NBAA Safety Committee Member Nominated for NTSB Post

WASHINGTON, D.C., June 19, 2006 – The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) today applauded President Bush for nominating Robert L. Sumwalt III to an open seat on the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). The White House recently announced Sumwalt's nomination.

Sumwalt, a member of NBAA's Safety Committee, is a long-time aviation safety advocate and former aviation department manager for South Carolina-based SCANA Corp., a public utility company.

"NBAA commends the Bush Administration for nominating Mr. Sumwalt for an open seat on the NTSB," said NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen. "Mr. Sumwalt’s firm grasp of a wide range of issues related to aviation safety has made him a tremendous resource to the business aviation community, and we are confident that he would be a great asset to the NTSB."

In order to be confirmed for an NTSB post, Sumwalt's nomination must first be cleared by the U.S. Senate Commerce Committee, and a vote of the full U.S. Senate. A Senate Commerce Committee hearing to consider Sumwalt's nomination has yet to be scheduled. If Sumwalt is confirmed, he would occupy the NTSB position previously held by Richard Healing, who left the Board in August of last year.

NBAA sent the White House a letter of support for Sumwalt's nomination in December 2005. The letter reads, in part:

"[Sumwalt's] work on a variety of issues, including runway incursions, cockpit procedures, wind shear, and safety research and monitoring has directly contributed to the reduction of aviation accidents. As a trained accident investigator, NASA research assistant and aviation safety training instructor, Mr. Sumwalt would significantly strengthen the Board's aviation expertise."

Founded in 1947, NBAA serves more than 7,000 Member Companies by promoting the aviation interests of organizations utilizing business aircraft in the United States and worldwide. The association provides more than 100 products and services to the business aviation community, including the NBAA Annual Meeting & Convention, the world's largest civil aviation trade show. Learn more about NBAA at www.nbaa.org.