[JYO] AOPA fights airport privatization that harms GA

AOPA fights airport privatization that harms GA
Aug. 20 — As airports in different parts of the country consider proposals 
that would turn the airport over to private operators, AOPA is drawing a line 
in 
the sand.
"We simply will not accept any proposal to privatize a GA airport that is not 
in the best interest of the national transportation system or general 
aviation," said AOPA President Phil Boyer. "We are currently fighting specific 
proposals, and we have sought legislation to ensure pilots have a voice in any 
future privatization plans."
For example, AOPA continues to oppose a privatization proposal for New 
Orleans' Lakefront Airport (NEW). The American Airports Corporation (AAC), a 
private, for-profit operator, wants to lease the airport from the Orleans Levee 
District for 50 years. It plans to transform it from New Orleans' primary 
general 
aviation reliever into an airport that caters to charters and corporate 
aircraft, squeezing small piston aircraft off the airport. Funds generated by 
the 
airport could be used for off-airport purposes.
AOPA has opposed the proposal, developed without specific input and approval 
by general aviation users, because it also lacks sufficient private investment 
that could lead to increases in rates and charges.
AOPA President Boyer did meet with ACC and levee district representatives at 
their request, but he said, "I'm merely making good on my pledge that this 
will have a fair review in the best interests of GA pilots and aircraft owners."
AOPA is still asking FAA to reject the proposal in its current form.
But as airport privatization is becoming an issue elsewhere, AOPA has worked 
to ensure pilots have a voice in determining what is best for their airport.
This year, AOPA Legislative Affairs worked with Rep. Peter DeFazio (D-Ore.), 
ranking Democrat on the House aviation subcommittee. He sponsored Section 155 
of "Vision 100 — Century of Aviation Reauthorization Act," which requires 
that 
65% of the owners of aircraft based at the airport must approve a proposed 
airport privatization.
"Based on our experience in the New Orleans proposal, we felt it was vital 
that general aviation be a part of the consultative process for airport 
privatization proposals," said Andy Cebula, senior vice president of Government 
and 
Technical Affairs. "Pilots need to know and have a say-so in these airport 
outsourcing efforts."
The reauthorization act is currently awaiting final approval by Congress.

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