribal lands sec prohibits operation civil subsonic turbojet pounds operating airports continental united_states aircraft complies stage noise levels allows opt requirement aircraft operator airport notifying secretary intent continue operation noncompliant aircraft requires notices opt outs accessible public sec prohibits faa_administrator eliminating weight restrictions prior permission rules airport new_jersey sec amends railway labor act provide coverage act giving air carrier employees certain protections respect intended changes sought affecting employees pay rules working conditions merger acquisition employees air carrier sec directs faa administrator establish pilot program redevelopment airport property


Summary: Rural Aviation Improvement Act - Repeals the Essential Air Service Local Participation Program. Prohibits the Secretary of Transportation from compensating an air carrier for providing essential air service to an eligible community in the 48 contiguous states if such community: (1) is located fewer than 70 miles from the nearest large or medium hub airport; or (2) is fewer than 210 miles from the nearest large or medium hub airport and requires a per passenger subsidy for such service in excess of $200 for calendar year 2008, including any increase for each ensuing calendar year. Authorizes a state or local government to submit a proposal to the Secretary to: (1) compensate an air carrier for essential air service to an eligible community above the $200 per passenger subsidy cap; (2) compensate a preferred air carrier for providing such service (i.e., an air carrier preferred by the affected community although it is not the lowest bidder); and (3) restore the eligibility of a community to receive subsidized essential air service. Requires the Secretary, in determining compensation (or eligibility for it) for essential air service based on highway mileage, to use the highway mileage of the most commonly used route between the eligible community and the nearest medium hub airport or large hub airport. Establishes within the Office of the Secretary the Office of Rural Aviation. Extends through FY2011 the Secretary's authority under the essential air service program to make agreements to provide assistance to underserved airports. Requires adjustment of compensation to air carriers for providing essential air service in order to take into account significant increases in fuel costs. Directs the Secretary to treat passenger boardings on aircraft operated by charter air carriers at airports receiving essential air service as passenger boardings for purposes of making apportionments of airport improvement grant funds.

prohibits secretary transportation compensating air carrier providing essential air service eligible community contiguous states community located fewer miles nearest large medium hub airport fewer miles nearest large medium hub airport requires passenger subsidy service excess calendar year including increase ensuing calendar year authorizes state local government submit proposal secretary compensate air carrier essential air service eligible community passenger subsidy cap compensate preferred air carrier providing service air carrier preferred affected community lowest bidder restore eligibility community receive subsidized essential air service requires secretary determining compensation eligibility essential air service based highway mileage use highway mileage commonly route eligible community nearest medium hub airport large hub airport establishes office_of_the_secretary extends fy2011 secretary authority essential air service program agreements provide assistance underserved airports requires adjustment compensation air carriers providing essential air service order account significant increases fuel costs directs secretary treat passenger boardings aircraft operated charter air carriers airports receiving essential air service passenger boardings purposes making apportionments airport improvement grant funds