AOPA Pilot Magazine - September 2012 - 104

NEWS & NOTES

STATE AND LOCAL ACTION

AIRPORT SUPPORT NETWORK

MAKING A DIFFERENCE BEYOND THE AIRPORT
SOME AOPA Airport Support Network volunteers are so energized that their influence is felt not just at their airport, but throughout GA. If you follow the annual Air Race Classic you may know of Dianna Stanger, who, with race partner Victoria Holt (aka The Racing Aces), won the 2012 race. If not, get ready to be impressed! Stanger not only serves as the ASN volunteer at Calhoun County Airport in Port Lavaca, Texas, but also runs two flight schools (the other at Victoria Regional Airport); the FBO; and manages the airport. All the while, she is also trying to get more young women into aviation through a flight training scholarship she established with Holt. The pair also hosted an International Learn to Fly day, Women of Aviation week, and were second runner-up as the “Most FemalePilot-Friendly Airport in the World.” And that’s not all, at the airport Stanger hosts an annual kid’s day, an aviation-themed art contest, visits throughout the year by youth groups, and a fall festival featuring Young Eagle flights. Stanger is a skilled and versatile aviatrix as well, flying helicopters and jets. So, how about you? The more each pilot gives back, the stronger general aviation will be in the future.

AOPA puts GA on the table at GOP, Democratic conventions
Delegates, lawmakers, and anyone else planning to attend one or both summer conventions of the major political parties are urged to start a conversation with AOPA.
ISSUES CRITICAL TO PILOTS, aircraft owners, and the millions of people who work in or benefit from the general aviation industry will be decided by many of the people expected to attend the conventions—from congressional leaders to local officials across the country. AOPA continues to take a proactive approach to policy-making, and will deploy staff at both conventions to help educate decision makers about the value of GA, and the role it plays in economic recovery, job preservation, and job creation. “It is a great opportunity to make sure that these influential people learn about general aviation, get exposed to our issues, and understand that we are an organized community,” said Greg Pecoraro, AOPA vice president of airports and state advocacy. “No matter who wins in November, AOPA will still be there to work with them on behalf of general aviation.” AOPA will be joined by the National Business Aviation Association at both conventions. The presence of the two associations will remind leaders from both parties and the media about the value of general aviation, including its vital role in the nation’s transportation infrastructure, the many charitable activities of pilots and aircraft owners, and the importance of preserving freedom to fly for generations to come. The strength of 400,000 members creates an opportunity for AOPA to be heard on critical issues at a time when politicians are most sensitive to the interests of voters. AOPA strongly encourages anyone who plans to attend one or both conventions to contact the association and answer a brief questionnaire that will help AOPA staff ensure that everyone with a question gets an answer—and that everyone with an interest in aviation gets a voice in the discussion of key issues.

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104 | AOPA PILOT September 2012

WEB

Visit the website (www.aopa.org/gop-dem-convention) for more information

State legislatures have tremendous control over the viability of GA in your state, with the power to levy taxes on GA—ranging from fuel to maintenance and registration fees. The state legislature also plays a pivotal role in the management and protection of GA airports. So pay attention to your local elections and let your local representatives know how important GA is to you.

The number of state legislative seats up for grabs in 44 states this year.

ON THE

WEB

Are you ready to start giving back? Join the ASN volunteer corps today (www.aopa.org/asn).

http://www.aopa.org/gop-dem-convention http://www.aopa.org/asn http://www.aopa.org/asn

AOPA Pilot Magazine - September 2012

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