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The General Aviation Manufacturers Association
(GAMA) has thanked the U.S. House Appropriations Committee for supporting the
general aviation industry in its fiscal year 2018 bill, through language
improving the aircraft certification process in the U.S. and funding for
alternative fuels.
“We are extremely pleased to see the Committee
put teeth into their direction to the FAA to better utilize the Organizational
Delegation Authority,” said GAMA President and CEO
Pete Bunce.
“GAMA has advocated for this for some time, and we appreciate the Committee’s
support in making this a reality, which will benefit the U.S. economy, aircraft
sales and create jobs.”
The Committee provided $1.3bn for aviation
safety overall, which is $11.2m above the fiscal year 2017 enacted level and
$51.7m above the budget request. The Committee continues its direction requiring
the Secretary of Transportation to provide annual reports regarding the use of
the funds provided, including the total full-time equivalent staff years in the
offices of aircraft certification and flight standards, total employees,
vacancies and positions under active recruitment.
The Committee also provided $7m for general
aviation alternative fuels, $1.076m over the Administration’s request. The
general aviation community is committed to ensuring the transition of
piston-powered aircraft from a leaded fuel to an unleaded avgas in a manner that
is safe and preserves the utility of the general aviation fleet. GAMA believes
this transition can be achieved in a way that balances environmental improvement
with aviation safety, technical challenges and economic impact. This funding
will ensure broad aircraft and engine testing based upon prior research, and
provide necessary testing to achieve required FAA approvals and authorizations
for the transition.
Additionally, GAMA commends the House
Appropriators for taking the initiative to understand the specific elements of
NextGen air traffic control modernization and for recognizing the U.S. airspace
is the most complex and busiest the world, and faces unique challenges by
serving a general aviation community that surpasses any other nation by far.
“The Committee’s action sends a strong message
of support to the general aviation industry,” said Bunce. “We thank members of
the Committee, particularly Transportation Subcommittee Chairman Mario
Diaz-Balart (R-FL) and Ranking Member David Price (D-NC), and Appropriations
Chairman Rodney Frelinghuysen (R-NJ) and Ranking Member Nita Lowey (D-NY), for
this critical funding measure. We look forward to working with them and other
members of the House and Senate to ensure final passage.” |
