Most Americans support increased FAA funding
A recent poll conducted by the Aerospace Industries Association (AIA) indicates that most Americans advocate increased aviation safety funding. What’s more, an overwhelming number of those polled support full Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) funding and investment in the Next Generation Air Transportation System.
“It’s critical that Congress fund the FAA by passing a fiscal year 2011 appropriations bill,” AIA President and CEO Marion C. Blakey said in a statement. “More continuing resolutions will further erode FAA's ability to implement the much-needed Next Generation Air Transportation System in a timely manner.”
Marion C. Blakey
Not only will ratifying this bill enable the FAA to employ more safety officers and endorse new technologies, it will also allow the organization to sign new contracts and build new structures. Such actions are currently forbidden under stop-gap continuing resolutions, which prohibit any spending outside of previously sanctioned activities.
To Blakey, the AIA poll illustrates how concerned Americans are with air safety. “Americans support improving our aviation system,” she said in a statement. “Funding NextGen is important. It will make our safe skies safer, reduce congestion and delays and improve aviation’s environmental stewardship.”
A similar poll conducted in March showed that most Americans endorse technologies to promote airline security, with 65 percent supporting equal or increased FAA funding.
