Flight Training - February 2012 - 4

PRESIDENT'S PERSPECTIVE

By Craig Fuller

AOPA SERVICES
THE AIRCRAFT OWNERS AND PILOTS ASSOCIATION is general aviation's advocate and the largest, most influential aviation association in the world.

CONSIDER A CANDIDATE’S POSITION ON GA ISSUES
very four years we all get the chance to choose who will fill the most critical leadership positions in the nation. This year, not only are we voting for president, but we also will decide the fate of one-third of the U.S. Senate and all 435 members of the House of Representatives.
We all have many reasons for selecting one candidate over another. These are nuanced decisions and I don’t suggest you vote based on a single issue. Rather, this year I ask you to consider a candidate’s position on the issues that affect general aviation—along with all the other factors you consider when voting. If you’re new to GA, you may not have given much thought to how elected representatives can affect your freedom and cost to fly. Taxes, user fees, funding for airport infrastructure, access to GPS signals, air traffic modernization, and many more issues are decided in Washington, D.C. And having elected officials who understand and appreciate the value of GA makes an enormous difference. At this writing, the GA caucuses in the House and Senate are among the biggest on Capitol Hill. The 142 members of the House GA Caucus and 36 members of the Senate GA Caucus have repeatedly taken action that supports GA. From opposing user fees to insisting on privacy rights for aircraft operators, these lawmakers recognize that GA serves the nation and are actively engaged in protecting it. This year’s elections will inevitably shake things up. Some caucus members will win reelection, and others may not. But the more lawmakers who value GA win office, the better our chances of continuing to avoid user fees, provide long-term funding for the FAA, and prevent excessive and costly regulation. The best way to find out where a candidate stands on GA is to ask. It’s not an issue that comes up all the time, and some candidates may not have given much thought to where GA fits into the national transportation system. That’s where you can make a huge difference. Tell candidates that GA matters to you and thousands of others. Tell them why GA is important in your life. Then tell them you vote. I’ve been around politics a long time, and I want to share a simple truth with you. Politicians know that every vote counts, and they want to win yours. When you tell them what matters to you, they will listen. At AOPA we work with candidates and elected officials on a bipartisan basis. I regularly speak to governors from both parties and meet with legislators on Capitol Hill. This year, AOPA will attend both the Democratic and Republican national conventions. We also support pro-GA candidates through the AOPA Political Action Committee. Again, receiving AOPA PAC support doesn’t depend on which party a candidate represents. Instead, the candidate’s standing up for GA interests is what counts. We only get a chance like this every four years. I strongly urge you to use your voice on behalf of GA. Attend political events, get to know the candidates, ask questions, and explain what matters to you. You will be amazed by just how responsive candidates can be to engaged voters. It’s still several months until election night, and much more maneuvering is sure to take place along the way. But don’t wait to get involved. Make your voice and opinions heard, and help ensure that we elect decision makers who care about GA.
Email AOPA President Craig Fuller at craig@aopa. org.

VOTING FOR YOUR FREEDOM

INTERESTED IN LEARNING TO FLY? Visit AOPA’s engaging website for people who want to know more about what’s involved in learning to fly—and what it’s like. www.LetsGoFlying.com RESOURCES FOR STUDENT PILOTS Ask an AOPA CFI | ft.aopa.org/ask Flight Training article archive | ft.aopa.org/archive Aviation library | ft.aopa.org/library Supplemental training information | ft.aopa.org/student Virtual flight bag, including online weather and airport directory | ft.aopa.org/flightbag PILOT INFORMATION CENTER Members can receive answers to flight training and other aviation questions, and join or renew by telephone, 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Eastern time, Monday through Friday | 800-USA-AOPA (872-2672) Via the Internet | ft.aopa.org/ask AOPA AIR SAFETY INSTITUTE ONLINE SAFETY CENTER Dedicated to providing general aviation pilot education and safety programs online. Via the Internet | www.airsafetyinstitute.org Call | 800-638-3101 AOPA MEMBER PRODUCTS AOPA Aircraft Financing Program | 800-62-PLANE AOPA Aircraft Insurance Program | 800-622-AOPA Non-owned aircraft and CFI policies available AOPA Credit Card Program | 800-523-7666 AOPA Legal Services Plan | 800-USA-AOPA AOPA Foundation | 800-955-9115 Other products | 800-USA-AOPA ONLINE GUIDE TO AOPA MEMBER SERVICES To join or renew, or for information about AOPA membership, e-mail inforequest@aopa.org or Visit the website | www.aopa.org/join NEW ADDRESS? Send your new address and membership number to AOPA, 421 Aviation Way, Frederick, Maryland 21701 Fax | 301-695-2375 Via the Internet | www.aopa.org/coa-form.html

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Flight Training - February 2012

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