Lankford Applauds Clear Skies for FAA Reauthorization that includes Support for Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center

WASHINGTON, DC - Senator James Lankford (R-OK) today issued a statement following his support of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reauthorization bill:

"Oklahoma has a rich aviation history and has a unique relationship with the FAA through the Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center (MMAC). For more than 70 years, Oklahoma City has provided vital services, research, and training for the FAA. We are proud of the work they do to train air traffic control students through the FAA Academy. MMAC is also home to the Civil Aerospace Medical Institute that provides medical certification, research, education, and occupational health for the FAA. These are just a few examples of what the 133-building campus in Oklahoma City provides. The FAA reauthorization bill directs the FAA to expand the air traffic control training at MMAC which will improve the safety of our national airspace by increasing the number of well-trained air traffic controllers in towers across the country. This bill leads us into the future of aviation, and I am proud to support it."

Oklahoma City is home to the Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center (MMAC), which is an essential part of safe and efficient air travel network coordinated by the FAA. MMAC is home to the only FAA Academy that provides the initial training for air traffic controllers. The FAA Academy provides centralized, standardized, and efficient training to about 20,000 students each year. Lankford spoke on the Senate floor in support of the FAA reauthorization and also sent a letter with the entire Oklahoma congressional delegation standing with their great work and encouraging the FAA to expand it.

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