Matt Zuccaro, President of HAI

Helicopter Association International (HAI) President, Matt Zuccaro, wishes to express his sincere appreciation to the many HAI members who joined HAI in filing comments with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) opposing a proposed FAA rulemaking that would mandate a VFR helicopter route on the north shore of New York's Long Island.
Mr. Zuccaro filed comments on Friday, June 25 with the FAA, cautioning the agency over the need to follow established regulatory process and environmental policy and Zuccaro warned of the potential negative effect the proposed rule could have on safety and operational efficiency. While the proposed rule does contain deviations for safety, weather conditions, or the transitioning to or from a destination or point of landing, Zuccaro pointed out the proposed rule fails to address operational limitations or performance factors.

Jack Pelton

Jack J. Pelton, chairman, president and CEO of Cessna Aircraft Company, said today all aviation stakeholders must work together to ensure the health of the industry. Pelton made the remarks at the monthly luncheon meeting of the Aero Club of Washington D.C. He said the negative rhetoric around the general aviation industry has died down thanks to the combined efforts of the GA stakeholders. “This cooperation we’ve experienced in general aviation must span all areas of aviation,” he said, “and the Future of Aviation Advisory Committee launched by DOT Secretary La Hood is an excellent start.” Pelton represents general aviation on the committee. In his remarks, Pelton sited three key issues that will most impact the aviation industry: the pilot population, environmental concerns and the Next Generation Air Transportation System. The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration expects the number of student pilots nationwide to fall to a 10-year low of about 69,000 next year. That will equate to a nearly 30 percent decrease during the first decade of the 21st century.

Islip Town Supervisor Phil Nolan was joined by Councilmen John Edwards and Gene Parrington, Commissioner of Aviation Teresa Rizzuto, and President of the New York State Fraternal Order of Police, Islip Lodge, Arthur Turner to announce that more than 1,200 people participated in the Long Island MacArthur Airport 5K Run for Veterans – the first road race held on the airfield of Long Island’s only commercial airport. The race raised more than $40,000 to benefit Long Island 9-1-1 Veterans, a homegrown non-profit organization dedicated to helping local veterans.

LIBAA held its 7th Annual Golf Outing in partnership once again, with the LI Chapter of PAMA.  This year’s event was held on Wednesday, May 26th, at the Rock Hill Country Club located in Manorville, NY. The weather yielded a successful day for the 142 eager golfers.  The day was filled with lots of laughs, great food, prizes, and golfing.  It gave everyone a chance to catch up with old friends and customers and generate new relationships as well. 

The tournament raised funds for LIBAA, PAMA, and the Aerospace Education Corporation.  AEC is a not-for-profit organization which promotes aviation education and is dedicated to reaching out to young people and educating them about the various career opportunities available in the aviation industry.