PRESIDENT'S REPORT - Joe Pearson
April 12, 2008

Hello,

          This is an exciting time for Alaska General Aviation! As I write this, the Senate just passed (voted unanimously) for Senate Bill 249, and now it is off to the House for a vote. I anticipate similar results there. What is it? It is the state offering a ten-year low-interest loan program in support of ADS-B (Capstone) equipage for Alaska based aircraft. While this is not what we need to ensure equipage long term in support of the statewide plan, it will, I believe, encourage equipage this year and keep us on schedule so the FAA will continue implementation of the ground-based stations that will provide the Capstone capability across most of the state. Please review the Statewide plan on our Web site for more details. This is a good first step, and the result of our (and the Alaska Air Carriers Association’s and the Safety Foundation’s) efforts in Juneau.

            Next, the Annual Trade Show is the first weekend in May. Again in the FedEx Express hangar, and it will be as encompassing as last year’s show. Additionally, this year’s guest speakers include Phil Boyer from AOPA. If you are interested in aviation and have some questions, comments, or concerns, among Phil, the “head Fed” in Alaska, and the other planned speakers…this may be a “must attend.”

            Whether you’re a pilot or owner, typically this is the time of year we turn to getting ready for summer. With the price of gas going through the roof, your flying program this summer may not be as robust as in years past (I know mine won’t be). Flying less usually means doing more careful preparation, more attention to detail, and everything else that comes with currency issues. 

            This year’s raffle plane is a full up better-than-factory-new (my opinion) Super Cub, with many Alaskan mods. I wish I could participate in the raffle. The plane is being constructed at Dan’s Aircraft Repair over at Merrill field. Stop by and look at “your new plane” if you are in the area.

            Finally, this is a member non-profit organization. The more members we have, the more credibility we enjoy. If you have concerns about issues that we ought to be involved with, please let us know. If you’d like to know what we are doing and you have questions, please contact us. And if you know pilots, owners, and others with an interest in General Aviation in Alaska, please encourage them to join. I am proud of the results of our efforts. I believe we are making a difference, but if no one cares, then, what’s the point?

Thanks- Joe