ST. PAUL, MINN. – Members of the Minnesota Aviation Trades Association (MATA), Minnesota Business Aviation Association (MBAA), Minnesota Council of Airports (MCOA) and the aviation community at large converged March 16, 2016 in the new Minnesota Senate Office Building of the State Capitol for the “5th Annual Minnesota Aviation Day at the Capitol.” Jared Esselman, Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) Director of State Government Affairs, and Bob Quinn, National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) Central Region Representative, also attended.
This year there were no major aviation legislative initiatives in which attendees needed to address. However, it was still important that elected officials heard directly from those who work in the Minnesota aviation industry, and who fly for business and recreation, so they are aware of the issues facing general aviation. Meeting and getting acquainted with elected officials when there are no burning statewide issues, paves the way to present concerns at a later date.
This year attendees attended a House Transportation Policy and Finance Committee Hearing. During the hearing Lynn Boyd of MSP Aero; Tim Howard of the Polaris Flight Department; Cassandra Isackson, Director, MnDOT Office of Aeronautics; and Gordon Hoff, Executive Director of MBAA testified on the impact of the changes to the aviation statutes enacted in 2013. Tracie Walter, Director of Operations and Vice President of Bemidji Aviation, and Michael Lawrence, General Manager, Key Air Twin Cities, submitted written testimony. Based on these testimonies it appears the changes to Minnesota’s aviation statutes have been positive.
Next year, the State Capitol will be open and MATA, MBAA and MCOA will be hosting the 6th Minnesota Aviation Day At The Capitol. The annual event is a great opportunity for pilots, airport businesses, and airport managers and commission members to meet with their state representatives and senators to update them on the impact aviation has on their businesses, airports and communities.
For additional information, contact Gordon Hoff at gordon.hoff@comcast.net.
