Aviation Subcommittee Hearing Gives Voice to Lobbyists

The National Business Aviation Association returned to the grind of angling for fresh blood in the industry, urging congress to implement some of the high-minded plans enclosed in their recent FAA reauthorization legislation.

Every so often the industry seems to remember the impending wave of retirements, which is followed by some anxious glances at the unimpressively slim pilot production pipeline. The NBAA is even a little more grounded than other industry bodies, since their business focus puts them in contact with a wider variety of operators across the world. Developing the next generation of professional pilots is a 'national priority', according to the group. It's not news to Congress (or shouldn't be, provided they read the bill they passed) but just like other lobbyists in the aerospace industry, the NBAA isn't seeing the government raring to go and get its provisions implemented right away. 

Jo Damato, senior vice president of education, training and workforce development with NBAA, spoke on workforce development at a hearing with the House Committee on Transportation & Infrastructure’s Aviation Subcommittee.

“This pipeline is critical to our strength as a nation,” Damato said, adding that if the provisions in the FAA bill to support it are implemented effectively, the aviation community will be equipped to move forward on job growth “in ways that have not been possible in recent decades.”

“We applaud the leaders on this subcommittee, and in both congressional chambers, who understand that America’s leadership in aviation is central to the nation’s leadership in the world,” Damato said. “An investment in a highly trained and dedicated workforce is an imperative not just for the industry, but for the citizens, companies and communities that depend on it.

FMI: www.nbaa.org