Palin calls for aviation technology loans

JUNEAU - Governor Sarah Palin says she wants Alaska's pilots to have the best aviation safety equipment possible.

So on Friday, she introduced a bill that would establish a low-interest loan program for the pilots to obtain updated aviation electronics systems.

They would be done through the state's Department of Commerce, Community & Economic Development.

The bill is designed to help pilots purchase advanced satellite-based avionics for their aircraft.

Alaska has seven times more licensed pilots than the national average and the highest aviation accident rate nationwide.

Poor weather contributes to these accidents and the technology upgrades are seen as one answer to cutting down on the incidents.