NATA and NBAA Applaud Move to Remove ATC Privatization Proposal from FAA Reauthorization Bill

National Air Transportation Association (NATA) President Martin H. Hiller gave the following statement after an announcement from House Transportation Committee Chairman Bill Shuster on his commitment to work with Senate Commerce Committee Chairman John Thune to pass a comprehensive long-term FAA reauthorization bill providing stable funding for the agency that does not include the proposal to privatize air traffic control:

“While NATA is deeply appreciative of the courtesies shown general aviation in Chairman Shuster’s FAA reauthorization bill, we commend the Chairman for putting differences aside and his commitment to work with Senate Commerce Committee Chairman John Thune to pass a comprehensive long-term FAA reauthorization bill that provides needed stability to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) that does not include air traffic control privatization. NATA is committed to working with Chairmen Shuster and Thune and Congress to ensure the United States maintains our status as the world’s safest airspace system in the world.”

“This is a victory for the general aviation industry, and our success is due to the hard work and collaboration of our members across the country who wrote, called and met with their Members of Congress to explain the detrimental impact this proposal would have on our industry. We also praise the tireless efforts of Members of Congress who listened to the concerns of the aviation business community and advocated on our behalf. This win for the general aviation community shows what can be achieved when we all pull together toward a common goal, ensuring our airspace system remains for the benefit of all users. NATA also thanks those that collaborated with us in a coordinated industry effort, including NBAA, AOPA, EAA, HAI, and GAMA.”

The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) has issued the following statement in response to the Feb. 27 announcement from House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman Bill Shuster (R-9-PA) to set aside his proposal for removing air traffic control (ATC) from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

The proposal was part of House legislation (H.R. 2997) to reauthorize funding and programs for the FAA.

“We are profoundly grateful for everyone who has made their voice heard on this critical issue, including NBAA's members and the entire general aviation community, as well as a chorus of opposition from a diverse, informed and united coalition.

“The many members of Congress who carefully considered this issue, listened to concerns from their constituents, and ultimately stood with the general aviation community should also be applauded.

“The general aviation community came together like never before, and clearly told Congress that handing over our nation’s ATC system to an airline-dominated board is a risk we simply cannot take – everyone should be proud of this significant effort.

"As we all know, long-term reauthorization of the FAA, and the continuing modernization of the nation's aviation system, is a national priority, one we all share. We are profoundly grateful that Chairman Shuster has responded to the concerns that have been raised over his proposal, by a large and diverse group of organizations and individuals.

“We look forward to working with the chairman and other congressional transportation leaders on both sides of Capitol Hill, on a bipartisan basis, to advance a long-term FAA reauthorization package that serves all Americans, and ensures the U.S. has the world’s best air transportation system for decades to come. Now is the time to focus our full attention on a long-term FAA bill that continues advancing the modernization efforts that are already improving our ATC system."