WASHINGTON, DC, April 3, 2003 – The General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) expressed strong support for The Second Century of Flight Act, a bill introduced today by Senator Fritz Hollings (D-SC) and Senator Sam Brownback (R-KS). “As we approach the 100th anniversary of the Wright brothers first flight, our nation’s aviation industry is struggling. This legislation addresses many of the concerns raised by the Commission on the Future of the U.S. Aerospace Industry and puts in place the necessary building blocks for a bright future,” declared Ed Bolen, President and CEO of GAMA.

The legislation is designed to facilitate the development of the future air traffic management system, improve the process by which aviation products are certified by the federal government, promote an open and fair international market, prepare the future aerospace workforce, and increase investment in aviation research. “In addition, the legislation will foster coordination and cooperation between the FAA, NASA and other agencies,” said Bolen. “It will create the process by which the federal government will implement the nation’s aerospace goals.”

The introduction of the bill comes shortly after Bolen, a member of the Commission, appeared before the Senate Subcommittee on Science, Technology and Space, to testify about how NASA programs benefit the aviation industry, specifically the general aviation community. “We are pleased to have leaders like Senators Hollings and Brownback take these bold steps to ensure aerospace research funding for years to come,” said Bolen.