Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H. Res. 1284, which is a resolution obviously supporting the goals and ideals of International Learn to Fly Day. And I would like to thank Mr. Boyd and Mr. Ehlers for sponsoring this meaningful piece of legislation. Both of these individuals are great advocates of aviation, and they need to be commended for this bill. Mr. Speaker, aviation plays an important role in America and throughout the world, and it expands business opportunities, creates very well-paying jobs, and it inspires innovation. Without flight instructors, flight schools, aviation groups, and industry promoting and teaching the next generation of pilots, many of these benefits are not going to be realized. Unfortunately, in recent years the U.S. pilot population has declined. And as a pilot, actually a commercial pilot, myself, it was easy for me because I grew up across the road from the airport. I played in airplane wrecks as a kid. I pumped gas and washed windshields and washed airplanes, any way to mooch a ride and get a lesson. I grew up with it and grew up next to it, so I was able to learn to fly. I find the news that the pilot population is declining extremely disappointing. In response, the International Learn to Fly Day was established, and it is the third Saturday in May. This goal is to increase interest in flying and to encourage the aviation community and others to get involved in aviation.…”