AOPA Pilot Magazine - March 2012 - Insert003

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AOPA-Chile launches initiative to improve general aviation
Beset with increasing regulations, disappearing airports, rising costs and a declining pilot population AOPA-Chile gathered with all Chilean general aviation associations—aero clubs, AOPA, FAI sports, gliders, helicopters—to generate common solutions to these and other challenges. The aviation groups sponsored the Congress for the Defense and Protection of General Aviation in Chile. The all-day meeting was held at the Tobalaba Airport on 12 November 2011. More than 250 GA pilots, aviation service organizations and members of the DGAC attended; eight presentations were made, including one by IAOPA Secretary General John Sheehan. In the days prior to the Congress, Sheehan met with CAA, ministry of state, and military officials to discuss the situation faced by general aviation in Chile and to provide the general aviation perspective and describe the value and utility that form of aviation brings to the country. Additionally, Sheehan met individually with the officers of the general aviation associations to discuss possible approaches to the problems facing them.
Left to right, IAOPA Secretary General John Sheehan with the commanding general of the Chilean Air Force and the presidents of the Santiago Aero Club, FAI Chile, and AOPA-Chile.

The heads of all the general aviation associations were pleased with the result of the Congress and pledged to work together for the common benefit of all their organizations. AOPA-Chile President Guillermo Carey said, “I am pleased that we all now have a common focus on our problems and will be able to work together. The Congress was a success.” (See www.aopa.cl.)

AOPA-Japan participates in safety conference
On 24 September 2011 the United States Air Force and AOPA-Japan co-sponsored the Second Mid-Air Collision Avoidance (MACA) Conference and Fly-In at the U.S. Air Base in Yakota, Japan. AOPA members flew 28 aircraft to Yakota and provided more than 125 GA pilots to meet with air force personnel and discuss flight operations and air traffc control procedures, flight patterns, training routes, and aircraft identification procedures. Ari Yamagata, AOPA-Japan vice president noted, “After the presentations there were many eager questions, which means all the attendees took the issues seriously and with common awareness. The conference was completed successfully, in which we learned how seriously USAF Yokota AB took the issue of aviation safety.” Chief of safety at the Yakota Air Base, Lieutenant Colonel James Hackbarth, said, “I would like to thank

AOPA-Japan for being our partner in flight safety and making the 2011 MACA Fly-In a success. Whether we are flying to support our friends in their times of need or conducting local training missions, the airmen of Yokota Air Base strive to safely share the airspace with you.”

German umbrella aviation organization formed
German general and business aviation, aviation service provider, and regional airport associations joined together in September to address regulatory issues of common interest, particularly the bias of air navigation service providers and major airports in favor of the airlines. AOPA-Germany’s Michael Erb commented, “Globalisation and the enlargement of the European Union should have provided the associations mentioned with a boost in activity. Yet new regulations imposed over the past few years have led to an explosion of

costs for infrastructure, maintenance and flight operations. “Therefore, the AOPAGermany, Federation of General Aviation Enterprises (BBAL), German Business Aviation Association (GBAA), and Community and Regional Airports (IDRF) formed the association in September 2011. The new organization represents more than 90 percent of the German air fleet and regional airports. The group will provide a coordinated response to regulations affecting its members, working with regulators, politicians and local authorities where necessary.”

Support your AOPA
AOPAs around the world promote and act as advocates for general aviation and aerial work activities. This is only possible through the support and input of their members. If you are not a member, contact your local AOPA for membership information. IAOPA world affiliates are listed on the back of this page.

www.iaopa.org

MARCH 2012

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AOPA Pilot Magazine - March 2012

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of AOPA Pilot Magazine - March 2012