AOPA hits the road with its funding debate message

AOPA hits the road with its funding debate message

AOPA is taking its concerns about the FAA funding proposal all over the map. Alaska. New York. Washington. And that's just during a 10-day period.

AOPA President Phil Boyer appeared at 1 p.m. on Saturday, February 24, at the Northwest Aviation Conference and Trade Show in Puyallup, Washington, where he discussed the FAA funding debate, among other issues.

Earlier in the week, Andy Cebula, AOPA executive vice president of government affairs, was in White Plains, New York, speaking at a Westchester Aviation Association (WAA) meeting. WAA members were shocked when Cebula unveiled details - exorbitant fuel taxes and user fees - of the FAA's proposal. Showing a united general aviation front, National Business Aviation Association President Ed Bolen told the audience the FAA had given the airlines a "sweetheart deal," one that was released on Valentine's Day.

And to the far north, AOPA Alaska Regional Representative Tom George spoke at the Alaska Air Carriers Association's annual conference in Anchorage on the day the funding proposal came out. He argued that control needs to remain with Congress. He said that Alaskans already understand what it feels like to be saddled with FAA one-size-fits-all solutions. They need the ability to appeal to Congress on occasion because of Alaska's unique flying environment.

Updated: February 24, 2007, 4:15 p.m. EST