AOPA TV Commercial, Website Will Spread The Word

Don’t be surprised when you start seeing TV commercials this week on the Weather Channel... saying general aviation is NOT a threat to national security, period. It's all part of a campaign by the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association to send a clear and concise message to the public, media and political community.

"No GA aircraft has been used in an act of terror anywhere in the world. Ever!" said Jeff Myers, AOPA executive vice president of communications. "That's a fact that gets lost in the media's persistent scaremongering."

Myers said the organization "is turning to two of the most powerful ways to communicate -- TV and the Web -- to bring the message home to the public."

AOPA already has the new section up on its General Aviation Serving America Web site. The section explains in everyday English how General Aviation aircraft are too small, slow, and limited in carrying capacity to pose much of a threat.

Additionally, the program will show that GA pilots are subjected to multiple levels of security screening intended to identify potential terrorists and prevent them from training in or using GA aircraft.

The new Web pages will also demonstrate how the GA industry and pilots have been involved in a proactive, nationally-coordinated security partnership with federal, state, and local governments to protect GA resources from potential terrorist acts.

The site (below, and the FMI link) will also feature a comprehensive explanation of the multiple layers of protection guarding national resources from terrorist attacks -- including airspace restrictions; operational, airport, and aircraft security; and the new pilot screening and credentialing program.

"For too long, our industry has been too shy about blowing GA's horn," said Myers. "No more. AOPA will continue its aggressive efforts to reach out to the public, to explain general aviation and its value to every citizen.

"People sometimes fear what they don't know. They're going to know us now!"

FMI: www.gaservingamerica.org