Originally published in 2001
STATE LEGISLATIVE SESSION BEGINS!!!
The Texas Legislature began its new session on January 8, 2001. In addition to the many issues that the legislature must address each session, a great deal of the legislators’ time this year will be focused on redefining legislative districts. Of the aviation issues which could surface, one is how to best address the potential hazard to aviation safety resulting from the proliferation of communications towers which continue to be erected throughout the state. Last year, six AG pilots were killed in accidents as a result of collisions with towers or the guy wires supporting them. As these towers continue to crop up across Texas, the agricultural aviation industry is very interested in ensuring that the towers and the supporting members are readily visible to pilots involved in low level flying. Another issue, supported by the Texas Airport Management Association, is the establishment of a state-funded loan program which communities could use to match federal and state airport development grants or construct needed items such as hangars or fuel farms which are not eligible for state or federal grants.
THE TEXAS AVIATION CONFERENCE IS COMING SOON!
This year’s aviation conference, scheduled for April 4-6, 2001, stands to be the best one ever. We have a lot to talk about this year including funding increases resulting from AIR-21, establishment of the new entitlement program for general aviation airports, changes in the Routine Airport Maintenance Program, and continuation of the Automated Weather Observing Station Program just to name a few. Look for more information elsewhere in Wingtips.