AOPA Pilot Magazine - December 2021 - 13

REGUL ATORY AFFA IRS /
REGIONAL NEWS /
Reunion at the races
BY MIKE GINTER,
AOPA vice president, airports
and state advocacy
IT IS EASY to see the pentup
demand in the pilots
and airshow enthusiasts
at airshows and major aviation
events after the long
hiatus caused by COVID19.
Such was the case at
this year's Stihl National
Championship Air Races at Reno/Stead Airport.
And as the skies stay busy and the industry
grows, our airports are busier than ever. This
reinforces the importance and role of our AOPA
Airport Support Network volunteers.
The valley of speed in the Reno high desert
provided a perfect backdrop for ASN volunteers
from all over the country to gather to hear
the latest updates and share their stories of airport
advocacy. Hosted in the hangar of Tom
Hall, our Reno/Stead volunteer, we met with 25
volunteers, including Linda Mae Hivert (MindenTahoe,
Nevada), Will Shaw (Miami Dade-Collier,
Florida), and Keith Serkes (ASN board member
from Pagosa Springs, Colorado). Joining the
ASN volunteers this year were AOPA members
and experienced air race pilots, including John
Lomar (T-6 Radial Velocity), Mike Pfleger (P-51
Lady B), and Paul Downing (Lancair 360).
Our ASN volunteers have been leading the
charge as demand for effective airport advocacy
continues to increase. Tony Restaino is a charter
member of the ASN program and founded
the North Perry Airport Community Association
to keep his Florida community informed about
the importance of that airport. John McGowan
helped found the Community and Airport
Partnership for Safe Operations (CAAPSO) to
fight Santa Clara County, California's decadeslong
attempt to close Reid-Hillview Airport.
And Kent Feuerring is president of the East
Hampton Aviation Association and strives to
promote the value of East Hampton Airport in
New York to political and community leaders.
Consider joining the ASN volunteer program
to help us protect our freedom to fly. And we'll
see you at the races next year. mike.ginter@
aopa.org
ON THE FRONT LINES /
At the state
level
BY SEAN COLLINS,
AOPA Eastern Regional
Manager
AOPA WORKS CLOSELY and effectively
with many state aviation
associations, even if " pilot " is not
in their title. State pilot associations
effectively serve their members
through flying events, newsletters,
and community outreach. Active
pilots can expand their understanding
of GA in their respective
states by getting involved with
these associations, which are hard
at work for you.
State aviation or airport management
associations comprise
the professionals who manage and
maintain airports and work collectively
to advance policy and
legislation at the state level. Many
pilots and AOPA members can be
found in state association leadership
positions, such as Tom Hurley, executive
director for the Massachusetts
Airport Management Association;
Robbie Wills, president of Arkansas
General Aviation Association; and
Ed Kelley, secretary of Maryland
Airport Managers Association.
The more I work with these
organizations the more I realize
how much they benefit us-working
to protect the local system of airports.
Often seen as the local face of
aviation, they demonstrate impressive
influence with state officials.
sean.collins@aopa.org
EASTERN REGION
AOPA remains actively involved with
the town of East Hampton, New York,
as it tries to reenvision the airport. Our
message: HTO should continue to operate
as an airport!
AOPA, the Massachusetts Airport
Management Association, and the
Massachusetts Business Aviation
Association secured an important
legislative victory when the Joint
Committee on Transportation referred
the $1,000 climate mitigation landing fee
bill to study, effectively terminating it and
protecting GA at Massachusetts airports.
WESTERN PACIFIC REGION
The Hawaii Department of Transportation,
Airports Division formally revoked its
intent to terminate the Dillingham Airfield
lease early, easing tensions at this active
airport and paving the way for long-term
plans for improvements. AOPA continues
to lead the coalition of pilots, businesses,
and elected leaders to realize these
needed improvements.
CENTR AL SOUTHWEST REGION
AOPA worked with the Texas DOT
Aviation Division to prevent construction
of a home within the runway protection
zone at Gatesville Municipal Airport
(GOP), stopping a serious safety hazard
and protecting the airport.
ALASKA
AOPA is leading the Mountain Pass
Charting working group to make it easier
for pilots to navigate and communicate
when flying through major mountain
passes in Alaska.
aopa.org/advocacy/state-advocacy
19 percent.
Civil aviation's contribution to the state
of Hawaii GDP (gross domestic product).
AOPA PILOT / December 2021
13
http://www.aopa.org/advocacy/state-advocacy
AOPA Pilot Magazine - December 2021

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