Ciscomani Questions Acting FAA Administrator on PFAS, Pinal Airpark, and Air Controller Recruitment

Representative Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ) questioned the Acting Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Chris Rocheleau, on reducing PFAS emissions, the Pinal Airpark, and recruiting and retaining air traffic controllers in a recent House Appropriations hearing.

As the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) describes, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a class of synthetic compounds found in foam used on aircraft, exposure to which can cause adverse health effects.

"While many airports like Tucson International Airport are now transitioning to foams that do not contain PFAS, they are still burdened with the cost of remediation for previously used foams," Rep. Ciscomani began, asking, "How does your agency plan to assist commercial airports in these critical remediation efforts?"

Rocheleau answered, "We have an ongoing dialogue with how we are going to manage through that. I know that there was an authorization to further mitigate the PFAS that we are talking about, not just at Tucson, but in other locations."

As a result, he continued, "An appropriation will be particularly critical to being able to move forward on some of the mitigations." Thus, Tucson and other airports will receive "the information they need to follow that up when the funding appears."

Rep. Ciscomani then moved on to Pinal Airpark, located in Pinal County, which is available for military and civilian use but lacks an air control tower.

"Last year, Congress passed the FAA Reauthorization bill with a provision prioritizing the construction of air traffic control towers that support safety at multiuse airports," the Arizona Congressman continued, asking, "Can I have your agency's commitment to fully consider Pinal Airpark as a candidate for a new tower under this program?"

Rocheleau gave a firm "yes."

Ciscomani's final question involved air traffic control staff, asking, "Which specific steps is the FAA taking to ensure adequate staffing levels of critical facilities across the country?"

The Acting Administrator replied, "I cannot emphasize enough the importance of making sure that under the Secretary's leadership, that we do, in fact, realize the supercharged effort."

Rocheleau described how they intend to boost numbers via enhanced training, "So the collegiate partnerships that we have, in addition to that, we are incentivizing people to come to the FAA and to go to the tougher to staff locations with financial incentives."