Advocacy Letters
NBAA represents business aviation before policymakers at the state, federal and local level, bringing the Association's professional staff into daily contact with Members of Congress, as well as officials at the White House, the Federal Aviation Administration, the Department of Homeland Security, the Transportation Security Administration, the Department of Transportation, the IRS, Customs and Border Protection and other federal and local government representatives. The archive below catalogues some of the letters the Association has sent to government officials to communicate the industry's priorities.
In addition, some letters sent by elected officials and regulatory authotires have been added to this archive.
NBAA Commends Sen. Murkowski for Calling on President to Set Aside User Fees
December 1, 2011
NBAA commended Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) for her recent letter to President Obama opposing general aviation user fees. In her November 28, 2011, letter, Sen. Murkowski takes issue with the Administration's recent proposal to impose a $100 per-flight fee on general aviation aircraft, writing, "The negative impacts associated with the user fees you have proposed would obstruct the Alaskan transportation system and negatively impact the U.S. economy."
Read a Murkowski's letter. (309 KB, PDF)
NBAA Letter to House Committee on Homeland Security, Subcommittee on Transportation Security
August 19, 2011
NBAA provides views at recent House Homeland Security subcommittee hearing
on TSA Authorization legislation.
Review the letter (156KB, PDF)
NBAA Letter to Obama in Response to Disparaging Remarks Againt Business Aviation
June 30, 2011
During a June 29, 2011, news conference about budget-cutting and deficit reduction, President Barack Obama again and again spoke disparagingly of the business aviation industry and demanded a repeal of accelerated depreciation for business aircraft. In a letter from NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen, NBAA expressed disappointement with the way Obama mischaracterized business aviation. "Now is not the time to pillory an important American industry in an attempt to score political points."
Read a Bolen's full letter. (73 KB, PDF)
U.S. Senators Call on DOT to Scrap Plans for Dismantling BARR
June 30, 2011
A bi-partisan group of 26 U.S. senators have signed a June 29 letter to Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood raising concerns that the government's plan to dismantle the Block Aircraft Registration Request (BARR) program represents "a troubling reversal of a decade-old policy put in place to uphold the privacy rights of thousands of Americans."
Organized by Senators Pat Roberts (R-KS) and Mark Begich (D-AK), the letter notes that the BARR program "provides owners of general aviation aircraft the ability to prevent the public dissemination of their aircraft movements. For reasons of individual security, privacy, and business competitiveness, this program is essential." Learn More.
LightSquared Broadband Tests Prompt Congressional Alarm
June 10, 2011
Mounting evidence of interference with GPS satellites from
proposed broadband communications network LightSquared has attracted scrutiny from
the United States Congress. The House and Senate have recently written the proposed
broadband provider to express alarm over the results of recent tests conducted throughout the
southwestern U.S., which reveal the potential for severe interference with signals from GPS
satellites. As part of Coalition to Save Our GPS, NBAA has been actively involved in efforts
calling for LightSquared to demonstrate technology fully compatible with GPS. Learn More.
Industry Groups Ask TSA to Help Minimize Losses Due to TFRs
June 6, 2011
NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen and five other association leaders sent a letter June 2
asking the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to develop ways to minimize the
economic impact of Presidential Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) on general aviation
(GA) operators. The letter to John S. Pistole, Administrator of the TSA, asked for procedures
that would allow those in general aviation to continue operating near normal levels while
still addressing the security measures necessary to protect the President. Learn more.
NBAA Welcomes Senators’ Call for FCC to Protect GPS
May 19, 2011
Last week, a group of more than 30 U.S. senators, led by Pat Roberts (R-KS) and Ben Nelson (D-NE), sent a letter to the chairman of the Federal Communications Commission calling for all necessary steps to be taken to protect the Global Positioning System (GPS) from disruption-causing interference. The senators’ letter comes as NBAA and other groups have formed a “Coalition to Save Our GPS,” to protect the system, which thousands of aircraft operators rely on for navigation. The concern over potential GPS disruptions has arisen because a wireless broadband company called LightSquared intends to use spectrum immediately adjacent to that used by GPS, and a signal that could drown out GPS signals.
Read a copy of the senators’ letter. (6.9 MB, PDF)
NBAA Sends Joint Letter to Congress Urging Preservation of the BARR
May 13, 2011
NBAA joined with other general aviation operator groups in a letter urging Congress to complete reauthorization legislation for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) that also would maintain the current FAA Block Aircraft Registration Request (BARR) program. NBAA joined with the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) and Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) in signing the letter which points out that together the groups “represent nearly all of the general aviation aircraft operators in the United States – including thousands who participate in the BARR program for legitimate privacy, security and competitive reasons.” “The letter emphasizes the overwhelming importance of protecting the privacy of all citizens, preventing corporate espionage, and preserving the security of general aviation flight operations,” said NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen.
Review the AOPA, EAA, NBAA joint letter (74 KB, PDF)
National Groups Remind Congress: Preserve the BARR
May 6, 2011
Five major business and aviation groups have called upon members of Congress to support language in the House FAA reauthorization package (HR 658) that preserves the BARR program. “Privacy of movement is a fundamental American value,” the Business Roundtable, National Association of Manufacturers and U.S. Chamber of Commerce stated in a joint letter to the Senate conferees. “We believe the federal government should, to the greatest extent possible, protect such information rather than transmit it to anyone in the world with a computer connection.” The Aerospace Industries Association and the General Aviation Manufacturers Association expressed similar concerns in a letter they jointly sent to congressional lawmakers. The House and Senate each approved FAA reauthorization measures earlier this year; a conference committee now must be convened to reconcile differences between the House and Senate bills.
U.S. Chamber Mobilizes Members in Support of BARR
March 31, 2011
As the House of Representatives voted last week on an FAA reauthorization bill that included language to preserve the BARR program, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce joined NBAA and other groups in drafting a letter citing the importance of accelerating the transition to a Next Generation (“NextGen”) air transportation system and preserving the “effective and efficient” BARR program. “FAA has provided no data to demonstrate that changes to the BARR program are necessary,” the letter states. The reauthorization measure, H.R. 658, was passed by the House
Review the U.S. Chamber of Commerce letter (PDF, 58 KB)
Industry Groups Join NBAA in Opposing Nighttime Ban at CA Airports
March 30, 2011
A host of industry groups joined NBAA in urging Congress to oppose an amendment to FAA reauthorization legislation that would impose a ban on nighttime flights at Bob Hope Burbank (BUR) and Van Nuys (VNY) Airports in southern California. “[The] amendment circumvents the requirements of the Airport Noise and Capacity Act of 1990 (ANCA) and sets a dangerous precedent,” wrote the industry groups, including the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, Air Transport Association, General Aviation Manufacturers Association and others. “This action would undoubtedly lead to the creation of a patchwork of confusing and complex operating restrictions across the country that would undermine our national aviation and airport system.
Review the joint letter (PDF, 92 KB)
Aviation Coalition Renews Call for FAA Reauthorization Passage
March 24, 2011
NBAA was among 33 aviation organizations and companies that sent a joint letter to leaders in the U.S. House of Representatives urging swift passage of H.R. 658, the multi-year FAA reauthorization package currently under consideration in the House. The letter notes, “H.R. 658 contains many provisions important to the aviation community, including strengthening the ability of FAA to implement the procedures, policies, and technology necessary for the success of NextGen…” Read a copy of the industry letter.
Review the coalition letter (PDF, 515 KB)
NBAA: Formal Rulemaking Process Needed For FAA's Duty Interpretation
January 24, 2011
As the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) considers changes to duty
and rest requirements for Part 135 charter operations, NBAA told the
Agency this week that because of the complexity of the issue, the
industry's voice must be heard on the matter, through a formal
rule-making process. "...The FAA's proposal to require a
flight-by-flight determination of remaining duty time...is too
significant for implementation simply by a Notice of Proposed
Interpretation," said NBAA's Doug Carr, vice president for safety &
regulation, in comments submitted to the FAA today. "...The FAA should
apply this change via a formal rulemaking process to insure that...FAA
has the ability to understand and analyze the impact of this change."
The Agency has recently considered applying newly developed duty and
rest requirements for FAR Part 121 operations onto FAR Part 135
charter operations.
Review NBAA's comments (PDF, 323 KB)
NBAA Represents Industry in Comments to DOT Planning Committee
November 16, 2010
As the Obama administration’s task force wraps up its work to plan for the future of the nation’s aviation system, NBAA has ensured that the industry’s value and priorities are well understood. In comments to Department of Transportation Secretary Ray La Hood’s Future of Aviation Advisory Committee (FAAC), NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen stated: “In small towns and rural areas across America, business aviation is an essential tool that enables businesses to thrive, grow and create jobs in their hometowns."” NBAA has been represented at each of the FAAC meetings.
Review the letter (PDF, 97 KB)
NBAA Responds to FAA Duty and Rest Proposal
November 15, 2010In comments submitted to the FAA's recent proposal to update duty and rest requirements for flight crews operating under FAR Part 121, NBAA called for a renewed focus on recommendations submitted five years ago to address duty issues for on-demand Part 135 operations. Additionally, NBAA questioned the application of many concepts introduced in this proposal to the unique small-business world of on-demand charter.
Review the letter (PDF, 322 KB)
NBAA Opposes Planned EU Reversal of Pilot-Certification Agreement
October 6, 2010NBAA has joined with other business aviation groups in sending a letter to the European Commission warning that a European Union (EU) proposal to reverse a long-standing reciprocal acceptance policy for pilots' credentials between the EU and U.S. could adversely impact safety. The proposal, due for a vote this month, would disallow pilots licenses and aircraft N-numbers used in the EU from being obtained in the U.S. or elsewhere, and would instead require that both be obtained through European authorities. “There will be a highly negative impact on the safety of business aviation operations since...many European operators rely on simulator training conducted in Canada or the U.S.,” the letter notes.
Review the letter (PDF, 109 KB)
NBAA Urges Senators to Approve Woerth as ICAO Representative
September 21, 2010NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen joined with the heads of 12 other aviation associations to urge Senate leaders to confirm Duane Woerth as U.S. representative to the United Nations International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). In a letter to the Senators on September 21, the associations stated that the United States has been disadvantaged by the lack of a representative at ICAO over the past 18 months.
Review the letter (PDF, 214 KB)
NBAA, GAMA Ask LaHood to Prioritize US-EU Safety Agreement
September 16, 2010NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen joined with leaders of six other national aviation associations, including the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) to urge the administration to move forward on implementing the U.S.-European Union bilateral aviation safety agreement during meetings with European Commission members later this month. In a letter to U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood, the aviation leaders said longstanding safety cooperation between the U.S. and Europe has led to higher common standards and improved safety records worldwide. Implementation ”will enable the safe, efficient flow of trade to continue unimpeded between the U.S. and Europe,” facilitating pilot training, eliminating redundant inspections, reducing or avoiding increased costs, and “supporting U.S. jobs during a difficult economic recovery for the U.S. aerospace industry.”
Coalition Calls for Confirmation of U.S. Representative to ICAO
July 23, 2010NBAA and 11 other aviation organizations today sent a letter to Senate leaders calling for the confirmation of a permanent U.S. representative to the United Nations International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). The position has remained unfilled for over a year, and the letter from industry, sent to the Chairman and Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, notes that concern over the lack of representation is growing as preparations are being made for an ICAO meeting this month that will "determine global actions and priorities in the areas of aviation safety, security and environment."
Review the letter (132KB, PDF)
NBAA Outlines Necessity of Business Aviation to DOT
July 12, 2010NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen recently submitted comments to Department of Transportation (DOT) Secretary Ray LaHood on the Agency’s five-year Strategic Plan, which outlined the numerous ways business aviation supports local economies and transportation systems. Business aviation not only serves rural and small towns with little or no airline service, but is also a key component in the nation’s transportation infrastructure. “We strongly support your work to improve our nation’s aviation system, which will also significantly contribute to economic growth and job creation,” Bolen said in his comments. “In these challenging economic times, the importance of a robust transportation system cannot be overemphasized. Read the full comments at:
Review the letter to Department of Transportation (DOT) Secretary Ray LaHood (123B, PDF)
NBAA Expresses Concerns on House Action to Expand Liability Laws
July 1, 2010Last week, The House of Representatives passed HR 5503, “Securing Protections for the Injured from Limitations on Liability Act” which would broaden liability for deaths which occur as the result of an accident on the high seas. The bill amends the “Death on the High Seas Act” (DOHSA) and could possibly increase the liability risk of the General Aviation community. During House debate on the bill, NBAA and other GA associations urged the House to carefully consider the possible “unintended consequences” which this bill might have on general aviation. This bill is part of a package of pending legislation in both the House and Senate dealing with liability issues associated with the recent U.S. oil spill in the gulf.
Review the letter to the House Committee on Judiciary (47KB, PDF)
Review the letter to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure (47KB, PDF)
NBAA Part of Coalition on Government’s Avgas Planning
June 10, 2010NBAA and a coalition of general aviation leaders, including the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, the General Aviation Manufacturers Association, and others have been responding to the government’s call for eliminating lead in aviation fuel with a coordinated effort to minimize the industry’s emissions footprint while supporting the mobility and growth of general aviation. The coalition recently sent a letter requesting an extension to an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) request for alternatives to lead in fuel.
Review the letter to the EPA (300KB, PDF)
NextGen Planning Should Include [All] Stakeholders, NBAA Says
May 10, 2010While the inclusion of business aviation in a recently formed DOT planning group is a welcome development, NBAA nevertheless wants to ensure that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) understands the industry’s long-standing support for continued investment in aviation system modernization. That’s why on May 10, 2010, NBAA joined several other groups in sending a letter to the FAA underscoring the need for all aviation segments to be involved in the government’s planning of the Next Generation Air Transportation System, or NextGen. “We believe it is imperative that all stakeholders are involved as the FAA develops its modernization plans,” the letter states.
Review the letter to the FAA (74KB, PDF)
NBAA and Others Tell Congress: NextGen Will Grow Jobs
November 20, 2009As the White House gears up for a Washington summit this week to explore initiatives for generating jobs, and Congress prepares to consider legislation to create jobs, NBAA joined with a number of other aviation groups in sending a letter to the Chairman and Ranking Member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee reminding the lawmakers that investing in a Next Generation, or “NextGen” Aviation System will lead to job growth. “Congress should seize this opportunity to expedite NextGen capabilities and to provide a platform for domestic job creation thereby ensuring that the civil aviation and travel industries—which directly and indirectly generate over ten million jobs and $1.2 trillion in economic activity annually—can continue to positively contribute to growth in the domestic economy,” the letter states.
Review the letter to the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee (148KB, PDF)
Congress Passes Three-Month FAA Funding Extension
September 28, 2009Last week, the House and Senate passed legislation extending Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) programs and funding through December 31, 2009. By that date, Congress will either finish its work on the FAA reauthorization bill or extend current law again. NBAA recently joined a host of other aviation groups in signing a letter urging Congress to use the time provided by a new extension to complete work on multi-year FAA reauthorization. “A comprehensive reauthorization of the FAA would provide desperately needed funding for airport and airway system improvements that will help make aviation safer and more efficient, while creating or maintaining tens of thousands of U.S. jobs,” the letter states in part. “Investments in our national airspace infrastructure will enable the U.S. aviation system to improve its already enviable safety record as well as increase capacity.”
Review the letter to the U.S. Senate (2.5MB, PDF)
NBAA Voices Support for Legislative Effort to Refine TSA Security Directive Process
May 22, 2009NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen has joined with other aviation leaders in expressing support for efforts by Rep. John Mica (R-FL) to improve the TSA regulatory and security directive process. Mica, the ranking Republican on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, intends to offer an amendment to the pending TSA Authorization bill to require TSA to follow certain standards for the issuance of security directives/regulations to insure that appropriate rulemaking and public notice are included in the TSA directive process.
Letter to Rep. John Mica about the TSA Security Directive Process
Congress Extends FAA Funding, Continues Work on Reauthorization
March 23, 2009Last week, Congress approved legislation extending the FAA's programs and funding through the end of September. Congress now has until September 30 to pass a multi-year FAA reauthorization or extend the current bill again. NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen expressed his support, saying: "We appreciate the work the committees are doing to complete the reauthorization process, and we will continue to support their efforts." In February, NBAA joined with several other aviation groups to urge the new Congress "to complete the [FAA] reauthorization process at the earliest possible time in order to expedite the modernization and expansion of our national air transportation system and foundation for future growth of the economy." To review the industry letter, visit:
Letter to The Honorable Kay Bailey Hutchison on FAA Reauthorization
National, Local Officials Add to Chorus of Concern Over LASP
March 16, 2009A pair of congressional aviators recently sent letters to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to outline concerns about the TSA's LASP. In their letters, Reps. Leonard Boswell (D-3-IA) and John Kline (R-2-MN), both pilots, called for a collaborative effort between government and industry on the development of security policies. Their concerns were echoed by similar statements in recent letters to the DHS on the LASP from members of Alaska's congressional delegation, governor and state legislature, which introduced a resolution expressing opposition to the TSA's plan. A copy of the lawmakers' statements can be downloaded:
Letter from IA Rep. Leonard Boswell to DHS Sec. Napolitano on LASP
Letter from MN Rep. John Kline to DHS Sec. Napolitano on LASP.
Letter from Alaska Congressional delegation to DHS Sec. Napolitano on LASP
Letter from Alaska Gov. Palin to Acting TSA Administrator Gale Rossides on LASP
Resolution by the Alaska State legislature regarding the LASP
Letters Sent to Congressional Leaders Calling for Robust 'General Fund' Contribution to FAA Funding
March 9, 2009In a continuing effort to support FAA modernization, and in recognition of the benefits a strong aviation system provides to all Americans, NBAA joined 11 other industry groups in calling upon Congress to provide a strong contribution from the "General Fund" available to lawmakers for supporting the FAA budget. The coalition's letter to four House Representatives noted that in the past, "General Fund revenues have been used to pay for a significant portion of the FAA's costs and reflect the public's interest in a safe and efficient air transportation system." The letter encourages Congress to increase the General Fund investment to at least 25 percent of the FAA's budget. Download the letters:
Letter to Representative Jerry Costello (IL-12)
Letter to Representative John Mica (FL-7)
Letter to Representative James Oberstar (MN-8)
Letter to Representative Tom Petri (WI-6)
Letter to TSA Acting Administrator Gale Rossides
February 5, 2009
In a joint letter, NBAA, the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, the General Aviation Manufacturers Association and the Experimental Aircraft Association, request that the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) establish a rule-making committee to address questions and concerns raised by industry and government about the TSA’s proposed Large Aircraft Security Program (LASP).
Letter to President Obama Expressing Concern Over Policy Actions Impacting Business Aviation
January 28, 2009
NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen send this letter President Obama to express concern over recent actions taken by Washington policymakers that discourage and disparage the use of general aviation for business purposes. In his letter, Bolen explains the importance of business aviation to companies and communities across the U.S., and offers to further discuss the issue with White House officials.
Letter to Barney Frank, Chairman of the House Committee on Financial Services
December 12, 2008
Representative Vern Ehlers (R-03-MI) authored a letter to House Financial Services Committee Chairman Barney Frank (D-4-MA) co-signed
by Reps. John Barrow (D-12-GA) and Thomas Petri (R-06-WI) outlining the importance of general aviation to the U.S economy and expressing
concern over a provision in the proposed auto assistance bill that could have unintended consequences for companies that rely on business aviation..
Letter to Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid
December 11, 2008
Expresses concern about provisions in H.R. 7321, the Auto Industry Financing and
Restructuring Act, which appears to prohibit the use of business aviation in ALL
situations, including when it is the sole mode of transportation available to a business, or it
is the most prudent and cost-effective solution to a given transportation challenge. More.
Letter to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi
December 9, 2008
As Washington policymakers consider a financial assistance package for the U.S. auto industry, NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen cites concerns about language in the proposal applying to business aviation use by the auto companies. More.
Joint Letter to Congress
December 8, 2008
As the House and Senate consider a broad economic stimulus package, the NBAA and 11 other aviation groups this week urged Congress to recognize the economic benefit that aviation investments provide. More.
Letter to Document Management Facility, U.S. Department of Transportation
February 1, 2008
Outlines NBAA's request for extended time to comment on proposals by the Department of Transportation to amend airport rates and charges. More.
Letter to Members of the United States Senate
March 5, 2008
Urges Congress to pass pending legislation to continue modernizing the nation's aviation system.Read more.
Letter to The Honorable Calvin Scoville, Inspector General, Department of Transportation
March 10, 2008
Reiterates NBAA's questions about conclusions reached in a 2008 report by the Department of Transportation's Inspector General on the causes of aviation system congestion. More.
Letter to The Honorable Calvin Scoville, Inspector General, Department of Transportation
April 8, 2008
Questions conclusions reached in a 2008 report by the Department of Transportation's Inspector General on the causes of aviation system congestion. More.
Letter to Chairman Gordon and Ranking Member Hall
June 12, 2008
Expresses support for H.R. 6063, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2008, which contains funding for programs to enhance aviation safety, promote environmental research and further support NASA's role in developing and deploying the Next Generation ("NextGen") aviation system. Read more.
Letter to Chairman Inouye, Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation
June 23, 2008
Reaffirms general aviation’s commitment to reducing aircraft emissions and protecting the environment. More.
Letter to Leader Reid, Leader McConnell, Speaker Pelosi, and Leader Boehner
July 24, 2008
This letter, which was sent as the business aviation community faced record-high fuel costs, expresses support for Congressional proposals that limit excessive fuel speculation, encourage environmentally sound domestic production, balance the near-term use of traditional fuel sources and the long-term development of alternative fuels, improved efficiency and conservation. Read more.
Letter to Chairman Oberstar and Ranking Member Mica
October 29, 2008
Expresses NBAA's support for infrastructure investments and a robust transportation system. More.
Letter to The Honorable Edmund "Kip" Hawley, Assistant Secretary, Transportation Security Administration
October 30, 2008
Requests an extension to the comment period for the TSA's sweeping Large Aircraft Security Program, which would impact all Part 91 operations.Read more.
