The bipartisan Air Traffic Control (ATC)/National Airspace System (NAS) Modernization Working Group, led by House Aviation Subcommittee Chairman Troy E. Nehls (R-TX-22) and Rep. Sharice Davids (D-KS-03), recently met with general aviation stakeholders to discuss the sector’s role in modernization. General aviation contributes billions to the economy and supports more than one million U.S. jobs.
Emphasizing the economic and community value of general aviation businesses, NATA COO Hector Huezo urged the working group to safeguard and invest in small and rural airports during ATC modernization. NATA has asked Congress to ensure these airports maintain access to current technology and infrastructure, while investing in proven safety enhancements for non-towered airports. NATA has also called on lawmakers to provide robust funding for NAS modernization and to enforce federal pre-emption to prevent the closure of publicly obligated airports, ensuring equitable access for all users of the system.