Future Speakers Include NTSB Chairman, Congressman
In its relatively short existence, the Wichita Aero Club has
attracted some heavy hitters to speak at its monthly meetings. Pete
Bunce, President and CEO of the General Aviation Manufacturers
Association in Washington, DC, will be the featured speaker at the
club's monthly luncheon at noon on March 17, 2009 at the Wichita
Airport Hilton.
Bunce, who formerly directed Congressional Budget and
Appropriations Liaison activities for the United State Air Force,
joined GAMA in 2005. He will present a review of the general
aviation industry’s performance and projections for the
coming year, with special emphasis on key challenges and issues and
the impact of the current economic crisis.
As President of GAMA, Bunce (shown below) routinely testifies on
Capitol Hill, serves on governmental task forces and working
groups, and interacts with regulators, policy makers and elected
officials to promote general aviation and serve the
organization’s international membership of 62 airframe,
avionics, engine and component manufacturers.
"Since the new administration has taken office, Mr. Bunce has
been an outspoken and eloquent advocate for the use of business and
general aviation aircraft in the face of ill-informed and
unwarranted criticism," writes the Aero Club. "He continues to
advocate for passage of a federal budget that funds improvements to
the Air Traffic Control system that is underwritten by aviation
taxes (as it currently is) not user fees."
The Wichita Aero Club was founded in October 2008, and hosted
its first monthly luncheon in December. The organization was
established to foster and promote interest in aviation, provide a
forum focused on the industry’s issues and achievements and
bring together those with a passion for flight in an environment
that expands and enhances professional relationships and furthers
cooperation and understanding.
Future WAC luncheons will include National Transportation Safety
Board Chairman Mark Rosenker on April 14, noted aviation writer and
blogger Rob Mark on May 19, AirTran Airways CEO Bob Fornaro
on June 23 and Kansas Congressman and senatorial candidate Todd
Tiahrt on July 13.
Tickets for any of the Aero Club's luncheons may be purchased at
the FMI link below.