Editor's Page

The thing about GA

by Rob Riggen

General aviation is really my thing. Yes, military hardware can be impressive with it's raw power, speed and agility. One can't help but be awestruck at the sheer reliability and size of the commercial airliner fleet today. But it is the little planes that hold my interest when it comes to aviation. There's something I like about aviation that is within reach of the "common man". To fly military planes you have to be in the military. Most of us are forced to sit in the back of the commercial airliners. But the lilttle planes of GA are planes that real people like you and me can build in our garages, take to the airport, jump in and fly away.

I sometimes worry about general aviation. There always seems to be something threatening it's very existence. Fuel prices, user fees, negative press coverage and airport closings are constantly applying pressure on the industry. At my home airport, KBTV, the environment is rather toxic toward GA. I managed the flight school at the airfield for a few years and was able to observe first hand what low regard the general aviation sector was given by the various entities at the airport. In fact, now there isn't even a facility at this, the state of Vermont's largest airport where one can rent an airplane.

Recently the entire airfield was designated a SIDA which basically excludes the general public from being anywhere on the property. All general aviation aircraft owners had no choice but to attend a seminar, submit their fingerprints to the FBI and acquire an "official" ID badge at their own cost. The worst part is that as a transient pilot at Burlington Airport you are now only authorized to walk on the ramp in a straight line from your parked aircraft to the FBO facility door. If you wander over to peek at that sleek looking homebuilt over there the TSA might levy a significant fine, or worse.

Most of the businesses in hangars on the airport are non-aviation businesses. There's CJ's Home Improvements, a construction group, a company that does some sort of measurement systems and some others. Many of the parking spaces along the fence are reserved for these non-aviation entities. That seems strange to me. There is a little flight school there but it's sort of a crude and quirky operation and not what I would expect at a true Interational airport in a metropolitan(ish) area. People don't bring their kids to the airport to stand and watch the planes taking off and landing because they can't get close enough to see them. And there aren't many to see if they could.

There is a rustic little grass field about 20 miles South in Shelburne, VT. It's a friendly place where the runway is a little rougher and narrower and things happen a little slower. You can rent a plane there (if you carry your own insurance). And there are a handful of homebuilts gracing the grassy parking areas. The drive is worth it because unlike at the big airport the feeling you get when you are there is nice. It's very quiet. There are no fences, no keep out signs and no warnings of search, seizure and arrest. When you walk from your plane after landing you are free to wander over and peek into the cockpit of that little biplane. When you run into someone they're ususally very friendly and willing to chat a while about the best kind of aviation.

Our non-US based bretheren carry an important message for us. We've got it good when it comes to our aviation freedoms. But it might not last forever. We need to protect this delicate and beautiful asset. We need to become active in our communities regarding avation issues. We need to put our best foot forward and advocate for our airports. Join AOPA & EAA. Send your homebuilding or flying story to your local newspaper. Small airplanes are a true gift to the common man. That's the thing about GA.

Related Link(s):
Euro user fees video
GA in Cuba


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