USCTA Alert

July 10, 2024

Former United States Senator James Inhofe (R-OK) passed away yesterday. Inhofe, a pilot and Army veteran, was a strong advocate for general aviation, airports in Oklahoma and around the country, and the entire aviation industry.

Inhofe was also a fierce defender of the FAA Contract Tower Program. The Oklahoma Senator fought to keep contract towers open during sequestration battles, and he used his considerable clout to convince his colleagues to increase funding for a program that today enhances aviation safety at 264 smaller airports.

Before retiring from the United States Senate, Inhofe and other leaders shepherded legislation through Congress to allow retired FAA controllers to continue working at FCT facilities without facing financial penalties. The bipartisan and bicameral bill was aimed at easing staffing challenges at contract towers.

Inhofe served in the United States Senate from 1994 to 2023. Prior to his tenure in the upper chamber, Inhofe served in the U.S. House of Representatives for four terms. During his Congressional career, Inhofe amassed an impressive list of legislative accomplishments that advanced the aviation industry.

USCTA in 2015 honored Inhofe with its Congressional Leadership Award to acknowledge the enormous contributions he made to the FAA Contract Tower Program. Former USCTA Chair Walt Strong, A.A.E. and then Director of the Max Westheimer Airport at the University of Oklahoma, presented Inhofe with the association’s award.

“The FAA Contract Tower Program wouldn’t be the successful program it is today without the longstanding leadership and support from former Senator James Inhofe,” USCTA Executive Director Brad Van Dam said. “He will be missed, but his legacy and the enormous contributions he made to the aviation industry will endure.”