"Proactive Effort" Kicks Off In Bend, OR

Aero-News has learned a carbon compensation program for general aviation aircraft is now available for corporate jets, air charters, fractional ownership programs, and private and sport aviation. The Bend, OR-based Carbon Neutral Plane Program certifies that participating airplanes have compensated 100% for the carbon dioxide (CO2) they release into the air, by financially supporting verified projects aimed at reducing the equivalent amount of CO2 from other energy uses.

Compensation is accomplished through the widely accepted practice of purchasing carbon offsets from verified projects and programs. Carbon offsetting, a common and popular practice in Europe, has gained popularity in the United States by major companies, political leaders, public figures, and communities concerned about the environmental impact of CO2 in the atmosphere.

The group tells ANN that until now, aviation was one of the few highly visible, consumer-based industries that did not make this option available to its owners and customers. CO2 emissions from aircraft are growing, and forecast to exceed that of automobiles by 2020.

Representatives with the group call the Carbon Neutral Plane Program "a proactive effort to counteract this growing trend in greenhouse emissions."

"As a pilot with strong environmental concerns, I realized there was a substantial need to decrease carbon footprints in the aviation industry," said Jeffrey G. Witwer, Ph.D., founder of the Carbon Neutral Plane Program. "I'm pleased that members of our program will have a cost-effective, real-world opportunity to mitigate the impact of personal and corporate aircraft emissions on the environment. We've made every effort to ensure our program meets the needs of the general aviation community with the highest degree of integrity and transparency."

Two versions of the program are available: one tailored to the unique needs of business aircraft owners and the other designed for owners of personal aircraft.

FMI: www.carbonneutralplane.com