General aviation serves all Americans, and nowhere is that more true than in Alaska, AOPA President Craig Fuller told attendees at the Alaska Aviation Trade Show and Conference as he brought them up to date on AOPA’s new General Aviation Serves America Campaign to educate decision makers and the public about the true value of GA.
During a May 2 address in Anchorage, Fuller talked about the many challenges facing general aviation today, including onerous security proposals that could shut down GA airports or put aircraft operators out of business. Those issues were top of mind for many conference attendees who asked for more details about the Large Aircraft Security Program and the SD-8F security directive that would impose strict security requirements at airports that offer even limited commercial service.
Fuller also addressed the urgent need for modernization of the air traffic control system, and AOPA’s efforts to keep NextGen moving forward while protecting the general fund contribution to the FAA.
“Having a strong, modern, safe aviation system is vital to the public good and should be publicly funded,” Fuller told the crowd.
Fuller also addressed issues of special concern to Alaska pilots, including the Delta Junction temporary military operations area that cuts access to a key IFR route between Fairbanks and points east and the challenges being raised by arbitrary noise standards for Denali National Park.
Although he was ready to tackle the big issues while at the conference, Fuller also made time for some fun, touring the exhibit hall and flying the Medallion Foundation's new Supercub simulator.
