U.S. House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure
U.S. Rep. Don Young, Chairman

Contact:  Steve Hansen (Communications Director)  (202) 225-7749
    Justin Harclerode (Communications Assistant)  (202) 226-8767

To:  National Desk/Transportation Reporter
December 13, 2001

Aviation Subcommittee Approves Legislation To Assist General Aviation Community

        Washington, D.C. - The U.S. House Aviation Subcommittee today unanimously approved H.R. 3347 - the General Aviation Industry Reparations Act of 2001 - a bill to help the nation’s general aviation community recover from the tremendous economic impact of the September 11th terrorist attacks.

“H.R. 3347 Attempts To Repair Some Of The Damage Done To The General Aviation Industry – A Forgotten Victim Of September 11th,” – Chairman Mica

        “General aviation has been a forgotten victim of September 11th,” said U.S. Rep. John L. Mica (R-FL), Chairman of the Subcommittee.  “Out of fear, out of haste, out of caution, the federal government closed down major portions of our National Airspace System to general aviation flights.

        “This has had a devastating effect on hundreds of small businesses across the nation.  Unlike the airlines that were grounded for a few days, general aviation flights around the major metropolitan areas were prohibited for weeks.  In fact, countless general aviation businesses around Boston, New York, and Washington, DC are still prohibited from conducting business.  I appreciate the need for heightened security; however, no one has provided a clear justification for these on-going restrictions.

        “General aviation is one of America’s major employers, and has lost hundreds of millions of dollars since September 11th.  Fixed-base operators, flight schools, manufacturers, aerial surveyors, and small charter airlines all have been dramatically affected.

        “Unlike the major commercial airlines, most of these are small, locally-owned enterprises.  Sadly, hundreds of these ‘mom and pop’ shops have already closed their doors, and hundreds more may soon follow.

        “While the losses incurred are due to the disaster of September 11th, most of these businesses do not qualify for relief under any established federal law or program.

        “H.R. 3347 attempts to repair some of the damage done to the general aviation industry as a direct result of a federal action.”

“Bill Provides The Needed Economic Stimulus To Allow These Companies To Keep Their Doors Open” – Rep. Shuster

        U.S. Rep. Bill Shuster (R-PA), a member of the Subcommittee, maintained that the legislation provides needed relief to thousands of small business owners.  “The losses incurred by charter airlines and related industries resulting from the attacks and the ground stop have been crippling to hundreds of small-business owners and hundreds of workers. Now that we have provided relief to the national carriers, we must turn our attention to general aviation businesses that face staggering losses. Many of these companies face closure because of lost revenues.  This bill provides the needed economic stimulus to allow these companies to keep their doors open,” said Rep. Shuster.

H.R. 3347 – General Aviation Industry Reparations Act Of 2001


        One amendment to the bill was offered and unanimously approved by the Subcommittee.  It makes several important changes, including the following:

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