by George Larson
January, 2001

Happy New Year! 2001 will prove to be an interesting, exciting and challenging year for all the members of the Northwest Chapter - AAAE. We have two conferences to conduct with chapter-wide support. The IAFC this year in Colorado Springs and the Annual Conference in Anchorage provide opportunities for NWAAAE to enhance our solid image and reputation. When the calls go out for conference support of any kind, please don't hesitate to lend a hand.

"Capacity" seems to be the airport focus in Washington, DC this year. There are probably going to be congressional efforts to accommodate fifty additional miles of runway at twenty-five large airports. An underfunded EAS program could be a hostage for changes which may or may not be favorable. Many members of Congress still are strongly interested and supportive of better passenger rights. There will be efforts this year to untangle or remove some of the environmental red tape airports must contend with to improve their facilities. Hopefully, all of the congressional interest in aviation will yield a second year of Air 21 increased entitlements. We can all use them. The interesting twists to all this interest and activity will be the new administration, new key congressional committee players and the economy.

I look forward to seeing most of you in Colorado Springs and/or Anchorage. Both locations offer a myriad of interesting activities in addition to superior conferences. Paul Bowers, in Alaska, has also arranged a wonderful weekend following the conference for interested members. Be sure to book space on that Train Ride to Denali National Park when you first see the opportunity.  Space is limited!!!

As a side comment . . . did you notice the terrible black & white picture of your President looking like a doofus, and the much better color picture of "his Worship, Jerry Olson" in the last newsletter? I wonder how that happens??