The General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) is the industry trade association representing general aviation (non-military & non-airliner) aircraft manufacturers and related enterprises, chiefly in the United States.[1] It is headquartered in Washington, D.C., with an office in Brussels, Belgium.
Light aircraft manufacturers in the United States were typically members of the Aerospace Industries Association (originally called the Aeronautical Chamber of Commerce), which represented all aircraft manufacturers in the U.S. catering to military aviation, commercial aviation and general aviation.
Increasing division of interests and priorities, and the disproportionate power of the military and commercial aircraft manufacturers, led to the establishment of a new organization to represent general aviation aircraft manufacturers. The organization was established as the Utility Aircraft Council, until its director died suddenly. That organization's public relations man, Ed Stimpson, took the reins and evolved the organization into GAMA in 1970.[2]
Initially, GAMA represented general aviation fixed-wing aircraft (not helicopter) manufacturers in the United States only. It has since grown to embrace aircraft manufacturers in other countries, with an additional office in Brussels, Belgium. In 2011, GAMA members voted to open GAMA membership to helicopter manufacturers as well.[3]
GAMA has also expanded its membership to include producers of general aviation engines, avionics, spare parts and related services. The organization claims to represent over 80 manufacturers.[1]
GAMA serves as a:
Among the issues dealt with by GAMA have been:[10][11][2][12][13]
Current member organizations are:[14]
Ed Stimpson (died 2009)[11] headed GAMA for 25 years as its first president and shaped the identity and role of the organization.[2][12]
Drew Steketee served as communications director from 1980 to 1987.[15][16]
Pete Bunce is the current president and CEO since 2005.[1][17]
