USATA is the only organization in the world exclusively dedicated to representing the interests of air tour operators and allied companies and organizations interested in the growth and development of the air tour industry. For air tour operators and those with whom air tour operators work and do business, belonging to USATA is an essential part of their business development.

At no other association can regular and associate members receive the level of exclusive dedication to air touring than at USATA. Washington representation, education, training, information and networking. The United States Air Tour Association was created to provide representation and growth opportunities for the air tour industry.

· Air tour operators in the U.S.: 275 Aircraft (Helicopter & Fixed Wing) used to provide air tours (x3.5): 962.5
· Economic investment in aircraft and equipment (x.5M): $481.25 Million
· Annual air tour flights ( Avg. 7 passengers per flight): 285,714.28
· Annual air tour flying hours (x1.5): 428,571.42
· Air tour industry employees: 3,000
· Economic impact of air touring in the U.S.: $625 Million
· Annual air tour passengers: 2 Million
· Domestic air tour passengers: 40% (800,000)
· Foreign air tour passengers: 60% (1,200,000)
· Under 15 yrs old/over 50 yrs old air tour passengers: 30% (600,000)
· Handicapped air tour passengers: 12% (240,000)
· Air tour passengers choosing air tours for health-related reasons: 20% (400,000)
· Accidents per 100,000 hours flown: 1.9
· Safety/proficiency standards for USATA members: FAR Part 135
· Environmental impact of air tours on the ground: None

THE VOICE OF AIR TOURING

Since it's founding in the mid-90s, the United States Air Tour Association (USATA) has been the preeminent national voice for the air tour industry. While many other quality Washington, DC-based associations represent various aspects of the aviation community, USATA is the only organization which represents air touring exclusively in the United States. We are widely recognized by Congress, the Federal Aviation Administration, National Park Service, Department of Transportation, Department of the Interior, and national news media as the organization to turn to for the straight scoop on the commercial air sightseeing industry.

USATA's achievements are abundant, but perhaps no more significant were our accomplishments for air touring following September 11th.

GETTING BACK IN THE AIR

The impact on the air tour industry of September 11th and the forced "groundstop" by the Federal Aviation Administration was crushing. Every hour air tour airplanes and helicopters remained on the ground cost the industry millions of dollars. Getting these aircraft back in the air as quickly as possible was paramount. It took three days and intense negotiations between USATA officials, the FAA and the North American Air Defense Command, but within 72 hours of 911, air tours were flying again VFR. No other aircraft in the United States was permitted to fly VFR - except aerial sightseeing flights.

ECONOMIC RECOVERY

Within days of 911, Congress and the Bush Administration had crafted a five billion airline relief package. But initially, the package was only going to provide assistance to major air carriers. Immediately the USATA lobbying machine shifted into high gear and argued that the air tour industry also deserved some economic help from the federal government. After weeks of intense lobbying, Congress included air touring in the airline relief package resulting in millions of dollars in assistance to the air tour industry.

AIR TOUR MANAGEMENT PLANS

When the environmental community and it's millions of dollars of lobbying pressure attempted to regulate the air tour industry out of existence, USATA was there. Participating in a year and a half negotiation on the National Park Overflight Working Group (NPOWG) with the FAA and NPS, USATA was instrumental in the crafting of statutory and regulatory language designed to save air touring at national parks throughout the nation.

The NPS is now trying to block Interim Operating Authority for those operators which have applied for IOC at those locations. USATA is here to assist operators as they battle through the regulatory red tape - for nobody knows the ATMP process like USATA.

QUIET TECHNOLOGY

USATA has been the chief proponent in the aviation industry for the development of new quiet technology aircraft and for regulations which will reward air tour operators for the millions of dollars they have invested and will invest in transitioning to a quieter fleet of aircraft. USATA has worked closely with the FAA and Congress on the development of new quiet technology parameters and incentives for operators.

LOBBYING ON CAPITOL HILL

Site Map Since the mid-90s, USATA has been the preeminent voice of the air tour industry in Congress. Led by former Nevada Congressman Jim Santini, USATA's lobbying efforts in Washington are second to none. We work closely with the leadership of the key Congressional committees whose decisions and actions impact air touring. We are well respected in the halls of Congress and are invited frequently to testify on behalf of air tour operators. Our testimony and efforts on the Hill have exposed pro-active initiatives by the National Park Service and environmental groups to run air tours out of business resulting in more intense oversight by Congress and Congressional efforts to keep air tours flying.

But, these are just some of the more notable achievements by USATA. There are many more. We are battling for relief from caps and curfews, more scenic routings, excise tax relief, favorable treatment in the FAR Part 135 rewrite, maintaining McCarran Airport in Las Vegas for air tour operations, issues related to Park overflight fees, and more. Chief among our accomplishments is the significantly increased visibility USATA has crafted for the air tour community among members of the aviation trade and general news media. Keeping our industry and our issues in front of the public and decision makers in Washington is central to the industry's long-term viability. Perhaps better than any other Washington aviation organization, USATA ensures that when we need to get the word out, we are the credible and reliable source for news reporters nationwide.

Jim Santini -- The Honorable James Santini is Washington Legislative Counsel for USATA. He served as a Member of the United States House of Representatives from 1975 - 1983 representing the State of Nevada. Among his other notable Congressional leadership posts, he served on the House Interstate & Foreign Commerce Committee and was chairman of the U.S. Congressional Travel & Tourism Caucus. An accomplished attorney, Congressman Santini served as a trial lawyer and District Court Judge in Nevada. He is recognized as one of the leading travel/tourism and aviation lobbyists in Washington, DC.

Steve Bassett -- Steve Bassett has been the president of USATA since 1996. He is an instrument-rated pilot with more than 25 years aviation experience serving as president of the United States Air Tour Association (USATA) representing Part 121 & 135 commercial air tour operators, and senior vice president of Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA). He was a major market television and radio broadcaster and reported for NBC and is a decorated Vietnam Veteran.