AOPA works for members at the state and local level across the United States. Catch up on what the association has done for you recently in the Great Lakes region.
AOPA took part in the Aviation Association of Indiana’s aviation day at the capitol. Throughout the day, AOPA met with legislative leaders and discussed opportunities to strengthen the state’s general aviation airports. In Wisconsin, AOPA has been contacting airport managers and Airport Support Network volunteers to get feedback on plans to expand the Volk Airspace Complex. AOPA is concerned that the proposal would reduce the utility of underlying civilian airports and make north-south air travel difficult. AOPA Great Lakes Regional Manager Bryan Budds testified before Michigan lawmakers in support of two pro-general aviation bills. He spoke before the state Senate Transportation Committee in favor of HB 4727 which requires meteorological evaluation towers to be marked and charted. The bill passed the Committee and is awaiting consideration by the full Senate. He also spoke before the state Senate Judiciary Committee in favor of HB 4244 which would clarify existing liability protections for private airstrip owners. AOPA also sponsored and took part in the first ever Michigan Aviation Safety Forum. The full-day event was held in Ypsilanti with the mission of delivering safety education to pilots and aviation maintenance technicians. And the association is formally opposing plans to build a wind turbine within the traffic pattern of a private airstrip in Michigan’s “thumb.” AOPA provided testimony to the Ohio House State Government Committee in favor of HB 386, sponsored by Rep. Rick Perales, which would add an image of the Wright Flyer to the Ohio Great Seal.
