WASHINGTON, DC, October 12, 2005 – The General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) today welcomed the final rule by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) establishing the Organization Designation Authorization (ODA) procedures.

“This rule is a win-win situation for both the FAA and industry,” said GAMA President and CEO Pete Bunce. “It is another step in the journey toward making the FAA’s certification process even more effective, safe, and efficient.”

The ODA program increases the number of manufacturers eligible for organizational designees and expands the scope of approved tasks that organizational designees can perform. This improves the efficiency of the certification process by establishing a more comprehensive, systems-based approach for FAA safety oversight of experienced manufacturers with demonstrated competence in detailed part-by-part compliance with regulatory standards. Finalization of the rule allows FAA to concentrate its resources on the most safety-critical areas and the application of new technologies.

Bunce added, “This rule is being enacted at an ideal time. Increased efficiencies in the certification process ensure that FAA services will be available to bring newer and safer aviation products to the market in a more timely and cost-effective fashion, thereby maintaining the positive momentum of our industry’s recovery and future growth.”