March 12, 2013
Senator Jerry Moran
Senate Russell 354
Washington, DC 20510
Dear Senator Moran,
On behalf of more than 2,000 owners and operators of aviation businesses across the country, I write in support of your amendment to the Continuing Resolution for fiscal year 2013 that would ensure the contract tower program is subjected to fair and equitable funding reductions as a result of sequestration.
As you know, under the FAA’s current sequestration plan, programs, projects, and activities will be reduced by 5% while the contract tower program will shoulder a 75% reduction (189 contract towers out of 251 total contract towers). This dramatic cut will most certainly have a negative impact on safety, emergency medical operations, and some military flights.
The contract tower program is one of the most successful and cost effective programs under the FAA’s purview. Your efforts will help ensure that the contract tower program is not shuttered and will equitably distribute reductions in spending among other FAA programs in a sensible and fair manner.
The National Air Transportation Association (NATA) is the voice of aviation business and represents the owners and operators of Fixed Based Operators (FBOs), general aviation maintenance and repair organizations, fuel distributors, air charter companies, and other services support companies across the country.
Sincerely,
Thomas L. Hendricks
President and CEO