Ohio lawmakers spent the better part of a day meeting with AOPA and local pilots as the group shared ideas and insights in the aviation-rich state prior to the 2016 legislative session.
The Dec. 17 meetings occurred on the anniversary of powered flight by the Dayton, Ohio, bicycle-building brothers Orville and Wilbur Wright, who lifted off in their Wright Flyer 112 years ago.
Bryan Budds, AOPA Great Lakes regional manager, facilitated the day of conferences under the Ohio Statehouse rotunda in Columbus.
Officials heard how aviation continues to benefit the state’s economy by providing job opportunities, boosting revenue, and maintaining strong ties to Ohio’s history of modern flight.
Budds was joined by several Seaplane Pilots Association members as they met with members of Gov. John Kasich’s staff, senators, and representatives to continue discussions about opening up the state’s waterways to seaplane access.
The 2016 Ohio legislative session begins in late January and continues through December.
