Washington, DC—The General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) today sent a letter to transportation leaders in the U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senate urging them to introduce FAA reauthorization legislation soon. With the current authorization having expired September 30 and extended until March 31, 2016, GAMA is concerned that further delays could create greater uncertainty in the marketplace and a loss of momentum in key areas such as certification reform and inconsistent interpretation of FAA regulations.
In the letter to U.S. House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman Bill Shuster (R-PA) and Ranking Member Peter DeFazio (D-OR) and U.S. Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee Chairman John Thune (R-SD) and Ranking Member Bill Nelson (D-FL), GAMA President and CEO Pete Bunce notes that certification reform and regulatory improvements—which could help create jobs and bring about continued safety improvements—could likely be passed quickly and with bipartisan support. The letter also asks the Congressional leaders to consider a number of factors in evaluating any changes to the current aviation and air traffic control system. These include whether potential changes would secure the future growth and health of general aviation, treat all airspace users equitably, and ensure key FAA operational and safety oversight functions remain unified.
“Because the issues involved in FAA reauthorization require thoughtful review, GAMA hopes you will introduce legislation in the near term and allow constructive and collaborative discussions to begin on the way ahead. We look forward to working with you and all members of Congress in addressing these issues, and ensuring that we advance certification reform, aviation manufacturing, and the nation’s aviation system as a whole,” the letter states.