Would Provide Liability Protections

On Friday, Congressman Vern Ehlers (R-MI) announced he and Representative Todd Tiahrt (R-KS) would introduce legislation to provide general aviation (GA) airplane parts manufacturers with common sense protections against frivolous lawsuits, according to the General Aviation Manufacturers Association.

GAMA notes such lawsuits drive up insurance costs and, in some cases, forcing manufacturers to stop production of parts certified by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

Ehlers’ announcement comes a month after Precision Airmotive, a GAMA member, shut down production on its float carburetor because the cost of insurance exceeded total sales revenue. The carburetor has been manufactured since the 1930’s, but despite an excellent safety and sales record, it could no longer sustain the cost to defend its product in lawsuits.

“Frivolous lawsuits are making it difficult and sometimes impossible for parts manufacturers to stay in business,” said GAMA President and CEO, Pete Bunce. “It is unacceptable for American manufacturers that produce safe equipment to be shutting down production and laying-off workers because of frivolous lawsuits costing millions of dollars in legal fees and increased insurance rates.”

“This legislation is desperately needed to restore some balance and fairness in our legal system,” said Bunce. “This is a job-restoring and job-creating measure and we thank Congressman Ehlers for leading this effort. We look forward to working with him to get this legislation signed into law.”

GAMA is an international trade association headquartered in Washington, DC representing 60 of the world's leading manufacturers of general aviation aircraft, engines, avionics and related equipment.

FMI: www.gama.aero