A diverse coalition of aviation industry stakeholders joined together last week in calling on U.S. congressional aviation leaders and the administration to support the strengthening and modernization of the U.S. Air Traffic Control (ATC) System.
The group’s collective view is that the U.S. must continue to have a safe, efficient and resilient ATC system. To accomplish this objective, Congress should consider making changes to its administration of the Aviation and Airways Trust Fund in such a way that maintains the appropriators’ and authorizers’ important oversight role while giving the FAA the ability to more effectively utilize the Trust Fund balance for needed facility upgrades and system modernization. The coalition respectfully requests congressional authorizers and appropriators work together with the FAA and all stakeholders to ensure the FAA has a plan and the necessary resources to grow the National Airspace System safely and efficiently.
“It’s encouraging to see virtually every sector of the aviation industry, from the airlines to general aviation, unite to support needed reforms and investment in the FAA’s modernization effort,” said AOPA President Mark Baker. “Ensuring the FAA has the tools it needs is the best way to guarantee the U.S. maintains the safest and most robust air traffic system in the world.”
Stakeholders signing the letter include Aeronautical Repair Station Association (ARSA); Aerospace Industries Association (AIA); Air Line Pilots Association, International (ALPA); Air Traffic Control Association (ATCA); Aircraft Electronics Association (AEA); Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA); Airlines for America (A4A); Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA); Cargo Airline Association (CAA); Experimental Aircraft Association Inc. (EAA); General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA); International Air Transport Association (IATA); International Council of Air Shows (ICAS); National Air Carrier Association (NACA); National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA); National Air Transportation Association (NATA); National Association of State Aviation Officials (NASAO); National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) NetJets Association of Shared Aircraft Pilots; Professional Aviation Safety Specialists, AFL-CIO (PASS); Regional Airline Association (RAA); Travelers United; U.S. Chamber; Vertical Aviation International (VAI) and Vertical Flight Society (VFS).
