President's Perspective

Phil Boyer, President, AOPA

Two months ago in this column, I outlined the reasons that the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association was working hard to "unlock the aviation trust fund." How pleased I am to now be able to say, "We won!" President Clinton signed the legislation into law on April 5. This was an important step forward for using the tax dollars collected on aviation products (airline tickets, aviation fuels, etc.) for their intended purpose - aviation.

The passage of the FAA Reauthorization Bill (AIR-21) was bitterly opposed by some in Congress. The letter-writing campaign from AOPA members generated thousands of personal communications to the politicians who eventually made this happen. It was the right thing to do if we are to continue to build and operate the safest and most efficient air traffic system in the world. Many of you might say that you don't use the FAA's air traffic system. In fact, you probably do. Operating at any airport with a control tower means that you are using an ATC service. Or perhaps you've had training in how to enter Class B or Class C airspace by calling a local approach control facility on the radio. That's air traffic. And almost all of us use the flight service station system (FSS) by telephone (800/WX-BRIEF), through the Direct User Access Terminal System (DUATS), or in the air. These important weather and flight planning tools are a part of the FAA air traffic system.

The ability to now use our aviation trust fund money on modernized technology means FSS will be able to re-place outdated computers. AIR-21 in- creases spending on facilities and equipment by $300 million over the next three years. During that same period, spending for airports will increase from less than $2 billion last year to $3.4 billion in 2003.

The gains affecting general aviation are not just in modernization and more money for airports. There are many items that AOPA worked hard to insert in the bill for more than two years. In recent months this magazine has focused on the growing number of runway incursions, both by air carriers and general aviation. AIR-21 authorizes more than $3 million a year to implement a safety plan to reduce surface deviations, which can result in deadly accidents. Previously, federal airport funds could not be used to maintain small GA airports. Now, however, federal Airport Improvement Program funds can be used for FAA-approved emergency call boxes, universal access systems, pavement maintenance, weather surveillance equipment, and windshear detection equipment. The bill also allows for the establishment of less expensive and more lenient standards at certain airports - standards more closely resembling those for state highway construction. The aviation-rich state of Alaska benefits in several ways, including a doubling of its entitlement from the airport fund.

All pilots know that we are losing airports in this country at an alarming rate. On average, one airport closes every week. AIR-21 will require a more formal public process in order to gain approval to close an airport. AOPA fought long and hard for this clause, since airports often disappear before we even have time to make the case for saving them.

Even when an airport is not in danger of being closed, it seems some community decides to locate a public or private dump dangerously nearby. Landfills create a sanctuary for birds that don't mix well with the propellers and windshields of landing or departing airplanes. Under this bill, a new landfill cannot be constructed within six miles of a small airport unless the FAA determines it would not adversely affect safety.

We all use aeronautical charts when flying, but for the past several years the Department of Commerce has wanted to quit producing them. It has been a chaotic period, with those who labor hard to produce the quality charts we use for navigation looking for a home. At AOPA's strong urging, AIR-21 directs the Commerce Department to turn over aeronautical charting to the FAA, placing this important function with those who should know best about aviation.

As you can see, there is a significant amount of positive news for general aviation in the recently passed FAA reauthorization bill that goes far beyond "unlocking the trust fund." Legislation affects the environment in which you fly, whether you are a student pilot, flight instructor, or airline captain. Everyone in aviation supported this bill for that reason. But only one organization mailed more than 350,000 member/ pilots a plea to write their senators-and many did. Only one organization publicly supported this bill for more than two years, even when it wasn't popular with many members of Congress. And only one organization had such a profound impact on the other aspects of the legislation: AOPA.