NBAA Welcomes House Bill to Modernize Aviation System Without User Fees

Contacts: Dan Hubbard (202) 783-9360, dhubbard@nbaa.org
Patrick Dunne (202) 783-9362, pdunne@nbaa.org

Washington, DC, February 16, 2011 – The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) today welcomed action by the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee to report to the full House a four-year Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reauthorization measure, to continue the progress made on modernizing the nation’s aviation system.

NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen commended the leadership of Committee Chairman John Mica (R-7-FL), Aviation Subcommittee Chairman Tom Petri (R-6-WI) and other members for moving swiftly in the new congressional session to support aviation system modernization by building on the proven fuel tax mechanism rather than adopting new and onerous user fees.

“NBAA and the rest of the general aviation community continue to support modernization through an increase in the fuel tax in lieu of new user fees,” Bolen said. “Fuel taxes are a proven, efficient and reliable means for general aviation to help fund the transformation to a Next Generation [‘NextGen’] system.

“We urge Congress to quickly act on the FAA Reauthorization and Reform Act of 2011 [H.R. 658] to improve the nation’s air transportation system, and help foster economic growth and job creation,” Bolen said. “Business aviation is a vital link in our transportation system and a powerful engine for job creation and economic growth. The importance of a robust aviation system cannot be overemphasized.”

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Founded in 1947 and based in Washington, DC, the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) is the leading organization for companies that rely on general aviation aircraft to help make their businesses more efficient, productive and successful. The Association represents more than 8,000 companies and provides more than 100 products and services to the business aviation community, including the NBAA Annual Meeting & Convention, the world’s largest civil aviation trade show. Learn more about NBAA at www.nbaa.org.

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