by Bill Blake
AOPA Great Lakes Regional Representative
During the fall, I attended state airport conferences in Illinois, Indiana, and Michigan. Similar issues were discussed at each conference. Concerns expressed included: the fact that no long-term funding had been approved for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the difficulties associated with the many short-term continuations of the federal Airport Improvement Program (AIP); possible future regulations of general aviation airports by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA); diminished student pilot training; reduced airport activity; the declining number of active pilots; the decline in aircraft sales; and the possibility of additional or increased taxes that might be imposed on aviation by financially struggling state governments. Now is the time all of us in aviation must be vigilant and make sure our elected officials know how important aviation is to the economy and to us as individuals.
Increasing the volume of aviation activity in the United States could solve many of our aviation issues.
The Aircraft Owners & Pilots Association (AOPA) has been doing research to determine what causes so many student pilots to drop out of aviation before obtaining their certificates. The results of this research should be completed about the date of publication of this issue, and were announced during the AOPA Aviation Summit in Long Beach, California, November 11-13, 2010. Based on those results, it is hoped the various aviation associations and interests will work together to reduce the dropout rate and promote general aviation flying to new and veteran pilots alike.
As individual pilots, we can help right now by encouraging our non-flying friends to learn about the passion we already enjoy, and by increasing our own flying activities. Airport managers and fixed based operators can help in marketing aviation by hosting and supporting open houses, fly-ins, fly-outs, air shows and other events to garner enthusiasm. We need to develop a feeling of camaraderie reminiscent of the 1970s, particularly at small general aviation airports.
Another thing we can do is make sure that we have an AOPA Airport Support Network (ASN) volunteer appointed at every airport to learn and address airport issues early, and to promote the airport. Airport managers, fixed base operators, and pilots are on the same side of most issues. Help your airport by volunteering to serve or by nominating someone to be the ASN volunteer at your airport. You can go to www.aopa.org/asn to make your nomination.
State Legislative Update: Due to state legislative recesses and the election campaign season, all state legislation impacting aviation currently appears quiet. However, I expect there will be an effort to increase the Michigan state aviation fuel tax in December. As you may remember, the pending bill calls for a raise from $.03 a gallon to ultimately 4% of the wholesale fuel price, a very significant increase! AOPA will continue to oppose any fuel tax based on a percentage. After the first of the year, it is likely a change in the aircraft registration fees and state aviation fuel tax will be introduced again in Minnesota. AOPA will be monitoring that situation and speaking out as to what it believes is to the best interest of our members.
January 2011 starts the legislative budget planning in Indiana. The state lowered its contribution of matching funds for federal Airport Improvement Program grants from 2.5% to 1.25% last year, increasing the share the local sponsor had to provide. It is hoped that the new budget will provide for the return to a 2.5% match and will also provide for stronger support for the INDOT Office of Aviation. Indiana airports and the state aeronautics office have been very efficient in the use of resources provided.
The economic impact of airports is several times the investment made in those airports. We all need to work to convince the legislature of the importance of the proper funding of these economic engines.
The governor of Minnesota recognized the importance of aviation in his state by proclaiming October 2010 “General Aviation Appreciation Month.” The proclamation stated that Minnesota is the home to 155 airports, serving 13,529 pilots and 7,806 general aviation aircraft. The proclamation points out that the numerous aviation businesses in the state support the nation’s positive trade balance and provide good paying jobs to Minnesota citizens; general aviation plays a vital role in the State’s response to emergencies and natural disasters; many communities depend on general aviation for the continued flow of tourism and commerce to the state; and general aviation is an important economic engine for the state and local communities with airports. I believe similar statements could be made about general aviation in most states. We just need to remind our elected officials and citizens of the facts.
For more information on these and other issues facing general aviation, please visit www.aopa.org.
