Negative Media Coverage Sparks Response
Action Needed to Protect our Industry in Colorado
Recently, Denver news channel KMGH (Channel 7) aired a story highlighting what they believe is "luxury spending" by a Colorado company for the justifiable utilization of business aircraft in their business strategy. The story, which aired on Thursday August 12th, claims that the company in question is frivolously using private jets in what it calls "lavish spending" as it moves critical employees between it's corporate bases in Colorado and elsewhere. The story raises public concern of their money being spent to pander to "the Wall Street boys. They get to fly around and have a good time" one Colorado resident was quoted saying in the story.
The Colorado Aviation Business Association is working diligently with NBAA and other local resources to combat this dangerous and harmful news telling which is giving a false impression of the value and benefits of business aviation in today's economy. "We are working feverishly to get out the real story, the one that tells of the financial benefits, and ultimately the betterment of the business to it's shareholders, through the use of a business aircraft" says CABA Chairman David Purvis.
Those of us in the industry must now take a stand, right here in Colorado, to educate the media and the public on the true value of corporate and business aviation. As members, we need your support and your voice to get out the real story, the one that most people don't know and don't understand: that Business use of corporate aircraft is good, smart business, and not "lavish spending" as it has been categorized by our very own local media.
CABA has prepared for our members a collection of resources which can be found on our website. The information contained in this kit will provide you with information you need to tell the true story. It will highlight the points that have been overlooked by the media and simply not told to the public, as to why companies like the one targeted by KMGH are doing a service to the shareholders and the public by utilizing business aircraft. You can also visit No Plane No Gain, an NBAA and GAMA initiative to communicate the benefits of corporate and business aviation to the companies that choose to utilize it, as well as the benefits to the local and national economies as a result of business aircraft utilization.
In addition to these resources, CABA is attempting to respond directly to KMGH and other local media outlets in an effort to respond publicly, however, we need your help. Talk to your friends, neighbors, co-workers, and local representatives and tell them why business aviation makes sense. Go out and defend our industry, and the benefits it has for Colorado's economy by enabling local businesses to be more agile and successful. You can even send your opinions to KMGH and the Articles Reporter at myreport@thedenverchannel.com and arthur_kane@kmgh.com respectively, or comment on their facebook page here.
In addition to your voice, we need your action. CABA is always looking for your participation, and this is a critical time when you can really help us get the message out. If you are interested in participating with CABA in response to this media coverage, please contact info@mycaba.org and we will put you to work. In addition, we strongly encourage you to empower our industry as a whole by writing your state representatives and senators urging them to show support of General Aviation through participation on the GA Caucus, a group consisting of legislators that are united in the support of our industry.
Lastly, lets make every effort to ensure the increased attention to our industry does not lead to potentially unsafe operations or security threats. Keep your eyes and ears open for media on your airport, and ensure that your local airport, business facilities and hangars are kept secure so as not to allow any breach of security by anyone looking to "make a story out of it". Often when a a story is published like this, there is a rush to get the next best story which can lead to people trying to gain access where they shouldn't, so we must remain diligent and watchful to ensure there are not security or safety risks presented by this increased attention and activity.
Craig Fuller of AOPA and Senator Mark Udall of Colorado Host Town Hall Meeting
Join them with your questions for this rare open discussion
On August 30th, AOPA is hosting a town hall meeting at Denver Jet Center East for local area pilots and aviation professionals. Craig Fuller from AOPA is coming in to speak about legislative participation in Aviation interests. Mr. Fuller, President of AOPA, will be joined by our own Senator Mark Udall of Colorado, who will also be speaking on behalf of Colorado and aviation in our great state. The 2 presenters will share time at the podium then open the meeting and take questions from those in attendance. Come join AOPA for this truly unique opportunity to speak to aviation leaders as well as state legislators in an open forum.
Monday, August 30
10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Centennial Airport
Denver Jet Center East
13000 East Control Tower Rd.
Englewood, CO 80112
Please RSVP and direct questions/concerns to events@aopa.org. Be sure to include "CO" in the subject line if you plan to attend.