Washington, DC – General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) President and CEO Pete Bunce today issued the following statement about the FAA’s publication of the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) directed by the Small Airplane Revitalization Act of 2013:

“With today’s issuance of the NPRM, GAMA commends the FAA for taking the next important step toward revitalizing the outdated rules that govern small airplane design and alterations. This proposal is the result of nearly a decade of work by the entire aviation community, and is critical to fulfilling the objectives of the Small Airplane Revitalization Act, which the U.S. Congress passed unanimously and President Obama signed into law in 2013. We especially appreciate the continued support of members of Congress, the U.S. Department of Transportation, and the U.S. Office of Management and Budget for this vital rule, which will help improve general aviation safety and bolster the piston, turboprop, and light jet market, as well as remove barriers to certification for new technologies such as electric and hybrid propulsion.

“GAMA member companies and staff have spent countless hours working with the FAA to evolve the current requirements to better embrace new technologies and facilitate future innovations. Going forward, it will be critical that the public and key aviation stakeholders respond quickly with meaningful comments and for the FAA to engage with other global aviation authorities, so a well-harmonized and effective final rule can be issued by the current administration. If they do so, the FAA, through its leadership, can put in place a lasting legacy that will benefit general aviation safety and the vitality of the general aviation industry for decades to come.”