WASHINGTON, DC, November 17, 2011 – The General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) commends passage of the bipartisan Fiscal Year 2012 Appropriations “Mini-Bus” which combines three funding bills into one, including the Department of Transportation and Housing and Urban Development (THUD) bill which funds the Federal Aviation Administration.

The conference report, which passed the House of Representatives and the Senate today, supports important aviation programs and services that the general aviation community relies upon.  

“Given the FAA Reauthorization bill is not complete, this legislation is particularly timely in providing the needed funding and guidance to move the FAA forward on key initiatives that promote general aviation safety, growth and job creation,” said GAMA’s President and CEO, Pete Bunce.

“Notably, the committee responded to the need to maintain strong support for aircraft certification by providing funding for additional certification personnel.  We appreciate that policymakers understand the important link between job growth and the ability to quickly and efficiently move new products and safety-enhancing technologies to the marketplace,” continued Bunce.

In addition, the legislation provides for investment in the NextGen program to modernize our nation’s air transportation system, continues research initiatives to transition to an unleaded aviation gasoline, and restores the Block Aircraft Registry Request program (BARR) by reversing the DOT’s recent action to eliminate the program.

“We would like to thank the Chairmen of the Senate and House THUD subcommittees, Senator Patty Murray and Representative Tom Latham, as well as ranking members Senator Susan Collins and Representative John Olver for their bipartisan leadership on this important legislation.”