May 2009 Cover Story:
Aviation Activists Wanted: Inquire Within

Story by Pete Trabucco

I’m sure you’re aware of the many issues affecting general aviation. It seems like every day we are given another flight restriction, and because of inadequate AIP funds, we continue to lose one after another of our valuable local airports.

To save our airports, we need to get involved with our federal, state and local legislators. The same holds true for fighting FAA-imposed air restrictions, GA security issues, the implementation of user fees and pretty much every other concern that affects the health and welfare of the GA community.

As a former state and local legislative chief of staff with many years of first-hand experience in promoting bills on Capitol Hill, I’d like to give you a few pointers on how to get involved and make your voice heard. With all the restrictions and changes in the GA community, we need to hear from everybody out there. With the hundreds of thousands of pilot voices around the nation — as well as the millions of aviation enthusiasts — we can influence our elected officials if we just band together for a common cause.

The Airplane Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA), the United States Pilot Association and numerous state pilot associations have done a great job on behalf of the general aviation community, but they can’t do it all by themselves. They have just a handful of lobbyists and their standard form letter emails addressed to federal legislators from their members influence legislators on just one level. That’s good, but as a potential grassroots organization, we can accomplish much more and win more battles if we all just work together.

We all know from experience that the closing or under-funding of airports and imposition of flight restrictions originate in proposals and bills created by our state and local legislators — officials who often don't have a clue as to the importance of the general aviation industry and the vital part it plays in our national air transportation system. So the question is: What can we do to help general aviation so that our sons, daughters, and grandkids will be able to enjoy the same aviation rights and privileges that we have today?

I have put together a few steps that will help you become a more effective advocate for GA. They are simple and will make it easier for you to understand how our government really works and how you as an individual (and as a group) can influence the halls of power on the federal, state, and local level.

STEP 1: Know Exactly Who You Should Be Dealing With
Americans are notoriously ignorant about their elected officials. Do you know the names of your U.S. senators and U.S. representative? How about your state senator and general assembly representative? Do you understand the local political structure? Do you have city councilmen? Township commissioners? County officials? Before you can do anything, you need to know names, parties, time in office, and so on. For officials who have a staff, take note of who is responsible for constituent service. Legislative aides influence the elected official and advise him or her on what issues are most important. They are key to your success.

If the issue or concern is on the federal level, then find out who runs the committee in the Senate or House of Representatives where the issue will be heard. After all, before any bill is heard, it needs to be selected for review by the committee and only that committee’s chairman can make that happen. Without his or her approval the bill never sees the light of day.

The same can be said on the state level. Once you know who’s who, write, call, email or fax them your concerns.

You can do the same for your county, city or town by contacting those on that particular committee (such as health and safety, appropriations, etc.), as well as your local representative to get the job done. Complaining to the wrong people may feel good, but it isn’t going to help at all. The rule of thumb is if it is an issue that concerns the entire United States, such as AIP funding, user fees, or air space restrictions, then contact your federal representative. If it is an issue about a local airport being closed because the mayor and council want a revenue-producing strip mall, contact your state and local government officials.

Remember that it is almost always the amount of emails, letters, faxes and telephone calls your representatives receive (for or against) that sets policy. Your government officials are directly influenced by the “size of the pile.” In the end, the bigger pile wins!

STEP 2: Look for Opportunities to Meet Officials and Their Staffs
One of the easiest ways to meet your officials is to go where they are. Nothing creates a connection quite as strongly as a face-to-face meeting. There are two paths to this destination — attending fundraisers and attending free events such as meetings.
During election years, all candidates, whether incumbent or challenger, hold fundraisers. These can range from $25 or so to thousands of dollars. For a state office, you can usually get into a fundraiser for $100 or less, sometimes much less. A federal candidate is likely to charge a little more than that. At these events the candidates will usually work their way around the room greeting everyone. Make sure to introduce yourself and talk about the issue at hand. Also follow up your conversation with an email, letter or telephone call so that it can be officially recorded. The other path to getting to know your elected officials is to attend free events that they are hosting or are likely to attend. Community events that are likely to draw a big crowd are good places to find those in office or those who want to be. Politicians are gregarious so if you see one, walk up and introduce yourself. Be sure to mention your aviation connection. If you are active in community affairs in any way mention that as well. Find out what areas of interest your elected officials have and be sure to show up at events relating to that interest. Most elected officials hold public or town meetings, especially in election years, but often on an annual basis. Traveling in packs (with other concerned pilots) works well. Nothing gets the attention of an elected official faster than constituent numbers.

STEP 3: Tell Them How You (and General Aviation) Can Be Useful
The average person does not have a clue how important GA is to the national transportation system. Back in 1941 when the government was threatening to curtail all general aviation due to World War II, the Civil Air Patrol (a civilian organization) was created and not only kept general aviation alive but substantially helped our government with coastal patrol, target towing and local search and rescue efforts during the war years. It also contributed to a pilot-feeder program for the Army Air Corps. So you see, if you can convince a politician that keeping a program, an appropriation or a pilot’s right to fly is a good thing, then you have accomplished your task. Little victories add up and can make the difference between total success and tragic failure.

STEP 4: Educate Them and They Will Come Around
If you want elected officials to make wise decisions, they need wise people around them. You can be one of those advisors by making sure they truly know the issue and the size of the constituency that supports your view. The GA demographic is a big one — and one that is usually overlooked because of lack of participation in the political arena. Let’s change that for good! Educate your legislators on aviation and make them a partner in the program rather than an obstacle.

So how do you get started? Get involved by staying current with the issues. Find out what legislator is in the driver’s seat and make him or her aware of the situation.
Nine times out of 10, when our politicians make bad decisions it is because they have not been made fully aware of both sides of an issue. They are extremely busy people and their days are filled with hundreds of decisions that need to be made quickly. It is the advocate’s job to make sure that the official has all the information necessary to make the right decision.

I strongly feel that we have reached a crossroads in general aviation and our future is unsure. Your help is extremely important. Let’s all work together and take charge of the situation. A successful effort can keep general aviation going strong for many years to come. It’s up to us to make it happen!