Advocacy Objectives:

Our advocacy programs give ORBAA a large voice in national, regional and local issues. By providing a unified voice and and strong partnership with our retained legal representation, the organization is able to affect larger industry outcomes.

ORBAA gives Members a way to voice Business Aviation issues without representing a company directly. Many companies have a strict communications policy prohibiting representation of a company and brand, which might keep industry professionals quiet on issues that should be voiced. ORBAA membership provides an opportunity to associate with the greater Business Aviation industry to voice those important issues.

Connect with ORBAA to discuss potential advocacy items at advocacy@orbaa.org.

July 20, 2026 Update:

Since joining the ORBAA board in early 2026, it has been a busy year advocating for business aviation in Ohio. First, we've continued the great work started by former Advocacy Chair and ORBAA Vice President Mike Christie. We've deepened our relationship with our aviation industry partners, the Ohio Aviation Association (OAA) and the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA). Working as a team, we've participated in OAA's many regional legislative updates, giving us a chance to educate local legislators, elected officials, economic development groups, and community leaders on the benefits and contributions business aviation brings to communities across the state. With the support of AOPA and ORBAA, OAA secured $20 million in the last fiscal budget for Ohio airports, up from $10 million. This funding will be critical to keeping Ohio's aviation infrastructure up to date and ready for the state's continued growth.

Currently, the biggest issue ORBAA has been involved in is the fight to save Burke Lakefront Airport in Cleveland. There is a local effort underway to close this historic airport, strategically situated on the shore of Lake Erie. Working with our aviation industry partners, we've been advocating to leaders at the local, state, and federal levels on the importance and impact Burke Lakefront brings to Cleveland. Beyond the vital economic revenue it provides, the airport serves as a strategic hub for critical medical flights, aviation workforce development, and a business aviation gateway for those looking to invest in Cleveland and Northeast Ohio. As this issue progresses, we'll continue to update ORBAA members and the business aviation community on its status.

Lastly, our efforts to help grow Ohio's MROs through passage of a fly-away exemption remain at the forefront of our advocacy work. This issue is crucial to attracting more aviation businesses — particularly maintenance facilities — to invest in Ohio and bring jobs and millions of dollars in economic activity to the state.

If you're interested in joining the advocacy committee and assisting in our efforts, please reach out to me at christian@tas-aviation.com.

Thank you,

Christian Pancake

ORBAA Board Member