WASHINGTON, DC, December 16, 2011 – The General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) notes the passing of J. Lynn Helms and recognizes his able and distinguished career.  He served as chairman of GAMA in 1980 in his capacity as head of Piper Aircraft Corporation.  Mr. Helms is the only GAMA chairman to also have served as administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration.
 
As one of GAMA’s most gifted speakers, Mr. Helms testified before Congress numerous times on behalf of the association on issues ranging from airspace modernization and funding to industry safety and the requirements for learning to become a private pilot. At the annual meeting in November 1980, Mr. Helms was named an “Honorary Life Member of the Association.”

The entire GAMA family extends our most heartfelt condolences to Mr. Helms’ family.