House resolution recognizing the value of recreational aviation...

This article was recently published on GeneralAviationNews.com (September 16, 2010):
The U.S. House of Representatives recently passed a resolution recognizing the value of recreational aviation and backcountry airstrips on America’s public lands.
Resolution 1473 acknowledges the many benefits that backcountry airstrips provide to the general public, including search and rescue, fire management, disaster relief and safe havens for pilots in emergency situations. Recreational airstrips also serve as access points for outdoor enthusiasts, leading to valuable economic activity in small communities.
“This resolution provides invaluable recognition to this vital part of America’s transportation system and will help protect these national treasures,” said John McKenna, president of the Recreational Aviation Foundation. “We express our deepest appreciation to Representative Denny Rehberg (R-MT) for his leadership on this important resolution.”
Early supporters include Representatives Allen Boyd (D-Fla.), Vern Ehlers (R-Mich.), Walt Minnick (D-Idaho), and Mike Simpson (R-Idaho). Signing on before today’s conclusive vote were Sam Graves (R-Mo.), Pete
Olson (R-Texas), Jason Chaffetz (R-Utah), John Salazar (D-Colo.), Bobby Bright (D-Ala.) and Collin Peterson (D-Minn.). McKenna said, “Their support has brought significant attention to this segment of general aviation and we look forward to continuing to work with them on issues facing our community.”
The Official Resolution concludes:
“Resolved, That the House of Representatives recognizes the value of recreational aviation and backcountry airstrips located on the nation’s public lands and commends aviators and the various private organizations that maintain these airstrips for public use.”
The Resolution originated with the Recreational Aviation Foundation Board of Directors after discussions with the Congressmen in Washington, DC. The Recreational Aviation Foundation is headquartered in Bozeman, Mont., and has supporters in all contiguous states and Alaska. It is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization whose mission is “Keeping the legacy of recreational aviation strong by preserving, maintaining and creating public use recreational and backcountry airstrips nationwide”
While we all know the "value" of these government resolutions, it's still nice to read about the government supporting and recognizing recreational aviation (even if it's only in the form of a resolution). Unfortunately, it's much more common to read about the government's ongoing new restrictions, making it more and more difficult for us to enjoy recreational aviation. A good example of this is the FAA's opposition to new residential through-the-fence (TTF) operations at public-use airports. Some of the best airports I've been to are recreational aviation-friendly specifically because of activity allowed by residential (and other) TTF agreements.

I had the opportunity to meet with John McKenna, president of the Recreational Aviation Foundation, at a fly-in earlier this year. This is a grass roots organization, active mainly in the northwestern U.S. It's a private foundation dedicated to preserving existing airstrips and creating new public-use recreational airstrips throughout the United States.

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Comment by Chris Aysen on September 27, 2010 at 1:21pm
Good news considering the political environment. Hats off to RAF.

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