LEE'S SUMMIT, MO, Sept. 21, 2011 -- In a letter sent Wednesday afternoon, Sept. 21, to members of the U. S. Congress Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction and both House and Senate leaders, the Aircraft Electronics Association, along with 26 other aviation associations and labor organizations representing virtually all segments of the commercial and general aviation industries, expressed their united opposition to the White House's latest plan for economic growth and deficit reduction. The plan calls for assorted fees and taxes on both the commercial and general aviation industries.
In the letter, the coalition stated, "We urge Congress to reject proposed increases in taxes or fees which will stifle the important contribution that aviation makes to our economy through travel and trade and undermine an already fragile economic recovery."
"It is indeed rare to see nearly all segments of the commercial and general aviation industries come together in unity on a specific issue," stated Paula Derks, AEA president. "This cohesive effort by 27 aviation trade associations and labor organizations is a testament to the severity of these proposed taxes and fees on our industry."