Founded in 1931, NASAO is one of the most senior aviation organizations in the United States, predating even the Federal Aviation Administration’s predecessor, the Civil Aeronautics Authority. The states first established NASAO to ensure uniformity of safety measures, to standardize airport regulations and develop a truly national air transportation system responsive to local, state, and regional needs. NASAO is unique among aviation advocates. Unlike special interest groups, which speak for a single type of activity or a narrow band of the rich spectrum of the American aviation community, NASAO represents the men and women, in state government aviation agencies, who serve the public interest the states, Guam and Puerto Rico. These highly skilled professionals are full partners with the federal government in the development and maintenance of the safest and most efficient aviation system in the world. The NASAO staff presents the views of the states to Congress and the Administration. NASAO works very closely with the Department of Transportation, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, the Transportation Research Board and the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials. It is also the only organization of its type to have an official Memorandum of Understanding with the Federal Aviation Administration and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The staff also maintains strong relationships with all aviation groups and similar associations such as the National Governors’ Association and the National Conference of State Legislatures.