Wants AOPA And Others To Work On Second Pilot's Bill Of Rights, Other Issues

New AOPA President and CEO Mark Baker says that AOPA may "pick up the torch" as a collection point for information about a follow-on Pilot's Bill of Rights as proposed by Senator James Inhofe (R-OK).

In an interview with ANN Editor in Chief Jim Campbell, Baker said that that he has met with Senator Inhofe, and would be meeting with EAA Board Chairman Jack Pelton about that issue. He said that "we can't do everything," but with the 75th anniversary of AOPA next year, he is looking at the things that can be done "that are really important to put this energy toward protecting the next 75."

In response to a question about the bill handed to EAA for AirVenture this year, Baker said he does not consider the FAA to be an "enemy" of GA. "In these times of very significant change in terms of ... how things are going to be funded, there's lots of uncertainty. I think we're all going to end up working together, I do mean all of us in general aviation and commercial aviation, with the FAA to make choices about the things we're going to have to protect to make sure there is a future in aviation because it benefits all of us. And there are going to have to be things that come off the list, and right now, I think they're struggling with (a) significant budget likelihood that's going to be changing, and how do they fit into that."

Baker said he's a big supporter of the LSA program, though he admits he still has a lot to learn about that segment of the industry. He said it is a good entry point, and perhaps all someone might need to "enjoy 15 minutes in the air and keep costs down." But, he said, it is up to the individual pilot to determine if he or she wants to stay at that level, or make it a stepping stone to a private pilot certificate. "I do think that when you look at the value of a used aircraft today ... when you look at a 1960's 172 ... there are great values out there today in buying aircraft or renting aircraft or partnering through a flying club. Today, I look at prices of used airplanes and they're great values."

You can hear Mr. Baker's remarks in detail on our "Aero-Briefing" podcasts. Part III of this interview will be presented Saturday.

FMI: www.aopa.org