Page 19 - Volume 17 Number 4

April 2013NATIONAL BUSINESS AVIATION ASSOCIATIONIn Washington, Key AlliesChampion Business Aviationby Ed Bolen NBAA President and CEOAserious policy debate has been underway in Washington this year regarding reduced governmentspending and increasing tax revenue to reduce the national deficit. Unfortunately, the White House has seemed to sidestep much of that discussion to focus on tax policy affecting one industry: business aviation.To take just one example, the president has asserted that the only reason American companies use business aircraft is because “it’s extremely convenient and they can afford it.” Such a dismissive remark promotes a caricature of business aviation that is at odds with reality.The fact is, a majority of business aviation users - 85 percent - are small or mid-size companies using an airplane to help build their businesses. Very often, the airplanes are flying in and out of communities with little or no air- line service.For these companies, trying to be efficient and productive enough to compete in an extraordinarily difficult economy, business aviation is not a “convenience” – it’s a critical tool that allows them to reach more places in less time, quickly move people and parts, and work in an environment where employees can discuss proprietary information without fear of eavesdropping.That message is clear, and it should be unassailable. And, NBAA is far from the only organization to realize that.As you’ll read further in this section, our Association has been joined in recent weeks by a chorus of support from a variety of entities, including congressional lawmakers, labor organizations, economic development groups, and others. They have championed the value of our industry, and called upon the White House to stop targeting our extended general aviation community with “job- killing” tax proposals.Our industry also has proud allies in the Congressional GA Caucuses, which have proven invaluable in informing debates about legislative proposals related to general aviation. That said, in the course of the 2012 elections, the ranks of these caucuses were thinned, as members retired or lost their re-election bids.That makes it more important than ever for our shared aviation community to reach out to all representatives, and urge them to join their GA Caucuses in recognition of the industry’s value. NBAA’s “Contact Congress” resource, available at http://www.nbaa.org/advocacy/contact/, allows you to quickly and easily do just that.The fact is, business aviation is essential to citizens, companies and communities across America, and the renewed mischaracterizations that have been prompted by the deficit debate in Washington have real potential to harm this great industry.As NBAA continues its work to highlight the industry’s importance with Washington policymakers, I know we can also count on Twin & Turbine readers to help us grow the number of voices promoting business aviation. mfocusAPRIL 2013 TWIN & TURBINE • 17