August 2004

AOPA-Netherlands Works with Steering Groups

AOPA-Netherlands and six other associations have joined forces in an attempt to solve a number of problems facing general aviation. Authorized by the Undersecretary of Transport, the groups are seeking solutions to issues involving maintenance tariffs, medical examinations, night-VFR restrictions, noise impact of GA operations, business use of aircraft, and written pilot examinations. This initiative marks a major effort among the national regulatory authority and aviation users within the Netherlands.

AOPA-Australia Calls for GA White Paper

AOPA-Australia Vice President of political relations Andrew Kerans, has written to all federal members of parliament and senators on the development of a General Aviation White Paper. "Haphazard policy together with an out-of-control CASA and ridiculous Airservices pricing are destroying a valuable industry and costing jobs" said Kerans "We need cohesive policy and strategy, we don't have it, the Howard Government has badly let GA down; it is time they fixed these mistakes." This comes after a series of poorly conceived governmental measures that are deemed to have a negative impact on GA operations. The latest issue is a move to require all pilots and student pilots to undergo a background check, obtain a pilot license incorporating a photo of the holder, and pay A$200 for the service every two years.

Kerans continued, "AOPA is of the view that unless these random policy decisions are contained within a defined strategy, the future of GA is bleak. This could be a valuable export industry of both training and aircraft, it is now a major employer, but it is under threat from a government that doesn't understand the issues. We need direction and we need it now."

COPA Fights for Toronto City Centre Airport

Kevin Psutka, President and CEO of the Canadian Owners and Pilots Association recently wrote to his 18,000 members, asking for their support: "As you may or may not know, the future of the Toronto City Centre Airport is under dire threat because of the federal government's decision to reverse its position from support for a bridge to now prohibit it. Although you may live in Victoria or St. Johns, the issue is a national one in that it is a clear indication that the feds are walking away from smaller airports throughout Canada with no regard for the important role that they play."

The airport is located on an island off of Toronto and has traditionally been accessed via a ferry. A proposed regulation that would prohibit any fixed link from being constructed to the airport would effectively force the closure of the airport. Psutka continued, "In an desperate attempt to bolster the sagging Liberal prospects a few weeks ago, Paul Martin declared that the federal government no longer supported the construction of a fixed link and to underscore this, a regulation has been hastily drawn up with a very short window for any response from the public. The closing date for comment is 20 July 2004 -- we need all of you to comment as soon as possible to make sure your letter is received before closing date! The implication of this action is that it will eventually force the closure of Toronto City Centre Airport. General aviation in the city of Toronto could soon be a thing of the past if this airport is closed (other airports such as Buttonville have uncertain futures at best)."

AOPA-Hellas Holds Santorini Fly-In

AOPA-Hellas reports a successful fly-in to the picturesque island of Santorini from 18 through 21 June in which 28 aircraft and 97 pilots and their passengers participated. The international event drew aircraft from the U.K., Poland, Israel, Lebanon, Cyprus, Turkey, and Greece. AOPA-Hellas President Yiouli Kalafati said, "This event was a first for the region and, owing to its success and popularity will surely generate others in the future."

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