AOPA Chief: "There's More To Aviation Than The Airlines"
When aviation leaders from around
the world get together, the conversation naturally turns to talk of
air traffic control, airport access, regulation, and security.
These issues affect every pilot and every flight everywhere in the
world — but too often aviation officials think only of the
airlines.
So during a visit to International Civil Aviation Organization
(ICAO) headquarters in Montreal earlier this month, AOPA President
Phil Boyer reminded an audience of ICAO Air Navigation Commission
members and international delegates that general aviation brings
tremendous transportation and economic benefit to the communities
where it is welcomed.
"General aviation can thrive on the edges of the aviation
infrastructure, but it can also be crushed by excessive
restrictions on access to airports and airspace, high fees, and
unnecessary regulation," Boyer said following the meeting. "It's
important for ICAO representatives to understand that there's more
to aviation than the airlines."
In a wide-ranging presentation to ICAO's technical advisory
body, Boyer talked about the need to ensure that regulations, fees,
licensing and medical standards, and equipment requirements for
general aviation are appropriate and not needlessly expensive or
restrictive. He also pointed out GA's strong safety record and
asked ICAO's delegates to remember the value and unique needs of
general aviation.
"General aviation adds an exciting and varied dimension to
international air transportation, providing economic and travel
opportunities to millions of world travelers," Boyer said. "This
important activity deserves fair and equitable consideration in
your deliberations about future civil aviation standards and
recommended practices."
Assad Kotaite, president of the Council of ICAO (shown shaking
hands with Boyer, above), complimented Boyer on his informative
presentation, adding, "You can be assured that the interests of
general aviation will be carefully considered in our
deliberations."
And just to make sure that GA isn't forgotten, Boyer presented
top-level officials, including Bill Voss, director of ICAO's air
navigation bureau, with large framed photographs of general
aviation aircraft.
"Having images like these on the walls of ICAO headquarters is a
great reminder that aviation comes in all shapes and sizes," Boyer
said.