Washington, DC, February 14, 2005 ─ Today, at its Annual Industry Review and 2005 Outlook, the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) said that continuing to improve the margin of safety for general aviation is its highest priority in 2005, notwithstanding the fact that the number of general aviation fatal accidents reached an all time low in 2004.

Another priority is ensuring the U.S. has the most efficient and up-to-date air transportation system possible, with sufficient capacity to meet the needs of all users. GAMA said it supports the need for the Next Generation Air Transportation System, and believes that developing this system must be fully coordinated with all users and among all government agencies.

Ron Swanda, GAMA’s Interim President, said, “General aviation has a lot more in common with other air transportation system users than we do differences – safety, capacity, efficiency.” GAMA challenged every segment of aviation to work together and decide upon a fair and equitable way to raise revenue for the FAA’s long and short-term needs. “Then, when Congress considers the FAA’s authorizing legislation, every segment of aviation can go to Congress with a single message: ‘Over the next 20 years, we need to develop and implement a totally new, advanced air transportation system. The public demands it. Our nation’s economy could lose billions of dollars annually if we fail to act. Here’s how we all agree to fund it’.”