AOPA Access

The FAA wants to get you (into our membership).

Get your attention? I hope so, for that is the headline on the membership recruitment poster for the Frederick Airport Association (FAA).

Yes, even the airport where AOPA has its headquarters has an airport support group. Frederick is a growing and prosperous airport, not one that you would ordinarily think of as needing such a group. However, support groups function well in this atmosphere. In addition to monitoring management and political activity concerning the airport, in an effort to keep the spirit alive the airport association is becoming involved with youth.

Why does your airport need such a group?

• Preservation. Airports are threatened daily. Interaction with airport management and awareness of the political process can do much to curtail problems before they become unmanageable. Support groups established prior to discussions of airport closure can have a significant positive impact on enabling them to remain open.
• Growth. Support groups that remain aware of the functions of a growing airport are in an advantageous position to bring about positive enhancement. It is far easier to work with an airport that is still healthy, rather than one that is in any state of demise.
• Public opinion. As communities grow around and encroach upon existing airports, questions arise concerning noise and safety. Support groups can provide education on the worth of the airport to the community; such information is invaluable in reversing negative opinions.
• Safety. Support groups, via their membership meetings and newsletters, can do much to promote safety among pilots and to convey information concerning special procedures such as noise abatement.

What is involved in starting such a group?

• Formation. Start by identifying potential members. First in mind will most likely be fellow pilots, but don't forget the airport manager, members of the airport commission or authority, managers of businesses related to the airport, and local political figures.
• Structure. There is no one ideal group structure. The original members or a steering committee can determine what is best. A nonprofit corporation is one consideration.
• Name. It is suggested that the phrase pilot association be avoided since it implies a special-interest group. Start positively - why polarize the community at the outset?
• Bylaws. AOPA can assist with samples that are included in an information package.
• Activities. Goals for the group can be established by creating a mission statement. Goals that are directed to helping the airport, the flying community, and the community in general are worth considering. Don't forget the youth.
• Involvement. Get involved with the governing body of the airport. Attend its meetings, as well as those of the city, county, or state government. This is essential because communication is the key to success.
• Communications. From day one, consider a newsletter. Published on a regular schedule, it is a most valuable tool for keeping your group membership and the community apprised of activities as well as pertinent issues concerning the airport.

How can AOPA assist?

AOPA can help in several ways. You can request the AOPA publication Airports - A Valuable Community Resource. This 90-page booklet provides guidance for the entire process of establishing an effective group. It includes sample bylaws, sample speeches, and newsletter formats. Call 800/USA-AOPA for details.

In October 1997 AOPA announced the formation of the Airport Support Network (ASN). Volunteers will monitor local airport affairs and alert AOPA to emerging problems that might threaten the airport's viability. This concept, combined with established support groups, offers two very powerful tools for dealing with airport issues.

If ASN is of interest, you must have an e-mail address and access to the World Wide Web, because most communication between volunteers and AOPA will be via the Internet. Volunteer nominations should be submitted electronically to AOPA Online ( www.aopa.org/asn/).

Working together with airport and community leaders, your group can achieve positive results - and possibly save one more airport. We need them all!

AOPA Aviation Information Resources

AOPA Pilot Information Center for expert help and advice for pilots, from pilots, 800/USA-AOPA (800/872-2672).

AOPA Online on the World Wide Web (www.aopa.org) offers many of the information publications from AOPA and the Air Safety Foundation.

AOPA and Air Safety Foundation booklets are available, some free, some for a nominal shipping and handling charge, by calling 800/USA-AOPA (800/872-2672).

One of AOPA's premier member benefits is the team of dedicated pilots and instructors who interact one-on-one with members. Together, they own nine aircraft and have more than 47,500 hours accumulated over 248 years in aviation. Any member can reach the specialists by calling 800/USA-AOPA (872-2672) or through AOPA's World Wide Web site (www.aopa.org).