Swift action by members of EAA and Warbirds of America, plus other general aviation pilots and aviation enthusiasts, made a difference in reversing a threat to warbird aircraft posed by a possible amendment to the House National Defense Authorization Act (H.R. 4310).
Thousands of EAA members and aviators contacted their congressional representatives after EAA and other warbird organizations reported last week that a proposed amendment to the House bill would bar the Department of Defense from loaning or gifting any U.S. military aircraft or parts to any entity except those that would put the aircraft on static display, such as in a museum.
EAA officials are reporting that they have learned the amendment will no longer be offered to the bill. It would have precluded military aircraft from being loaned to private individuals, associations, or museums where there was any intent of flying the historic vintage warbirds, even at airshows or demonstrations of support for veterans.
While EAA members were expressing their views to their elected officials, Rep. Sam Graves (R-MO), a longtime EAA and Warbirds of America member, reached out to House colleagues — including the proposal’s sponsor, Rep. Mike Turner (R-Ohio) — regarding the devastating effect the amendment could have on U.S. warbird operations. The House General Aviation Caucus and the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee were also valuable in conveying key information regarding warbirds and the proposed amendment in support of public response, EAA officials said.
“We thank EAA and Warbirds of America members for acting quickly in support of warbird operations and for Rep. Graves’ strong leadership efforts. This is an excellent example of how establishing good relationships in Congress and building an effective caucus can address these issues in a unified manner,” said Doug Macnair, EAA’s vice president of government relations. “We also thank Rep. Turner and his staff for listening and considering the input of constituents, aviators, veterans, and aviation and military history enthusiasts.”
For more information: EAA.org
People who read this article also read articles on airparks, airshow, airshows, avgas, aviation fuel, aviation news, aircraft owner, avionics, buy a plane, FAA, fly-in, flying, general aviation, learn to fly, pilots, Light-Sport Aircraft, LSA, and Sport Pilot.
What we really need to know is why this bill was proposed? Dis someone stand to gain from it, or was it an attempt to get back at someone for some other action?
The person who introduced the bill was probably trying to gain support from constituents who were anti-aviation; lots of people air against aircraft owners after that fiascal with the “Big-Three” automakers getting slammed for going to D.C. in private jets for some gov. loans, as well as the fallout from that.