Press Release
Issued by National Business Aviation Association.
March 2, 2022
National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) president and CEO Ed Bolen today applauded senator Jim Inhofe (R-OK) for his decades of public service and his tireless support of the general aviation industry after the senator announced he will retire from the U.S. Senate, effective January 3, 2023.
“As the longest serving federal elected official in Oklahoma history, the lasting impact of senator Inhofe's accomplished political career, especially for the betterment of the nation's aviation infrastructure, is testament to his dedication to public service and commitment to principles that will continue to shape this country for years to come,” said Bolen. “The general aviation community is proud to call senator Inhofe not just a friend, but a champion.”
As an accomplished aviator, Inhofe brought a deep appreciation and understanding of the general aviation industry to crucial policy debates on Capitol Hill. Inhofe's passion for aviation has forged significant gains for the sector, including the groundbreaking legislation that led to the direct passage of the General Aviation Revitalization Act, which was passed during his time in the House of Representatives.
He was a leader in advancing legislation to reform the medical certification process for recreational pilots, ultimately enacted in the 2016 FAA Reauthorization bill.
Following the FAA's famous decision to revoke aviation icon Bob Hoover's medical certificate without cause, Inhofe introduced legislation giving FAA certificate holders the ability to immediately appeal emergency revocations to the National Transportation Safety Board. The bill was enacted as part of the 2000 FAA Reauthorization Bill.
Over the course of his career, Inhofe has also introduced and supported legislation that strengthened pilots' legal rights, raised the retirement age of commercial pilots to 65 from 60 and assured the security and modernisation of the nation's air traffic management system.
He has championed legislation that ensures general aviation will continue connecting communities of all sizes and remain a vital contributor to the nation's economic prosperity, including through his work as a key proponent of legislation creating aviation workforce grants, programmes that were successfully incorporated in the 2018 FAA Reauthorization Act.
“Senator Inhofe's support for aviation-workforce development is key to educating and training our next generation of professionals,” Bolen said. “Through his efforts, and the incredible work of his dedicated staff, he leaves a legacy that places general aviation on a flight path for a successful future.”
