Coming Together, Right Now, For You!

by Dave Weiman

Listening to the Beatles’ hit song of the ‘60s, “Come Together,” made me think of what is happening in the aviation community right now. But instead of “coming together, right now, over me” or any one person or organization as the lyrics might suggest, we are coming together as an industry for the good of all.

Hopefully, you are seeing this happening as you participate in seminars and conferences during the year. Working in this industry on a daily basis, I see this level of cooperation growing.

For instance, you will read in this issue an interview I had with newly appointed AOPA President and CEO Mark Baker. In that interview Mark talks about how he is working with representatives of all general aviation organizations to come up with a list of services provided by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) that are important to us, and a list of services we can do without. Once we have consensus among us, we can go to FAA Administrator Michael Huerta and help him prioritize services. The hope is that once these cost-saving measures are implemented, the FAA will save enough money that mandated sequestration cuts in the FAA budget – and increases in user fees – won’t be necessary.

In another article, you will read how the directors of our state aeronautics offices throughout the country meet and discuss issues of common concern, and share ideas. We all benefit from this exchange of information and cooperation.

Another article describes how several organizations have come together to introduce state legislation to exempt aircraft parts and maintenance from sales taxes, which is good for the state’s economy, good for business, and good for you and me as consumers.

Elsewhere in this issue, you will read about state aviation associations and individuals participating in “Aviation Day At The Capitol” events in their respective states so they can meet with their elected officials and inform them as to how important aviation and their local airports are to them and their communities.

When you read about the cooperation and work being done to represent your interests in aviation, I encourage you to contact organizers and offer your assistance, and financial support, and participate. Thank you and Happy Holidays!

This entry was posted in Columns, Columns, December 2013/January 2014, Dialogue and tagged , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

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