The General Aviation Airport Coalition (GAAC) has now officially formed as a national organization to “preserve and promote our nation’s general aviation airports.” In a press release, the GAAC said it believes existing advocacy groups are “excellent” but general aviation airports “need eyes and ears on the ground to exclusively look out for policies that impact our airports.” It aims to create strength and solidarity among smaller airports and protect them from the potentially damaging influence of outside interests, including federal agencies. It’s is up and running online at GAAirportCoalition.org, meets monthly via teleconference and online, and is actively seeking new members.
Referencing the TSA, GAAC interim chair Richard Lewis said in a press release, “GA airports need to work together to create a strong, unified voice to prevent the federal government from forcing us to do things we cannot afford to do.” Lewis is director of Concord Regional Airport in North Carolina. Among the group’s initial priorities are “developing a list of federal priorities that it will promote” and organizing resources to assist airport operators with their day-to-day operations.
