I can't speak to AOPA other than their desire to remain financially strong is quite reasonable. What organization would not?
But as for Campbell's comments on Austin-Bergstrom, he has only one thing correct. Fuel is expensive. Blame that on a city intent on raping GA pilots via fuel taxes.
As for KAUS being unfriendly to GA... Campbell has his head somewhere the sun has likely never shined nor will it unless someone does to him what he's attempted to do to others in several of his overreaching commentaries. I fly out of Austin and I have taught out of Austin. For such a busy Class Charlie airport, they are amazingly friendly and very helpful to all of GA, including student pilots.
It's a harsh punishment but if he thought pointing a laser wasn't a danger to anyone else, why wasn't it pointing it at his own eyes?
The information on the danger of lasers have been around long enough for most any cognitive person to be aware of the risks. Why should this be any less than one making terroristic threats with a loaded weapon?
I've had a laser pointed at me in flight. It's not a pleasant thought given the natural tendency for a pilot to look for other traffic when a light is seen. That adds exposure to the pilot if the laser is continued to be pointed at the aircraft.
Why are all these pilots NOT wearing seat belts????
I've repeatedly said accidents happen with the most frequent cause by the pilot doing something stupid. What's more stupid than violating a basic safety rule to secure yourself in the cabin?
I'm confused.
Clearly, Congress needs to outlaw turbulence or at least all flight during turbulent conditions.
But, I'm fine with Congress exempting itself from a ban of flight during turbulence. In fact, I encourage it!
