OSHKOSH, WISCONSIN, August 2, 2003 – Today, the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) hosted a roundtable discussion with Department of Transportation Secretary Norman Mineta and senior executives from many of the nation’s leading general aviation manufacturing companies.

Secretary Mineta has long been a strong supporter of the general aviation industry. As Chairman of the House Transportation and Public Works Committee in 1994, he was instrumental in securing Congressional passage of the General Aviation Revitalization Act.

Surveying a crowded tent of general aviation manufacturers, the Secretary seemed pleased with the turnaround that has resulted from the bill. According to Mineta, “The atmosphere today is totally different than it was in 1994. Before we passed the General Aviation Revitalization Act, people were pessimistic about the future of general aviation. Many companies were pulling out of the piston airplane market and the few that were left were struggling for survival. Today, people are upbeat. Great companies like Cessna, Piper, Beechcraft, Mooney and Tiger have renewed their commitment to entry-level general aviation. There also new companies Cirrus and Lancair and emerging companies like Adam, Eclipse and Liberty bringing exciting new airplane models to market.”

During the roundtable, manufacturers discussed a variety of topics including the need for quick passage of the FAA Reauthorization bill, the next generation air traffic management system, Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) on general aviation operations, and the international market.

Following the roundtable discussion, Secretary Mineta toured the exhibits of several manufacturers on display at the 2003 AirVenture Oshkosh.