Flying Doctor Earns National HonorBy Matt Furber The flight from Hailey to Challis takes about half
an hour, and it is part of how Richard Paris, a family practice
physician with the Hailey Medical Clinic, makes his rounds.
U. S. Transportation Secretary LaHood Announces $6.8 Million Grant For Boise AIr Terminal/Gowen Field
August 22, 2012 BOISE, Idaho – U. S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood today announced a $6.8 million dollar grant to rehabilitate the primary runway at Boise Air Terminal/Gowen Field in Boise, Idaho. The Secretary made the announcement during a visit to Boise. He was accompanied by Mayor David Bieter and U.S. Representative Randy Labrador. Read the full article: http://www.faa.gov/news/press_releases/news_story.cfm?newsId=13832&omniRss=press_releasesAoc&cid=102_P_R
Business Aviation: The Unfair AdvantageBetsy Donnelly, Business Aviation Source: Forbes What was once used only in extraordinary circumstances or by top global companies has today become a business necessity. If you charter, lease or own an aircraft, you already understand that Business Aviation — also called General Aviation — is as indispensable as your cell phone and your laptop. For those companies that don’t use Business Aviation, read on to discover why it’s an invaluable business tool in order to survive — and thrive — in today’s tough economic climate. Only about 3 percent of the approximately 15,000 business aircraft registered in the U.S. are flown by America’s largest and most well-known companies, while the remaining 97 percent are operated by a broad cross-section of organizations, including governments, universities, charitable organizations and businesses — large, medium and small. And that 97% represents the vibrant heartbeat of what keeps American business humming… or in this case, flying. Read the full article: http://www.forbes.com/sites/businessaviation/2012/08/06/business-aviation-the-unfair-advantage/ Demand Prompts Expansion At Boise AirportSource: The Idaho Statesman, Boise July 04--Jackson Jet Center on the north side of the Boise Airport has been a plush, tranquil gateway to Boise since an extensive remodel, including stunning local metal art, wrapped up in 2007. Now the center at 3815 Rickenbacker St. is undergoing a $3 million expansion that will add amenities for pilots, such as an exercise room, as well as more office and hangar space. General Manager Mark Zacher says the company saw demand that wasn't being met and believes the changes will attract new business. Read the full article: http://www.aviationpros.com/news/10738552/demand-prompts-expansion-at-boise-airport?goback=.gde_4469401_member_131154014 Idaho Governor: User Fees 'Will Do More Harm Than Good'April 17, 2012 Idaho Governor C.L. “Butch” Otter is the latest governor to ask President Barack Obama to recognize the harm new user fees would do to general aviation (GA). “As one of the few manufacturing sectors that contribute to the balance of trade, GA has been hit hard by the economic downtown with the loss of more than 20,000 aviation-sector employees,” wrote Governor Otter in his letter to the President, which was released April 12. “The bottom line is that raising taxes on critical sectors of our economy will do us more harm than good by putting more jobs at risk. I encourage you to join me in opposing the new ‘user fee’ taxes that will be placed on GA operators.” The Idaho governor’s plea was similar to those of Oklahoma Governor Mary Fallin and New Hampshire Governor John Lynch, who in December asked the President to oppose new user fees, saying that “GA aircraft and the airports they utilize represent a critical link in emergency services, economic opportunity and global markets.” In addition, a February message from 100 mayors and city managers from 48 states across the U.S. to the President decried his proposed $100-per-flight user fee based on the adverse effects it would have on their communities. "We thank Governor Otter for adding his voice to the chorus of opposition to new user fees on businesses that use aircraft to help their businesses grow and employ more people.” Since 2010, 37 states – including Idaho – have issued official proclamations recognizing the importance of all of general aviation, including business aviation. In his September 2011 GA Appreciation proclamation, Governor Otter clearly identified the industry’s economic value in Idaho, pointing out that GA supported some 23,000 jobs, just under three percent of all jobs in the state, and had a total economic impact of $2.1 billion. Coordinating efforts across the country to highlight the importance of general aviation to communities is the Alliance for Aviation Across America, a non-profit, non-partisan coalition of over 5,800 individuals and organizations representing businesses, agricultural groups, fixed base operators, elected officials, charitable organizations, and leading business and aviation groups supporting interests of the GA community across various public-policy issues. Selena Shilad, executive director of the Alliance, said, "We are pleased that Governor Otter has joined the growing number of state and local elected officials around the country who recognize the immense value that general aviation and local airports provide to our national economy and local communities around the nation." NBAA Members can help in the effort to stop user fees by using the Association’s online “Contact Congress” advocacy resource to alert their senators and representatives to the latest user fee threat from the White House. Review Governer Otter's full letter on the Alliance for Aviation Across America website. Source: http://www.nbaa.org House Aviation Leaders Repeat to Obama: No User FeesAINalerts » February 28, 2012 |