WASHINGTON, DC, February 5, 2003 – Testifying today before the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science & Transportation Subcommittee on Aviation, General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) President and CEO Ed Bolen stressed how actively the general aviation community has worked to enhance security since the September 11 attacks. "The general aviation industry is extraordinarily serious about security. We recognize that the future of our industry is directly tied to the security of our industry."

Bolen outlined eight specific ways the general aviation industry has changed since the September 11 attacks. He also noted that the industry was advocating further changes. "GAMA supports improving the FAA registry, giving GA companies access to the Computer Assisted Passenger Screening (CAP) system, and allowing Part 91 operators who voluntarily participate in the federally certified security program the same access to airspace as commercial operators," said Bolen.

Separately, Bolen expressed frustration with the Department of Justice for its failure to establish a process for conducting background checks on aliens seeking flight training. It has been sixteen months since Congress mandated the background checks. Bolen called the situation "inexcusable".