February 1, 2017
Possible airline domination of the ATC system prompted the formation of NBAA in 1947, and promoting and protecting the interests of business aviation remains a core mission of the association today.
Throughout its history, NBAA has worked to support policies that foster business aviation. NBAA’s policy priorities include: modernization of the nation’s aviation system, building upon the already outstanding safety record for business aviation, and preserving secure access to airports and airspace.
In the 1950s, when the FAA was recasting the ATC system to deal with growing air traffic and the introduction of jets, NBAA was among the organizations that helped identify aviation’s future needs for services and facilities.
During the 1970s, when business aviation faced the challenge of dealing with fuel shortages and the threat of onerous aircraft-noise regulations, NBAA helped prevent the Environmental Protection Agency from obtaining authority to regulate aircraft noise and convinced government officials that fuel allocations for non-commercial flying should not be drastically cut.
During the 1981 air traffic controllers’ strike and after the 9/11 terrorist attacks, NBAA worked with government officials to help keep business aircraft moving safely and securely. And throughout its entire history, NBAA has fought unreasonable operating restrictions, such as aircraft bans, airport curfews and discriminatory airport fees.
The need to preserve and protect business aviation continues today, and NBAA has many initiatives designed to advance and safeguard the industry’s interests.
The No Plane No Gain campaign – an initiative of NBAA and the General Aviation Manufacturers Association – continues to promote the understanding and acceptance of business aviation.
Legislative and regulatory advocacy takes several forms. Besides providing expert technical and policy testimony before regulatory agencies and Congress, NBAA is building industry support among federal lawmakers via the general aviation caucuses in the U.S. House and Senate. NBAA also has made it easy for individuals to provide input to federal legislators via the Contact Congress online resource.
Similarly, NBAA advocates for the industry on the state and regional levels.
In addition, NBAA and its sister organizations worldwide also advocate for business aviation before global regulatory bodies.
In every venue, NBAA advocacy stresses the following principles:
- The top priority of NBAA is safety
- Business aviation is essential to local, regional and national economies
- Opposes onerous aviation user fees
- Supports ATC modernization
- Committed to enhancing aviation security
- Dedicated to minimizing business aviation’s carbon footprint.
International Business Aviation Council Ltd.