Business aviation quiet, regulated

On behalf of the more than 8,000 companies with the National Business Aviation Association, I’m compelled to point out that claims about business aviation included in the June 5 letter, “Business jets worse than commercial,” were false.

Contrary to the allegation made in the letter, business aviation is subject to a stringent federal safety regime, and has a safety record comparable to that for the airlines. Pilots flying business aircraft have qualifications comparable to those for airlines, including training and flight-time experience. The facilities that conduct safety training for pilots are held to the same rigorous regulatory standards as the centers that train airline pilots. While the industry is a safe one, any accident is one too many, so continuing efforts are made to enhance safety through factual analysis by experts (resulting in targeted improvements to regulations), industry sponsored safety programs, and introduction of safety-enhancing technologies.

Along with its record for safe flight, the business aviation community also emphasizes quiet flight, because its operators live and work in the communities near the airports they use. Compliance with mandatory and voluntary fly-quiet practices is high, and the aircraft use engines that are among the most quiet and fuel efficient available.

Business aviation makes good economic sense for local communities. It is often the only practical transport option for businesspeople in towns with little or no airline service, and studies have shown that business aviation activity contributes hundreds of billions of dollars each year to U.S. economic output, and directly or indirectly employs more than a million people.

In short, business aviation provides a safe, quiet and economically beneficial transportation link for towns and communities across the country. It’s unfortunate your readers were led to believe otherwise.

Ed Bolen

President &CEO

National Business Aviation Association