But Adds Neither Campaign Has Weighed In Yet On Issue

The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association notes Arizona Senator John McCain's surprise choice of running mate, Governor Sarah Palin of Alaska, has a positive association with general aviation.

"Considering that GA is the primary form of long-distance transportation in the forty-ninth state, it's not surprising that Gov. Palin has taken a stand on the user fee issue," the pilot advocacy group says. "In May 2007, she signed a resolution in opposition to the FAA’s plan to increase avgas taxes, impose user fees, and slash airport funding. AOPA and the Alaska Airmen’s Association had worked together to move the resolution through the Alaska legislature."

In January of this year, Governor Palin unveiled a new Alaska aviation safety initiative, aimed at reducing accident rates among the state's pilot community. AOPA adds that Palin's husband, Todd, is an AOPA member and the owner of a Piper Super Cub. (A quick search of the FAA pilot database shows Todd Palin carries a Third-Class medical, and a license to operate single-engine land aircraft... that shows as expired as of July 2008, though it's possible the online database hasn't been updated -- Ed.)

McCain is expected to win the Republican nomination for President next week in St. Paul, MN. His Democrat opponent, Barack Obama, earned his party's nomination Wednesday in Denver.

While Palin's apparent ties to general aviation are encouraging, AOPA adds that neither presidential campaign has yet published a position on general aviation issues.

As ANN reported, the group has sent each candidate a questionnaire. Responses from Senators McCain and Obama about FAA funding, air traffic control, GA security, the environment, and their personal experiences with GA will be published in the November issue of AOPA Pilot.

"AOPA doesn’t endorse presidential candidates, but we do give you as much information as possible so that you can weigh the candidates’ stands on general aviation with the other issues that are important to you," said AOPA President Phil Boyer.

FMI: www.aopa.org, www.johnmccain.com, www.barackobama.com, http://gov.state.ak.us/bio.php