Discussions Included The Economy, Taxes, Safety, And More

The National Air Transportation Association (NATA) wrapped up its 2009 NATA Aviation Business Roundtable Monday after two days of high-level meetings with some of Washington D.C.'s influential policy makers.

More than 65 aviation business leaders met with key political, policy and financial experts to discuss a number of critical issues affecting the aviation community, including the economy, taxes, safety, security, and the impact recent elections will have for the 2010 mid-term elections.
 
FAA Administrator Randy Babbitt addressed NATA's concerns with the agency's lack of standardization of regulatory interpretations. Babbitt was candid about the FAA's challenge with inconsistent interpretation of regulations between its regional offices and said that while the problem is vast, they will work through it. Babbitt also stated that "consistency with regulations should be addressed so safety is not compromised."

Babbitt, along with DOT Secretary Ray LaHood, stated that FAA Reauthorization legislation is a priority of the Obama administration; however, health care reform has taken precedence in Congress. Babbitt confirmed that the Next Generation Air Traffic Control System (NextGen) will be rolled out in layers such as the implementation of the En Route Automation Modernization (ERAM). The ERAM system will replace the core system air traffic controllers use at high altitudes to track aircraft - increasing capacity and improving efficiency in the national airspace system.

NATA President James K. Coyne introduced Governor of West Virginia Joe Manchin as an enthusiastic pilot who understands the value of aviation to his state and to the national economy. Manchin said, "In the words of General Chuck Yeager, it is time to push it as an industry, not back off." In response to negative publicity on aviation, Manchin made a plea for aviation business leaders to "tell your story before other people tell your story for you." He is doing so by expressing how deregulation hurt West Virginia and how business aviation came to its rescue.

James Coyne

Richard T. Santulli was given the very first NATA President's Award for his work as a pioneer in fractional aviation as the founder and former president of NetJets. John Burns, former general counsel of NetJets, also pointed out Santulli's tireless dedication as the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund Chairman, who helped to raise money for injured United States military personnel and for military dependants after the loss of their loved ones in the performance of their duties. In accepting the award, Santulli thanked many of the people in the room for helping him to achieve this recognition, saying, "I have worked with the greatest people over the last 25 years."

Coyne summed up the event by saying, "With the number of questions we still have regarding user fees, budget deficits proposed by the new Congress, and the future prospects for aviation business, NATA's 2009 Aviation Business Roundtable provided an important forum for business leaders to interact with well-connected speakers to understand what their options are as they make their plans for 2010. I am encouraged by the willingness expressed by FAA Administrator Babbitt and Secretary of Transportation LaHood to work with the aviation community on Reauthorization, NextGen and other issues affecting our industry, and I am also pleased to have had an opportunity to honor such a pioneer in our industry as Richard T. Santulli."

FMI: www.nata.aero