Delegates at IAOPA World Assembly urge quickest possible return to normal

Delegates to the recently concluded 21st World Assembly of the International Council of Aircraft Owner and Pilot Associations (IAOPA) approved a number of resolutions calling on aviation authorities around the world to mitigate the aftershocks of the September 11 terrorist attacks on general aviation and aerial work (GA/AW).

Meeting in Sao Paulo, Brazil, earlier this month, delegates from 18 member associations urged the United States to return to its simple and rapid process for approving foreign flight training candidates to study at U.S. flight schools. The resolution delegates passed says the revised post-9/11 process adds a burdensome delay for pilots and students seeking to enter the United States for flight training.

The delegates also called on regulatory agencies in countries with security problems to consult with various categories of GA/AW users prior to taking action on aviation security issues.

Another issue facing the delegates is advances in navigational technology. In one resolution, they pledged their organizations to work cooperatively to develop consensus on emerging datalink requirements. The delegates also called for a terrestrial backup system to Global Positioning Satellite Systems, which would be compatible with aeronautical, maritime, and land applications.

The full text of these and all IAOPA World Assembly resolutions may be found at www.iaopa.org under the "IAOPA Information" tab.

IAOPA President Phil Boyer opened the assembly with welcoming remarks and a review of the issues facing GA/AW. "As IAOPA celebrates its forthieth anniversary," said Boyer, "it's important to recognize that today's freedom of mobility and full exchange of general aviation information across national boundaries is IAOPA's legacy. One thing that is truly brought home in an international conference like this is that the September 11 attacks have affected GA/AW around the world.

"We often think just about the United States, but the other AOPA affiliates are also facing airspace closures, threats to their airports generated by 9/11 fears in their communities, and a similar lack of public understanding of GA/AW in other countries."

This year, the biennial meeting was held at the Blue Tree Towers Morumbi Hotel from September 30 to October 4, 2002. The Associaçao De Pilotos E Proprietarios De Aeronaves (APPA-Brazil) hosted the assembly under the direction of its president, Allan Lowy.

Jack Howell, director of the ICAO Air Navigation Bureau, presented the assembly keynote speech, telling the delegates that GA/AW forms the foundation for civil aviation around the world. Therefore, he said, ICAO is committed to acknowledging GA/AW needs and working with IAOPA representatives to form a strong segment of world aviation.

As this year's conference concluded, APPA-France offered to host the next World Assembly in 2004 at Toulouse. Detailed plans have not been finalized.

IAOPA represents the interests for more than 450,000 general aviation and aerial work pilots and aircraft operators in 56 countries. The organization provides the voice for general aviation and aerial work interests in a number of international aviation organizations.

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