Speakers Allude To Political Influence On The Industry

The opening general session for the 65th NBAA conference was designed to serve as a reminder to the attendees that the industry is vital to the national economy, with a slate of speakers invited to drive home that point.

NBAA president and CEO Ed Bolen opened the session by dedicating the convention to Neil Armstrong, who passed away earlier this year. Armstrong had been one of the organization's strongest advocates, as well as a spokesman for the "No Plane, No Gain" campaign. Bolen also honored four of aviation’s legends: (pictured L-R) former astronaut Gene Cernan, longtime business aviation advocate and entrepreneur Clay Lacy, former Cessna CEO Russ Myer, and golf legend Arnold Palmer, another spokesman for the organization.

Bolen then got down to the heart of the matter … calling on a slate of speakers to point out the value of business aviation. First to the podium was House Transportation Committee Chair John Mica (R-FL), who acknowledged the fight that business aviation has waged over the past few years. "I wish I could tell you that the war on business aviation is over," Mica said, "but all  I can do is tell you there's a slight cease-fire."

Mica said that there are some people that "just don't get it." He said that business aviation is one of the great economic engines of the economy and one of the great economic engines of a free enterprise system.

Mica said that while there has been some success in Washington, such as passing the FAA reauthorization bill, there are still challenges to overcome, citing the EU-ETS and the lack of a permanent administrator for the FAA as being among them.

Kansas Senator Jerry Moran (R), a member of the Senate General Aviation Caucus, described how business aviation affects more than just those who are directly associated with the industry. "If you are a person who cares about all of America, who cares about those folks who made a decision to live in rural America and have access to the rest of the world because of an airport and an airplane, general aviation matters greatly," Moran said. "It's how we get our doctors to our communities across Kansas. It's how a small manufacturer can remain in rural Kansas, and can connect with the rest of the world. In the absence of general aviation, the ability for many places in America to survive and prosper diminishes greatly."

And later in the session, Forbes publisher Rich Kaarlgard said that the path to a recovery in the industry is sustained growth in the economy of over three percent.

Acting FAA administrator Michael Huerta had been scheduled to speak at the session, but he was unable to leave Washington because of the effects of Hurricane Sandy.

Bolen presented the Al Ueltschi Humanitarian award to Fred Smith of FedEx for the overnight freight company's work with the Orbis Flying Eye Hospital.

The overall tone of the session was upbeat, but also one of resolve. The industry knows that it is facing challenges from Washington, as well as other corners, and will have to remain vigilant in order to weather the current economic storm.

FMI: www.nbaa.org