NATA Says Payback Process Daunting Task

The proposed procedure for reimbursing FBOs, flight schools and other providers of general aviation ground-support services at five airports in the Washington, D.C. area for financial losses they incurred while the airports were closed after 9/11 is “a cumbersome government process” for small businesses and they will be “intimidated,” according to the National Air Transportation Association (NATA). In addition, while NATA has said it’s aware that federal funds typically cannot be used for attorney fees, the association contends that legal fees used in the application process for reimbursement should be eligible for repayment by the government.