The AOPA believes that Michigan H.B. 6361 will adversely affect the aviation industry. Although a hearing date for the bill has not been set, the AOPA is encouraging Michigan residents to contact their state representatives to express concern about the bill.
The bill was introduced by Rep. Jeff Yaroch (R-District 33) and, according to the AOPA, “aims to change the definitions of private airports and private landing areas, place burdensome regulations on flying clubs and regulate skydive drop zones.”
“It is clear that Rep. Yaroch did not consult any Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) representatives, industry or professional aviation association, airport management organization, skydive operation, or any private airport owner or operator before introducing H.B. 6361,” the AOPA stated in a letter to the Michigan House Transportation Committee. “While there are needed updates and clarifications to the Michigan Aeronautics Code, the language in the bill is overreaching and will have a negative impact on the aviation system in Michigan.”
According to the AOPA, the bill includes changes to the definitions of private airports and private landing, “which serves no purpose but to curtail certain aeronautic activities in the state and restrict commercial activities such as skydiving, paid flight instruction, and flying clubs.”
The new legislation is also vehemently opposed by the U.S. Parachute Association, the AOPA said. The proposed bill includes language to require any drop zone be 1,000 feet from residences. The AOPA believes such a requirement would negatively impact safety and the ability of an airport to accommodate skydiving operations. Also, the AOPA says the bill sponsor has not provided any research or documentation into the reasoning behind the 1,000-foot rule.
“It is an overreach to limit what a private citizen can do with their private property,” the AOPA said. “There are well over 400 private airports or landing areas in Michigan, and these definition changes would cause an uproar in that community. AOPA does support the licensing of private airports open to the public, for obvious safety reasons, and we do believe that there should be reasonable accommodating language proposed to satisfy any safety concerns.”
The AOPA did express a willingness to work with the transportation committee for aviation concerns in Michigan.
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