AOPA and 11 other aviation associations hosted a kick-off reception Feb. 15 for new, returning, and prospective members of the House GA Caucus. The caucus and its counterpart in the Senate give members of Congress the opportunity to discuss and learn more about issues affecting a vital but little understood sector of the nation’s transportation system.
“The kick-off reception not only welcomed new and returning members,” said AOPA Vice President of Legislative Affairs Lorraine Howerton. “It also gave prospective members the opportunity to learn more about GA from the 12 hosts who represent a wide cross-section of general aviation, from personal use to corporate and charter, to public benefit flying, to those who restore and fly aviation’s history--antique aircraft and warbirds.”
The House GA Caucus has new co-chairs for the 112th Congress: Rep. Sam Graves (R-Mo.) and Rep. John Barrow (D-Ga.).
“General aviation could not ask for two more knowledgeable or passionate supporters to chair this caucus,” continued Howerton. “It is going to be vital during this coming year, as Congress considers issues like FAA reauthorization and NextGen (the satellite-based Next Generation Air Transportation System) that members know what they need to know to consider all of the implications of their decision.”
Pilots and aircraft owners can help the caucus grow by contacting their representatives and encouraging them to join the GA Caucus. See AOPA’s GA Caucus map to find out if your elected official is a member.
The hosts of the GA Caucus kick-off reception were the Air Care Alliance, AOPA, the Alliance for Aviation Across America, the Antique Airplane Association, the Commemorative Air Force, the General Aviation Manufacturers Association, the Helicopter Association International, the International Council of Air Shows, the MU-2 Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, the National Air Transportation Association, the National Business Aviation Association, and the Recreational Aviation Foundation.
