WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Pat Roberts today joined the Senate General Aviation Caucus to enhance and support general aviation in America.

"With the ‘Air Capital of the World’ in Wichita, Kansas," Senator Roberts said, "I am pleased to join the GA Caucus to work hard on behalf of pilots, aircraft owners, and the men and women who manufacture these aircraft. I look forward to working on the unique challenges facing the industry including air traffic control modernization and the ability of American aviation companies to compete in a fair and open global marketplace."

"Layoffs and mischaracterizations by public officials have created a tough environment for the GA industry. This caucus can help clarify the benefits of the industry and highlight the contributions GA brings to our overall economy."

Over half of the world’s general aviation airplanes are manufactured in Wichita and the surrounding area. In 2008 Kansas employed nearly 40,000 workers in the aviation sector which impacted roughly 140,000 jobs statewide.

Senator Roberts is one of the first to join the GA Caucus with Co-Chairmen, Senator Mark Begich (D-AK) and Senator Mike Johanns (R-NE) and Senator Sam Brownback.

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