Regional Affairs

AOPA meets lawmakers in support of aerial rescue workers

AOPA government affairs staffers visited Washington state lawmakers recently to support a measure that would provide liability relief for aerial rescue workers. The House version of the bill has stalled in committee over concerns that it may offer too much liability protection for pilots. But during Feb. 25 meetings with legislators and their staffs, AOPA Manager of State Legislative Affairs Joey Colleran and Northwest Regional Representative Mike Ferguson explained the need to protect volunteer aerial search and rescue personnel working for Washington Air Search and Rescue under the state. “These pilots provide a tremendous service to the people of Washington state, saving lives in emergency situations,” said Colleran. “They need the same kind of liability protection afforded other volunteers.”

February 29, 2008