Alaska State Legislature

News From The House Majority

Ken Freeman, Press Secretary
State Capitol
Juneau, AK 99801
Phone: (907) 465-3804
web site: http://www.akrepublicans.org
Actuality line: 1-800-478-6540

Exemption From Federal Aviation Rule Sought For Rural Air Carriers

For Immediate Release: April 3, 1997 Contact: Rep. Ivan Ivan (907) 465-4942

JUNEAU - Asking for exemptions from a new federal aviation rule so Alaska air carriers will not be subject to unnecessary and costly safety standards is the intent of legislation passed by the House of Representative Wednesday by a vote of 34-0.

"The resolution requests the FAA to exempt small rural air carriers that use aircraft that seat 10 or more passengers from the "Commuter Rule". This rule has a negative impact on small air carriers throughout the state," said Ivan.

The Commuter Rule, which became effective on March 20, 1997, places stricter standards on airplanes with 10 or more passenger seats and all turbojets. House Joint Resolution (HJR 27) proposes that the Federal Aviation Administration grant specific petitions for exemption from individual operators affected by the "Commuter Rule."

"These stricter standards are not necessary for Alaska air carriers and only unnecessarily increase the costs of doing business," said Representative Ivan Ivan, sponsor of the resolution.

An exemption would ensure that safety is not diminished because the aircraft currently utilized and would be affected in Alaska by the rule change, the Twin Otter, has a good safety record based on statistics on aircraft accidents in Alaska.

The FAA has been given specific authority by the United States Congress to provide exemptions to small air carriers in Alaska from provision of the Commuter Rule. HJR 27 makes a request for that exemption.

"It gives me great pleasure to do what I can for small air carriers operating throughout Alaska because our people rely on air transportation for passenger travel and moving goods and services year round," said Ivan.

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Broadcast Note: An audio actuality is available by calling 1-800-478-6540.
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