Organization's Eyes And Ears At Local Airports

The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association’s Airport Support Network (ASN) recently surpassed the 2,000 volunteer mark. The volunteers are AOPA’s eyes and ears at America's community airports, helping the Frederick, MD-based national pilot advocacy organization stay informed about local airport issues.

The 2,000th volunteer is Troy D. Hightower, who learned of his appointment in a phone call from ASN program director Jennifer Storm.

Local pilots play a vital role in protecting community airports, which is why AOPA created the Airport Support Network, a nationwide system of volunteers dedicated to promoting and protecting community airports. The program has been growing steadily since its inception in 1997. With the volunteers' advance warning and support, the Association has been able to address many community airport issues proactively over the years -- often before it is too late.

"AOPA has a great team working on airport advocacy issues," said AOPA President Craig L. Fuller. "But without ASN volunteers watching out for local airports, they might not get the inside information early enough to influence the outcome. We are grateful for the critical assistance ASN volunteers provide."

Hightower, a private pilot and longtime AOPA member, was appointed as the ASN volunteer for Meadows Field (BFL) in Bakersfield, CA. He said he volunteered because he was concerned about the management of his home airport and because protecting airports helps more than just pilots.

Being a part of the ASN program helps communicate "how important airports are to the community, in addition to the users of the airport," Hightower said, adding he has already spoken with airport users about their concerns over Meadows Field.

The AOPA Airport Support Network is a special group of volunteers dedicated to promoting and protecting community airports. The program's goal is to have an ASN volunteer appointed at every public-use airport in the country to serve as an "early warning system" for local airport issues.

FMI: www.aopa.org/asn/