Aviation Orgs Eye Trump Infrastructure Promises

While aviation organizations try to learn what the new U.S. administration will mean for aviation policy, the groups are pledging to work with President-elect Donald Trump and are hoping that his experience as an aircraft owner and pledges to rebuild infrastructure will serve as a beginning of collaboration.

AOPA pointed to Trump’s website promising “a bold vision for a cost-effective system of roads, bridges, tunnels, airports, railroads, ports and waterways and pipelines.” The organization also highlighted the fact that he is a business aircraft user, owning a Boeing 757-200, Cessna Citation X and two Sikorsky S-76Bs.

"We are pleased to have a person in the nation's highest office who appreciates the contribution of business aircraft to the nation's economy,” added NATA president Marty Hiller. “The President-elect's regulatory and tax reform agenda presents the opportunity to resolve—in a common sense manner—issues important to aviation businesses." He cited as examples the need to clarify the aircraft management fee tax policy, as well as to ensure that aviation taxes are deposited into the aviation trust fund.

NBAA vowed to continue its effort to highlight the importance and value of the industry. "NBAA has always worked with elected officials in both political parties to advance policies that foster the growth of business aviation in the U.S.,” NBAA president and CEO Ed Bolen said. “In that spirit, we look forward to working with President-elect Trump, as well as those in his administration, and congressional representatives from both parties, to promote proposals that recognize the industry's value and protect its interests."

Other organizations also pledged to work with the new President to ensure investment and to seek an environment that fosters a competitive playing field in trade. The National Air Traffic Controllers Association, which has backed Rep. Bill Shuster’s (R-Pennsylvania) proposal for an independent air traffic control organization, said it would continue to push for stable funding.

Both NBAA and GAMA believe that the “wild card” will be whether the new administration would back such a proposal, which also had support from the airline groups.

Shuster said with the results of the election, “We have a unique opportunity to begin this work immediately by embracing innovative ideas and approaches to improving our infrastructure. In the coming months, for example, Congress must pass an FAA reauthorization bill that modernizes our aging air traffic control system and significantly improves the efficiency of our aviation system.”

Nearly two-thirds of respondents to a recent AIN poll said new user fees would have a significant effect on business aviation. 

Trump's election already has had one outcome: a temporary flight restriction prohibiting general aviation flight around his Manhattan residence up to 2,999 feet agl. That no-fly zone, which permits flights into the local heliports, will remain in effect through the Jan. 20, 2017 inauguration.