Fighting the right battles
Advocating where it matters
By Jim Coon
General aviation in the United States thrives on a simple but powerful idea: freedom. The freedom to fly for business or pleasure, to train the next generation of aviators, and to connect with communities that would otherwise be left behind. That freedom does not maintain itself. It requires constant, focused advocacy in areas that directly affect pilots, aircraft owners, and operators. The future of GA depends on fighting the right battles—and fighting them together.
One of the most pressing issues is the misuse of ADS-B data for purposes it was never intended to serve. Automatic Dependent Surveillance–Broadcast was implemented to improve safety and situational awareness. The use of ADS-B data for fee collection undermines trust in the system and creates a chilling effect on pilots equipping with this safety-enhancing technology. You should never have to choose between complying with safety mandates and protecting yourself from fees. AOPA’s advocacy efforts with the Pilot and Aircraft Privacy Act (PAPA) aimed at prohibiting the use of ADS-B data for fee collection are essential to preserving both safety and fairness in the national airspace system.
Meaningful reform of the designated pilot examiner program is critical. Checkrides are among the most consequential events in a pilot’s career, yet many applicants face delays, inconsistent standards, and limited examiner availability, driving up training costs, discouraging new pilots, and slowing the aviation workforce pipeline. AOPA pushed for important reforms—better oversight, an increase in examiners, consistent evaluation standards, improved transparency to help everyone. But there is still work to be done.
Programs like BasicMed have provided welcome relief for many pilots, but the traditional pathway is burdened by outdated procedures, inconsistent decision timelines, and an antiquated IT infrastructure. FAA Federal Air Surgeon Susan Northrup has made progress, but many pilots face lengthy delays and poor communication from the FAA (some delays occur because pilots initially lack proper medical documentation). Advocacy has led to long-overdue funding for upgrading the FAA’s medical IT systems and bringing on more medical professionals. Reforming internal processes will improve efficiency, reduce uncertainty, and allow AMEs and pilots to focus on health and safety rather than paperwork.
The implementation of MOSAIC will bring more advanced aircraft in terms of technology and materials to the GA fleet, which is aging, creating the challenge of ensuring these aircraft remain airworthy within regulations not intended for airplanes that are 40 to 60 years old. Although many older aircraft continue to be dependable, they are facing growing certification challenges as parts, materials, or original manufacturing methods become unavailable. Pursuing alternative methods of compliance (AMOC) is a practical and necessary solution. AMOCs allow operators and maintenance professionals to meet safety objectives using modern materials, methods, and engineering judgment without compromising safety. Expanding acceptance and awareness of AMOCs will keep aircraft flying, maintenance shops viable, and ownership costs manageable.
These issues are interconnected. Advocacy works when we all speak with a unified voice. This is one of AOPA’s greatest strengths. Membership is not just about individual benefits; it is about collective influence. When lawmakers, regulators, and agencies hear from hundreds of thousands of informed, engaged pilots, they listen. AOPA’s ability to engage Congress, work with the FAA, and challenge harmful policies depends on you. Being an AOPA member means supporting the infrastructure that protects GA from regulatory overreach, shortsighted policy decisions, and unintended consequences. Advocacy is most effective when it is proactive rather than reactive, and your sustained membership makes that possible. GA supports millions of jobs, fuels innovation, and serves as the foundation for the broader aviation ecosystem. It trains future airline pilots, supports emergency services, and enables commerce in large and small communities. A bright future for GA will be reached through sensible legislation, effective regulations, innovative systems, and a willingness to adapt while protecting fundamental freedoms. By advocating for data privacy, fair certification processes, medical reform, airport infrastructure, ATC modernization, and practical solutions for aging aircraft—and by standing together and encouraging others to join AOPA—we can help ensure GA in the United States remains vibrant, accessible, and safe. 
Jim Coon spent 25 years on Capitol Hill in several senior staff positions, including staff director for the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
