AOPA Pilot Magazine - August 2012 - 58

Remarkably, even though his face is lined with fatigue, he says, “My days are always successful; I get to do what I love to do.” Dunn, a 21-year AOPA employee, private pilot, and former state trooper, exemplifies the passion and dogged determination of the association’s Government Affairs Division. This advocacy team of the world’s largest general aviation organization does the heavy lifting for pilots. Can we stop user fees from destroying GA? Can we identify a workable alternative to leaded avgas? Can we save owners from excessive taxation?

all approaches used to lobby for the ultimate goal—saving an airport. “I am the advocate,” Dunn pronounces in describing his role.
FIRST HOURS. With his first cup of coffee of the day, Dunn meets with Los Angeles Times staff writer Dan Weikel. Weikel covers transportation for the newspaper and has talked with Dunn often in the four years since they first met. The two discuss the current situation at Santa Monica, and Weikel seems impressed that Dunn will be attending that evening’s

And the question on Dunn’s mind: Can we preserve local airports? On this trip—Dunn travels some 80 days per year—it’s the never-ending fight to save Santa Monica Airport, which has been under attack since the mid-1970s. Dunn has been carrying this banner since 1991 and has employed every tactic in his book. From bulldog stances to cajoling conversations, Dunn has met with the organizations such as Friends of Santa Monica Airport (FOSMO), city officials, the FAA, and airport management in his efforts to explain and validate the airport’s importance (see “Why We Need to Save SMO,” page 61). Recently, with assistance from AOPA Vice President of Airports and State Advocacy Greg Pecoraro, Dunn crafted a letter to the members of the Santa Monica city council advocating for a “we’re on your side” conciliatory relationship. Working with, working against, being nice, being tough—they’re
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council meeting. Weikel is pragmatic about the situation at Santa Monica, sees the many sides of the story, and has learned much from his association with Dunn. Sitting together in the hotel lobby, the two look more like old friends than men who see each other once or twice a year on business. In fact, the conversation is like one between friends, or counselor to colleague. Weikel says later that Dunn is well versed in the issues involving GA airports. “He is professional and a strong advocate for AOPA,” he says. “I’ve found him to be very helpful providing AN EARLY MORNING meeting with me information and backLos Angeles Times reporter Dan ground for local aviation Weikel takes place in the Torrance, stories.” California, Courtyard Marriott (above left). Dunn starts his day Weikel gets a call that with a cup of coffee, but no there’s been an accident cigarette. He gave up that 30-year at California’s high-speed habit just two months prior.

AOPA Pilot Magazine - August 2012

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