The US government’s House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee chairman Bill Shuster has set aside his proposal to remove air traffic control (ATC) from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The proposal was part of House legislation to reauthorize funding and programs for the FAA.
The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA), who openly opposed the proposal, issued the following statement in response to the news:
“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 USA 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.”
