Feb. 29, 2016
Members of the Alabama Business Aviation Association (ABAA) last week flew to Washington, DC, for face-to-face meetings with Alabama’s congressional representatives and staff to voice their concerns with H.R. 4441, a bill to reauthorize the FAA, which proposes the creation of a privatized ATC system – a measure that NBAA and other aviation groups staunchly oppose.
Introduced Feb. 3 by House Transportation and Infrastructure (T&I) Committee Chairman Bill Shuster (R-9-PA), the measure would reauthorize FAA funding and programs beyond the current expiration date of March 31, 2016.
ABAA board members Ryan Waguespack and George Ensey discussed their concerns about the ATC privatization measure with their congressional representatives during two days of meetings. Waguespack and Ensey also took the opportunity to outline the importance of business aviation to the state of Alabama, especially with regard to creating jobs and helping local business stay competitive internationally.
“It was an educational experience participating in the congressional process,” said Waguespack. “The assistance provided by the NBAA government affairs folks helped us make the most of our limited time while in DC. ABAA was received favorably, as were our concerns regarding the potential negative impact on general aviation if ATC privatization is allowed.”
“It was a pleasure to assist Ryan and George with their Alabama delegation visits last week here in our nation’s capital,” said Dick Doubrava, NBAA vice president of government affairs. “Visits such as these, where those working in the industry make the effort to travel to Washington and meet with their congressional members and staff, have tremendous impact and greatly enhance our advocacy efforts on behalf of business aviation.”
For those who can’t make the trip to Washington, DC, NBAA provides its Contact Congress online tool for members to let lawmakers know they are opposed to privatization. View Contact Congress.
International Business Aviation Council Ltd.