[JYO] AOPA Update: 10/3/01 1:54:18 PM

AOPA on Capitol Hill today
Boyer and AOPA Washington staff meet with Congress to" free the GA 41,000"

Update: 10/3/01 1:54:18 PM, ET — AOPA President Phil Boyer and AOPA's 
Washington-based legislative affairs staff began a series of meetings today 
with members of Congress to enlist their support to "free the GA 41,000." In 
his first meeting with Colorado Senator Wayne Allard, Boyer emphasized that 
more than 120,000 pilots are trapped in enhanced Class B airspace where VFR 
flight by certificated pilots is prohibited. Sen. Allard said he understood 
the importance of VFR flying, noting that in Colorado, many GA aircraft can't 
reach the minimum enroute altitudes for IFR operations. He acknowledged the 
"inconsistencies" in the current policy. Allred committed to working with the 
National Security Council to find relief for general aviation, and he 
promised to go to the White House as well.

Meanwhile, the White House Office of Public Liaison contacted AOPA today to 
offer help in resolving the problems for general aviation pilots.

Student background check proposed
The Senate will also begin debate today on aviation security legislation. 
AOPA has learned that Senator Bill Nelson of Florida will offer a floor 
amendment requiring a background check for all current and future students 
enrolled in flight training. AOPA has offered to work with Senator
                      
Nelson on proposals to enhance the procedures of the agencies that allowed 
terrorists to enter the country and enroll in flight training. AOPA 
reiterated that the overwhelming majority of flight students are law-abiding 
U.S. citizens who have done nothing to deserve this treatment.

GA relief package introduced today
Representative Bill Shuster (R-Penn.) today introduced legislation in the 
House of Representatives that would provide relief to those general aviation 
businesses damaged by the ground stop that occurred in the wake of the tragic 
events of September 11. The legislation would require the Small Business 
Administration to provide grants and loans to small GA businesses that 
qualify and would defer repayment of loans and interest rates for one year. 
The legislation has eight other original sponsors: Representatives Robin 
Hayes (R-N.C.), Vern Ehlers (R-Mich.), Leonard Boswell (D-Iowa), Nick Lampson 
(D-Texas), Collin Peterson (D-Minn.), Butch Otter (R-Idaho), Sue Kelly 
(R-N.Y.), and Jim Duncan (R-Tenn.). AOPA has been working with staff on 
Capitol Hill to develop and sponsor this legislation.
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