Contact: Cassandra Bosco
Washington, DC, October 9, 2001 – The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) is pleased that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has opened additional airspace to general aviation operators; however, the Association remains focused on resolving several important airspace and access issues.
NBAA is concerned that VFR helicopters and other small general aviation aircraft are still restricted from a significant portion of U.S. airspace, which has damaged general aviation businesses. NBAA continues to work daily with government officials to give general aviation aircraft greater Part 91 access to airports within enhanced Class B airspace. In addition, the Association is working with airport and FAA security officials to develop a process that will permit general aviation access to Reagan National Airport (DCA).
These restrictions have wreaked havoc on many previously successful businesses that now are struggling to survive. Some smaller entrepreneurs may not overcome the economic hardships resulting from government-imposed airspace restrictions,” said NBAA President Jack Olcott. “NBAA’s objective is to work with government officials to ensure their understanding of the important role of general aviation in the national air transportation system and the high degree of security practiced by general aviation. We must regain access to airspace in order to ‘get back to business’ as President Bush has directed.
NBAA and its Member Companies always strive for the highest degree of safety and security for business aircraft, their passengers and their crew. In light of the September 11 terrorist attacks, NBAA and its Member Companies have devoted significant additional resources to these areas. NBAA is part of a general aviation community coalition on security. NBAA’s Standing Committees, composed of industry leaders, also are working to provide business aviation operators with revised security procedures.
NBAA’s Web site at www.nbaa.org continues to be a key source of up-to-the-minute detailed information on NOTAMs and other developments. During September, the NBAA Web site had over 86,000 individual visitors, over 250,000 visits and over 5 million hits.
NBAA represents the aviation interests of over 6,800 companies which own or operate general aviation aircraft as an aid to the conduct of their business, or are involved with business aviation. NBAA Member Companies earn annual revenues approaching $5 trillion — a number that is about half the gross domestic product — and employ more than 19 million people worldwide. The NBAA Annual Meeting & Convention is the world’s largest display of civil aviation products and services.
International Business Aviation Council Ltd.