Stronger in numbers
You are our most valuable asset
By Jim Coon
Appreciate what you have, do not take things for granted, stop complaining, and instead be a part of fixing the problem—we have all heard these missives at some point, and they all ring true regardless of time, place, or circumstance. When it comes to general aviation advocacy, you can do all these by being an AOPA member.
Being in aviation, you are one of the luckiest people on the face of the Earth. You fly in or play an integral part in the greatest aviation system the world has ever known. And it is you—all of us, really—who must do all we can to protect this privilege. It is our responsibility to pass along the amazing experience of flight to the next generation.
How can we accomplish this? Let me count the ways. First, your AOPA membership is an invaluable piece of this larger puzzle. I am obviously a bit biased, but every pilot should be an AOPA member. We are stronger in numbers, and when we rally around a particular issue, we get things done. Your AOPA membership plays an integral role in our work to protect and promote general aviation as we advocate for you in the halls of Congress and in state legislatures across the country.
Promoting AOPA’s You Can Fly high school aviation curriculum is another step to introduce students to aviation and rewarding career opportunities. This award-winning curriculum, the vision of AOPA President Mark Baker, is now being taught in hundreds of schools in 44 states across the country. The state of Oklahoma leads the nation with 57 high schools currently teaching the curriculum to students.
Encouraging pilots and others to join our community is another key ingredient. Someone asked me recently what the biggest challenge facing aviation is today. I responded by saying that other than the need to find an unleaded fuel, my biggest fear is that we lose this special gift we have. There are so many competing interests, and many pilots who believe someone else will take care of it. In addition, newly-minted pilots do not have the perspective of history, or the understanding that we must fight every day for what we have. Our many challenges include politicians being swayed by developers and airports going away, the implementation of policies that discourage participation or growth, pricing and fees that drive pilots out, bureaucratic morass, and more. We must be engaged, and we do this through strength in numbers.
Relationships matter. Getting to know your elected officials is a key ingredient. Your airport manager, local airport board, mayor, town council members, state legislators, and members of Congress are all involved in daily decisions impacting GA. Invite them to the airport, take them for a flight, educate them on what general aviation is and does for the community. If you are fortunate enough to have an AOPA Airport Support Network (ASN) volunteer at your airport, help him or her be more effective for you and other pilots.
We must also reflect on the contributions of so many before us, and of those today who have had a hand in making our nation’s aviation system the envy of the world. U.S. Rep. Sam Graves, the top Republican on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and co-chair of the General Aviation Caucus, will again be in a leadership role during consideration of 2023’s enormous aviation bill, FAA reauthorization. He is an active pilot, knows GA, and is respected on both sides of the political aisle. We have an opportunity to address areas that will make the GA experience even better, and we are fortunate that AOPA members reside in every congressional district across the country. Each AOPA member’s voice represents a vote and, believe it or not, members of Congress do listen to their constituents.
While there are several pro-GA members in Congress, there will be enormous shoes to fill as U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe from Oklahoma retires at the end of this year after a long and distinguished career. A man of integrity and honor, a pilot and aircraft owner, Inhofe epitomizes GA and embodies a passion for flying. He has accomplished so many things for GA during his career: Congratulations on a job well done. We are appreciative and are not taking his accomplishments for granted. We have fought in the political arena together, to protect and preserve our freedom to fly.
Your AOPA membership is important to ensuring a bright future for GA as we advocate for our priorities in Congress and in state legislatures. Every pilot should join this community so we don’t lose the privileges so many enjoy today.
