Despite several challenges--some within, some beyond its power
to control--NBAA members can look forward to more rewarding times.
This was the confident message delivered by officials from the Association,
from show cosponsor GAMA, and from the FAA, when national and international
media gathered to report the opening of the 56th Convention.
Three months into post, new NBAA President Shelley Longmuir reaffirmed
her determination to promote the interests of the Association in
a sometimes difficult climate, citing initiatives on security and
insurance as recent advances increasing airport access and reducing
costs for GA. "Our community is one of the most secure,"
said Longmuir, "but we recognize the need for appropriate
security regulation on a par with scheduled air carriers."
Longmuir is making her central theme "the significance of
cooperation between operators, aircraft manufacturers, regulators
and legislators." This is seen as vital for a "strong,
vibrant and growing GA community" comprising 15,800 fixed-wing
aircraft flown by 10,500 operators, plus 18,200 helicopters in the
hands of 7,100 more.
It was very much Ladies' Morning as FAA Administrator Marion Blakey
took the podium to reinforce the message that GA features prominently
in the FAA's coming Five-Year Strategic Plan, which will address
safety, security, capacity and the maintenance of the Administration's
standards. Blakey acknowledged that NBAA and GAMA have already delivered
good advice and support to her during the past year and avowed that
this would be one strategic plan that would not be written and then
put on the shelf.
The importance of the three-way relationship was also emphasized
by Ed Bolen, President of GAMA, in references to the forthcoming
FAA Reauthorizaton Bill. NBAA and GAMA are fully behind the proposed
legislation, through which "the nation, its citizens and the
economy all benefit," said Bolen.
One tangible result of the integrated approach has been the rapid
introduction of legislation--proposed by GAMA in February and enacted
in May--that has stimulated the industry by permitting accelerated
tax write-off of depreciation on aircraft purchased before January
2005.
As the second century of aviation dawns, said Bolen, manufacturers
"are shaping the future with the aircraft, engines and avionics
seen on the exhibition floor."
