5 minute read
AOPAPilotsEngagetoHelpProtectCalif.Airports
2 DAY FAA TEST PREP & FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR RENEWAL LIVE or ONLINE
Advertisement
AOPA PILOTS ENGAGETO HELP PROTECT CALIFORNIA AIRPORTS
By Jennifer Non AOPA
AVIATION SEMINARS SINCE 1974
Offering Airline Quality Ground Schools for Over 45+ Years • PRIVATE, COMMERCIAL, SPORT, INSTRUMENT AND CFII • $429 (Live Classroom) or $229 (Online Test Prep) • PASS YOUR FAA EXAM THE FIRST TIME • 95% FIRST TIME PASS RATE • FREQUENT CLASSES HELD IN100 MAJOR CITIES • FAA APPROVED FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR REFRESHER COURSE •$255 (Live Classroom) or $125 (Online) INCLUDES RENEWAL PROCESSING • ATTEND UP TO 3 MONTHS PRIOR TO YOUR CURRENT CFI EXPIRATION • FREQUENT CLASSES HELD IN100 MAJOR CITIES VISIT www.AviationSeminars.com to view Dates and Locations AVIATION SEMINARS SINCE 1974
• 800-257-9444 • • aviationseminars.com/flying •
Flight Instruction Aircraft Rentals Mountain Flying Tailwheel Instruction
In August, AOPA became aware of two bills set to be presented in the California State Assembly that would have made it easier for land developers to target and potentially close airports for redevelopment.
The proposed legislation, SB902 and SB1120, championed by California State Sen. and President pro Tempore Toni Atkins (D-District 39) would have transferred decision-making authority regarding land-use planning, including approvals, from local city and county governments to the state level. The consequences of that shift in decision-making authority could negatively affect the future viability of airports in California.
The airports most at risk would be those that do not use federal grants to help move needed projects along and therefore do not have to meet certain federal obligations. The legislation could also have created potential conflicts between airports that accept federal funds and state residential development laws.
AOPA members and Airport Support Network volunteers in California reached out to elected officials and made their voices heard—playing a critical role in upending legislation that would have left the future of hundreds of airports hanging in the balance.
“These bills would have brought uncertainty to land-use decisions including the 200 smaller airports across the state. Our AOPA members and Airport Support Network volunteers reached out to their elected officials and outlined the potential negative consequences,” said AOPA Western Pacific Regional Manager Melissa McCaffrey after the legislative session ended without the bills advancing.
In a letter to the Assembly Committee on Appropriations, AOPA wrote, “AOPA opposes SB 902 and SB 1120, legislation that would remove local authority over land use and development decisions which would negatively affect the future viability of airports across the State.” Spanning 179 acres and centrally located, San Martin Airport, just south of San Jose, Calif., is well-equipped and no stranger to emergency scenarios and natural disasters like earthquakes and fires. On August 21, Cal Fire began the process to set up a helitack base at San Martin Airport to station between nine and 12 helicopters on the field. (Courtesy of county of Santa Clara, CA. and AOPA)
The letter also highlights that California’s aviation infrastructure is among one of the state’s most important public resources and serves communities in a number of ways. “Community airports are economic magnets that generate revenue, provide critical services and create jobs. In times of disaster, airports provide an essential lifeline, often acting as staging points for relief and rescue operations and may be the only means of transporting people and goods.” California continues to battle more than 900 fires across the state, where general aviation airports play a vital role in aerial firefighting and emergency response efforts.
“California is also home to 36,000 AOPA members and we are proud that our voices were heard, and common sense prevailed,” said McCaffrey.
AOPA is the world’s largest aviation member association representing more than 300,000 private pilots and aircraft owners. AOPA works to partner, promote, and protect thousands of airports across the country.
A number of organizations from across the state also spoke out against the bills including the Association of California Airports, CalPilots, and Liveable California. For more information, visit the AOPA website at www.aopa.org.
Michael Duncan, CFII, MEI 2410 Rickenbacker Way • Auburn, CA 95602 530-820-3442 sunshineflyersaviation@gmail.com
Visit In Flight USA’s website for the latest aviation news... www.inflightusa.com
351 Airport Road #3 Novato, CA 94945 415-898-5151
TheTrinidad Center TheTrinidad Center
2007 INIZIATIVE INDUSTRIALI ITALIANE SKY ARROW 600 SPORT
Light Sport Aircraft. Beautiful Italian handmade fit and finish with modern carbon fiber construction. Unique SLSA that can be used for flight training. Unparalleled visibility in this exotic and easy flying plane that attracts attention wherever it lands. Owner kept hangared.
2005REMOSG-3
1978 CESSNA 414A 1941 DOUGLAS DC-3A
German-made, well-engineered, good performing, easy to fly S-LSA that shows beautifully in and out. Great airplane for a flight school lease back. Super economical to fly and perfect for student/low-time/sport pilots. Enjoy this lowtime turn key airplane for many years to come.
1979 BEECHCRAFT A36TC BONANZA
If you’re looking for a great value in a cabin class twin,thisis it. Gear up landing 2018. Engines removed and reinstalled by Mangon Service Center. Engines repaired by Pacific Continental Engines, Inc. New Hartzell Top Hot (scimitar) props installed. Airframe repairs by Steve's Aircraft.
2007EVEKTOR SPORTSTAR PLUS
Operated by central Iowa airlines as a passenger aircraft. Later converted to a freighter aircraft. Dual cargo doors, cargo floor, parachute jump door, gill liner interior, an interior power cargo winch and heavy landing gear. Later fitted with 8 passenger seats. Part 125 R.F.S. progressive maintenance program. Logbooks and maintenance binders.
1941 PORTERFIELD LP-65
Flyhigh, fast and far in comfort. This meticulouslycared for plane has a sumptuousleather interior, double doors for easyloadingandan extended baggage area.
ExtremelyeasytoflySLSA. Great fuel economy and fantastic visibility with comfortable cabin. Hangared and well maintained by Rotax specialist.
Price Reduced! Call for details.
Abreathtakingtotal restoration of a classicWWII era primary trainer. Fly solo fromthefrontseat.Anabsolutehootto fly. Comes with a spare overhauled pickled engine.
Allspecificationsandrepresentationsarebelievedtobeaccuratetothebestknowledgeofthe seller. However, it is the buyer’s responsibility to verify all information prior to purchase.
