by Bill Blake – AOPA Great Lakes Regional Representative
I really enjoyed participating in a panel discussion at the Wisconsin Aviation Conference held at Waukesha, Wisconsin in May (2010) with other national and state aviation association representatives on promoting aviation. Programs discussed were GA Serves America, No Plane No Gain, Aviation Wannabe, Let’s Go Flying, the Michigan Air Tour, and others. The goal was to give some ideas to the newly formed Wisconsin Aviation Coalition (of Wisconsin aviation associations) on how it might marshal the resources of its member organizations to make the biggest impact with their combined resources.
One idea discussed for the coalition was to prepare a calendar, which would suggest promoting a certain aspect of aviation each month. One month might be promoting flight training; another could be safe winter flying; another could be encouraging Wisconsin pilots to get to know their legislators. Other ideas were discussed as well. I suspect that it will take some time for a state-specific program to be developed. However, I think it has great promise. I look forward to seeing a program implemented.
Along those same lines, AOPA held a “webinar” on June 10 about promoting and protecting our airports. It was developed to further educate and assist our Airport Support Network volunteers, but was open to anyone who wanted to tune in. There was a three-member panel discussion of airport grant assurances, good zoning practices, how to interact with elected officials, and resources available on protecting and promoting your airport, among other things.
Those who registered could ask questions live during the program. All who participated in the hour-long program were very complimentary and encouraged AOPA to hold more webinars in the future. For those of you who missed it or would like to see it again, a recording is available on the AOPA website at: http://www.aopa.org/members/pic/webinars.html. By the way, if your local airport does not have an Airport Support Network volunteer, please consider volunteering, or nominating someone you think would work hard to preserve your airport.
I am sure you have seen reports on the reduction of general aviation activity during this struggling economy. However, some have been reporting a glimmer of hope. It appears used aircraft sales are starting to firm up. I have talked with a couple of small flight training facilities that tell me business is not that bad. A couple of the aircraft manufacturers have reported more activity. As aircraft owners and pilots, we can help turn that glimmer into a flame. Promote the benefits of your airport and aircraft to both the flying and non-flying public, and to your elected officials at the local, state, and national levels. When you go flying, ask a non-flyer who you think you could get interested in flying to go flying with you. It is important to all of us to increase the amount of flying activity. Increased activity helps fund the quality of aviation services and facilities we have come to expect.
We are starting to see electricity-producing wind turbine proposed locations that would negatively impact airports. It has been proposed that a small airport in Indiana be closed so the land can be used for wind turbines. The proponents and some of the newspapers have been reporting how valuable the turbines would be to the community. Fortunately, the mayor and city council understand the value of their airport and their responsibilities under the federal grant assurances. If you see proposals for wind turbines at or near your airport, please let AOPA know, and let your elected officials know of your opposition and why.
Midwest Flyer Magazine had a detailed article on the annual spring Illinois Aviation Conference held in Schaumburg, Illinois in May. I just wanted to comment on the keynote speaker, Russ Meyer, Chairman Emeritus of Cessna Aircraft. His remarks about learning from the past, and using this slow time for aircraft sales to become more efficient and prepare for the future return to prosperity, were energizing. I was fortunate enough to be seated next to Russ at the luncheon after his speech and had a lengthy chat with him. What an inspiring leader! It is easy to see how Cessna has become synonymous with general aviation.
AOPA will work hard to do its part in promoting and protecting general aviation. I know you will do your part as well.
For more information on these and other issues facing general aviation, please visit: www.aopa.org.
August/September 2010 Midwest Flyer Magazine
