Says GA Has Led The Way On "NextGen" Improvements

Representing the general aviation community at Thursday's Federal Aviation Administration Forecast Conference, National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) President and CEO Ed Bolen underscored the industry's long-standing commitment to aviation system modernization, and touted the effectiveness of proven funding streams.

As Aero-News has reported, Bolen stated the new FAA funding proposal pushed by the big airlines would abandon the current, ultra-efficient funding system for one based on new user fees and massive tax hikes. The proposal was introduced as part of the FAA's "reauthorization," or funding, bill. 

"Expanding aviation system capacity is absolutely essential for the future, and the general aviation community has been leading that effort," Bolen said. He cited several examples, including:

• A significant investment by operators of business aircraft to install advanced altimetry technology ("RVSM") that effectively doubled the nation's en-route capacity.
• The general aviation industry's push for an Alaskan project demonstrating automatic dependent surveillance broadcast (ADS-B) technology. ADS-B is expected to be the cornerstone of the next generation air traffic system. 
• Continuing investments in a broad range of communication, navigation, and aircraft detection capabilities -- including glass panel cockpits, terrain avoidance technology and severe weather detection equipment -- all of which enhance both efficiency and safety of aviation system use.

"Clearly, system transformation has been underway for some time," Bolen continued. "Moreover, the current funding system will allow this transformation not just to continue but to accelerate."

Last October, a representative from the Congressional Budget Office appeared to agree, telling a House Subcommittee that the FAA will continue to have sufficient funds to fully support a transition to the Next Generation Air Traffic System.

"The big airlines' FAA proposal is not a modernization plan; rather it is a ploy to reduce Congressional oversight and shift taxes," Bolen stated. "We urge Congress to dismiss this scheme and get on with the serious work of expanding our nation's air traffic capacity, so that it can benefit all Americans and remain the world's largest, safest, and most efficient."

FMI: www.nbaa.org