[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 86 (Wednesday, June 10, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1369]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   CONGRATULATING AIRCRAFT OWNERS AND PILOTS ASSOCIATION ON ITS 70TH 
                              ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                         HON. CANDICE S. MILLER

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 9, 2009

  Mrs. MILLER of Michigan. Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong 
support of H. Res 472, a resolution to congratulate the Aircraft Owners 
and Pilots Association on their seventieth anniversary, and speak to 
their dedication to general aviation, to safety, and the important 
contribution general aviation provides to the United States.
  The AOPA was established seventy years ago, on the eve of World War 
II. This non-profit association has been dedicated to general aviation, 
improving general aviation safety, providing pilots with training, 
education and advocating on their behalf at every level of government.
  More than 75% of all flights in the United States are general 
aviation. America relies on general aviation for business, medical 
delivery services, sightseeing and for just plain fun and a love of 
flying.
  General aviation is a vital industry in America's economy. Currently 
there are 19,000 airports nationwide that provide jobs for 1.3 million 
Americans and bring in more than $100 billion dollars annually.
  After the terrorist attacks of 9/11, the AOPA responded by partnering 
with the TSA to develop a nationwide Airport Watch Program that uses 
pilots as eyes and ears for observing and reporting suspicious 
activity.
  Flight Safety has remained a principal focus for the AOPA, so they 
have supported new technologies to make aviation safer. AOPA was a 
principle advocator of the GPS navigation systems which helped lead the 
way for the Next Gen Air Transportation System--with aviation-specific 
applications and advanced innovations such as weather forecasting.
  And today, the AOPA represents more than 289,000 American general 
aviation pilots--including my husband who is a long time member. He 
started flying when he was a fighter pilot in Vietnam, and now we fly 
an RV-8, which he built in our garage.
  I am proud to support the resolution to honor the AOPA for the 
commendable work they do in the aviation field.
  Their dedication to aviation, aviation safety, training general 
aviation pilots, and to new technologies makes me proud to support this 
association.
  Congratulations on your first 70 years.

                          ____________________