GAMA Thanks Senate Appropriators for Supporting General Aviation and Rejecting Air Traffic Control Privatization

Washington, DC — The General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) today thanked the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee for supporting the general aviation industry through passage of its fiscal year 2018 transportation bill that includes language improving the aircraft certification process in the U.S., facilitating the flow and safety of aviation products globally, and rejecting the Administration’s proposal to separate the U.S. air traffic control system from the federal government.

“The Senate Appropriations Committee showed strong support for our industry in its unanimous vote for this comprehensive and ambitious bill,” said GAMA President and CEO Pete Bunce. “They addressed our key certification priorities and they clearly conveyed they do not support the Administration’s request to privatize America's air traffic control system, which we firmly believe would harm general aviation and small and rural communities.”

The Committee provided $16.9 billion for the Federal Aviation Administration, $563 million above the fiscal year 2017 enacted level. The bill also provides over $1 billion for the Next Generation Air Transportation System and includes strong direction for moving forward on this critical effort.

“We thank members of the Committee, particularly Transportation Subcommittee Chairman Susan Collins (R-ME) and Ranking Membe Jack Reed (D-RI), as well as Appropriations Chairman Thad Cochran (R-MS) and Ranking Member Patrick Leahy (D-VT), for this critical funding measure. We look forward to working with them and other members of the Senate to encourage Senate consideration and passage so both bodies of Congress can work towards agreement on a final funding measure in a timely manner.”

For additional information, please contact Sarah McCann, GAMA Director of Communications, at +1 (202) 637-1375 or smccann@gama.aero.

GAMA is an international trade association representing over 100 of the world's leading manufacturers of general aviation airplanes and rotorcraft, engines, avionics, components and related services. GAMA's members also operate repair stations, fixed based operations, pilot and maintenance training facilities and manage fleets of aircraft. For more information, visit GAMA's website at www.GAMA.aero.