On Friday, the 31st of October 2008, the Texas Aviation Association hosted an event at the Hyatt Regency hotel on Lady Bird Lake in Austin, Texas. Entitled the 2008 Texas General Aviation Summit, invitees included general aviation associations, GA related businesses, universities, and the Federal Aviation Administration. Co-sponsors included the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, the Governor’s Aviation and Space Foundation of Texas, the National Business Aviation Association and Aviation Division of the Texas Department of Transportation.

A continental breakfast accompanied the registration early that morning. The Summit began at 9:30 a.m. with moderator Dan Sullivan introducing each of the invitees to the rest of the audience. Dan is the CEO of Image Trends, Inc. and represents GA concerns for the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce.

Sullivan then introduced David Fulton, director of TxDOT aviation. Fulton gave a brief history of the development of the aviation division of TxDOT and the positive progress that airports throughout Texas have received. Fifteen years ago, most rural airports in Texas were in bad shape. Through the distribution of federal funds, TxDOT is able to build new runways, terminal buildings, and weather reporting stations throughout the state.

This development has resulted in a large boost in the economic development of local communities. Using data from Wilbur Smith Associates, Fulton said that over six billion dollars of total economic impact was delivered by airports to the state of Texas. Under the leadership of Fulton, TxDOT aviation has turned around the airport system of Texas from locations nearing ruin to state-of-the-art facilities that benefit the local communities they serve.

Senator Ken Armbrister, from Governor Rick Perry’s office gave the keynote address. Senator Armbrister informed the audience of the importance of communication with elected representatives both in the House and the Senate. “Although you initially might be dealing with staff, all reports and communications are delivered to the representative and given full consideration.” Armbrister emphasized that best results are obtained through patience and perseverance. Elected representatives are eager to please their constituents and continuing communications definitely work.  The invitees then enjoyed a great lunch provided by the catering department of the Hyatt Regency.

During lunch, the audience was entertained by Jim Schwertner, chairman of the Texas Aviation Advisory Commission [under the dept. of …]. Schwertner introduced his special guest, Mrs. Emma Browning. Mrs. Browning gave an eloquent speech about airport development, the role of FBOs, and what should be expected for GA in the future.  Mrs. Browning was awarded a bouquet of yellow roses by TXAA founder and past president, Ken Koock.
 

Attending the Summit were (L-R back row): Shelly deZevallos and Joey Colleran from AOPA, Steve Hadley of NBAA, Jim Schwertner the chairman of the Texas Aviation Advisory Commission. Standing in front is Mrs. Emma Browning	Mrs. Emma Browning awarded bouquet of roses by TXAA

The afternoon began with a special panel session moderated by Dan Sullivan. The panel consisted of Larry Silvey, representing the Governor’s office of aviation and aerospace, Shelly deZevallos of AOPA, Steve Hadley of NBAA, Mike Nicely of the FAA and David Fulton from TxDOT aviation. Each panelist gave an overview of the present situation and environment of GA in Texas, followed by a Q&A from the audience.

Following the panel discussion was a break out session led by TXAA board member Gene Robinson. Each table was given booklets containing hot issues facing GA in Texas submitted weeks ago by the invitees. Each group addressed and finalized the top four issues of the long lists. A representative from each table gave a summary of their priority issues. The results of this poll and evaluation forms are being compiled by TXAA staff and will be published soon.

TXAA secretary Jay Carpenter asked attendees for their business cards and gave away two TXAA jackets as door prizes. The Summit ended at 3:30 p.m. All agreed that the event was a great success and look forward to next year’s 2009 Texas General Aviation Summit.