The ability of States to effectively operate aviation
programs is continually being eroded by unfavorable legislation, federal
rules, and misinformation. Private organizations with strong political
ties have been very successful in shaping federal policy and legislation
which is unfriendly to state aviation programs. The current trend
jeopardizes the ability of states to operate public and FEPP aircraft for
delivery of effective forest fire protection services to citizens. The
Northeastern Area currently has no committee, working group, or other
formal mechanism in place to address and represent government aviation
issues and to shape government aviation rules and legislation. In fact, no
government aviation group anywhere in the United States represents the
needs of state governments.
So this committee was established to represent the NFFS
on aviation issues and play a leadership role in organizing a nationwide
government Aviation Steering Committee comprised of state aviation
managers, fire Supervisors, and state foresters from throughout the United
States.
The Committee will utilize the NASF and the USFS
Washington Office of Fire and Aviation Management for effectuating change
in government aviation policies, rules, and regulations.
If you have state aviation issues you would like to
share with this committee you may write, call, or E-mail me.
Sincerely,
Mike Derendinger
President
