Recreational use approved in Wisconsin

It took two years, but thanks to the leadership of the Recreational Aviation Foundation (RAF) and the efforts of several supporters, Wisconsin’s Recreational Use Statute (RUS) was amended to include noncommercial aviation. RAF Wisconsin State Liaison Chuck Aldrian reports that there are 177 private airports in the Wisconsin Bureau of Aeronautics database and many more that have not been registered with the FAA and said, “the new language in the law protects owners of these private airstrips.”  The RAF wishes to thank Aircraft Owners and Pilots Assoc. (AOPA) and a number of the private airstrip owners, especially Don Kiel for working hard contacting many Wisconsin State representatives. Also helpful was Jonathon Harger, Political Affairs Director of EAA in Oshkosh who testified at hearings for both legislative houses. 

The bill was sponsored by Senator Joe Leibham (R) in the Senate and Representative Paul Tittl (R) in the Assembly, and garnered bi-partisan support. Governor Scott Walker signed the bill April 17th in the Capital Office.

The Recreational Aviation Foundation is a non-profit 501(c)(3) charitable organization headquartered at 1711 W. College, Bozeman, MT 59715; 406-582-1723; http://www.theraf.org