ADVOCACY UPDATE GOVERNMENTAL ISSUES
EAA, Warbirds of
America Rally Quickly
on Warbirds Issue
Threat to operation of warbirds reversed
EAA’S ADVOCACY EFFORTS are focused not only on major yearlong
issues, such as user fees, medical certification, and GA security, but
also on issues that may suddenly flare up where immediate, unified
efforts are essential. One such case occurred in late April, when swift
action by members of EAA and Warbirds of America, plus other
aviation groups, made a difference in reversing a threat to warbird
aircraft through a possible amendment to the House National
Defense Authorization Act (H.R. 4310).
EAA’s relationships in Washington enabled the organization to discover
an early threat to warbird aircraft through a proposed amendment to a
House bill. It would bar the Department of Defense from lending or gifting
any U.S. military aircraft or parts to any entity except those that would put
the aircraft only on static display, such as in a museum. After reporting
the news, thousands of EAA members and aviators contacted their
congressional representatives in opposition to the proposal.
While EAA members were expressing their views to their elected
officials, Rep. Sam Graves (R-Missouri), a longtime EAA and Warbirds
of America member, reached out to House colleagues regarding the
potentially 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 the public response.
EAA and Warbirds of America worked
with a consortium of aviation groups that
rapidly assembled to meet the threat,
including the Commemorative Air Force,
Classic Jet Aircraft Association, Collings
Foundation, and other warbird groups. This
working relationship showed the “Stronger
Together” philosophy works on all levels of
aviation advocacy.
Some of the comments that came to EAA
after the group’s fast action included: “Nice
job, EAA … as well as everyone who took time
to write,” “Thankfully EAA and Warbirds of
America were on the watch,” and “This is a
first for me. The first time I made a difference
by voicing my opinion.”
While the GA community received
commitments that the amendment would
not be introduced on this occasion, EAA
and Warbirds of America will continue
to be vigilant to ensure that threats to
flying do not go unnoticed as legislation
is created.
