Page 32 - TNTApril2018

30 • TWIN & TURBINE April 2018
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Following years of vigorous debate, NBAA was pleased
to see ATC privatization
language recently strick- en from congressional legislation for a long-term Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) funding
and programs.
On Feb. 27, House Transportation and Infra- structure Committee Chairman Bill Shuster (R-9- PA) announced he would set aside the proposal in his bill (H.R. 2997) for removing oversight of air traffic control (ATC) from the FAA and Congress.
Many members of Congress carefully con- sidered this issue, listened to concerns from their constituents, and ultimately stood with the general aviation (GA) community against handing control over our national airspace system to airline-dominated interests.
On behalf of the more than 11,000 members of NBAA, I’d also like to thank the readers of Twin & Turbine who made their voices heard on this issue. Indeed, the entire GA community came together like never before, and clearly told Congress that handing over our nation’s ATC system to an airline-dominated board was a risk we simply could not take.
As we all know, long-term reauthorization of the FAA and the continuing modernization of the nation’s aviation system are national priorities we all share. Everyone involved in fighting this proposal – including a strong chorus of opposition from the GA community and diverse, informed and united coalition of hundreds of local leaders and decision makers - should be proud of this significant effort.
We are profoundly grateful that Chairman Shuster responded to the concerns that were raised over his proposal, and we are equally grateful for everyone who made their voice heard on this critical issue. Now, it is time to focus our full attention on a long- term FAA bill that ensures the U.S. has the world’s best air transportation system for decades to come.
We look forward to working with the chairman and other congressional transportation leaders on both sides of Capitol Hill, on a bipartisan basis, to advance a long-term FAA reauthorization package that serves all Americans, and ensures the U.S. has the world’s best air transportation system for decades to come.
GA Community Rallies to Strike Down ATC Privatization
by Ed Bolen NBAA President and CEO