As mentioned in previous point papers and flyers, the California Legislature is on recess until Aug 2. Certainly AB 1889 and AB 1140 are in various stages of the Bill-to-Law process and have not yet reached the Governor's desk for action.
This may be a cause for some confusion as many flight schools and pilots who have met with Assembly and Senate staffers and members may not know what to ask their representatives to support. The message is unchanged. "Please support AB 1889, AB 1140, or any other measure that delays implementation of AB 48 and the BPPE regulations that affect flight and aircraft maintenance schools."
Just because the Legislature is on break doesn't mean that we are! It is extremely important that you be able to articulate the impact of AB 48 et al on your particular situation. The NATA, AOPA and others are aggressively working this issue in the halls and offices of Sacramento, but their story cannot be as effective as your personal story to your elected Representatives.
Please realize that AB 1889 and AB 1140 are not the final salvation. We need to work towards a long term exemption — that will most certainly require a separate bill. In the meantime you should be preparing for the legislative hearings "...reviewing the appropriateness of regulating educational pro- grams in flight instruction and aircraft maintenance...."
Interest in this issue runs high; many have called, written, or visited their Representatives. Yet, many still feel that AB 48 et al does not apply to their Part 61, independent CFI, Aero Club, or CAP Squadron. The applicability to Aero Clubs and CAP squadrons is yet unknown; applying AB 48 to Part 141, Part 61, as well as independent CFIs has repeatedly been confirmed to be within the intent of the Legislature and the BPPE. Likewise, the BPPE has affirmed that the exemptions are not meant to include flight schools, (though the wording of several of the exemptions seem to fit us).
August 1 approaches. Those of you who have received BPPE letters have probably decided what actions to take. The rest of us must do what we can to influence our Legislators.
In the meantime, NATA, through Jim Brannan of Mazzei Flying Services can tell you how to donate to the lobbyist that the NATA has contracted with on our behalf. Please contact Jim at:
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Please call or email if I can be of help,
Marc Santacroce
925-482-7963
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