Government Advocacy
AOPA Action
AOPA warns user fee proposal could cripple GA
The White House on April 10 released a budget proposal that includes a $100-per-flight user fee--a charge AOPA warns could be disastrous for general aviation.
FAA delays contract tower closings to June 15
Faced with proliferating legal challenges to its decision to close 149 contract airport control towers starting April 7, the FAA announced that it would delay any tower closings until June 15 while it works to resolve state and local concerns about the shutdowns.
Maryland GA airports generate $550.7 million in business
General aviation activity in the state of Maryland created $358.5 million in personal income and $550.7 million in business sales between 2011 and 2012, according to a new report, "Economic Impact of Airports," from the Maryland Aviation Administration. GA also created 6,274 jobs during the period.
'No user fees' movement builds on Capitol Hill
At a time when general aviation is under attack by the federal government--from sequestration's cuts disproportionately targeting GA airports to the FCC's proposed ban on 121.5 MHz ELTs--an offense is mounting on Capitol Hill in advance of what is likely the next salvo: user fees.
Congressional GA Caucus leaders, AOPA target new members
The House and Senate General Aviation (GA) Caucuses faced a challenge after the 2012 general election: recruiting new members to the caucuses after losing 39 members in the House who retired or lost their seats and three members in the Senate who retired. The House and Senate caucuses previously had 190 and 39 members, respectively.
Aircraft 'sequestered' in long waits to clear Customs
AOPA has asked officials to explain whether a spate of recent "very negative" experiences for pilots clearing U.S. Customs at southern airports of entry were isolated events or--more ominously--symptoms of post-sequester operational chaos.
ELT ban threatens 'substantial costs, fleeting benefits'
The Federal Communications Commission should "immediately abandon" its bid to prohibit the certification, manufacture, importation, sale, or use of 121.5 MHz ELTs, AOPA said in a regulatory filing.
Arkansas legislature creates Aerospace and Aviation Caucus
Members of the Arkansas legislature have founded the Arkansas Aerospace and Aviation Legislative Caucus, created to "promote a business-friendly environment through common-sense legislation that supports the growth of the Arkansas aerospace and aviation industries."
AOPA: Court decision aids safe transition to unleaded avgas
A U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia ruling has freed the EPA from having to make an accelerated endangerment finding on emissions from general aviation aircraft. This ruling will help to ensure that efforts to find an unleaded replacement fuel will continue in a manner that will guarantee aviation safety.
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Aviation groups are uniting against proposals that would hike fees on all aviation. Find out more on StopAirTaxNow.com.
Through AOPA staff, a network of seven regional managers, and a corps of 2,500 Airport Support Network volunteers, AOPA advocates for its members at the state and local level to:
- Promote, protect, and defend America’s community airports
- Maintain sufficient state and local funding for GA Airports and infrastructure
- Prevent excess state taxation on flying
- Protect general aviation from unnecessary state and local regulation
ASN provides the vehicle for AOPA members to work in concert with AOPA to establish an early warning system when threats arise at an airport. There are over 2,500 volunteers promoting, protecting, and defending America’s community airports.
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AOPA has partnered with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to develop a nationwide Airport Watch Program that uses the more than 600,000 pilots as eyes and ears for observing and reporting suspicious activity.
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AOPA PAC is an independent fund of voluntary, personal contributions with the primary goal of electing a pro-general aviation majority in Congress. The fund is strictly regulated by the Federal Election Commission and is used by political candidates to defray campaign costs. AOPA PAC is a completely non-partisan entity.
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