The chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee promised attendees at the opening general session yesterday that he would work with the industry “to stop the war on business.” Rep. John Mica (R-Fla.) says he would join in the No Plane No Gain initiative, calling it the perfect message to get across in Washington.

“I wish I could tell you that the war on business aviation is over,” he says. “Some people just don’t get it.” Many lawmakers and policymakers don’t understand the value of business aviation, he says, and look at taxes on business aviation as good for the economy. “Sometimes they don’t learn and you have to remind them.”

By working collaboratively, business aviation can combat these efforts, Mica says.