Bolen: 'Government Shutdown Means Vital Industry Shutdown'

The NBAA released multiple versions of  a letter the association has sent to congressional leaders and President Obama outlining the grave repercussions of the partial government shutdown on all aspects of the general aviation (GA) industry, including the purchase and use of small GA aircraft for business transport.

As just one example of the shutdown's impact on the industry, the letter from NBAA president and CEO Ed Bolen specifically outlines how it has resulted in a halt in the purchase, sale and production of all new general aviation airplane parts or aircraft, given that none of those things can occur without the written approval of the federal government, which operates out of the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA's) Aircraft Registry in Oklahoma City, OK.
 
The shutdown has led to the closure of the registry, even though, according to FAA data, more than 10,000 aircraft registrations expire each month, and these registrations cannot be renewed while the registry is closed. As a result, the government shutdown is effectively grounding the general aviation industry, severely jeopardizing countless jobs, and America's economy and infrastructure. In addition, many entrepreneurs and companies of all sizes rely on the airplanes for business flights, as do communities, for critical services including medical transport, mail delivery and fire fighting.

Individual versions of the letter were sent to President Obama as well as the Republican and Democratic leaders of the U.S. House and Senate.

FMI: www.nbaa.org/shutdown