Weekly of Business Aviation

BURNS TAKES OVER SENATE AVIATION SUBCOMMITTEE

The Senate Commerce Committee last week officially tapped general aviation enthusiast Conrad Burns (R-Mont.) to chair the aviation subcommittee. Burns takes over for Sen. Trent Lott (R-Miss.), who has chaired the subcommittee since 2003. The announcement of Burns' appointment won widespread approval from Washington-based general aviation groups, which often have relied on the senator for help on critical issues.

"Senator Burns has been a great friend to the aviation community, and especially to general aviation," said National Air Transportation Association President James Coyne, who pointed out the role Burns played in ensuring Senate passage of a measure authorizing up to $100 million in assistance to general aviation businesses harmed by the aftermath of the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. "With Sen. Ted Stevens of Alaska chairing the full committee, we have two very important allies in the Senate," said Jon Hixson, Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association vice president of legislative affairs. AOPA credited Burns with shielding general aviation from excessive security initiatives and ensuring the availability of backcountry airstrips.

---

New Jersey Aviation Association
1 Airport Road, Morristown, NJ 07960-4651
Phone: 973 734 9994 - Fax: 973 734 9995