WASHINGTON –The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) recognized U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR) with its 2017 AOPA Freedom to Fly award for his strong support of general aviation.

“General aviation is important to our economy. It supports jobs for thousands of Arkansans and more than $500 million annually in economic activity in our state. I am honored to receive this award and will continue to advocate for issues important to the industry,” Boozman said.

Boozman is a co-chairman of the Senate General Aviation Caucus. Last Congress, Boozman introduced the General Aviation Pilot Protection Act requiring that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reform general aviation medical standards. The language was included in the FAA Extension, Safety, and Security Act of 2016 that was signed into law. 

"AOPA thanks Senator Boozman for his sincere dedication to preserving general aviation. We are proud to award him the AOPA Freedom to Fly Award for his leadership on issues that matter to pilots," said AOPA President Mark Baker.

AOPA works to make general aviation flying safer, more affordable and fun. It is general aviation’s largest and most influential association in the world.