Tue, Oct 03, 2006
Disputes Assertion Jets Will Be "Significant Burden" On
NAS
On Monday, the National
Business Aviation Association came out swinging against allegations
made by the Air Transport Association the emergence of very light
jets (VLJs) would impose a burden on the nation's aviation
infrastructure.
As Aero-News reported, an
official with the commercial airline lobbying group contended last
week VLJs would be a "significant burden" in the aviation system,
interfering with the operations of the commercial airlines. NBAA
President and CEO Ed Bolen (right) says ATA's statements simply
don't hold water -- and what's more, several government officials
have already said as much.
"The unfounded comments by the ATA fly in the face not only of
public statements by Federal Aviation Administration Administrator
Marion Blakey but also congressional testimony by top FAA
officials," said Bolen. "The fear-mongering by the airlines may be
part of their broader strategy to pay less for air traffic services
even as they try to seize control of the system."
Bolen cited public statements by FAA officials on VLJs,
including the following:
- In July, Blakey told NBC Nightly News: "I think the people who
are anticipating congestion problems [from VLJs] way up at high
altitude are probably anticipating a problem that we don't
necessarily expect to have."
- Last week, Nicholas Sabatini, FAA associate administrator for
aviation safety, echoed Blakey's remarks. In testimony before the Senate Commerce
Committee, Sabatini said, "The system is in place
today to accommodate the entry of new aircraft into the National
Airspace System.... This is nothing new for the FAA. It is our
day-to-day business."
- Other FAA officials have concurred. In July, FAA Director of
Systems Operations Airspace Nancy Kalinowski told the Orlando
Business Journal: "We just don't see any problem integrating them
into the airspace. It's a new and exciting jet that's coming on
board. We'll make adjustments to handle it."
"The development of VLJ aircraft is good news on many levels,"
Bolen said. "Their introduction produces high-skill manufacturing
jobs. They will help make many small and mid-sized companies more
competitive. And, they will strengthen aviation services for many
small communities. Those benefits should be the focus of discussion
about VLJs."
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