July 31, 2009 - Oshkosh, Wisconsin  - One way you can stand up for general aviation (GA) is to let lawmakers know how you feel about it. On Saturday at 11:30 a.m., AirVenture attendees have a chance to speak directly to four members of the U.S. House of Representatives at the Congressional Forum in Honda Forums Plaza Pavilion 6.

The members come to AirVenture to share their views, to listen, to hear firsthand from the GA community, and to answer questions.

The following representatives plan to participate, subject to the House legislative schedule:

Tom Petri (R-Wisconsin), ranking member of the House Aviation Subcommittee and representative for EAA’s home district; Leonard Boswell (D-Iowa), pilot, aviation enthusiast, and staunch supporter of GA; Vern Ehlers (R-Michigan), founder and co-chairman of the bipartisan House General Aviation Caucus; and Sam Graves (R-Missouri), a pilot, amateur aircraft builder, EAA member, and a strong supporter of GA who spends his summer vacation flying into AirVenture every year.

Several House Aviation Subcommittee members will have staff at the forum. In addition, Christa Fornarotto, assistant secretary for aviation and international affairs for the U.S. Department of Transportation, will attend.

“These are some of the key people who influence the decisions and legislation that affect GA,” said EAA President Tom Poberezny. “They come here because they want to listen and learn, and to show their support for GA. We, in the GA community, need to show them our support, as well.

“When you attend a forum like this one, you are standing up for general aviation, by your presence, your interest, and your questions. And that is crucial to the future of GA.”

Expected topics include GA user fees; FAA budget reauthorization and FAA modernization; security issues affecting GA pilots, passengers, and operations; and ways to promote GA in Congress and the White House. The panel members will also take questions from the audience.

Stand up for GA—come to the forum and show your support.