GAMA Fights Air Traffic Control Privatization at AirVenture

Washington, DC – The General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) will continue voicing its opposition to legislation that attempts to privatize the U.S. air traffic control system at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh next week.

On Monday, July 24, GAMA President and CEO Pete Bunce will join other general aviation leaders at a town hall meeting to discuss the importance of fighting H.R. 2997, a House of Representatives bill with language proposing to take oversight of the U.S. air traffic control system from the public’s elected representatives and put it in the hands of a small board of private interests.

“I encourage Oshkosh attendees to come to the town hall and learn why it’s critical for everyone to contact their representatives in Congress and urge them to oppose H.R. 2997,” said Bunce. “Over half of the 70,000 flights per day in the U.S. system are general aviation flights, and the proposal in this bill will not protect airspace access and air traffic service for the industry.”

Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association President Mark Baker, Experimental Aircraft Association CEO Jack Pelton and National Business Aviation Association President and CEO Ed Bolen will join Bunce at 11:30 a.m. local time at Theater in the Woods to discuss the legislation and answer questions from show attendees.

In addition to the town hall, GAMA will have mobile devices available at its tent, 299 in the Main Aircraft Display, so visitors can send a letter of opposition to their representative in Congress. GAMA staff will also be on hand to discuss this critical issue and answer questions.

“The U.S. air traffic control system is the safest, most efficient system in the world with the most diverse users, who have a unique freedom to fly safely at a moment’s notice,” said Bunce. “We can work with Congress and the FAA to make improvements to our system and leverage the new air traffic control technology that has recently been deployed, but we do not support handing the system over to a small board of private interests that will reduce access and harm investment in general aviation, and rural and small communities.”

For additional information, please contact Sarah McCann, GAMA Director of Communications, at +1 (202) 637-1375 or smccann@gama.aero.

GAMA is an international trade association representing over 100 of the world's leading manufacturers of general aviation airplanes and rotorcraft, engines, avionics, components and related services. GAMA's members also operate repair stations, fixed based operations, pilot and maintenance training facilities and manage fleets of aircraft. For more information, visit GAMA's website at www.GAMA.aero.