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United States Pilots Association |
On May 26, Aspen Avionics in Albuquerque, NM, hosted a session on general aviation issues for Kevin Cummins, head staffer for aviation affairs for Senator Tom Udall of NM. Senator Udall is a member of the Commerce Committee and appears to want to strongly support the growing aerospace industry in NM.
Among the approximately 15 in attendance, including the Presidents of Sandia Aerospace and Aspen Avionics, was Ron Keller representing both the New Mexico Pilots Association and the United States Pilots Association. Ron expressed concerns over the new TSA security directives for badging, etc. at airports with commercial air service—including the half-baked security requirements imposed on general aviation, a segment of aviation not responsible for a large scale attack on this country. Mr. Cummins took many notes. Others promptly backed up Ron’s statements. Ron also commented about the whole NexGen movement and the reauthorization, and the fact that GA pilots are expected to purchase new equipment for ADS-B, while still maintaining the RADAR transponders as a back-up system. Ron suggested that Congress approach the funding issue carefully, and ask why a back-up system is required if ADS-B is so good.
NMPA and USPA were the only pilots organizations represented at the meeting. Ron’s presentations were both technical and comprehensive, and he was requested to provide further communications with the President of Sandia Aerospace who stated that Ron was right on the money.
Jan Hoynacki, Executive Director
USPA