Rep. Hayes says FAA is 'gulping the airline Kool-Aid'

During the House aviation subcommittee hearing on March 21, Rep. Robin Hayes (R-N.C.) said that the FAA's funding proposal was a "solution looking for a problem that doesn't yet exist." Noting general aviation's contributions to the national economy, he commented, "We can't afford to come in here and kill GA." Rep. Hayes said, "Our focus should be on making the system work better. It's working pretty darn well now. We don't need a sledgehammer, which is this very costly system, to drive a carpet tack. It would seem that the FAA is gulping the airline Kool-Aid." "Rep. Hayes is an important ally in this battle," said AOPA President Phil Boyer, "and we're pleased that he's sticking up for North Carolina's GA pilots by voicing his opposition to the FAA's proposal."

March 23, 2007