NATA Honors Chairman Sam Graves for His Leadership, Service, and Advocacy for General Aviation

Washington, DC, March 27, 2026 - NATA (the National Air Transportation Association) today recognized Representative Sam Graves (R-MO) for his longstanding service to the aviation industry and the country following news that he will not seek reelection.

Graves brought to public office something especially meaningful for general aviation: direct experience. As a lifelong pilot and small business owner, he understood how the aviation system functions in practice and what aviation businesses need to succeed. That perspective shaped his work in Congress and informed not only his leadership of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, but also his earlier service leading the House Small Business Committee.

Across those roles, Graves consistently advanced policies that strengthened aviation safety, supported small businesses, and reinforced the importance of airport and air traffic control infrastructure. Chairman Graves' leadership also helped ensure that general aviation remained an important part of the national transportation policy discussion, including in the development of FAA reauthorization legislation and broader efforts to strengthen the aviation system. His work reflected a clear recognition of general aviation's role in supporting local economies, connecting rural and small communities, enabling emergency response and essential services, training the next generation of pilots, and helping businesses of all sizes operate and grow.

NATA has previously recognized Graves for his service to the industry, including in 2023 with the association's Distinguished Public Service Award for his collaborative leadership in advancing the House FAA reauthorization bill and elevating the importance of general aviation within that effort. In 2014, he received NATA's highest honor, the William A. "Bill" Ong Memorial Award.

"Chairman Graves has been a strong and effective advocate for general aviation throughout his time in Congress," said Curt Castagna, President and CEO of NATA. "He understood this industry from personal experience as a pilot and from the standpoint of a small business owner. That gave him a practical perspective that showed up consistently in his leadership and in the policies he advanced."

Castagna said Graves stood out not only for the positions he took, but for the way he approached the work.

"He brought a genuine interest in the issues and in the people affected by them," Castagna said. "He valued hearing directly from stakeholders, welcomed collaboration, and took seriously the responsibility of making informed decisions. He was never interested in going it alone. He wanted to understand the issue from every angle and work with others to get it right."

Over the years, Graves earned the respect of the aviation community not only because he supported sound policy, but because he engaged the industry in a direct and personal way. He took time to visit with NATA members, listen to their concerns, and learn from their experience. He also brought a personal warmth to the role, often sharing stories from his own experience that reflected his deep familiarity with general aviation and his genuine connection to the people and businesses at its heart. That accessibility, combined with his practical understanding of the industry, made him a particularly credible and trusted voice on aviation policy.

"Chairman Graves never approached general aviation as an abstract policy issue," Castagna added. "He knew the system because he had operated within it. He knew the people because he made the effort to spend time with them. That made him an authentic advocate for this industry and for the communities it serves."

As he prepares to conclude his service in the House of Representatives, NATA said the aviation community is losing a respected leader whose judgment, collaborative style, and steady support for general aviation have made a lasting difference.

"General aviation has benefited greatly from Chairman Graves' leadership," said Castagna. "We are grateful for his service, for the seriousness and integrity he brought to this work, and for the respect he consistently showed our members and this industry. We wish him and his family all the best in the years ahead."