ADIZ Mistake Not Representative Of GA Pilots

AOPA ran a national ad Wednesday to tell the public not to let one pilot tarnish the image of general aviation. The ad points out that thousands of pilots fly every day without violating the complex airspace restrictions that are now commonplace.

The ad appeared in USA Today and Roll Call, the primary newspaper on Capitol Hill. The ad is one of AOPAs many ongoing efforts to correct misperceptions and statements about general aviation that have occurred in the media since last week's Cessna 150 flap.

"Seven days ago, one very small airplane created a very large incident that disrupted lives in Washington, D.C., and made millions of people, already on edge, very nervous. It also created unnecessary concern and skepticism about 'those little planes,'" the ad says.

The ad explains that small general aviation airplanes are not a security threat and that pilots are, with few exceptions, very well informed. The ad also highlights what went right with the incident.

The ad highlights AOPA's efforts to inform and educate pilots about temporary airspace restrictions (TFRs) and other hazards.

• AOPA has sent almost 5 million e-mail messages alerting pilots to TFRs.
• AOPA's Real-Time Flight Planner graphically depicts TFRs.
• The AOPA Air Safety Foundation's "connected with 327,222 pilots and flight instructors last year through its online and live seminars and other materials, many of which are devoted to airspace restrictions."
• Pilot Town Meetings with AOPA President Phil Boyer
• AOPA's Airport Watch program, that is recognized by government and security officials as the industry standard.

"AOPA will continue our work to educate and inform general aviation pilots and advocate on their behalf," the ad concludes. "Because keeping general aviation pilots, airplanes, and airports safe are important efforts in maintaining our freedom to fly. And keeping the nation secure protects the freedom of all."

FMI: www.aopa.org, www.GAservingAmerica.org