This question of how to handle free-lance flight instructors and mechanics has plagued airport managers for decades, with strong, emotional arguments on both sides. Now, there seems to be a more moderate view developing. Both sides are correct. The free lancer does perform vital services. But the airport manager who fails to take control loses important airport benefits to the community and faces potential legal and environmental problems.
Control is the operative word.
That's close to an approach acceptable to the groups that represent general aviation. For example, Dunn cites the person who owns or buys an aircraft and needs a flight check or dual instruction in it. If the local FBO or contract instruction provider is not qualified in that aircraft, the owner should be able to bring in someone who is. Robert Warner, EAA vice president for government policy and EAA programs, says that sport flying is different from business flying and the individuals involved deserve different treatment. Costs are all out of the owners' pockets with no business write-off, he says, meaning that the owner often must look for the least expensive ways to keep flying for himself.