AOPA Action

New caucus educates lawmakers on GA issues

A new congressional caucus to help ensure the future of general aviation, founded and co-chaired by Reps. Allen Boyd (D-Fla.) and Vernon Ehlers (R-Mich.) is picking up steam as members of Congress in key aviation-related committees add their names to the ranks of those supporting GA.

The General Aviation Caucus was formed to educate lawmakers about the importance of GA to our economy and transportation system, and its growing membership includes House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman James Oberstar (D-Minn.).

Since the recent launch of AOPA's GA Serves America campaign (www.gaservesamerica.com) and the formation of the General Aviation Caucus, the message that GA is an important economic asset and vital component of the transportation system is spreading throughout Congress. In the first month, 45 representatives had joined the caucus to help their colleagues better understand GA's importance.

AOPA encourages members to check AOPA's Web site to see if their representative is a part of the caucus (www.aopa.org, keyword: GA Caucus). If your representative is a member of the caucus, send him or her a note of thanks for taking a stand for GA. If your representative hasn't signed up, let him or her know the value of joining this group.

You can get your representative's contact information online (www.house.gov/house/ MemberWWW_by_State.shtml). Because GA supports more than a million jobs and $150 billion in economic activity, each representative's district depends on the industry.

AIR SAFETY FOUNDATION

'Say It Right' with new online course

So, you think you've got the jargon down and your radio etiquette is up to snuff? Count on the AOPA Air Safety Foundation to test your mettle when you take ASF's newest interactive online course called Say It Right: Mastering Radio Communications.

Built on the foundation of the extremely successful live safety seminar called Say It Right: Radio Communications in Today's Airspace, ASF collaborated with the National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA) in developing this latest course to help you kick bad habits and learn new techniques. Audio examples cover many specific in-flight scenarios, and video advice from NATCA controllers provide the insight and knowledge you need to communicate effectively and overcome any bouts of mic fright.

To fully benefit from the course, be sure to visit the Ask ATC Web page (www.asf.org/askatc), developed in collaboration with NATCA. Who to give better advice on ATC radio communications than the controllers themselves? Then relax, kick back, and master the radio like the pro you are (www.asf.org/courses).

Meeting members' financial needs for more than 25 years

Pilots have been earning valuable reward points for general aviation expenses and purchases for many years by way of the AOPA WorldPoints Rewards credit card.

Larry Noughton of Fort Myers, Florida, recently used the credit card to pay the $11,000 bill for his Beechcraft's annual inspection. "It's pretty much the only card I use," said Noughton, a pilot for 17 years and credit card holder since 1999. "I pay for almost all my avgas with the card, too." Noughton's wife, Karolyn, is "thrilled" with the program. "We love it. I just redeemed 50,000 points for numerous gift cards to our favorite stores and restaurants," she said.

"It's been 25 years since Bank of America has partnered with AOPA to provide its members with a valuable and relevant credit card program. Members are rewarded by acquiring and using the AOPA WorldPoints Rewards credit card, including double point earnings at select aviation merchants and FBOs," said Maureen Davis of Bank of America. "AOPA benefits by receiving financial support from the bank that it can use to further its mission of keeping flying fun, safe, and affordable."

To get started earning or redeeming points today, visit the Web site or call 800-434-8313.

Making vacation plans?

You will find a pilot's paradise in Tampa, Florida, at the AOPA Aviation Summit (www.aopa.org/summit) on November 5, 6, and 7. Come for the Summit, and stay for everything Tampa has to offer--fabulous beaches, art museums, and dinner cruises. Be sure to plan a visit to the Fantasy of Flight museum, where you can climb into the cockpits of vintage aircraft, take a ride, or enjoy the daily airshow where vintage aircraft roar to life. Make your vacation one the entire family will remember for years to come.

Planning a trip to AirVenture?

Every year, hundreds of thousands of pilots and aircraft enthusiasts descend on Oshkosh, Wisconsin, for EAA AirVenture, a celebration of all things aviation. AirVenture is one of the world's largest aviation gatherings, with more than 10,000 aircraft and a half-million attendees every year.

This summer, why not bring your instructor and make AirVenture a cross-country destination? AOPA can help make it a possibility. Check out AOPA's Internet Flight Planner (www.aopa.org/aifp) to plan the route with fuel stops, updated TFR information, weather, and more. It's an easy way to plan the perfect trip to an unforgettable aviation experience.

Once you're in Oshkosh, be sure to visit AOPA in our big yellow tent. There you can meet with AOPA Flight Training editors, learn about AOPA initiatives, and even pick up a free goodie or two. We can't wait to see you there.

Notice of annual meeting of members

The annual meeting of the members of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association will be held at 12 noon on Friday, September 11, 2009, at Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, 421 Aviation Way, Frederick, Maryland 21701, located on Frederick Municipal Airport (FDK), for the purpose of receiving reports and transacting such other business as may properly come before the meeting, including the election of trustees. --John S. Yodice, secretary