[JYO] GA Serving America ads appearing nationwide

GA Serving America ads appearing nationwide
Members use info to educate the media

Sept. 23 — The first ads promoting AOPA's new Web site "<A 
HREF="http://www.gaservingamerica.org/";>General Aviation 
Serving America</A>" appeared across the nation today in publications such as 
USA 
Today, The New York Times and The Washington Post. And AOPA members are 
already using the information to educate the media and others about the 
significance of GA in American life.

John R. Williams (AOPA 01341951) recently heard a well-known Cincinnati TV 
reporter make a statement about "novice" pilots flying small airplanes. He 
quickly fired off an e-mail to the reporter, saying, "I was concerned that 
your statements would misinform the public and reinforce irrational fears 
that many people have about small airplanes. As a member of the Aircraft 
Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) I invite you to view the new web site 
'General Aviation Serving America' at <A 
HREF="http://www.gaservingamerica.org/";>www.gaservingamerica.org</A>.

"This site was created by AOPA in response to the unjustified grounding and 
restrictions on general aviation following the Sept. 11 attacks. AOPA would 
like everyone in the media to be well informed on the value and safety in 
general aviation. Many of the small airplanes you see overhead are flown by 
flight instructors, retired airline pilots, or private pilots with hundreds 
of hours of experience — far from being novices. Please visit the new web 
site or the public AOPA home page at www.aopa.org for more information."

The reporter acknowledged his error and apologized.

"This is a perfect example of how individual members can make a huge 
difference," said AOPA President Phil Boyer. "And believe it or not, local 
media people usually appreciate hearing from their audience. They don't want 
to make mistakes; they just don't always have the right information."

Said John Williams, "I occasionally hear radio talk show hosts or TV 
newscasters make incorrect or misleading statements about general aviation 
and I have often wanted to do something about it, but I am not prepared to 
speak as an expert on GA. I used the new Web site to speak for me."

Most newspapers and TV and radio stations list e-mail addresses on a Web 
site. And Williams offers some excellent advice. "Be friendly and polite when 
sending e-mail," he said. "Everyone should think of pilots and the skies as 
friendly."

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