Recap of LIBAA achievments and key notes of interest for 2010:
- LIBAA's continued involvement with the New York Aviation Management Association and taking an active role in Advocacy Day in Albany were we worked to help get an Aviation Jobs Act bill passed and also lobbied for an Aviation Caucus which has come to fruition and currently has some 63 members.
- Most successful golf outing ever in May at Rock Hill that helped raise additional funds for the Aerospace Education Corporation in support of their 2 day Career Fair. The annual tournament was also renamed the Chris Curley Invitational LIBAA/PAMA golf tournament in recognition of Chris who tragically passed away last year and was a great supporter of the various organizations including LIBAA.
- Successful involvement with the Eastern Suffolk Boces administrators in helping to stave off elimination of the maintenance technician program provided to various Long Island School districts.
- Great attendance and very successful AEC Career Fair in September that saw over 1700 students and 25 school districts visiting the 2 day event at Republic Airport were local aviation companies provided information and guidance to the students and static displays were provided including a 12 passenger simulator by the US Coast Guard, C-130 aircraft and helicopters.
- LIBAA said good bye to two board members as Bob Marinace and Artie Watkins left their positions in the organization. Bob and Artie served the aviation community here on Long Island well and their input and guidance will be missed but we wish them well in their future endeavors.
Moving forward into 2011 some of the important strategic initiatives we are looking at is:
- Continued alliance with NYAMA and other local, state and federal groups to help oppose egregious taxes which erode our business opportunities for our members. In addition offer all the support necessary to assist NYAMA with helping get passed an Aviation Jobs Act bill here in the state of New York that will help to eliminate the competitive advantage neighboring states currently have enjoyed for some time.
- Help support the Eastern Suffolk Boces program by offering an annual scholarship to be awarded to a deserving student, and also provide support and guidance necessary to allow for the continuation of the maintenance technician program that is offered.
- Further the education of our locally elected officials to the benefit of business aviation on Long Island by membership outreach.
- Monitor the events at Brookhaven Airport and their challenges with the local community and town government.
- Evaluate our involvement with the West 30th street heliport and its targeted elimination.
- Increase membership by reaching out to companies that support the aviation industry here on Long Island.
Gene Portela's presentation can be downloaded as a pdf here.
After updating the LIBAA membership association President, Gene Portela, handed over the podium to business aviation advocate and LIBAA member Ken Paskar. Ken was gracious enough to provide the evenings guest speaker and has always been a major supporter of LIBAA. Ken currently is on the legislative committee of the New York Aviation Management Association (NYAMA).
Ken introduced former chairman of the National Transportation Safety Board, James E. Hall. Mr. Hall was appointed by President Clinton during his administration in 1994 and provided interesting and informative insight into the processes of accident investigation, the governments responsibility in securing public safety in the world of transportation and personal recollections of his involvement with the investigations of TWA flight 800, the Egypt Air accident off the coast of Massachusetts and the JFK Jr. general aviation accident.
Mr. Hall's presentation was well received and greatly appreciated by all whom attended. His time spent on Long Island during the TWA flight 800 investigations gave him great insight into the workings of business aviation within the New York metro area. He was gracious enough to spend additional after his presentation answering questions and meeting with LIBAA members who waited patiently to shake his hand.
Thank you to Atlantic Aviation for sponsoring our event and for supporting LIBAA and thanks again to the many companies that provided door prizes for the evening. Your generosity is greatly appreciated.
