The battle over the future of flight schools in California took a predictable twist last week and groups fighting new fees and regulations are regrouping for another round. Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger vetoed Bill 1889, which includes provisions that would have put a moratorium on implementation of the fees and rules. The governor didn’t veto the bill because of the flight school issue. It included money for new staff and cash-strapped California isn’t hiring much these days. Pilots associations in California continue to work the issue.
Rafael Sierra, president of the Palm Springs Pilots Association, said in a recent update that groups around the state will continue to apply political pressure. AOPA is also in the thick of the fight and is working with lawmakers to craft new legislation that will be tucked into another bill or even the state budget to take the immediate pressure off. “AOPA has been working on this issue for many months — and we have engaged our members to assist through calls to action,” said AOPA Vice President of Airports and State Advocacy Greg Pecoraro.
