AOPA Turbine Pilot Magazine - February 2012 - I1

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The next 50 years
By Craig Fuller, IAOPA President
The International Council of Aircraft Owner and Pilot Associations was formed in 1962 to provide a voice for general aviation in the International Civil Aviation Organization, then predominately oriented toward airline interests. Now celebrating its fiftieth anniversary, IAOPA represents more than 450,000 pilots and aircraft owners in 69 States, and enjoys observer status in not only ICAO but other supranational organizations such as Eurocontrol and EASA. IAOPA was formed to “Facilitate the movement of aircraft internationally, for peaceful purposes, in order to develop friendship and understanding among the peoples of the world.” This mission has expanded to promote, protect, and preserve both GA and aerial work activities around the world. The perennial and universal needs of GA and aerial work focus on a simple idea: the need for fair and equitable access to airports and airspace at an affordable price. However, contained within this statement are many and varied issues: • Since most GA operations are conducted under VFR, access to adequate amounts of “lightly” controlled airspace is essential. This is especially true near major metropolitan areas where terminal control areas restrict and complicate access. • Airports and aerodromes are most important to GA users since prohibitions and restrictions to their access greatly reduce the utility and flexibility afforded by this form of aviation. • Fees, whether they are for air traffic services, airports, licenses, or handling agents, significantly increase aircraft operating costs, again reducing the utility of general aviation. • Additional access restrictions in the form of equipment and training requirements imposed on GA operators. If an operator must install a PRNAV, Mode S transponder, 406 MHz ELT and ADS-B, the equipment costs may approach or exceed those of the basic airframe and engine. Excessive training and repetitive pilot currency and medical examination requirements may make GA economically impractical. • The slow and inexorable disappearance of GA aerodromes. Land developers and environmentalists act from very powerful political bases, making them formidable foes. Unfortunately, they frequently fail to understand and consider the economic and social contributions made by general aviation. The list of obstacles may seem daunting. Yet we continue to prevail. This is because of the indomitable spirit of pilots who fly for their own enjoyment and utility. Organizations such as the national AOPAs provide a point of focus and a collective voice for those who would fly. It is these organizations and others that work closely with the government and non-government organizations that would restrict or abolish our activities. IAOPA and its affiliates are currently working on a variety of issues at the international and national levels to create a bright future for GA/AW. These efforts include: Reduction of communications, navigation and surveillance equipment to an absolute minimum for operations in the airspace; Preservation and promotion of local airports and aerodromes; Elimination of unjustified services and access fees; Rationalization of security requirements to meet national goals while preserving freedom to fly; Reduction of regulatory requirements to an essential minimum; Improved safety for GA activities and third-party entities. Individual AOPAs are actively engaged in advocating on behalf of GA/AW with government regulators, politicians, media, and the general public. The resulting awareness has created a greater understanding of the need for and value of GA—an understanding that will permit us to grow and prosper. Several emerging nations of the world are discovering the benefits of GA and will bring tremendous growth to its ranks. The current estimated 350,000 aircraft and more than 1.5 million GA pilots will grow significantly in coming years. The future of worldwide general aviation is bright. Yet, all of this will require the work of our existing and prospective members to secure the present and reach for the future. Our best ally in the contest for scarce resources is man’s fascination with the concept of flight. That man can fly is a continually engaging and renewable prospect, even for those of us who have been privileged to be involved with this activity for more years than we would care to remember. We must exploit that fascination within the general public to extol and advertise the pleasures and benefits of flight. This must be done on a personal and collective basis. You can make a difference when you: Take a neighbor flying to allow them to share your passion for flight. Reach out to civic organizations and the media to provide perspective and balance to reports about GA. Tell others about GA and how it contributes to your life and the life of your community. World forecasts for GA anticipate either flat or very slow growth over the next decade. Yes, we have significant forces opposing us, yet we can prevail. Join together to broadcast your commitment to general aviation. There are blue skies ahead, and we must navigate toward them.

www.iaopa.org

FEBRUARY 2012

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AOPA Turbine Pilot Magazine - February 2012

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