Introducing a Milwaukee GA association

The primary mission of GMGAA is “to promote the safety of operations and continued development and inclusion of general aviation” at General Mitchell International Airport and Lawrence J. Timmerman Airport. The group will conduct community outreach and participate in public and private meetings to promote the interests of pilots and tenants and communicate the value of GA.

The association also plans to host safety education events and social events to attract and strengthen the GA community at the airports.

“Every airport should have a strong network of local pilots to advocate for general aviation because, at the end of the day, these are your airports, and a local pilot and tenant association can have an impact,” said AOPA Great Lakes Regional Manager Kyle Lewis. “Sitting back and doing nothing is not the answer, and I am thrilled that our members have chosen the option to lead the local effort for general aviation. It will pay off in the long term.”

The group formed after an update to the master plan at General Mitchell airport included less than favorable terms for light GA tenants who hangar airplanes at the airport. Hangars have been removed or demolished to accommodate new construction and other airfield changes outlined in the master plan.

Local pilots Jim Hausch and Scott Fisher connected with AOPA to alert the advocacy team on the threats to GA at the airport and to utilize their extensive experience protecting airports and pilots. While the changes to the hangars were inevitable, AOPA advised the members that an organized local airport support group was needed to encourage better communication with the airport administration.

The first formal meeting of the organization was held in December, and membership and interest is steadily growing. GMGAA is open to anyone who has an interest in aviation and their mission to promote GA and safe aviation operations—dues and donations will be used to help carry out that mission.