Experts from all sectors of general aviation joined state leaders Aug. 10 at the West Virginia Aviation Conference to discuss critical issues affecting aviation statewide.
AOPA Vice President of Airports and State Advocacy Greg Pecoraro discussed the many ways states can encourage or damage the aviation industry through taxation, airport policies, and access restrictions.
“Events like this one are extremely important because they provide a forum for decision makers to learn more about the value of general aviation in their states and how to preserve and increase that value,” said Pecoraro. “West Virginia’s mountainous terrain makes general aviation especially important as a means of connecting communities with needed goods and services. Fortunately Governor Joe Manchin is a longtime pilot and AOPA member who is actively engaged in supporting GA in his state.”
In addition to Pecoraro, other speakers included Kate Lang, the FAA’s acting associate administrator of airports; Henry Ogrodinsky, president of the National Association of State Aviation Officials; and Lisa Piccione, vice president of government affairs at the National Business Aviation Association.
The aviation conference, which brought together 120 people, was sponsored by the state aeronautics commission and its director, Susan Chernenko.
