WASHINGTON, DC, February 1, 2010 – The General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) is pleased that President Obama’s fiscal year 2011 budget proposal does not include user fees for general aviation. 

"We support the Administration’s common-sense decision not to propose user fees," said GAMA’s President and CEO, Pete Bunce.  "A burdensome user fee system faced widespread opposition in Congress and universal opposition from general aviation.  GAMA stands ready to work with both the Administration and Congress to pass an FAA reauthorization bill that will help the agency move forward on air traffic control modernization and other important national priorities." 

GAMA commends Chairman Jerry Costello (D-IL) and Ranking Member Tom Petri (R-WI) of the House Subcommittee on Aviation for sending a letter opposing user fees to the Administration last fall, an initiative that was endorsed by more than 100 members including Chairman of the House Transportation Committee Jim Oberstar (D-MN).
 
GAMA also praises the Administration for including an extension of bonus depreciation for GA aircraft sales and an increase in funding for additional FAA safety inspectors.  Bonus depreciation is an important tax incentive that has a proven track record of helping manufacturers sell aircraft under tough economic conditions.  The additional funding for safety inspectors will help the agency keep pace with certification requests and ensure that new technologies and products which promote safety, efficiency, and modernization are not delayed. 

Bunce added, "It is significant that the Administration is on the record supporting bonus depreciation.  It is GA manufacturers’ top tax related request this year and we thank the president for including it in his budget and also for recognizing that an adequate safety inspector workforce will help get projects certified and into the market during 2010."