Concerned that pilots don't have enough say in their country's aviation policies, a group of pilots from Chile have joined the ranks of the International Council of Aircraft Owners and Pilots Associations (IAOPA).

"Our organization came about because general aviation (GA) aircraft owners and pilots felt they had little, if any role in developing aviation rules," said Gonzalo Pico Dominguez, the driving force behind the new organization. "Our purpose is to cooperate with authorities, improve flight safety, and promote GA among the general public."

"The goals outlined by AOPA - Chile are virtually identical to those of the other 56 member associations," said IAOPA General Secretary John Sheehan. "By working together, IAOPA has been able to protect the rights and interests of general aviation/aerial work (GA/AW) around the world."

Like the original founders of AOPA - U.S.A., the 37 founding members of AOPA - Chile plan to use the association to help keep the cost of flying down, to offer products and services that improve safety, and to promote the interests of GA/AW pilots with government authorities and other parties, such as insurance companies.

FMI: www.iaopa.org