Election Brings New People, Challenges to Recreational Aviation

November 10, 2016 - As with all national elections, Tuesday’s voting results shuffles the landscape for EAA’ s advocacy team as it works on issues important to our fellow members. That is true for both the upcoming 115th Congress and the incoming Trump administration.

“A major part of it will be an education process, as there will be an entirely new group of cabinet-level leaders and policymakers throughout federal agencies,” said Jack Pelton, EAA CEO and chairman of the board. “It also extends through Congress, where retirements and election results will bring dozens of new lawmakers to Washington, many of whom will address aviation issues.”

EAA’s advocacy team will work with other general aviation organizations and longtime contacts in the nation’s capital to review the key issues and spotlight both opportunities and challenges that will arise. That will include encouraging new membership in the valuable GA caucus in both the House and Senate, which educates lawmakers and their staffs on general aviation’s value and its needs. In addition, EAA will remain vigilant during the rest of 2016 as Congress and President Obama finish any business in a lame duck session prior to the 114th Congress’ final recess.

The incoming administration has made improvements to the nation’s transportation infrastructure, including airports, a priority. While that could bode well for aviation, EAA and other GA groups will watch to make sure that such improvements extend to all aviation facilities, especially those serving communities without commercial air service.

While a national election brings changes to what may happen on Capitol Hill, in agency leadership and at the White House, much of EAA’s work continues with day-to-day matters that are handled by permanent agency staff.

“EAA’s well-known ability to forge relationships with policymakers will continue to serve our members very well,” Pelton said. “Many of the initiatives that require ground-level work will move forward as they have in the past, as we use our relationships to break down barriers that hinder aviation participation.”