Bolen sounds a 'Call to Action' over ATC privatization, user fees

In his most outspoken opposition to date about a congressional plan for legislation that would create a privatized ATC system funded by user fees, Ed Bolen, NBAA president and CEO, sounded a call to action to oppose such a plan before a gathering of more than 3,000 attendees at last week's NBAA Regional Forum at Teterboro Airport.

In his address, Bolen pointed to recent remarks by House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee Chairman Rep. Bill Shuster (R-9-PA), indicating the congressman's intent to introduce such legislation. Current authorization for the FAA is set to expire on Sept. 30, sparking debate by some in Washington around the merits of a potential FAA reauthorization bill that might implement a privatized air traffic control system primarily funded through user fees.

"The FAA reauthorization legislation that has recently been discussed would be nearly identical to legislation that was put forth during reauthorization in 2006," said Bolen. "If implemented, such a bill will pose an unequivocal threat to the future of business aviation in the United States.

"The American business aviation community is unrivaled anywhere in the world," Bolen added. "It helps generate over $200bn in economic impact, creates over one million jobs, and provides a lifeline to the American public in times of humanitarian crisis. If the kind of legislation that is being considered were to receive a majority vote in Congress, it would cause irreparable harm to general aviation and to those we serve."

Acknowledging that changes are needed in order for the U.S. to remain the world leader in air transportation, Bolen noted that the NBAA is fully committed to the smooth and complete transition to a Next Generation (also known as "NextGen") air traffic management system. However, such a transition should not come with the creation of a privatized ATC structure that would be without oversight by elected officials.

"Our elected representatives respond to active engagement by constituents," Bolen said. "If we want our voices to be heard on this issue, we must write letters, send emails, make phone calls, and show up to ‘town halls' lawmakers host in their home states and congressional districts. If we, as a community do nothing, then we will get nothing."

NBAA members and the public are encouraged to use the Association's online Contact Congress resource to alert lawmakers to the industry's concerns over privatizing ATC and funding it with user fees. NBAA also offers a Twitter-based advocacy tool that people with Twitter accounts can use in expressing their concerns to Congress.

BlueSky Business Aviation News | 2nd July 2015 | Issue #327
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