Each month, volunteer pilots from Grace Flight fly patients needing specialized medical care to hospitals throughout Texas. Many of these patients from rural areas would otherwise be hard-pressed to receive the care they need.
These flights are part of general aviation, which includes all flying except the scheduled airlines and military. Right now general aviation is being imperiled by misguided plans in Washington, D.C., that propose new costs and regulations.
If these proposals are enacted, the outlook could be grim for Grace Flight patients, as well as for millions of other people throughout the country who depend on general aviation for services and jobs.
With an estimated 65 percent of general aviation flights conducted for public service and business, many industries and services would be affected, including agriculture, emergency medical evacuation, law enforcement, aerial fire fighting, package delivery and the Civil Air Patrol.
Recently, the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association launched General Aviation Serves America. The goal of this national grassroots campaign is to educate policymakers, opinion leaders and the public about the vital role general aviation plays in our local communities and the nation's economy.
Craig Fuller
Frederick, Md.