President's Message: Organization Takes Off
Introducing the MAA, where we've come from, where we are, and where we're headed...

Commentary: It Can't Happen Here
The fate, and possible doom, of Merrymeeting Airport. How can you prevent this from happening to your strip?

Choked by Aviation Fuel Costs?
We fill you in on how to get your refund of 18 cents for every gallon of aviation fuel you buy in the state.

Aviation Education a High Priority
The activities of the Education Committee. How can we help in your schools?

Aviation Events
News on the May 5th, 2001 Poker Run.

Dear Friends:
    We are all volunteers who have stepped up to the challenge of starting a statewide organization to represent the interests of general aviation in Maine. As we have expended much time and energy in its development, the success of the association really belongs to the members and supporters for which it exists. So first of all, many thanks.

    The first year successes can be measured with a few examples. The presence of the MAA on the Maine Aviation Systems Plan Update committee will give general aviation a voice at the state level; our support of MECAA's ACE Camp through our education committee; our growth to a membership level of almost one hundred; and the development of an MAA newsletter and web site. However, the fun is just beginning. We hope to organize a fly-in and host safety seminars. These gatherings will bring pilots and other interested persons together to share knowledge and promote general aviation. The legislation committee will monitor general aviation issues at the state level. The education committee will continue to reach out to the school districts to promote careers and interest in general aviation. I could go on...

    This association has a very promising future for general aviation in the state of Maine. We now reach out to our members and supporters to help us continue in a positive direction. We are the largest users of the airports; let's see that general aviation has a strong and positive voice. Your involvement and support is what makes success.
- Mike Muchmore

    Those of us in the midcoast area have watched with concern the plight of Merrymeeting Airport. In short, this state certified commercial airport has been sold to a New Hampshire developer who had implied a commitment to protect the airfield and its public accessability. The new owners have submitted a subdivision plan to the Bowdoinham Planning Board that lays out ten house lots. This plan will physically restrict aircraft operations in such a manner that commercial insurance will be unobtainable.

    Once the subdivision plan hit the table, the Bowdoinham community realized that it was losing a large open space in the midle of their town. Various airport support and conservation groups have banded together in an attempt to alter the subdivision. Typical of most small towns in Maine, its zoning is almost non-existent, and it's questionable if there is any legal recourse.

    The point of this article is not to give you a full rundown on what's happening at Merrymeeting, but to stress the importance of being proactive in the airport community. Participate by sitting on airport committees, attending town council/ selectman meetings when airport issues are up for discussion, and supporting pro-aviation groups like the MAA. Let the town know why the airport is important to the community. Do not expect someone else to keep your airport operating for you!

    Did you know you could receive 18 cents back from the state of Maine on every gallon of aviation fuel purchased? The State of Maine fuel tax is included in the price of aviation fuel and was generated to improve and maintain bridges and highways. Since most of us try to operate our planes "off highway," this tax becomes refunable.

    As a service to our membership, the MAA has been educating aircraft owners and operators on how to obtain a refund. Like most things, you have to do a little work to get your money back.

    First, begin by saving your fuel receipts during the course of the year. You may only claim a refund for the last twelve months. Original receipts for each purchase, or a statement certifying payment, must be included with the application. Secondly, you need to obtain a Refund Application (available from MAA or Maine Revenue Service Sales/ Excise Tax Division at 207-287-3851). It took me about 30 minutes to add up all the receipts and fill out the form. The refund on 1085 gallons of fuel purchased was $195.39, which I received in about 60 days. Thanks MAA!

    Don't have all your receipts? Check with your FBO. They may be able to generate a report showing gallons of Avgas purchased. Couple this with AOPA's FBO Rebate Program for an additional five percent savings. Thirty FBOs in Maine offer this program based on utilizing an AOPA credit card. Combining both the AOPA rebate program and the Fuel Tax Refund can reduce your flying by up to 30 cents a gallon.
- Stephen Williams

    The Maine Aeronautics Association education committee continues to pursue its purpose of stimulating interest in aviation and aviation-related activities for Maine students. As our group becomes better known throughout the state, we are receiving more and more inquiries for support.

    Earlier this year, for example, we provided a collection of materials to grade school students studying aviation history. The information included what the first-time traveler might expect upon arriving at the airline terminal. We have also been in contact with several middle schools around the state, exposing teachers and principals to the availability of classroom instructional aids that use aviation to show the relevance of "the hard subjects," like math and science.

    In addition, we have collaborated with the Maine Education Council for Aviation and Aerospace (MECAA) to support program activities for this year's ACE (Aviation Career Experience) Camp held in Bangor. The ACE Camp youth program provides hands-on experience with aviation science and rocketry, helicopter and airplane orientation flighs, and exposes many Maine students to careers in aviation. Your Maine Aeronautics Association is preparing to assist in supplying materials and instructional help for this annual program.

    The committee is becoming a clearinghouse of information and talent that directly supports educational interest in aviation and aerospace subjects. Members having the opportunity to field requests for support to local schools or interested organizations should contact the MAA.
- Jerry Carlyle

    A poker run sponsored by the Katahdin Wings chapter of The Ninety-Nines (women pilots) will take place on Saturday, May 5th. Participating airports include Eastern Slopes Regional Airport at Fryeburg, Auburn-Lewiston, Central Maine Airport at Norridgewock, Belfast, and Wiscasset. Contestants can purchase a hand on event day or pick one up at the safety seminar held at Auburn-Lewiston on April 3rd. On May 5th, start at any participating airport after 9am and select a card from one particular deck. Next, visit all the other airports and select a card from the same deck, arriving at Wiscasset no later than 1pm. There the hands will be placed in order and the winners announced. Lunch will be available on site.

    The Katahdin Wings and Wicked Good Aviation are asking for volunteers to help at Wiscasset. Volunteers are needed to help with parking and fueling aircraft, placing the completed hands in order, and other assistance as needed.

    For more information on participating or volunteering, please call Mike or Ann at Wicked Good Aviation, 207-882-5475.
- Ann Walko

    More upcoming aviation events in Maine and the surrounding area are listed in our Calendar.