WASHINGTON, D.C. — Make sure your seatbelt is fastened tightly as turbulence is expected in 2010.

Once again the FAA will be working under a temporary extension. Presidential and Congressional interests have been focused on reforming healthcare, so subjects like reauthorizing a government agency are getting short shrift.

When Congress does get around to the FAA, there will be many differences to be ironed out. The House bill, under the leadership of Rep. James Oberstar (D-Minn.), wants reauthorization with no user fees. The Senate wants to charge fees. The unprecedented spending by the federal government in 2009, plus less income from a slower economy and a campaign promise not to raise taxes on anyone but the very rich, means funds must be found somewhere to foot the bills. A user fee would not be called a tax, so expect some strong pushes to add charges.

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