January 22, 2018
TO: NATA Membership
FROM: Martin Hiller, President
SUBJECT: Re-opening of Federal Government
I am pleased to report that Congress has approved legislation funding the federal government through February 8th. President Trump is expected to sign the bill into law.
On Sunday, NATA joined with other major general aviation associations in a letter to Secretary of Transportation Chao requesting the FAA’s Aircraft Registration Branch remain open during any government shutdown.
While we believe the FAA already has the authority to keep the registry open during a government shutdown, a provision in the House version of the FAA authorization will make that authority explicit. At the moment, this common-sense provision is one of many good ideas held hostage by the airline industry’s campaign to privatize air traffic control.
We will continue to keep you apprised as events warrant on both government funding issues and the fight against the airlinization of our nation’s air traffic control system.
Best Regards,
Marty