AOPA Pilot Magazine - May 2011 - 18

2 Florida

Florida legislature eyes maintenance sales tax
servicing industry, because small Now that Florida’s infamous use airplanes are big business,” said tax is history, the Florida legislature AOPA Director of State Governis considering a bill to expand the ment Affairs Mark Kimberling. “And sales tax exemption on aircraft parts while Florida is certainly a major and maintenance labor to boost center for GA the state’s once activity, numerlucrative aircraft ous states have servicing industry. “SMALL taken aggressive Senate President ARE action over the Pro Tempore past several years Michael Bennett— to decentralize with the support the industry and of AOPA and the lure business Florida Aviation away from Florida’s numerous Trades Association—has introduced repair and service operations. As a Senate Bill 1242 to lower the weight qualification for the exemption from result, not only is Florida losing out on out-of-state business, but we’ve 15,000 pounds to 2,000 pounds in also started to see Florida aircraft order to better compete with other owners leaving the state for what states with existing exemptions. can amount to significant savings “This is an important and timely on major maintenance work.”2 measure for Florida’s aircraft

Sam Crimm gets involved

BIG

airplanes

business”

3 Kansas

Liability bill will open airstrip access in Kansas
The Kansas legislature has passed a liability protection bill that could greatly increase access to private airstrips in the state. House Bill 2184 will extend protection that now insulates landowners from liability in connection with such activities as hunting, fishing, and camping on their property to noncommercial aviation. AOPA Southwest Regional Representative Shelly deZevallos—who actively worked with lawmakers to advocate passage of the bill—met with Senate President Steve Morris and the bill’s sponsor, Rep. Carl Holmes, an AOPA member and Mooney pilot, on the measure. She explained that the bill would enhance “the strong general aviation history in the state and Kansas’s enormous contribution to our country’s aviation industry.” “Kansas is already home to more than 140 public-use airports,” said AOPA Director of State Government Affairs Mark Kimberling. “But there are also numerous other private airstrips throughout the state that are not currently open to the public because of outdated and inequitable liability laws. AOPA has been working across the country to change liability laws so that owners of these airstrips can open them up for increased GA access.”

Promoting your local airport is often essential to its success. While educating the community about the benefits of the airport is no simple task, some have mastered the art. Sam Crimm, AOPA Airport Support Network volunteer at Tullahoma Regional Airport in middle Tennessee, is one of these individuals. “Getting involved at the airport is key,” Crimm says. “By interacting with local policymakers and community members, airport advocates have an opportunity to explain the many ways the airport supports and improves the area.” Beginning his flight training at age 15, Crimm has a long history at Tullahoma. Crimm also earned his commercial certificate and instrument rating, flown more than 5,000 hours, started a successful aerial photography business, and has served both as chairman and as a member of the Tullahoma Regional Airport Authority. “Becoming an airport advocate is not only a great way to get to know your fellow aviation enthusiasts, but also a great way to promote your airport throughout the community and beyond,” Crimm said. With local support from the community, Tullahoma Regional Airport has undergone significant improvements and was named Tennessee’s 2010 Most Improved Airport. Learn how you can be a successful airport advocate and AOPA Airport Support Network volunteer (www.aopa.org/asn).
For more information on learning how to volunteer for AOPA, visit AOPA Online (www.aopa.org/asn).
AOPA PILOT • 17 • MAY 2011
http://www.aopa.org/asn http://www.aopa.org/asn
AOPA Pilot Magazine - May 2011

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of AOPA Pilot Magazine - May 2011
