Thu, Apr 14, 2011
Aircraft Use Now Included In Recreational Use Statue
In a positive development for recreational aviation, at least in
the state of New Mexico, Governor Susana Martinez (pictured,
below) signed House Bill 12 into law on April 6th. This law
adds "operation of aircraft" to the state's existing Recreational
Use Statute. "This is a great step for the recreational pilots, the
backcountry, and of course, the state of New Mexico" said New
Mexico Pilot Association (NMPA) President Joyce Woods.
NMPA and Recreational Aviation Foundation (RAF) member Dave
Hamann provided essential legislative contacts to this process. "I
am very pleased to report that Governor Susana Martinez has signed
the bill into law," announced RAF member Ron Krohn. "I would like
to especially thank Rep. Jim Trujillo (D) and Rep. Jim White (R)
who supported this legislation throughout the process. These
efforts, combined with the support and assistance of the RAF, and
the individual NMPA members who reached out to their respective
legislators, was instrumental in moving this project to a
successful completion."
"Ron has worked this issue for the last two years, entirely as a
volunteer," said RAF Director and New Mexico RAF Liaison Rol
Murrow. This was his first time dealing with the legislative
process, and he was concerned that he did not know enough about it.
Ron stands as an example of what can happen when a dedicated
volunteer decides something needs to be done - and does it."
The new law is likely to lead to the opening of a large number
of small airstrips located in beautiful areas of the mountains and
deserts of New Mexico. The volunteers of the NMPA Recreational
Airstrip Committee have begun mapping airstrips in the state and
will be adding them to the NMPA website as
the information is verified.
"What a great day for New Mexico and all of aviation," said RAF
President John McKenna. "Surely this will lead to the opening of
new airstrips in New Mexico as well as showing others across the
country that this can be done. The RAF is pleased to be a part of
opening new airstrips, as opposed to watching closures."
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