Get the word out

Never have we enjoyed our passion for flight as much as we do today. Whether it’s for a sightseeing trip, conveniently getting to an important business meeting, flying medical supplies and personnel, or just exercising our flying muscles, we’re all taking full advantage of this freedom not seen anywhere else in the world.

However, it seems that everywhere you look, there are those who want to rob us of this freedom. Airports are under threat from uninformed politicians; laws are being enacted across the nation that are designed to be roadblocks in the sky; and airport neighbors are not being, well, very neighborly.pre

As in most instances—in aviation and in society—criticism arises from ignorance. Most people don’t understand the benefits that GA brings a community, whether they fly or never go near the airport.

To the naysayers, your arguments fall flat.

There are better uses for the airport. False. General aviation is about local economic impact. We need to recall that GA is a $247 billion industry that supports more than 1.2 million jobs across the United States. Local airports are economic engines for their communities, as well as providing vital emergency and rescue operations. Imagine what fighting wildfires in the West or delivering much-needed supplies to remote locations in the aftermath of a hurricane would be without GA. I’d rather not. GA airports are the on and off ramps to the nation’s larger air transportation system, giving small communities fast and easy access to major airports located near metropolitan areas. As is often said, a mile of highway takes you a mile, but a mile of runway can take you anywhere.

There’s little benefit to the community. False. I know first-hand that businesses, whether deciding where to establish a headquarters or open a new store, consider efficient and easy transportation as a major factor. They need to get to meetings, see suppliers and partners, and visit clients. It’s not very cost-effective to drive two hours to an airport with airline service, find and pay for parking, wait in lines for who-knows-how-long, and deal with other hassles.

Flying is just for the wealthy. False. We never said flying is cheap, but many avenues for people to become pilots, stay safely in the air, and even own an aircraft are much more approachable than what may commonly be assumed. Many of the pilots taking off from our local airports are your friends, colleagues, and neighbors. Pilots can also share costs by joining one of more than 800 flying clubs around the country.

Pilots are not good neighbors. False. Just look at the incredible number of hours we aviators donate to flying sick patients to hospitals, taking youngsters aloft for their first airplane ride, and even moving pets to new homes across state lines. We know that our strength lies in what we give back to the community.

Shame on the critics for not knowing the facts before they bellow, but we can also do a better job at educating our neighbors and critics about the wonderful benefits general aviation and our airports bring to the daily lives of our local communities.

When I’m out around the country, I’m often asked by aviators: What can I do to help general aviation? How can I help protect our airport and our passion? There’s a lot one person can do. I’ve seen it.

Talk to people beyond your circle of aviators. I know we’re never shy to talk about flying, but our aviation community gets it. Talk to those who don’t. Write a note to a local politician about what flying and the airport mean to the community. Make a presentation at your local business or civic group. Even write a letter to the editor. People can’t appreciate what they don’t know.

Take someone flying. You never know which kid you take for her first ride will grow up to become the next astronaut, airline pilot, or member of your local flying club. Our community is about strength in numbers—let’s keep growing.

Become an ASN volunteer. Have a passion for keeping your local airport alive and well? Join AOPA’s Airport Support Network. Our ASN volunteers are our eyes and ears to local issues and challenges. Find out more and let us know you’re interested at aopa.org/asn.

There is a lot one person can do in the face of many who can’t appreciate what we provide. If knowledge is power, education is our weapon.

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