'Stakeholders Group' To Examine Ramifications Of Experimental Aircraft Ops

The Experimental Aircraft Association tells ANN a scaled-back Nevada resolution was reintroduced to the State Senate’s Transportation Committee on April 8, without a call for Congressional action authorizing the Clark County Department of Aviation to usurp federal authority over local airspace.

Rather, it called for formation of a "stakeholders group" to enhance overall flight safety in the area. That's something of a win for pilots of experimental aircraft in-and-around North Las Vegas, who fear their flight activity will be banned outright in the fallout from a fatal crash near North Las Vegas Airport (VGT) last August.

Joint Resolution No. 3 (SJR 3), as adopted on April 8, 2009, specifically requires representatives from the FAA, Clark County Department of Aviation, Clark County Aviation Association (CCAA), City of North Las Vegas, Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, tenants of the North Las Vegas Airport, and residents of neighborhoods surrounding the North Las Vegas Airport convene prior to June 1.

"The EAA Chapter (1300) based at the North Las Vegas Airport and the CCAA will be part of the stakeholders group," said Dave Edwards, chapter member and director-at-large of CCAA. "Through this group we plan on providing additional educational opportunities to the residents of surrounding neighborhoods, local business entities, and our local and state legislators."

EAA says the timeline outlined for this stakeholder group includes issuance of its preliminary analysis of the concerns regarding current flight safety practices at VGT by August 1; development of and recommendations to improve flight safety standards "particularly with respect to experimental homebuilt aircraft" on or before November 1, which will be submitted to the "appropriate entities for consideration and to the legislative commission."

"As an EAA member and pilot I am strongly in favor of the revisions to this resolution," said Greg Arehart, member of chapter 1361 (Reno Stead) and speaker at the public hearing. "My only concern is that experimental aircraft not be singled out; they are no different than other general aviation aircraft."

EAA maintains the national airspace system has to be regulated by a single authority, and that is the FAA. They are the experts on aviation in this nation.

FMI: www.eaa.org, www.ntsb.gov/ntsb/brief.asp?ev_id=20080826X01330&key=1%20