Business Aviation

As we enter 2010, we are provided a clean slate ofour industry is to the public and the economy (as if
sorts to demonstrate the importance of general andthey didn't know!). This is an opportunity for the
business aviation to the public, the media, and thebusiness aviation community to come together to
government. The idea of advocating this industry'svoice our concerns and tell those on Capitol Hill how
major role in our national economy and to the public atgeneral aviation is the backbone of the whole aviation
large is certainly nothing new. But as our national airindustry, comprising small businesses from Washington,
transportation system evolves from antiquatedD.C., to Washington state. This is also the time to meet
hub-and-spoke commercial air service to awith local newspapers and media outlets to highlight
point-to-point service, general and business aviationthe economic value of business aviation. We must
continues to enhance its footprint in the skies.stop fearing the press and start educating them about
Customers want to get from point A to point Chow important the industry, and the small businesses
without having to go through point B. They want to getthat play such a large role in general aviation, are to
to their destination as quickly and safely as possible.the American economy and to the thousands of small
Customers don't want to have to deal with thetowns across this country that rely on small airports
continuing security checkpoint and volume delays atfor access to the national and global air transportation
many major commercial airports.system. Invite local members of the media to your
Enter our opportunity. Over the next ten years,business at a local airport to give them a hands on
business aviation will play an ever-larger role in movinglook at the folks you employ and the value business
the travelling public within our own borders andaviation provides to the local economy. If we don't all
throughout the world. Whether it is a Part 135, 91k, or 91start making a greater push to educate the media, we
operation, this type of aviation provides a morewill continue to fight an uphill battle both on and off
efficient means to travel with infinitely better customerCapitol Hill.
service and a stellar safety record. Businesses largeFinally, become active in your local Chamber of
and small that have used business aviation know theCommerce. The sole purpose of these groups is to
true benefits in time savings and increased workpromote the value of small businesses and defend
productivity. And while in 2009 some in the media andtheir interests. While we certainly want all of our
on Capitol Hill tried to paint a black mark on businessesmembers to continue playing an active role in NATA
using business aviation aircraft, 2010 is the time toadvocacy efforts, joining a local Chamber of
speak even more loudly and clearly that businessCommerce is an outstanding complementary activity
aviation is here to stay, for now and the future.that will bolster the importance of your business to the
As in years past, the association invites all members ofcommunity.
the general aviation industry to participate in NATA'sWe have heard the old Tip O'Neill adage many, many
Day on the Hill. This well-attended grassroots eventtimes over the years because it is so very true. All
provides our community with the opportunity topolitics are local, so get a leg up by becoming active in
educate congressional officials on just how importantyour!