MADISON, Wis. — 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) has been 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. He noted that “the new language in the law protects owners of these private airstrips.”

RAF officials noted they wanted to thank the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (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 the Experimental Aircraft Association (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 17 in the Capital Office.