Reiterates FAA Funding Shouldn't Be Tied To User Fees

During its Annual Industry Review and Market Outlook Briefing on Tuesday, the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) identified several dynamic challenges that must be managed in order for the robust growth in general aviation to continue.

Pete Bunce, GAMA’s president and CEO, stated the fundamental debate in the US over how the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) should be funded was settled when the Administration’s proposal to introduce broad-based user fees for aviation was rejected by Congress last year... contrary to recent attempts by the Bush administration to bring the issue back around, and current deliberations underway in the Senate.

"GAMA continues to oppose the introduction of user fees on any segment of aviation," said Bunce. "The priority now is to ensure that the nation embarks on a decisive path to modernize our air traffic control system to accommodate future growth and address airline congestion.

"Achieving the Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen) objectives goes well beyond simply reducing congestion and air traffic delays," said Bunce. "It will bring tangible environmental benefits as well."

Bunce demonstrated how NextGen and Europe’s Single European Sky Air Traffic Management Research (SESAR) initiative incorporate technologies and capabilities that will lead to more efficient aircraft operation and reduced impact on the environment.

"There is no more critical time for the aviation industry to come together to accelerate modernization and shape the aerospace priorities of the next US Administration and European Union," Bunce concluded.

FMI: www.gama.aero