Biden Signs Aviation Safety, Reform Bill Into Law

President Joe Biden has signed sweeping aviation legislation that will boost US air traffic controller staffing, increase funding to avert runway close-call incidents, and speed up refunds for canceled flights, David Shepardson reported for Reuters.

One of the measure's requirements is that airplanes be equipped with 25-hour cockpit recording devices.

The $105 billion, five-year measure reauthorizes the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

It prohibits airlines from charging fees for families to sit together, requires airplanes to be equipped with 25-hour cockpit recording devices, raises maximum civil penalties for airline consumer violations from $25,000 per violation to $75,000 and boosts aircraft production scrutiny.

"Following flight disruptions, runway close calls and consumer frustrations, this law is set to deliver the safest, most reliable aviation system in the world," said Senate Commerce Committee Chair Maria Cantwell.

"Plane manufacturers will see more safety inspectors on factory floors and tougher safety standards from the FAA." Biden has repeatedly clashed with air carriers, calling for new stricter consumer rules and harshly criticizing them for imposing fees.