A "who's who" of government and business and aviation leaders gathered over the weekend at Rep. Sam Grave’s (R-Missouri) annual town hall and airshow in Tarkio, Missouri, to discuss key issues confronting the industry such as workforce shortages.
Held July 13 in a hangar at Tarkio, the town hall was led by Graves, the ranking Republican on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, and included participation of his fellow colleagues, including Chairman Peter DeFazio (D-Oregon), and FAA acting Administrator Dan Elwell. They joined the leaders of at least nine aviation associations to discuss workforce development and encouraging young people to pursue careers in general aviation, the ADS-B equipage mandate, small and rural airport infrastructure, and the need to increase airport improvement funding.
“I appreciate all the aviation leaders, policymakers, and dedicated folks in the general aviation community who came out for the general aviation town hall in Tarkio,” Graves said. “Great interest and participation in the town hall always make it a successful event, and I believe we were able to send leaders back to Washington with our input, concerns, and ideas about how to ensure the growth of general aviation in America.”
Experimental Aircraft Association chairman and CEO Jack Pelton, who was among the participants, likened the event as “the first unofficial day of Oshkosh, but only a few miles to the south” and said it is “unique having such prominent congressional members, FAA leadership, and all of the aviation association leadership in attendance to share and listen to the aviation community.”
General Aviation Manufacturers Association president and CEO Pete Bunce added he was encouraged to see bipartisan leadership at the T&I Committee, as well as the FAA, to collaborate on the priorities of the general aviation community.
“Congressman Graves's annual Wing Nuts Flying Circus event offers an opportunity for general aviation advocates and policymakers to come together and see firsthand why the industry is essential for citizens, companies, and communities across the U.S.,” agreed NBAA president and CEO Ed Bolen. “It has become an important tradition, and an opportunity to recognize America's leadership in aviation.”
NATA president Gary Dempsey further praised Graves’s advocacy on general aviation issues and said the leaders “look forward to continuing our partnership in the future.”
Numerous other leaders participated, including Mark Baker, president of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association; Ed DeCampli, COO of Helicopter Association International; Andrew Moore, executive director of the National Agricultural Aviation Association; John Cudahy, president and CEO of International Council of Airshows, and Mike Adamson, president and CEO of the Aircraft Electronics Association.
