NATA Pushes for Support of Public-Use Airports, GA and NextGen

National Air Transportation Association (NATA) vice president of government and industry affairs Eric R. Byer testified before the U.S. House Subcommittee on Aviation on Nov. 17 to discuss emergency measures that Congress can take to assist the struggling aviation industry. NATA advocated for positive reinforcement for public-use airports, general aviation businesses, aircraft and pilots.
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NATA Welcomes New House General Aviation Caucus

National Air Transportation Association (NATA) president James K. Coyne praised members of the U.S. House of Representatives for creating its new General Aviation Caucus. The GA Caucus, sponsored by NATA, the Aircraft Owners & Pilots Association, the General Aviation Manufacturers Association, the National Business Aviation Association and the Experimental Aircraft Association, held its first briefing on May 21.
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AOPA Expands General Aviation Serves America Campaign

The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association has announced the formation of a special advisory council to the General Aviation Serves America campaign. National Air Transportation Association (NATA) President and CEO James K. Coyne has agreed to chair the council, which will help ensure that opinion leaders, policy- and lawmakers, and the public at large understand the full breadth and scope of general aviation.
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NBAA Regional Forum Draws Standing Room Crowd

NBAA president and CEO Ed Bolen talks with Mike Wright, founding partner of Business Jet Center, after a No Plane No Gain update to a standing room only audience at the NBAA Regional Forum held April 7 in Dallas.A standing room only crowd gathered to hear NBAA president and CEO Ed Bolen speak about the No Plane No Gain advocacy campaign at the NBAA Regional Forum in Dallas on April 7.

“We want to make sure policymakers and opinion leaders are well aware of the essential role business aviation plays for citizens, companies and communities across the country,” Bolen said.

During his presentation, Bolen showed the No Plane No Gain TV and newspaper ads.

The event, which was hosted by Business Jet Center at its Dallas Love Field location, drew more than 940 attendees and included 54 exhibitors with 24 aircraft on static display.

 

Thursday Open Thread: United States v. Corporate Aviation

Since the automotive industry bailout hearing in November, corporate aviation has been caught in the political crossfire.

At the hearing last fall, Rep. Brad Sherman, D-Calif., scored populist points when he asked whether the Chrysler, Ford and GM CEOs had purchased tickets on commercial flights to attend the hearing in Washington, D.C.

In January, Rep. Dennis Moore, D-Kan., and Rep. Todd Tiahrt, R-Kan., argued against legislative language that would have required recipients of bailout money to forgo owning or leasing aircraft.

Scott Adams even drew a Dilbert comic strip about the controversy. The Dogbert character does not mince words.

Now, NBAA and GAMA have launched a new Web site, No Plane No Gain, to defend the business aviation industry and educate the public.

What would you tell Congress or the public about the use of corporate jets in this economic climate? How would you defend corporate aviation in general?

Click the comments link to contribute.

Thursday Open Thread: TSA's Large Airport Security Program (LASP)

Friday, Feb. 27, is the deadline to submit comments to the Transportation Security Administration on the proposed Large Aircraft Security Program. LASP would subject operators of aircraft with a take-off weight greater than 12,500 pounds to make sure crews and passengers have cleared security checks.

What do you think about the LASP proposal? What would you tell the TSA? What have you heard from customers who use your airport or FBO?

Click the comments link to contribute.

And here are some links to more information about LASP and other related news:
TSA programs
NBAA's draft comments
Feds may tighten small airport security – FOX 5, Atlanta
Airport to have new security rules in April – ENCToday.com
General aviation customers annoyed about security rule – ENCToday.com