Slung Mud and the Truths Hidden Behind

A coalition of aviation industry groups, including the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA), has cautioned the White House, Congress, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) about inaccurate and unflattering characterizations of Part 135 air-carriers engaged in the conduct of public charter flights for purpose of providing vital air-service to small U.S. communities under the provisions of DOT Part 380.

In a 30 June letter, the coalition noted a DOT docket pertaining to a pending financial fitness application, "has been misused by economic competitors that, with no evidence of safety and security concerns, seek to prevent Part 135 operators from conducting public charter flights. [These] unsubstantiated claims do a disservice to this well-established regulatory framework and the safe, secure transportation services its operators provide to the traveling public.”

For more than 45 years, DOT’s Part 380 economic regulations have governed, without controversy, a broad range of air-service options operations under both Part 121 and Part 135.

The coalition letter continued: "The public charter industry provides much needed service to smaller underserved communities. This service would be severely disrupted and entire communities deprived of air-service if a wholesale revision of the regulations were made by Congress—as some opponents of the Part 135/Part 380 business model urge.

"For example, the evolution of commercial air transportation—particularly with respect to vertical take-off and landing aircraft, hybrid, and all-electric flight, and advanced air mobility operations—depends on Part 135 for commercial success. Swift regulatory change, without research, data, or stakeholder input could negatively impact promising new technologies.”

The coalition letter concluded: "We respectfully ask Congress to allow DOT to independently resolve the application and reject any legislative attempts to interfere. Doing so will protect service to small communities and promising new technologies."

In addition to the NBAA, signatories to the 30 June letter included the Airline Passenger Experience Association (APEX); Helicopter Association International (HAI); the International Flight Services Association (IFSA); the National Air Carrier Association (NACA); and the National Air Transportation Association (NATA).

Representing upwards of ten-thousand company and individual members, the National Business Aviation Association is a Washington D.C.-based non-profit organization founded in 1947 for purpose of fostering an environment conducive to business aviation’s success both in the United States and around the world.

FMI: www.nbaa.org