Page 53 - Volume 15 Number 9

September 2011 NATIONAL BUSINESS AVIATION ASSOCIATION focus
Business Aviation, Like the Economy,
Still Facing Turbulence
by Ed Bolen NBAA President and CEO
Business aviation continues working to rebuild in the face of a still-turbulent economic environment. But unlike other industries that are essential to the
nation’s growth and success, our industry also has been forced to contend with disparaging comments and punitive policy proposals coming from Washington.
In March, the Department of Transportation (DOT) announced it would devastate the highly successful Block Aircraft Registration Request (BARR) program that had allowed companies to “opt out” of having their flights tracked by anyone, anywhere with an Internet connection, including business competitors, or worse – criminals or cyber-stalkers.
The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) immediately went into action to oppose this threat to privacy, security and competitiveness, sending more than 2,000 public comments and signatures of companies and owner-operators to the government in opposition to the planned change. More details on the latest developments on the BARR issue can be found elsewhere in this special section.
Unfortunately, the DOT’s plan for BARR has not been our industry’s only challenge in Washington. Business aviation has also had to deal with attempts by President Obama and other Washington policymakers to target companies using business aircraft for punitive treatment. In a June 29 press
briefing, the president repeatedly disparaged the industry, apparently to make his case for adjusting aircraft depreciation schedules to help close the federal government’s budget deficit.
Needless to say, many business aviation owners and operators were surprised and upset by his attempt to vilify business aviation. NBAA has responded forcefully, speaking out about the role business aviation plays in helping companies succeed and in serving our communities through tough economic times. You may have heard or read the recent commentary provided by me and other NBAA officials on CNN, CNBC, FOX News, National Public Radio and dozens of other news outlets.
But the latest and most alarming threat has been renewed about user fees for business aviation in federal policymakers’ discussions about ways for raising revenues to address the nation’s debt and deficit. While NBAA Members sent a strong message of opposition to their elected officials, and user fees have been taken off the table for now, this is an issue that will require continued vigilance.
Despite the host of challenges the industry is faced in recent months, it is clear that many government officials do understand the value of business aviation. For example, a majority of states have issued proclamations recognizing the industry’s value, and a quarter of the lawmakers in the U.S. House of Representatives and one third of all U.S. Senators belong to their respective chambers’ GA Caucuses.
In and outside Washington, NBAA will continue working to move business aviation forward, and we know we can continue to count on your support. m
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