General Aviation Manufacturers And Aerospace Workers Respond To President Obama's Attack On Industry

These are encouraging actions and remarks. That is why we are perplexed over recent comments and actions questioning the value of corporate aircraft use and proposing tax changes that would negatively impact the entire general aviation industry.

During the severe economic downturn in 2008, ill-informed criticism of corporate jets and business aviation exacerbated the challenges facing our industry, which led to depressed new aircraft sales and jeopardized very good, high-paying jobs throughout the United States. More than 20,000 highly skilled IAM members were laid off in this industry.

As our industry looks to begin a recovery and the workforce returns to their high-skilled jobs, we are very concerned that the rhetoric coming from some in your Administration will lead to similar economic difficulties. While such talk may appear to some as good politics, the reality is that it hurts one of the leading manufacturing and exporting industries in the United States. And it adds to the pain so many working families have endured.

We would like you or other key economic officials in your administration to meet with us so we can find ways to promote our industry and support your manufacturing, export, and job goals. We look forward to working with you on these common goals.

Respectfully,

Peter J. Bunce

President and CEO

General Aviation Manufacturers Association

R. Thomas Buffenbarger

International President

International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers