AOPA Action

AOPA Petitions FAA for Simple Pilot Photo ID System

AOPA asked the FAA in late February to change the rules to allow for an inexpensive pilot photo ID system that could be put into place almost immediately. The AOPA petition suggested simply requiring pilots to carry a valid, government-issued photo ID along with their pilot certificates when in command of an aircraft. That photo ID could be a driver's license, passport, state ID card, or government agency photo ID card.

"This may be too simple for the government, but it sure makes good sense," said AOPA President Phil Boyer. "And make no mistake. Sooner rather than later, the government is going to require photo IDs for pilots. We're giving them a solution pilots can
live with."

Since September 11, 2001, the need for photo identification for pilots has been an important element in many security discussions. The FAA has been considering its own photo ID system, but such a system could take up to five years to implement, cost millions of dollars to establish, and cost an estimated $2 million a year to run. Since 1950, the FAA has issued more than 3 million pilot certificates.

Boyer pointed out that the new Transportation Security Administration recently estimated a cost of $50 to $75 per person to issue photo IDs to railroad workers, and that FAA photo ID locations might not be convenient for all pilots.

"You already have to stand in line and deal with the motor vehicle administration in your state to get a driver's license," he said. "Would you want to have to do that again at an FAA facility?"

In addition, some states are now considering state-issued pilot identification. In proposing the rule change, AOPA pointed out that the FAA already mandates the use of driver's licenses for security identification, with airline passengers required to present a driver's license or similar photo ID to pass through airport security. The FAA also requires prospective pilots to show a photo ID before taking an FAA written exam or flight test.

AOPA's petition for rulemaking asks that the FAA amend Sections 61.3(a) and 61.3(1) of the federal aviation regulations to read that a person may not act as a pilot of a civil aircraft of U.S. registry unless that person has a "form of photographic identification acceptable to the [FAA] Administrator," and that each person required to have this ID "must present it for inspection upon request of an FAA official or law enforcement officer."

AOPA asked the FAA to implement the change by "direct final rule," which bypasses the normal rulemaking process and would permit the photo ID requirement to go into effect within 30 days.

AOPA Objects to South Dakota Plan for Pilot Photo ID

AOPA is formally opposing a South Dakota effort to require state-issued photo identification cards for all pilots in the state.

South Dakota Senate Bill 32, which passed the state House of Representatives in mid-February by a vote of 56 to 11, appears to be nothing more than a $5 increase in the state's pilot registration fees. However, AOPA learned from discussions with state officials and studying a statement from Gov. William Janklow that the true effect of the bill would be a requirement for photo identification cards for all pilots in the state. Officials told AOPA that the cards would be used to implement airport security measures at all airports in the state.

In a letter to Gov. Janklow protesting the plan, AOPA Senior Vice President Andrew Cebula said, "A more uniform approach to address the airman requirements and airport security should be left to the federal government to implement on a national level, something that is occurring now."

Other states are reported to be considering similar requirements for pilot photo identifications.

Good News, Bad News in Proposed FAA Budget

The Bush administration's proposed $14 billion fiscal year 2003 budget for the FAA is good news for general aviation. But an AOPA analysis of the document warns of storm clouds in the future.

As submitted, the budget would fully fund airport improvements, spending money collected in the Airport and Airway Trust Fund on aviation. That provision has been a longtime AOPA goal.

The administration also said it would not seek user fees. But deep in the document, AOPA found a provision proposing an evaluation of the yet-to-be-formed air traffic control performance based-organization (PBO). The provision goes on to say that if the PBO doesn't work as planned, the Department of Transportation will consider "partial privatization" or "franchising" parts of ATC.

"As if aviation didn't have enough to be concerned about in the post-September 11 environment, it now seems that privatization is creeping back up through all of the security concerns," said AOPA President Phil Boyer.

AOPA also warned that because much of the discretionary spending in the Bush administration's budget is going for defense and homeland security, enormous pressure will be placed on funding for the FAA and other agencies.

AOPA Project Pilot Program Enhanced; Resources Added
Additions Expected to Help AOPA Members Change Public Perception of GA

More than a dozen new or updated resources have been added to the AOPA Project Pilot program, which asks AOPA members to identify and mentor friends, coworkers, or family members who could benefit from learning to fly. (See the sidebar, below, and this month's Project Pilot update, page 28.)

The program upgrades are also expected to help AOPA members improve the public perception of general aviation. That image suffered a serious setback in January when a 15-year-old boy stole a Cessna 172 from a Tampa, Florida-area airport and flew it into a tall office building, mimicking the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center last year.

"It's a fact that 99.7 percent of voting-age men and women in the U.S. are not pilots and for the most part don't understand GA," said AOPA President Phil Boyer. "And people naturally fear what they don't understand. With the extra resources now available, AOPA Project Pilot is one of the best ways AOPA members can help their friends and co-workers understand GA.

"And the more people who understand GA from the front left seat, the better our chance of avoiding unnecessary restrictions."

AOPA Project Pilot's volunteer mentors first identify those who could benefit from learning to fly, and then offer advice, help, and encouragement as their nominee's training progresses. To date, some 25,000 AOPA members have offered to introduce nearly 34,000 potential new pilots to aviation.

In addition to the new and updated resources now available, evolutionary improvements made to the AOPA Project Pilot program in recent years include a free six-month trial AOPA membership, including a subscription to AOPA Flight Training magazine, for Project Pilot nominees.

"Over the years, studies have shown that new student pilots who take advantage of AOPA member services are three times more likely to earn their private pilot certificate than those who do not," said Boyer.

In addition to the magazine, project pilot nominees automatically receive the Flight Training Edition of AOPA ePilot, a weekly aviation newsletter with news and help specifically for pilots in training.

"Being a mentor is a serious commitment," said Boyer. "But particularly in these perilous times for GA, helping friends, family, or coworkers discover and understand the joy of general aviation is crucial. The upgraded AOPA Project Pilot program can be a big help."

More information about AOPA Project Pilot, including more than a dozen valuable resources for mentors, instructors, and student pilots, is available on AOPA Online ( www.aopa.org/info/pp/).

Project Pilot: How you can help rebuild the pilot population

AOPA members willing to help friends or coworkers interested in learning to fly may nominate those individuals for the newly enhanced AOPA Project Pilot program. Nomination forms are available online ( www.aopa.org/info/pp/).

Nominees should have the desire, time, and financial resources to be able to complete a recreational or private pilot certificate. AOPA-member mentors often answer basic questions about GA flying and training required, and they may recommend an aviation medical examiner, flight instructor, or flight school. During the training process, mentors help their nominees overcome stumbling blocks by providing real-life advice based on their own training.

AOPA provides how to information for Project Pilot mentors, as well as a First Flight certificate to mark the new student pilot's introduction to flying.

The prospective student receives a free package of materials valued at more than $45, including an AOPA Flight Training Trial Membership for six months, six free issues of AOPA Flight Training magazine, and AOPA's updated Joy of Flying video.

In addition, the full services and support of AOPA are available to both mentor and nominee, including AOPA's Pilot Information Center at 800/USA-AOPA (800/872-2672).

AOPA Working with Wisconsin Senator Who Calls GA a "Ticking Time Bomb"

AOPA is working to allay fears of U.S. Sen. Herb Kohl, who has declared that general aviation is a "ticking time bomb."

During a Senate transportation appropriation subcommittee hearing in early February, the Democrat from Wisconsin (ironically, the home of the world's largest GA fly-in at Oshkosh) said, "Until we have a handle on general aviation security, we cannot assure the public that aviation security is under control."

"This is extraordinarily frustrating," said AOPA President Phil Boyer. "We have tried to be proactive and helpful on issues of GA security, even submitting to the government a series of reasonable, practical security recommendations."

In later meetings with Sen. Kohl's staff, AOPA emphasized the association's efforts on GA security in concert with other members of the GA community, winning agreement that "one size does not fit all." AOPA is continuing to work with administration and legislative leaders for an approach to GA security that is both useful and achievable.

Sen. Kohl was the author of an unsuccessful amendment to the Aviation Security Act that would have required the FAA to implement a security program for aircraft weighing less than 12,500 pounds.

Sport Pilot, Aircraft Rules Proposed; AOPA Adds Special Online Information Section

The long-awaited FAA proposal for simple, lower-cost pilot certificates and aircraft was issued on January 30. It proposes creation of an entirely new pilot certificate, called Sport Pilot, and a new category of certificated aircraft called Light-Sport. The comment period for the FAA's notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) ends on May 6.

Shortly after the NPRM was issued, AOPA added a comprehensive "Sport Pilot" section to its online service ( www.aopa.org/sportpilot/) to help members understand the proposed rule. The section includes an easy-to-understand summary of the rule, a comparison chart of the Sport Pilot proposal with existing certificates, frequently asked questions, a message board to discuss the proposal with other pilots, and a comment section.

The new Sport pilot certificate could be obtained with about 20 hours of training. Sport pilots would need either a third class medical certificate or a valid state driver's license to fly Light-Sport aircraft.

The NPRM also defines Light-Sport aircraft as simple, low-performance aircraft limited to no more than 1,232 pounds maximum gross weight, with a single nonturbine engine, a stall speed of no more than 39 kt, a maximum airspeed of 115 kt, and fixed landing gear. Of currently certificated aircraft, Piper J-3 Cubs, Aeronca Champs, and early model Taylorcrafts would likely fall into the Light-Sport category. Cessna 150s and Aeronca Chiefs would not.

AOPA Pilot Action Alert Sent to Puerto Rico Members

A February Pilot Action Alert urged all AOPA members in Puerto Rico to protest the proposed closing of San Juan's Fernando Luis Ribas Dominicci Airport. The airport, commonly called by its old name, Isla Grande, is under threat of closure by the government.

"AOPA strongly opposes any effort to close the airport," said Bill Dunn, AOPA vice president of regional affairs, in a recent letter to Gov. Sila Maria Calderon. "No other airport will be able to accommodate Isla Grande's 300 based aircraft and more than 120,000 annual operations."

AOPA AIRPORT SUPPORT NETWORK

Volunteer of the Month: Ray Brindle

When a housing development was proposed late last summer just 4,000 feet north of the existing runway at the Mid-Way Regional Airport, which serves Midlothian and Waxahachie, Texas, AOPA ASN volunteer Ray Brindle teamed up with airport manager Juan Martinez and airport board chairman Cam Fearis to show all concerned why such a development near an airport was a bad idea. Among other things, Brindle distributed copies of AOPA information booklets, including the AOPA Guide to Land Use and Airport Noise.

"Then we showed the airport master plan to the developer, landowner, and realtor," Brindle explained. "When they saw the proposed runway extension that would put the threshold within 2,000 feet of the proposed homes, the incompatibility was obvious. Everyone was pleased that the development was stopped before any large investments were made or construction started." Brindle has also been working with city council members in both Midlothian and Waxahachie to annex land surrounding the airport and zone it light commercial, helping to avoid future residential encroachment problems.

Brindle reports that most elected officials in both cities now understand and appreciate the importance of the airport, and he expects the rezoning to be accomplished by early summer.

"Ray's approach to saving the Mid-Way Regional Airport is a textbook example of how AOPA Airport Support Network volunteers can be effective," said Mark Lowdermilk, AOPA ASN program manager. "By building a coalition of political leaders, developers, landowners, and local residents, Ray has established a solid base for airport support."

Brindle has been an AOPA ASN volunteer since August 2001.

TOP ISSUES AT GA AIRPORTS

By Mark Lowdermilk, AOPA ASN program manager

AOPA ASN volunteers across the country are reporting that pilots who hibernated during the winter may find some security-related surprises when they return to the airport for spring flying.

Since September 11, 2001, many AOPA members face new airport restrictions or exorbitant charges for background checks and identification badges. In a few extreme cases, they have been entirely locked out of their home airports. Flight schools are also facing significant challenges over security issues.

AOPA is fighting to reduce or eliminate needless restrictions, and ASN volunteers have been asked to report such measures at their airports. To find out if your home airport has an AOPA ASN volunteer, visit AOPA Online ( www.aopa.org/asn/) and click on "Find Your Airport Volunteer." (If your airport has no ASN volunteer, you may nominate yourself at the same site.) AOPA members may also report such security overreactions to [email protected].

Some things to watch for at your home airport are proposals for background checks, requirements for airport-issued photo IDs, fees for security clearances, and penalties for security breaches. In some states, state regulators or local governments are attempting to enact flight restrictions and licensing or registration requirements without considering current FAA regulations and security recommendations.

AOPA uses this information in position papers, discussions with regulatory agencies, and advocacy outreach. For the latest information on GA restrictions at airports, check AOPA Online's news update page frequently ( www.aopa.org).

Public-use airports in the United States are closing at the rate of more than one every two weeks. The AOPA Airport Support Network, launched in 1997, designates one volunteer per airport to watch for threats and encourage favorable public perception of general aviation. For more information on how you can help support your airport, visit AOPA Online ( www.aopa.org/asn/ ).

Action in the States

Connecticut. Stratford: Airport security at Sikorsky Memorial Airport was the subject of a cable news channel interview in January with AOPA ASN volunteer David Faile. The longtime ASN volunteer was able to emphasize the important role of flight instructors in airport security.

Florida. St. Petersburg: AOPA ASN volunteer Jack Tunstill has developed an e-mail list of local pilots and other users of Albert Whitted Municipal Airport. Tunstill will use the list to keep participants apprised of developments at the airport.

Iowa. Des Moines: New security measures at Des Moines International Airport will cost pilots more, despite the best efforts of AOPA ASN volunteer Chris Andrews. Airport board members voted in January to require pilots and others with airfield access to undergo background checks and fingerprinting. The panel also voted to increase the cost of a gate card pass from $15 to $75, adding a $100 deposit for the passes. Andrews spoke against the measure.

Ohio. Norwalk: AOPA ASN volunteer Debbie Lake has been voted president of the Norwalk-Huron County Airport Authority. She has been spearheading improvements at the airport, including a partial parallel taxiway, which will be completed this spring.

Washington. Anacortes: AOPA ASN volunteer Anni Brogan is helping Anacortes City Council members with development of an "airport zone" that will help protect Anacortes Airport. Both AOPA and an ASN volunteer from another airport provided Brogan with examples from other airports of about the same size. Snohomish: AOPA ASN volunteer Glenn Torgerson is organizing local pilots in opposition to a proposed antenna "farm" just 1.8 nautical miles from Harvey Field. The tallest of the antennas would be 425 feet agl and would likely raise the minimum descent altitude for the proposed GPS instrument approach to Runway 32.

AOPA AIR SAFETY FOUNDATION

ASF, Florida DOT, FAA Help Florida Pilots with Collision Avoidance

More than 36,000 copies of the AOPA Air Safety Foundation's Collision Avoidance Safety Advisor were mailed to Florida pilots in late February. The special safety outreach was a cooperative effort of ASF, the Florida Department of Transportation, and the FAA.

"Florida's airspace is among the most congested in the world," said Bruce Landsberg, ASF executive director. "This targeted ASF safety campaign was made possible by a grant from the state of Florida, with postage paid by the FAA."

The 16-page booklet, titled Collision Avoidance: Strategies and Tactics, is based on the Foundation's safety seminar of the same name. With dramatic photographs and graphics, the booklet covers the physiology of vision, points out where and when most midair collisions occur, and suggests techniques and resources to help avoid such accidents.

Collision Avoidance is the fourth in a series of operations and proficiency Safety Advisors published by ASF. Previous subjects have included single pilot IFR, operations at towered airports, and operations at nontowered airports.

New and revised Safety Advisors are available free from the Air Safety Foundation as hard-copy booklets or in PDF format on the ASF Web site ( www.aopa.org/asf/publications/advisors.html).

Silent Auction Raises $50,000 for Safety Seminars; 2002 Auction Now Under Way

The AOPA Air Safety Foundation's Silent Auction raised more than $50,000 in 2001, setting a new record. The seven-year-old ASF fund-raiser operates similarly to eBay and other well-known Internet auctions, but with items donated by individuals and companies interested in aviation safety.

Proceeds are used to help finance ASF's free national safety seminar program. In 2001, more than 26,000 pilots attended the programs.

Among the items available now in the 2002 ASF Silent Auction are:

• An autographed copy of Revolt of the English Majors by Garry Trudeau.
• An Aerocom III two-place Portable Intercom.
• Sporty's Instrument Rating Course on interactive DVD.
• Upset Recovery One-Day Training Program in Spring, Texas.

The ASF Silent Auction is available online.

PROJECT PILOT UPDATE

AOPA members are sharing their love of flying through AOPA Project Pilot. Across the nation, AOPA Project Pilot mentors are helping student pilots realize the dream of learning to fly. From first flight to checkride, a mentor's keen and personal interest helps to ensure that the student pilot receives the best possible introduction to flying.

Success Story

My Mentor Story

The AOPA Project Pilot Program is a success story. Since 1994, project pilot mentors have nominated tens of thousands of students, and most of them have developed into pilots — from VFR aviators to ATPs. The mentoring process works on many levels. Having a mentor help guide a student's learning experience builds confidence and helps shape a successful path to a pilot certificate. And the satisfaction that comes from helping a student, either young or old, stays with the mentor for a lifetime.

That got us to thinking, "What have our mentored student pilots gone on to accomplish since their introduction to flight? How has a pilot certificate changed their lives? How have these mentored pilots put their achievement to use? From pleasure flying with your family to a full career in aviation, we want to tell your success story.

My mentor, long before the AOPA Project Pilot program existed, was a Navy Ventura pilot in World War II and a private pilot. A teacher, he shared his love of flying by starting an aviation ground school course at my high school. The first time my hands touched a yoke was in his Cessna 182. Success in his class led me on a path to a pilot certificate, a college degree in aeronautics, and aviation-related careers in engineering, journalism, and public relations. That one mentor helped direct my aviation interest at a critical age. Send us your success story, along with a photograph, and we'll print them here. You will inspire students and mentors alike. — Keith Mordoff

Way to Go!

Congratulations to these AOPA Project Pilot mentors who helped their students earn private pilot certificates.

Mentors who provide documentation to AOPA showing that their project pilot student earned a private pilot certificate will receive a Sporty's Pilot Shop Preferred Rewards Gift Certificate. Congratulations to these student pilot winners of a King Schools video course: Connie Groh, Troy, MI; Andrew Kolter, Salt Lake City, UT; and Albert Jensen, Dixmont, ME. Project pilot students are eligible for this random drawing in the month their names are received by AOPA.