WASHINGTON, DC, July 10, 2003 – The General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) reacted to the long-awaited commissioning of the Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS) which was recently activated by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

WAAS is a cornerstone in the modernization plan for Air Traffic Control and provides opportunities for improvement to general aviation safety,” said GAMA President Ed Bolen. GAMA has been a supporter of the program since its introduction in the mid-1990s and had lobbied for funding of the program. While the program has been subject to delays and cost overruns, Bolen noted, "We are pleased that general aviation will have access to WAAS which will enhance safety and expand capacity.”

Later this summer, as certified WAAS receivers become available and the FAA publishes new approaches, the general aviation community will be the first in gaining utility and safety improvements from the program.