Byer Replaces Burnside To Lead NATA Govt. Affairs

Eric Byer, who has been manager of legislative affairs for the National Air Transportation Association for the last five years, has been promoted to director of government and industry affairs. Byer replaced Jeb Burnside, who had been head of that department and an NATA v-p since December 2001. Burnside is no longer with NATA, his departure apparently precipitated by an interview he gave to AIN’s sister publication, NBAA Convention News, last month in Orlando, Fla. In the interview arranged by NATA, Burnside criticized NBAA about its efforts to gain access at DCA for general aviation. On the day the article was published, however, NATA president James Coyne said Burnside’s remarks did not reflect the position of his association. (See NBAA Convention News online at www.ainonline.com.)