AOPA Pilot Magazine - April 2012 - 17

4 Indiana

Pro-GA bills clear Indiana House
Two AOPA-backed bills—one providing aviation sales-tax relief and the other establishing funding sources for airport ground-access maintenance—have won overwhelming passage in the Indiana House and are now before the Senate. House Bill 1325, providing a salesand use-tax exemption for out-of-state aircraft flown into Indiana for “aircraft completion work,” passed 89 to 8. The measure is seen as boosting business prospects for the state’s 67 repair stations. The same day, House Bill 1307 passed 96 to 0. It would allow money from the state highway fund to be used for “construction, reconstruction, operation, and maintenance” of ground access points to Indiana’s airports. Both bills have been referred to the Senate Tax and Fiscal Policy Committee. Mark Kimberling, AOPA director of state government affairs, and Bryan Budds, AOPA’s Great Lakes regional manager, traveled to Indianapolis to urge support for the bills. “AOPA will remain engaged with key legislators as the bills are taken up by the Senate,” Kimberling said.

6 Idaho

House passes aviation tax exemption

Activist to ASN volunteer

The Idaho House of Representatives has

unanimously passed
a bill exempting aircraft parts, supplies, and other components from the state’s sales and use tax. The bill, strongly supported by AOPA and the general aviation community, is now working its way through the Senate. AOPA Northwest Mountain Regional Manager David Ulane has worked with members and local businesses for passage of the bill as a means of making Idaho’s FAA-approved aircraft repair businesses more competitive with repair shops in states that already provide a favorable tax environment.

When Bob Gibson learned of AOPA’s Airport Support Network (ASN) program, he was already active in supporting his home airport in Clearwater, Florida. An AOPA lifetime member, Gibson saw serving as an ASN volunteer as the natural extension of his current activity at Clearwater Air Park (CLW ).

5 Washington

Legislation that would offer clear liability protection for private airfield owners in Washington state has cleared the state House and now heads to the Senate. AOPA is standing shoulder to shoulder with the Washington Pilots Association (WPA) and Recreational Aviation Foundation (RAF) in support of the measure, which would clarify existing law that protects private landowners from liability if they choose to make property available for public use. House Bill 2244 would amend the existing statute to clearly include private airfield owners, who are unsure the present law pertains to them. That uncertainty has prompted many private owners to deny public access to airfields. AOPA, the WPA, and RAF mobilized support from pilots for the measure, which has potential to increase the accessibility of a broad range of activities such as hiking, camping, and other outdoor recreation. AOPA contacted lawmakers and issued a call to action in January, mobilizing nearly 12,000 members in Washington state to voice their support. Bob Kay, the RAF Washington state liaison (and WPA member), helped spread the word, working closely with AOPA staff including Northwest Mountain Regional Manager David Ulane. The legislation passed the House with a unanimous vote, and is now under consideration by the Senate.

Bill could increase access to Washington state airports

When the former volunteer retired, Gibson immediately stepped up and offered to take on the role. By the time he became Clearwater’s ASN volunteer, he had already been working with other pilots to form the Friends of Clearwater Air Park. Since then Gibson has helped establish the Clearwater Air Park Improvement Team with three other pilot activists. Together they have been actively engaged in working with the City of Clearwater on behalf of the airport. Over the past year, Clearwater has extended the daily operating hours for the airpark, which has brought additional business and tourism to the area. It has also agreed to improvements at the airport, including repairs to runway and taxi lights and surfaces, an agreement to extend the runway by 800 feet, and hangar improvements. With support from the Florida DOT plus city funds and the support of the aviation community, Clearwater faces a bright future. Already making things happen at your airport? Why not work with AOPA and join our nationwide team of airport activists?
For more information on learning how to volunteer for AOPA, visit AOPA Online (www.aopa.org/asn).
AOPA PILOT • 17 • APRIL 2012
http://www.aopa.org/asn
AOPA Pilot Magazine - April 2012

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