Advocacy With Adam 

Adam White, Alaska Airmen’s Association Government Affairs 

We continue to work with Federal, State, and local officials on behalf of our members, ensuring Alaska Aviation remains accessible and a viable means of transportation and recreation. The following issues are limited examples of how we work towards those goals. 

Government Shutdown 

The ripple effects of Washington, DC, politics are strongly felt here in Alaska. At press time, another government shutdown was looming. There is a very good possibility that a continuing resolution will kick the can down the road until after the election cycle. The previous shutdown from last year was difficult for Alaska—primarily airport improvement funding and construction projects. It resulted in 44 out of 77 FAA-approved Alaska airport projects not being funded this fiscal year. This puts Alaska DOT in a tough spot with the short construction season and escalating labor and material costs. 

US House Appropriations Staff 

Alaska is always a popular place for elected officials and staffers to visit during the summer recess of the US House and Senate. A few weeks ago, Adam had breakfast with several US House Appropriation Committee staff members. While Committee members get a lot of press, it is the staffers who do most of the work, and they are the ones who need to be convinced of the importance of certain Bills and what funding is required. It was an excellent opportunity to explain the extremes of Alaska and our need for new infrastructure funding and to maintain our existing infrastructure. The staffers all said that it was an encouraging thing to hear. They rarely get requests to maintain the current infrastructure. Most folks are asking for new projects to be funded. 

Space-based VHF Radios 

SkyKraft is an Australian-based company that is looking to launch a constellation of satellites to provide VHF radio and ADS-B tracking in low-density airspace around the globe (places like Alaska). SkyKraft is familiar with large spaces with low density of aviation infrastructure. If SkyKraft can achieve its goals, it will provide complete VHF radio coverage for Alaska down to the surface. This game changer could allow pilots to talk to Flight Service or Anchorage Center from anywhere and at any altitude. They plan to have limited service by 2026 and a complete constellation within five years. The FAA would have to agree to be a SkyKraft customer so Alaska pilots can take advantage of the service. For more information on SkyKraft visit: www.skykraft.com.au/ 

Media Resource 

The Alaska Airmen’s Association remains a resource for local and national media outlets reporting aviation stories. With the recent increase in Alaska aviation accidents, Adam has been interviewed and called upon to educate reporters on the difficulties of flying in Alaska and to help them better understand some of the rules and procedures we are limited to. Special VFR has been a big topic of public confusion. Adam is a Flight Instructor and an A&P mechanic, which helps with credibility and knowledge on the issues. 

Workforce development 

We all know that pilots and mechanics are in high demand. The University of Alaska, both in Anchorage and Fairbanks, is working to update its programs to meet the challenge. Here are a few interesting takeaways on Alaska’s aviation workforce. 

• Since 2019, the number of employed mechanics in AK has decreased by 24%, while the number of Lower 48 mechanics is increasing. 

• Pilot numbers in Alaska are keeping pace with the L48 trends. AK and L48 are getting closer to matching the demand but are still behind. 

• UAA loses 1/3 of its flight instructors yearly to air taxis and airlines. 

If you want more information on these topics or have questions or comments, contact Adam White (adam.white@alaskaairmen.org 907-245-1251). Don’t miss Advocacy with Adam on the third Tuesday of every month at 6 pm on our YouTube channel. Please copy the Alaska Airmen’s Association when you file your public comments.