Washington, DC, February 28, 2018 – The following is a statement that can be attributed to National Air Transportation Association (NATA) President Martin H. Hiller following an announcement from House Transportation Committee Chairman Bill Shuster on his commitment to work with Senate Commerce Committee Chairman John Thune to pass a comprehensive long-term FAA reauthorization bill providing stable funding for the agency that does not include the proposal to privatize air traffic control:
“While NATA is deeply appreciative of the courtesies shown general aviation in Chairman Shuster’s FAA reauthorization bill, we commend the Chairman for putting differences aside and his commitment to work with Senate Commerce Committee Chairman John Thune to pass a comprehensive long-term FAA reauthorization bill that provides needed stability to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) that does not include air traffic control privatization. NATA is committed to working with Chairmen Shuster and Thune and Congress to ensure the United States maintains our status as the world’s safest airspace system in the world.”
“This is a victory for the general aviation industry, and our success is due to the hard work and collaboration of our members across the country who wrote, called and met with their Members of Congress to explain the detrimental impact this proposal would have on our industry. We also praise the tireless efforts of Members of Congress who listened to the concerns of the aviation business community and advocated on our behalf. This win for the general aviation community shows what can be achieved when we all pull together toward a common goal, ensuring our airspace system remains for the benefit of all users. NATA also thanks those that collaborated with us in a coordinated industry effort, including NBAA, AOPA, EAA, HAI, and GAMA.”