Rockwell Collins, which has been stung by the downturn in business jet sales, has gone on the offensive against criticism of the flying offices.

Business jet deliveries were down 35.7 percent in the first quarter of 2009, a period when Citigroup was blasted for plans to buy a $50 million business jet while receiving federal bailout money, and leaders of Chrysler, Ford and GM were attacked for flying business jets to Washington to plead for federal help.

The high-profile criticism has gotten the attention of the aerospace industry.

Last month, 70 mayors signed a letter to President Barack Obama urging him to voice support for general aviation, a category that includes not only business jets but smaller airports that lack commercial service. The letter-writing was organized by the Alliance for Aviation Across America. Please click here to view this article in full.