WASHINGTON, DC, November 21, 2003 – The General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) applauds Congress’ final passage of the four-year, $59 billion Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) bill known as the Century of Aviation Reauthorization Act.

For months the bill’s passage was delayed due to provisions related to the possible privatization of several FAA control towers. “We are pleased that this issue has been sufficiently resolved and that the bill has been passed,” said GAMA President and CEO Ed Bolen. “For general aviation, this is an extraordinarily important bill. Its passage could not have come at a better time for our industry.”

Among other things, the bill contains important provisions for general aviation including authorization of certification of design organizations (CDO), protection from the unauthorized use of type certificates, the return of general aviation operations to Ronald Reagan National Airport, and transfers responsibility for background checks on aliens seeking flight training to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).