General Aviation Promotion

The SDPA promotes General Aviation through displays of information about general aviation and the SDPA at aviation events, placing makers promoting general aviation in South Dakota and elsewhere, writing letters to local, state, and federal entities concerning aviation interests, and emailing legislative & general “alerts” to members & others.

• Displays & Markers
• Letters & Alerts

Displays & Markers

3/27-28/13 SDPA & GA display Oacoma SD Airports Conference 2/9/13 SDPA & GA display Oacoma SDPA meeting 9/16/12 SDPA & GA display Yankton Airport Breakfast 9/8/12 SDPA & GA display Spearfish SD Aviation Hall of Fame 8/19/12 SDPA & GA display Vermillion Airport Breakfast 8/12/12 SDPA & GA display Flandreau Airport Breakfast 7/21-22/12 SDPA & GA display Sioux Falls Air Show

The SDPA purchased a canopy for the SDPA display at the Sioux Falls Air Show (John Barney at left). The display was manned by John, Steve Hamilton, Mark Robbins, Kelsey Beving, and Dianna Torson.  (The heat index was 105ºF on Sunday! Yikes!!)

7/21/12 SDPA & GA display  Mitchell                                           7/14/12 Rock marker Mitchell AirVenutre Cup Race (the SDPA tabletop display was expanded to include a panel about the SD Department of Transportation and airports in SD and additional “Values of General Aviation.”  A second tabletop display was created.)

A rock marker was engraved and placed at the Mitchell Airport to commemorate the launch of the AirVenture Cup Race starting in 2008. (Left to right: Roger Gebel, George Bittner, Todd Shannon. July 19, 2012)

7/10/12 SDPA Tribute Brick Brown Arch Project, Wittman Field, Oshkosh, WI

A 24-inch by 24-inch Tribute Brick was installed at the Brown Arch Project to promote the SDPA and General Aviation in South Dakota.  The brick is located at “P23.”

The SDPA Tribute Brick is located adjacent to two other bricks from South Dakota: Mr. Skyhawk (P24; to the left of the SDPA brick.) Yankton Regional Aviation Association (Q23; above Mr. Skyhawk brick.) (Steve & Pam Hamilton, July 25, 2012).

2/25/12 SDPA & GA display Sioux Falls Safety seminar at Landmark Aviation 10/11/11 Semi-permanent display Ellsworth AFB

A duplicate of the SDPA and “Value of General Aviation” displays was created and mounted on two panels of the SDPA-purchased “wall” at the SD Air & Space Museum, Box Elder, next to the display for the SD Aviation Hall of Fame (Steve Hamilton at left). Six wall panels of the “wall” were used to display photos from the “First Century of Flight in South Dakota” by Norma Kraemer.

8/21/11 SDPA & GA display Tea Airport Day 8/7/11 SDPA & GA display Vermillion Airport breakfast 7/16/11 SDPA & GA display Sioux Falls               Safety seminar at Landmark Aviation 7/13/11 SDPA & GA display Brookings ACE Camp graduation event 6/4/11 SDPA & GA display Ellsworth AFB Open House and Civilian Fly-in

A tabletop display was created to promote the SDPA, and first used at the Ellsworth AFB event (Steve Hamilton standing, Grove Rathbun seated). The display highlighted the establishment and goals of the SDPA, officers, District Directors, scholarships, communications (newsletter and web site), and activities of the SDPA. The display also included a panel of photos depicting the “Value of General Aviation” such as air ambulance, fire-fighting, farming & ranching, business, ag spraying / seeding, flight instruction, search & rescue, hunting, tourism, air taxi / charter, recreation, aerial mapping, law enforcement, and service organizations. The display also included the Proclamation for General Aviation Appreciation Month for April 2010 signed by Governor Rounds, and June 2011 signed by Governor Daugaard.

Letters & Alerts

2013, Mar 21:	Purchased SDPA “Future Pilot” stickers (2-inch x 3-inch) to hand out to kids at aviation events.
2013, Feb 23:	Email to legislative assistants for Senators Tim Johnson and John Thune and Representative Kristi Noem concerning opinion of SDPA member on expansion of the Powder River MOA and possible drone use.
2013, Feb 15:	SDPA Legislative Alert #2 to members and others concerning SD SB224; House Bill 1246 (an act to authorize certain aerial pesticide applicators to apply pesticide on their own property), and House Bill 1247 (an act to make an appropriation ($3,533,581) to the state Aeronautics Fund (those funds were “swept” from the Aeronautics Fund in 2010 by the Legislature for non-aviation uses).
2013, Jan 31:	SDPA Legislative Alert #1 to members and others (~610 email addresses) concerning SD Senate Bill 224 (an act to revise and repeal certain aviation laws and to increase some related fees in Title 50 – Aviation).
2013, Jan 8:	Mailed SDPA decal (4-inch x 4-inch) to members with the January-February newsletter.
2012, Dec 5:	Updated displays at the SD Air & Space Museum (Box Elder) for SDPA: SDPA officers, Directors, Becker-Hansen Memorial Scholarship, ACE Camp, Aviation Maintenance Technology Scholarship, FLY SD Airports! Passport Program, Web Site; Value of General Aviation: added Fish & Wildlife Management, Jobs, Pipeline Patrol, Cargo / Freight Hauling, Disaster Relief, Humanitarian Response, Construction; and added new section on SD Aviation: SD State Aviation System Plan cover page, Economic Impact, Airports by Role map, List of SD Airports, Aviation Activity Summary, Terminal Operations, Weather Reporting Station map, 2010 SD Proclamation for General Aviation Appreciation Month, and 2011 SD Proclamation for General Aviation Appreciation Month.
2012, Dec 5:	Added 33 name plaques (and removed one duplicate plaque) on the SD Aviation Hall of Fame Combat Air Crew Memorial display at the SD Air & Space Museum and crosschecked name spelling.
2012, Dec 1:	Selected basic paper airplane and added SDPA logo and web address to design – for giving to children at aviation events to promote general aviation and the SDPA.
2012, Nov 17:	SDPA notified the SD Office of Aeronautics of an incorrect frequency [122.8] for activating the runway lights at Parkston Airport that was listed in the FAA Airport / Facility Directory, Omaha Sectional Chart, and AirNav, and Jason Engbrecht corrected the problem (the correct frequency [122.9] was given in the 2011-2012 SD Airport Directory).
2012, Nov 7:	SDPA sent a “Congratulations” letter to Senator John Thune for receiving the Hartranft Award from AOPA for his tireless work to protect and enhance General Aviation as an elected official.
2012, Nov 7:	SDPA sent a “Congratulations” letter to Representative Kristi Noem on her reelection to the U.S. House.
2012, Oct 17:	SDPA received a letter from Representative Kristi Noem that stated, “I wanted to update you on legislation I supported to protect pilots from unfair FAA investigations” – The Pilot’s Bill of Rights.
2012, Sept 27:	SDPA received a letter from Representative Kristi Noem that stated, “I recently supported legislation to prevent the European Union from imposing taxes on U.S. airlines.” H.R. 2594, The European Union Emissions Trading Scheme Prohibition Act would prevent U.S. airlines from being taxed under an emissions trading system while flying to Europe.
2012, Sep 24:	SDPA Executive Director sent a “Letter to the Editor” to the Bloomfield (Nebraska) Monitor newspaper lauding the Bloomfield Airport Breakfast and Young Eagle Rally and the major event sponsor Bloomfield Ag & Aerial Spraying.
2012, Sept 5:	SDPA received a letter from Representative Kristi Noem that stated, “I have strongly opposed these proposals [aviation user fees] on every occasion because of the negative impact these fees would have on commercial and general aviation.”
2012, Jun 13:	“SDPA Alert” emailed to members concerning commenting on proposed changes to third class medical certificates proposed by AOPA and EAA.
2012, Apr 23:	Email to Representative Noem urging opposition to Representative Michael Turner (R-Ohio) amendment to the House National Defense Authorization Act (HR 4310), which would bar the Department of Defense from loaning or gifting any U.S. military aircraft or parts to any entity except those that would put the aircraft on static display.
2012, Apr 23:	Email to Representative Noem urging support and co-sponsorship of a letter from House GA Caucus supporting closing a loophole in the federal regulations that is moving Aviation Fuel Tax revenue to the Highway Trust Fund.
2012, Feb 17:	Letter to SD Senator Tom Hansen supporting SD HB1209, which would stop double taxation of components used it built home-built aircraft.
2012, Feb 17:	Letter to SD Representative Wink supporting SD SB46 to allow funding of a hangar for SDSU Aviation program. Copy to 8 members of the House Appropriations Committee and 15 other Representatives.
2012, Feb 4:	Letter to SD Representative Willadsen supporting SD HB1209, which would stop double taxation of components used to built home-built aircraft. Copy to 14 members of the SD House Taxation Committee, and Representatives Romkema, Turbiville, Venner, and Senator Tom Nelson.
2012, Jan 26:	Letter to Representative Noem urging her to co-sponsor the Pilot’s Bill of Rights.
2012, Jan 25:	Letter to Representative Noem opposing “user fees” in the proposed Administration’s Budget.
2012, Jan 16:	Letter to FAA Airports District Office, Bismarck, requesting the FAA take action to resolve the “shooting range” issue at Custer County Airport.
2012 Jan-Feb:	Six “Legislative Alerts” emailed to members on SD SB46 (SDPA supported funding of SDSU hangar), SD HB1209 (SDPA opposed double taxation on homebuilt parts), SD HB1212 (SDPA supported tort liability), SD HB1244 (SDPA supported returning $3.533M from General Fund to Aeronautics Fund).
2011, Oct 17:	Letter to SD Aeronautical Commission requesting they discuss funding for three AOPA Air Safety Institute safety seminars in SD.
2011, Oct 13:	Letter to SD Aeronautics Commission requesting they discuss funding for an SD Aeronautical Chart.
2011, Oct 13:	Letter to Senators Thune & Johnson thanking them for supporting Senate Bill 1335, the Pilot’s Bill of Rights.
2011, Oct 13:	Emailed Senators Thune & Johnson opposing “user fees” in President’s Jobs Bill.
2011, Jul 25:	Submitted comment to Docket FCC-2011-109 opposing LightSquared’s proposed frequency use near the GPS range.
2011, Jul 20:	Letter to Representative Noem opposing “user fees.”
2011: Jul 15:	Letter to FAA Airspace Regulations & ATC Procedures Group opposing the proposed wind turbine farm located northwest of Belle Fourche Airport.
2011, Jul 9:	Letter to SD Aeronautics Commission supporting purchase of Ground Control Outlets at SD airports.
2011, Jul 7:	Letter to the Editor of Platte Enterprise newspaper praising the Airport Breakfast held on July 2.
2011, Jul 5:	Submitted comment to Docket FAA-2009-0481 concerning changing the requirements for third class medical certificates.
2011, Jul 1:	Letter to Representative Noem, Senators Thune & Johnson to resolve threat to GPS by LightSquared.
2001, Jun 27:	Emailed sample Airport Advisory Board guidelines to Denny Lewis, Hot Springs.
2011, May:	Emailed SD DOT supporting General Aviation Appreciation Month in SD.
2011, Mar 2:	Emailed SD Senators Tom Nelson and Eldon Nygaard to oppose SD HB1128, which would delay marking MET towers.
2011, Mar 2:	One “Legislative Alert” emailed to members on SD HB1128 (SDPA supported marking of meteorological evaluation towers (MET) towers).
2011, Jan 28:	Submitted comment to the docket FAA-2010-1326 supporting marking of MET towers.
2011, Jan 21:	Letter to Representative Noem requesting that she become a member of the General Aviation Caucus in the U.S. House.
2010, Dec 3:	Congratulations letter to Representative Noem on her election to the U.S. House.
2010, Feb 23:	Letter to SD Aeronautics Commission requesting they fund three AOPA Air Safety Foundation safety seminars in SD.
2010, Jan 15:	SDPA wrote a proclamation for General Aviation Appreciation Month in SD, and gained support for it from the SD Aeronautics Commission, and the proclamation was signed by Governor Rounds.
2010, Jan-Feb:	Two “Legislative Alerts” emailed to members on SD SB49 (SDPA opposed transfer of $2,033,581 from the Aeronautics Fund to the General Fund), SD HB1083 (SDPA opposed the transfer of $1,500,000 from the Aeronautics Fund to the SD Science and Technology Authority), SD HB110 (no action needed concerning airport revenue bonds), SD HB1155 (SDPA supported marking of MET towers). 2009,
2009, Feb 16:	Letter to Senator Johnson expressing concern about a proposal from the Transportation Security Administration to regulate general aviation aircraft which weigh more than 12,500 pounds. Same letter to Senator Thune and Representative Herseth-Sandlin.
2009, Feb 14:	Letter to the Transportation Security Administration expressing concerns about the proposed rule that would treat general aviation aircraft weighing more than 12,500 pounds the same as commercial aircraft. Copy to Senators Thune & Johnson, Representative Herseth- Sandlin.
2009, Feb 9:	One “Legislative Alert” emailed to members on SD SB137 (SDPA opposed selling four state-owned passenger planes).
2008, Nov 11:	Congratulations letter to Senator Johnson on his re-election. Similar letter to Herseth- Sandlin on her re-election.
2008, Nov 3:	Letter to Linda Ehrenfelt (Pierre) with attachment of sample Airport Advisory Board guidelines.
2008, Feb 2:	Letter to Senator Johnson opposing “user fees” for general aviation.
2008, Feb:	Four “Legislative Alerts” emailed to members on SD HB1267 concerning use of the Aeronautics Fund ($259,000) to lease, lease / purchase, or finance two planes for the University of South Dakota and South Dakota State University.
2007, Oct 20:	Letter to Senator Thune opposing “user fees” for general aviation.
2007, Sep 7:	Letter to Senator Thune opposing “user fees” for general aviation. Similar letter to Representative Herseth-Sandlin.
2007, Jun 7:	Letter to Senator Thune opposing “user fees” for general aviation.
2007, May 11:	Letter to Senators Daniel Inouye, Ted Stevens, and Thune (Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee) urging reauthorization of the FAA.
2006, Feb 5:	Letter to Representative Herseth, Senators Thune & Johnson opposing “user fees” for general aviation.
2006, Jan 28:	Letter to NAV Canada expressing grave concerns about “new and revised service changes and terms and conditions relating to charges for air navigation services.”
2005, Oct 19:	Comment on Docket FAA-2004-17005 concerning SDPA opposing making permanent all of the temporary flight restrictions existing in the Washington, DC, area.
2005, Sep 25:	Email to Senators Thune & Johnson concerning SDPA opposing the takeover of the FAA’s Flight Service Stations.
2005, Sep 15:	Email to Senators Johnson and Thune urging them to oppose funding for the takeover of the FAA’s Flight Service Stations by a private contractor.
2005, May 3:	Letter to Representative Herseth, Senators Thune & Johnson urging support of Senate & House bills to make May 24 as National Aviation Maintenance Technician Day.
2005, May 3:	Letters to Senators Johnson and Thune and Representative Herseth urging them to support and co-sponsor the Senate version of House Resolution 586 to make May 24 as National Aviation Maintenance Technician Day in the United States.
2005, Apr 27:	Letter to National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency opposed to the end of public dissemination of certain Department of Defense publications like international and Caribbean en route and instrument approach charts.
2005, Apr 17:	Thank you letter to Representative Herseth, Senators Thune & Johnson for introducing legislation to stop privatization of the Flight Service Stations.
2005, Mar 19:	Letter to Representative Herseth, Senators Thune & Johnson opposing funding cuts to Airport Improvement Program.
2004, Nov 7:	Letter to Rapid City FSDO suggesting improvements in their web site.
2004:	Letter to SD Office of Aeronautics concerning discrepancies in SD Airport Directory.
2004, Sep 11:	Letter to Governor Rounds requesting “Aviation Maintenance Technician Day in South Dakota in honor of Charles E. Taylor.
2004, Jun 10:	Letter to Governor Rounds, Senators Daschle & Johnson and Representative Herseth opposing outsourcing of Flight Service Stations.
2004, Apr 6:	Letter to Rapid City FSDO concerning use of different frequencies for CTAF and pilot- controlled lights.
2003, Dec 18:	Letter to FAA, Washington, DC, on Notice of Proposed Rulemaking concerning National Air Tour Standards for charity flights & air tour operators.
2003, Dec 18:	Letter to SD Aeronautics Commission about lack of facilities (shelter, restroom, phone) at many SD airports.
2003, Oct 12:	Letter to City of Flandreau thanking them for constructing the new administration building with restroom and encouraging them to finish the building and repair the broke (frozen) water line.
2003, Apr 16:	Letter to Senators Daschle & Johnson and Representative Janklow opposing the closure of Meigs Field.
2003, Jan 19:	Letter to Governor Rounds, Senators Daschle & Johnson and Representative Janklow opposing outsourcing of Flight Service Stations.
2002:	Letter on SD pilot photo identification law.
1999, Mar 23:	Letters to Senator Johnson and Daschle urging them to support Senator Inhofe’s amendment to the FAA Reauthorization Bill known as the Hoover Bill.