WASHINGTON, DC, July 18, 2012 – The Senate Aviation Subcommittee, chaired by Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), today held a hearing on the state of the U.S. aviation industry and how the industry can maintain its global leadership.  Pete Bunce, President and CEO, testified on behalf of the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA).

In his testimony, Mr. Bunce underscored several items that are key to the success of aviation manufacturing, including improving the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) product certification process, addressing airspace management and aviation infrastructure issues in emerging aviation markets, and making key investments in research and development and workforce training  in the United States.

"GAMA commends the leadership of the Subcommittee for convening this hearing which is of vital importance to the competitiveness of the aviation manufacturing industry," said Pete Bunce, GAMA’s President and CEO. "We appreciate the fact that the hearing highlighted so many issues that GAMA believes are key to the future growth of GAMA companies.  We look forward to continuing to work with the Subcommittee on initiatives that will lead to a stronger general aviation industry and also increased job opportunities for our citizens”.

GAMA’s written comments can be accessed online at: http://www.gama.aero/node/11517

NOTE: Earlier today, GAMA also testified at a House Homeland Security Subcommittee at a hearing that examined ways to improve the alien flight training program.  The press release for this hearing is at: http://www.gama.aero/media-center/press-releases