Pilots must act in political process, says Rep. Darrell Issa, AOPA member and pilot

Pilots must act in political process, says Rep. Darrell Issa, AOPA member and pilot

Rep. Darrell Issa (R-Calif.) and AOPA President Phil Boyer

Rep. Darrell Issa (R-Calif.) spoke to several hundred guests at a reception for AOPA political action committee donors last week during AOPA Expo in Long Beach, Calif. Issa, representing California's 49th Congressional District just north of San Diego, has been an active pilot for nearly 30 years and is a member of AOPA.

Issa talked to attendees about the need to preserve airports, to protect pilots and owners from overbearing security measures, and for pilots to make sure their members of Congress know their concerns. He said the Transportation Security Administration needs to develop a balanced security policy that weighs the risks of all modes of transportation. Issa noted that cars and trucks pose a much greater risk than most general aviation aircraft, and that the kinds of restrictions imposed on general aviation would never be tolerated for other sectors.

"As one of more than 20 AOPA members and pilots in the U.S. Congress, Rep. Issa is an important ally and advocate for pilots," said Jon Hixson, AOPA vice president of Legislative Affairs. "He helps his nonpilot colleagues understand how their actions impact general aviation."

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October 27, 2004