A Sampling of Policy Wins for Business Aviation From the Past Decade

Dec. 30, 2019

From creating growth opportunities and global connectivity for America’s small towns and rural areas, to supporting the nation’s productivity, business aviation is an important economic engine, creating jobs and investment, while contributing to the safest and most efficient aviation system in the world.

NBAA’s team of professional advocates works tirelessly to protect and promote the interests of the business aviation industry with regard to access, security, workforce development and more.

Read more about NBAA’s top five legislative and regulatory advocacy wins from the past decade.

Preserving Aviation’s Privacy and Security

In this legislative and regulatory victory, the FAA developed a plan to allow real-time flight tracking opt-out for operators that have equipped their aircraft with ADS-B equipment. The agency also established new terms-of-service agreements with aircraft tracking service providers that will limit the sharing of aircraft data.

FAA Reauthorization and Modernization

In 2018, legislation was passed to reauthorize the FAA, which did not include the controversial plan to “privatize” our nation’s ATC system. This victory wouldn’t have been possible without the entire general aviation community coming together and mobilizing to oppose ATC privatization.

Tax Reform for Business Aviation

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 included numerous provisions that will lead to growth for the general aviation industry. In addition to a lower corporate tax rate, a major victory for general aviation and other manufacturing businesses is the immediate expensing of new and used equipment. Through the efforts of NBAA and a coalition of general aviation groups, 100% expensing now applies to both factory-new and pre-owned aircraft, so long as it is the taxpayer’s first use of the aircraft.

Strengthening the GA Caucus

General Aviation Caucuses were formed in the U.S. House of Representatives and the Senate in 2009 to highlight the importance of the industry to the nation’s economy and transportation system. In the decade since, these caucuses have grown to more than 250 members from states and districts across the country. NBAA has worked with caucus members to highlight the essential role general aviation, including business aviation, plays in every state and congressional district.

Growing the Workforce

This year, bipartisan legislation was introduced in Congress to establish a program that would carry out public service campaigns for workforce development in the transportation sector. H.R. 5118 will help address the shortage of qualified transportation professionals, including aviation workers. From aircraft pilots to air traffic controllers and transportation engineers, this bill will build the pipeline of future professionals.

Tell your congressional representative you support growing the transportation sector with NBAA’s Contact Congress resource.