AOPA disagrees with Brookings report
October 29, 2012, 02:48 pm
The Aircraft Owners Pilots Association recently issued a report saying the federal Airport Improvement Program grants for general aviation airports should remain in place because of the crucial role they play in the national air transportation system. The announcement comes in response to a recent report by the Brookings Institution that suggested cutting the AIP mandatory spending floor to general aviation airports.
The Brookings report said the number of international passengers during a 21-year time frame more than doubled the increase shown by domestic passengers. They recommended that airports servicing these flights should receive more government funding at a cost to general aviation airports. The AOPA says the large airports airports are not in need of funding, as they already collect through passenger facility charges.
"General aviation airports are used by businesses of all sizes to generate opportunities and create growth in communities that aren't easily accessible by commercial aviation," said AOPA CEO Craig Fuller. "It is vital that AIP funding for small and non-hub airports remain in place to help pay for critical infrastructure projects. These airports are a lifeline to communities across the United States that rely on general aviation for disaster relief, emergency medical transportation, and basic services like law enforcement and fire-fighting."
According to the Federal Aviation Administration, in 2009, the last year these figures were collected, non-airline operators at general aviation airports spent more than $12 billion, accounting for nearly 27 million for various flights, including emergency medical services, agricultural functions, time-sensitive air cargo services, fire-fighting, law enforcement and border control, flight training, business travel, and some scheduled services.
Thousands of general aviation pilots attended the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association Aviation Summit in Palm Springs, California, on October 11 through 13. The AOPA Aviation Summit was a three-day trade show and convention that featured 400 booths, dozens of aircraft on display and nearly 100 hours of seminars.
"Whether you're an aircraft owner, a pilot who rents, or an aviation enthusiast, the Aviation Summit has something to offer, from the exhibits in the hall and at the airport, to the seminars and social events," Fuller said. "You can also get answers to your aviation questions, explore all that our industry has to offer and discover new ways to get the most out of your flying."
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