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Kansas pilots recognize AOPA efforts in their state with honorary lifetime membership for AOPA president

The Kansas Pilot Association has awarded AOPA President Phil Boyer a lifetime membership in the state pilots’ organization for AOPA’s efforts to secure some $30 million for Kansas airports over the next 10 years.

“AOPA was there when we needed it,” said KPA President Dave Rogers. “This KPA lifetime membership is our way of saying ‘thank you, Phil Boyer and AOPA, for standing behind Kansas pilots in passage of this historic legislation.’”

AOPA had fought since 1994 for passage of the Kansas Comprehensive Transportation Act (HB 2071). That year, the state legislature created the Kansas State Airport Development Fund but failed to fund it. Kansas was thus one of only two states in the nation not helping fund repairs and improvements at its general aviation airports.

In 1998, AOPA helped the KPA and the Kansas Airports Association form the Kansas Aviation Council, creating a unified aviation voice in the legislature.

When Kansas Governor Bill Graves signed the comprehensive funding act this May, AOPA’s Boyer credited AOPA/local pilot teamwork. “This victory for general aviation is particularly significant because Kansas is home to several major GA aircraft manufacturers. Their home state will now begin to rebuild its aviation infrastructure.”

The 330-member Kansas Pilots Association is a grass-roots organization dedicated to general aviation safety and improvement. Chapters are located in Overland Park, Topeka, Leavenworth, Manhattan, Pittsburg, and Wichita.

AOPA represents more than 350,000 pilots, over half of all active pilots in the United States.

In 1998, the association launched the AOPA Airport Support Network for members to volunteer as AOPA’s eyes and ears at local airports. General aviation airports are a top AOPA priority; they have been disappearing at the rate of one per week.

Kansas Pilots Association’s lifetime membership was presented to Phil Boyer at the May 27 AOPA Pilot Town Meeting in Wichita.

99-3-007

July 26, 1999