The Great Alaska Aviation Gathering kicked off the summer flying season in Alaska, with an AOPA Rusty Pilot seminar and speakers from AOPA. Arizona's state Senate has passed an AOPA-supported bill that would alleviate taxes on aviation businesses that already pay federal fees, sending the measure back to the House for a final vote. California-based AOPA Ambassador Kay Sundaram is working with numerous flight schools and flying clubs in the San Diego and Los Angeles areas. Sundaram is sharing AOPA resources with the groups and helping them host Rusty Pilot programs to get lapsed pilots back in the air. A bill that would have banned aerial banner towing in Hawaii has died in the House after facing serious opposition from the aviation community. In Colorado, AOPA Regional Manager David Ulane met with the Airport Support Network volunteer, the Airport Advisory Board, and the new airport manager at Longmont/Vance Brand Airport to discuss opportunities to improve the busy field's relationship with its neighbors. Ulane is slated to take part in both the Idaho Airport Management Association's annual conference in Coeur d'Alene and the Idaho Aviation Association's annual convention in Idaho Falls in May. Meanwhile in Oregon, AOPA is contesting a siting permit for the Troutdale Energy Center adjacent to Portland-Troutdale Airport because of concerns about severe turbulence that could be caused by the power plant. AOPA presented evidence of the possible impacts in written testimony in the case. In Utah, Gov. Gary Herbert proclaimed April "Aviation Appreciation Month," specifically recognizing the efforts of AOPA and other associations in promoting GA in the state. In Washington, Ulane briefed legislators on the status of the Pilot's Bill of Rights 2 and the FAA's Piston Aviation Fuels Initiative.
展开▼
