Fri, Mar 22, 2013
Led Hard-Fought Effort to Preserve Sequester-Targeted Towers
NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen issued a statement late Wednesday in response to the decision by Senate leadership to decline consideration of an amendment introduced by Sen. Jerry Moran (R-KS), which would have preserved air traffic control towers and other facilities targeted for closure under mandatory federal budget curtailment, or "sequestration."
Sen. Moran's amendment was offered for consideration as part of a "Continuing Resolution" (CR) to maintain funding for all federal agencies through the end of the government's fiscal year, but the Senate Leadership determined it would not allow a vote on Moran’s amendment to the CR.
"In my conversations with people from across the business aviation community, and in the strong online mobilization I've seen from NBAA Members on Senator Moran's amendment, it is clear that the proposal generated a tremendous amount of support and passion from those in our industry," Bolen said. "The business aviation community understands that air traffic control towers are integral to the nation's aviation system, and are central to the FAA's ability to support the safest, largest and most efficient aviation system in the world. Additionally, the economic boost provided to communities by towered airports means that it's especially important to keep as many facilities as possible open during these challenging economic times.
"So, it is particularly disappointing that Senate leadership did not allow a vote on Senator Moran's amendment, which had strong bipartisan support from a number of lawmakers concerned about the potential impact these closures could have throughout the country.
"Nevertheless, NBAA remains engaged with FAA officials on finding ways to mitigate the impact of sequestration on the aviation community, and we will continue working with the FAA to make our industry's concerns understood, and to offer options for keeping as many towers open as possible."
As part of NBAA's continuing work with FAA officials on the tower-sequester plan, Bolen sent a letter to the FAA Administrator and COO on March 13 to outline considerations the FAA should make as agency officials determine the role of tower closures in a sequester-response plan.
More News
Aero Linx: Model Aeronautical Association of Australia MAAA clubs are about fun flying, camaraderie and community. For over 75 years, the MAAA has been Australia’s largest fl>[...]
Touchdown Zone Lighting Two rows of transverse light bars located symmetrically about the runway centerline normally at 100 foot intervals. The basic system extends 3,000 feet alon>[...]
“Discovery and innovation are central to our mission at Virgin Galactic. We’re excited to build on our successful record of facilitating scientific experiments in subor>[...]
How To Get A Story On Aero-TV News/Feature Programming How do I submit a story idea or lead to Aero-TV? If you would like to submit a story idea or lead, please contact Jim Campbel>[...]
Student Pilot Reported That During Rotation, “All Of A Sudden The Back Of The Plane Kicked To The Right..." Analysis: The student pilot reported that during rotation, “>[...]