CALL TO ACTION - AMENDMENT TO HARM HELI INDUSTRY

[AdminLB]

CALL TO ACTION - AMENDMENT TO HARM HELI INDUSTRY

 

I just got the email below from HAI and I wanted to pass it along and ask that each of you contact your senator regarding this issue. I have already done so myself.

 

Lyn

lyn.burks@rotorcraftpro.com

 

___________________________________________________

 

Dear HAI Member,

 

I am contacting you today about a very serious matter that will be debated in the U.S. Senate on Tuesday, March 13. Your help is needed to ensure that the Alexander Amendment #1779 is not approved. This amendment would set a dangerous precedent and curtail helicopter tours over national parks.

 

The U.S. Senate will continue debate on the highway bill next week, and Alexander #1779 will be voted on late in the afternoon or early evening on March 13. It contains provisions that would significantly affect air tour operators conducting tours over national parks and would give the National Park Service sole authority to curtail air tours. Sen. Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) is attempting to insert his amendment into the surface transportation bill after having failed to insert similarly dangerous language in the final FAA reauthorization bill passed last month.

 

Alexander developed this amendment with no consultation with air tour operating companies or HAI and it was sprung at the eleventh hour, just as the Senate prepared to begin debate. The NPS's authority over air tour operators under this amendment would be nearly unfettered.

The Alexander amendment is ill-advised and marginalizes the role of the FAA in air tour operations over national parks and tribal lands. HAI strongly believes that, should the Alexander amendment pass Congress, it will mean the loss of hundreds of jobs and tens of millions in revenues. It will also limit access for visitors to our national parks, especially the elderly and the disabled.

 

The helicopter industry could also suffer a tremendous trickle-down effect on manufacturers, suppliers, and other aspects of the helicopter industry.

 

HAI urges you to contact your U.S. senators today and ask them to oppose the Alexander amendment related to overflights of national parks. Contact information can be found at www.senate.gov. Telephoning your senators' Washington offices is the most expedient way of making your voice heard.

 

If you need help in sending your message to Washington, please do not hesitate to contact me via email or phone.

 

Ann O'Hara Carroll

Vice President of Government Affairs

Helicopter Association International (HAI)

1635 Prince Street

Alexandria, VA 22314

T 703.683.4646, x8457

[HeliNinja]

First time I've ever written a letter (well, email) to my Senator. Seems pretty ridiculous to me that they'd grant the NPS power over the FAA in this regard. I cross posted your fb post, retweeted it, and posted on linkedin to help get the message out.

[Hoagie]

Both US Senators contacted. Let's hope this amendment fails.

[rollthbns]

I cant stress enough how important this is. Let those letters and calls fly!

[ChopperJ]

Done x2

 

Here is the HAI article with link to amendment.

 

http://rotor.com/Publications/RotorNewssupregsup/tabid/177/newsid1237/75029/mid/1237/Default.aspx

[ChopperJ]

As far as I can tell it looks like it passed.

[ChopperJ]

There is still hope.

 

http://www.rotor.com/Publications/RotorNewssupregsup/tabid/177/newsid1237/75068/Default.aspx