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Standing Up to BizAv’s
Biggest Threat
A conversation with NBAA’s Ed Bolen
by Dianne White
As NBAA and the business aviation industry readies for the kick-off of the 2017 NBAA- BACE Convention & Exhibition, the industry is faced with unprecedented challenges. On the flipside, new training approaches, technology, avionics, and products are making
aviation safer, more efficient and more rewarding than ever. All of this will be at the forefront at the upcoming convention scheduled for Oct. 10-12 in Las Vegas.
Last month, Twin & Turbine caught up with NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen to discuss the biggest issue facing business aviation – ATC privatization – as well as what we can expect at this year’s convention.
T&T: ATC privatization is the biggest threat facing our industry right now. With the fall Congressional session in full swing, what is the strategy to keep the heat on this important issue? What can owner-operators do ensure the voice of general aviation is heard?
Bolen: The ATC privatization plan fixes a problem that doesn’t exist, as we have one of the safest, most effective ATC systems in the world. However, we are up against a very well- organized and well-funded airline lobby that is trying to seize control of the air traffic system. The result of that would be very devastating to the general aviation community. At its most basic level, this is an attempted power grab by the airlines. The Congressional Research Service, which is a Congressionally funded think-tank, said in July it is likely unconstitutional.
18 • TWIN & TURBINE
October 2017