Thu, Mar 15, 2007
Says GA Has Led The Way On "NextGen" Improvements
Representing the general aviation community at Thursday's
Federal Aviation Administration Forecast Conference, National
Business Aviation Association (NBAA) President and CEO Ed Bolen
underscored the industry's long-standing commitment to aviation
system modernization, and touted the effectiveness of proven
funding streams.
As Aero-News has reported,
Bolen stated the new FAA funding proposal pushed by the big
airlines would abandon the current, ultra-efficient funding system
for one based on new user fees and massive tax hikes. The proposal
was introduced as part of the FAA's "reauthorization," or funding,
bill.
"Expanding aviation system capacity is absolutely essential for
the future, and the general aviation community has been leading
that effort," Bolen said. He cited several examples, including:
-
A significant investment by
operators of business aircraft to install advanced altimetry
technology ("RVSM") that effectively doubled the nation's en-route
capacity.
- The general aviation industry's push for an Alaskan project
demonstrating automatic dependent surveillance broadcast (ADS-B)
technology. ADS-B is expected to be the cornerstone of the next
generation air traffic system.
- Continuing investments in a broad range of communication,
navigation, and aircraft detection capabilities -- including glass
panel cockpits, terrain avoidance technology and severe weather
detection equipment -- all of which enhance both efficiency and
safety of aviation system use.
"Clearly, system transformation has been
underway for some time," Bolen continued. "Moreover, the current
funding system will allow this transformation not just to continue
but to accelerate."
Last October, a representative from the Congressional Budget
Office appeared to agree, telling a House Subcommittee that the FAA
will continue to have sufficient funds to fully support a
transition to the Next Generation Air Traffic System.
"The big airlines' FAA proposal is not a modernization plan;
rather it is a ploy to reduce Congressional oversight and shift
taxes," Bolen stated. "We urge Congress to dismiss this scheme and
get on with the serious work of expanding our nation's air traffic
capacity, so that it can benefit all Americans and remain the
world's largest, safest, and most efficient."
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