Member Alert: The FAA has issued notams restricting large areas of airspace near Washington, D.C., and Chicago from May 18 through 21. Pilots should carefully review the notams before flying in the vicinity of the TFRs.

Government Advocacy

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Is that an F-16 off your wing? Beware TFRs near DC, Chicago

If you are flying near Chicago or the greater Washington, D.C., metropolitan area between May 18 and 21 and spy an F-16 or a Black Hawk off your wing, you're in big trouble. The FAA has issued notams restricting flight in both areas for the G8 and NATO Summits.

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Recognizing Your Airport Sponsor.

Has your Airport Sponsor supported your airport and deserve recognition? Fill out this online form and AOPA will send a letter thanking them for supporting general aviation airports. After we receive your submission, we will contact you if we need further details and to let you know when the letter will be sent. Nominate Now >>

LightSquared files for bankruptcy

LightSquared filed for bankruptcy under Chapter 11 on May 14. The wireless network based on mobile-satellite technology that was found to overpower GPS navigation signals made the filing two weeks after it negotiated an extension for making a payment on its debt.

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FAA revises flight-data blocking rules

After a mandate from Congress last year, the FAA had to reverse a policy of publicly disseminating private aircraft flight data; now it is going a step further by publishing new procedures that would give owners and operators broader control over their flight information's disclosure. The agency will accept comments on its notice of proposed process until June 8.

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National issues, local focus at Maryland event

MD Aviation Conference Pilots around the country are affected by efforts to promote flight safety, protect airports, defend against costly proposals, and build aviation communities. On May 4 and 5, AOPA staff discussed national issues and their local implications with an audience close to home.

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Wind turbines cause safety, access concerns for airports

The adverse effects of 52 wind turbines on the Kessel VOR-DME in West Virginia do not justify decommissioning the navaid and weakening the area's aviation infrastructure, AOPA said.

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Re-registration open for aircraft with Sept. certificates

The FAA requires all aircraft registered prior to Oct. 1, 2010, to re-register, and online applications from owners of aircraft registered in September of any year are being accepted through July 31.

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GA impact seen from Colorado-Kansas MOA changes

The proposed modification of a military operations area (MOA) straddling portions of western Kansas and eastern Colorado should be further refined to reduce the impact on general aviation, AOPA said, urging members to submit comments on the plan by May 30.

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TFR violations hamper efforts to ease restrictions

General aviation pilots are required to brief every flight fully, including a check of notams. Yet the federal government still expends significant resources responding to violations of temporary flight restrictions.

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Medical exemption petition comments pass 1,250

The FAA has received more than 1,250 comments on the request by AOPA and the Experimental Aircraft Association to provide pilots who fly recreationally the option of becoming educated on medical self-assessment and using a driver's license as the baseline for their health in lieu of obtaining a third class medical certificate.

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Unmanned aircraft tests must 'do no harm'

AOPA supports the integration of unmanned aircraft systems but reminds the FAA that the creation of test sites for them must do no harm to other airspace users, and should tap the expertise of stakeholders, the association said in a regulatory filing.

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