RAF Brief HR 1743 PASSES 9-15-2010

RECREATIONAL AVIATION FOUNDATION
For Immediate Release


House Passes Resolution Recognizing Recreational Aviation


Contact: Carmine Mowbray, RAF Press Liaison, cmowbray@theraf.org

Washington, DC, September 15, 2010 – The Recreational Aviation Foundation (RAF) welcomed a resolution passed by the U.S. House of Representatives recognizing the value of recreational aviation and backcountry airstrips on America’s public lands.

RAF President John McKenna noted that 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,” McKenna said, adding, “We express our deepest appreciation to Representative Denny Rehberg (R-MT) for his leadership on this important resolution.” The RAF also wishes to thank four early supporters including Representatives Allen Boyd (D-FL), Vern Ehlers (R-MI), Walt Minnick (D-ID), and Mike Simpson (R-ID). Signing on before today’s conclusive vote were Sam Graves (R-MO), Pete Olson (R-TX), Jason Chaffetz (R-UT), John Salazar (D-CO), Bobby Bright (D-AL) and Collin Peterson (D-MN). 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 commendsaviators and the various private organizations that maintain these airstrips for public use.”

See http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wAFpZQbHaEg&feature=youtube_gdata

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, MT, 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"

http://www.theraf.org



Thanks Steve,
I got the above notice in an email from RAF, after signing up with them at the Greenville Seaplane Fly-In. There we had a good discussion on lifting the liability issues on public use of private strips. There are lots of great places to land in West Virginia as I'm sure all states. But here many private owners even if good friends usually say, "I'm not giving you permission to land, but I won't kick you off if you're here!".
I understand Tenn. has passed a law giving private strip owners relief from liability in some form if the public with permission use their fields. I'd like to see what can be done here in WV.

Jim I thought your Governor was a active pilot.

Bill, yes he is. Gov. Joe Manchin III flew his Piper Saratoga to our Martinsburg Air Show Saturday during Labor Day weekend and then, interrupting the air show, flew to the Mountaineer Football game in Morgantown. Don't know if any WV pilots or landowners have ever approached him or our legislature about this issue yet. He's now running for Sen. Byrd's seat.

I was glad to see our Congressman Sam Graves on that list. He flies his little Cherokee into the airport I am based at from time to time. He has been a great supporter of aviation in Missouri and Nationally.

sj