Led Hard-Fought Effort to Preserve Sequester-Targeted Towers

NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen issued a statement late Wednesday in response to the decision by Senate leadership to decline consideration of an amendment introduced by Sen. Jerry Moran (R-KS), which would have preserved air traffic control towers and other facilities targeted for closure under mandatory federal budget curtailment, or "sequestration."

Sen. Moran's amendment was offered for consideration as part of a "Continuing Resolution" (CR) to maintain funding for all federal agencies through the end of the government's fiscal year, but the Senate Leadership determined it would not allow a vote on Moran’s amendment to the CR.

"In my conversations with people from across the business aviation community, and in the strong online mobilization I've seen from NBAA Members on Senator Moran's amendment, it is clear that the proposal generated a tremendous amount of support and passion from those in our industry," Bolen said. "The business aviation community understands that air traffic control towers are integral to the nation's aviation system, and are central to the FAA's ability to support the safest, largest and most efficient aviation system in the world. Additionally, the economic boost provided to communities by towered airports means that it's especially important to keep as many facilities as possible open during these challenging economic times.

"So, it is particularly disappointing that Senate leadership did not allow a vote on Senator Moran's amendment, which had strong bipartisan support from a number of lawmakers concerned about the potential impact these closures could have throughout the country.

"Nevertheless, NBAA remains engaged with FAA officials on finding ways to mitigate the impact of sequestration on the aviation community, and we will continue working with the FAA to make our industry's concerns understood, and to offer options for keeping as many towers open as possible."

As part of NBAA's continuing work with FAA officials on the tower-sequester plan, Bolen sent a letter to the FAA Administrator and COO on March 13 to outline considerations the FAA should make as agency officials determine the role of tower closures in a sequester-response plan.

FMI: NBAA Letter