Letter Sent To Senator John Thune, Chair Of The Senate Commerce Committee

In a letter to the Chairman of the Senate Commerce Committee, Senator John Thune (R-SD), aviation businesses spanning the breadth of South Dakota expressed opposition to using the upcoming FAA reauthorization legislation to create a user-fee funded air traffic control corporation stating, “It will undermine the national air transportation system by denying rural America access to cutting-edge technology and hinder South Dakota’s economic development.”

The letter to Senator Thune (pictured) follows upon a briefing for South Dakota businesses on the status of FAA reauthorization conducted by NATA President Tom Hendricks. “South Dakota businesses recognize their important position and ability to support the nation’s entire general aviation community. We deeply appreciate their lending their voice to this important policy debate,” said Hendricks.

The South Dakota aviation businesses closed noting, “The upcoming FAA reauthorization presents many opportunities to improve operations at the FAA and make it easier for aviation businesses to interact with the agency.  However, separating air traffic control from the agency’s regulatory functions risks undermining aviation safety, jobs, and investment for all South Dakotans.”

FMI: www.nata.aero, www.commerce.senate.gov