First Public Comments As President Of Pilot Group

Craig Fuller, who took over the reins of the country's largest pilots organization at the beginning of the year, will make his first public comments since assuming his new role at the Wichita Aero Club's monthly luncheon at noon on January 28, 2009 at the Wichita Airport Hilton.

Fuller, a former White House aide during the Reagan Administration, succeeded Phil Boyer as president of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) on January 1. Organizers expect Fuller, who previously served as an assistant to President Reagan for Cabinet Affairs and as Chief of Staff for Vice President George H. W. Bush, to address issues he recently discussed with the incoming administration's Transition team.

During their recent session he told the team that priorities for general aviation pilots include quickly naming a well-qualified Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) administrator; investing in aviation infrastructure; addressing proposed regulations that target aviation gasoline, emissions, and noise; modernizing the Air Traffic Control system without placing undue burdens on GA aircraft owners; and ensuring that aviation taxes (not user fees) pay for the FAA.

Fuller also suggested that GA should be included in the new administration's economic stimulus package. Many airport projects could be ready to go as soon as funding was received, he said. Fuller also recommended that the administration should delay the implementation of ADS-B until the aviation industry can develop an implementation plan that would benefit all users.

The Wichita Aero Club was founded in October of 2008 and hosted its first monthly luncheon on December 2. The organization was established to foster and promote interest in aviation, provide a forum focused on the industry's issues and achievements and bring together those with a passion for flight in an environment that expands and enhances professional relationships and furthers cooperation and understanding.

Tickets for the luncheon can be purchased over the Internet using PayPal at the FMI link below, or by calling 316-641-5962.

Future WAC luncheons will include Colonel James Vechery of McConnell Air Force Base on February 16, General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) President Pete Bunce on March 17 and National Transportation Safety Board Chairman Mark Rosenker on April 14.

FMI: www.wichitaaeroclub.org