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.

Member Action Center

AOPA Advocacy Briefs / AOPA Advocacy One-Liners

FAA report: GA an asset to nation

Over the last century, general aviation airports have evolved from unpaved strips to a vital network of aviation hubs that contributed $38.8 billion to the economy in 2009, says a new FAA study.

Nebraska recognizes GA value

With a stroke of the governor's pen on May 16, Nebraska joined a growing list of states proclaiming support for - and recognizing the value of - general aviation, including the jobs and other opportunities flying creates.

FAA modifies regulation on Class D taxi operations

A final rule still open for comment will codify as regulation a practice already implemented by the FAA: Abbreviated taxi clearances are no longer given.

National issues, local focus at Maryland event

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.

Will Big Oil bring back an airport?

Revitalizing a dormant general aviation airport doesn't happen every day, but a surge in oil industry activity in North Dakota has raised that hope in one community--and pilots can help make it happen.

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.

Idaho backcountry access in spotlight

Aviation advocates in Idaho want pilots to scale back the use of four backcountry airstrips designated as emergency airfields under a federal wildlife area management plan.

Politician's bid to close Pa. airport growing costly

Pennsylvania's Allentown Queen City Municipal Airport is federally obligated to remain open in perpetuity and it boasts an annual economic impact of $10.5 million. So, how could it face the threat of closure?

IAOPA generates significant resolutions at World Assembly

The International Council of Aircraft Owner and Pilot Associations recently held its biennial World Assembly in Stellenbosch, South Africa, to discuss current and emerging challenges confronting the world's general aviation community.

Aviation funding bill passes Michigan House

The Michigan House has passed an AOPA-backed bill that would fund state aeronautics accounts without increasing the already-high state tax on aviation fuel and other products.

WAAS cited as NextGen success story

The FAA marked a major milestone toward implementing the Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen) when it published more than 3,000 Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS) instrument approaches, said a "snapshot" of progress made public at a Washington, D.C., conference.

GA supporters in Congress seek repeal of fuel fraud provision

Aviation funding loses $50 million a year, and some jet fuel vendors must cope with costly recordkeeping chores as consequences of government efforts to curb fuel-tax avoidance by nonaviation users of diesel fuel, say members of the House General Aviation Caucus.

FAA finalizes cross-border airways

New Victor airways will ease the passage of GA aircraft across the U.S.-Mexico border. AOPA supported the creation of the new airways, extending from California and Arizona to Mexicali, Mexico.

FAA urged to preserve Alabama airways, procedures

Many Alabama airport procedures - and two Victor airways - may be lost if the FAA proceeds with a plan to decommission the VOR/DME in Decatur, Ala. AOPA is seeking a reprieve, pending design of alternatives.

Calif. airport repairs could squeeze safety

Flight operations at the Tracy, Calif., Municipal Airport could have a higher risk profile if efforts to fix deteriorating pavement shorten the runways, allowing a reduction in the airport's safety zone.

Congressman sounds off against user fees

Rep. Kevin Brady (R-Texas), a member of the House General Aviation Caucus gave more than 50 AOPA members in Conroe, Texas, an overview of general aviation issues in Washington, D.C., during a recent town hall meeting that the association helped to organize.

Floatplanes regain access to Oregon's Waldo Lake

Seaplane pilots once again have access to Waldo Lake in the Cascades after pilot groups banded together to encourage the Oregon State Marine Board to exclude floatplanes from its ban on internal combustion engines operating on the lake.

Maryland luxury tax fails, for now

Maryland's legislative session ended abruptly April 9 without action being taken on a luxury surtax on aircraft that AOPA opposed as a loser for pilots and aviation businesses in the state.

Expanding landfill could increase bird strikes

The proposed expansion of a commercial landfill across the extended runway centerline would bring more birds, and bird strikes, to California's Stockton Metropolitan Airport, AOPA said in a letter to county officials.

Events mark Missouri's GA month

Missouri honored its aviators in March with a governor's proclamation and an annual state aviation day held at the Capitol in Jefferson City.

Senators to DHS: Expedite repair-station rule

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) must promptly complete its rules covering aircraft repair station security - freeing aircraft manufacturers to compete and releasing the FAA from a ban on certifying foreign repair facilities, said members of the Senate Commerce Committee.

Amendment would shed light on FCC process

The House has adopted a Florida representative's amendment requiring that the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) be more accountable for how it handles public disclosure requests made under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA).

Maryland urged to defeat luxury tax

Maryland would "lose out" if the state adopts a luxury surtax on sales of aircraft, said two AOPA advocacy staff members in testimony before a legislative committee.

Return of floatplane access to Waldo Lake urged

Pilots can make their voices heard with an Oregon state agency as it reconsiders a two-year-old ban on floatplanes on one of the state's largest lakes.

Missouri senators, representative join airport dispute

AOPA members in Missouri are being urged to let their U.S. senators and a House member know that they could harm the local economy and weaken general aviation in the state by helping the city of St. Clair close its federally funded GA airport.

New Mexico airport ready to thrive, city stewardship praised

The city-owned airport in Las Cruces, N.M., has weathered the economic downturn and is poised for resurgence, thanks in large part to municipal leaders with their eye on the future, and the benefits the airport provides to the community.

FAA avgas research funding 'critical'

The FAA is a critical participant in continuing research to develop an unleaded aviation fuel, said the presidents of five aviation associations in a letter urging congressional support for funding in the agency's fiscal 2013 budget.

Contract control tower funding 'vital'

Contract control towers provide essential, cost-effective service to 249 airports in 46 states, justifying their full funding in the fiscal 2013 FAA appropriations bill, said AOPA President Craig Fuller and the chief executives of 11 other aviation organizations.

FAA to create test sites for unmanned aircraft

In a continued effort to integrate unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) into the National Airspace System, the FAA is seeking input on the location of six test sites for the vehicles.

AOPA supports WAAS for NextGen navigation

The FAA has presented a broad outline of a future national airspace with half of the current VOR network decommissioned by 2020, and AOPA is urging the agency to make sure GA pilots--and current equipment--have a place there.

AOPA joins fight to save Hay Springs Municipal Airport

Knowing the true value of an airport requires a measure deeper than dollars, and the turf strip at Hay Springs Municipal in northwest Nebraska is a case in point.

GA supporters in Senate join fight against user fees

Another letter is headed to the White House to tell the president that the administration's proposed $100-per-flight user fee faces a cold welcome on Capitol Hill.

Washington airfield owners gain liability protection

Washington joined a group of 13 states with laws that clearly include aviation in recreational use statutes protecting property owners from liability when access to private property is provided without charge.

Tax exemption bill clears Idaho legislature

An AOPA-backed bill exempting aircraft parts, supplies, and other components from sales and use taxes is headed to Idaho Gov. C.L. Otter for signing following unanimous passage by the state Senate.

Airfield access bill headed to Washington's governor

Washington Gov. Christine Gregoire's signature was awaited on an AOPA-backed liability protection bill that could broaden access to private airfields in the state.

Proposed FAA budget cuts grants, tax incentives

Industry leaders are preparing for another fight over user fees, but the president's proposed budget is also drawing criticism on other fronts.

User-fee resistance (again) on the move

General aviation's supporters in Congress are moving again to resist the Obama Administration's latest effort to impose fees on users of the air traffic system.

GAO report focuses on NextGen costs, scheduling

Costs that exceed estimates by $4.2 billion and widespread scheduling setbacks highlight a new Government Accountability Office report to Congress evaluating FAA acquisition programs to implement the transition to the Next Generation Air Transportation System.

South Dakota House passes homebuilder tax relief

Lawmakers voted 45-23 in favor of South Dakota House Bill 1209, a measure that would relieve homebuilders from double taxation. AOPA and the South Dakota Pilots Association will continue to support the bill, now headed to the state Senate.

Bill could increase access to Washington state airports

AOPA is working with Washington state pilots and the Recreational Aviation Foundation to support legislation that would clarify liability protection for private airfield owners.

AOPA urges changes to UAS-only airspace proposal

AOPA submitted several suggestions that would mitigate the impact of a proposed restricted airspace reserved for unmanned aircraft in North Dakota, but remains opposed to the creation of such an exclusive airspace.

ADS-B traffic, weather now available in 51 terminal areas

Real time weather and traffic information is now available for free in dozens of terminal service areas around the country.

Pro-GA bills clear Indiana House

Two AOPA-backed bills - one providing aviation sales-tax relief and the other establishing funding sources for airport ground-access maintenance - have won overwhelming passage in the Indiana House and are now before the Senate.

Graves: FAA bill protects GA

Keeping user fees out of the new FAA reauthorization bill was a "big win" for general aviation--but vigilance and education efforts must continue, said Rep. Sam Graves (R-Mo.), the House GA Caucus co-chairman and member of the conference committee that produced the final bill.

West Coast sanctuary overflight now a dangerous gamble

Pilots could face stiff fines - up to six figures - for violating new overflight regulations that place the National Airspace System on a slippery slope. The FAA has ceded to another federal agency - the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration - authority to enforce what amount to new airspace restrictions.

Idaho House passes aviation tax exemption

The Idaho House of Representatives has unanimously passed a bill exempting aircraft parts, supplies, and other components from the state's sales and use tax. The bill, strongly supported by AOPA and the general aviation community, is now headed for Senate committee.

GA input sought in Reno-Tahoe survey

A general aviation resurgence is under way at Nevada's Reno-Tahoe International Airport, and pilots can support it by participating in a survey to measure potential use of GA facilities on the field.

South Dakota pilots seek relief from double taxation

South Dakota pilots are rallying with AOPA to protect homebuilders from double taxation.

FAA makes good on airway restorations

The FAA, in keeping with assurances it made to the pilot community, has announced that the two remaining airways made unusable by the relocation of the Anchorage, Alaska, VOR will be restored to availability for navigation Feb. 9 when other changes associated with the navaid's move take effect.

FAA proposes cross-border airway extensions

The FAA has proposed taking two Victor airways south of the border to facilitate general aviation crossings into Mexican airspace.

ND airspace plan raises questions, concerns

A proposal to create new restricted airspace in North Dakota for training of unmanned aircraft systems raises more questions than it answers, undermines safety, and would set a dangerous precedent in creating additional restricted airspace for use solely by UAS, AOPA said.

Thielert ADs revised (PDF)

The FAA has proposed allowing 600 flight hours, instead of 100 hours, to complete rail pressure control valve airworthiness directive requirements for certain Thielert Aircraft Engines.

Piper issues M-series landing gear SB (PDF)

The landing gear of some Piper M-series airplanes may not remain in the down and locked position when the aircraft are parked for extended periods of time, Piper notified owners in a service bulletin.

Airways to be restored in Alaska Feb. 9

The FAA has announced that the availability of several airways, temporarily curtailed by the relocation of the Anchorage, Alaska, VOR, will be restored Feb. 9, 2012, as the next charting cycle takes effect.

Study seeks clearer picture of GA airports

AOPA and other industry groups are working with the FAA as it develops a new classification system for general aviation airports. The agency is conducting a year-long study that seeks new, expanded GA airport categories for use in a national integrated systems plan.

FAA to broaden Cessna AD (PDF)

The FAA has proposed an airworthiness directive adding serial numbers to those covered in an existing AD on Cessna 172R and 172S aircraft, requiring inspections of fuel return line assemblies for chafing.

New notam issued for Leesburg operations

The FAA has published an advisory of a new notice to airmen that gives an overview of changed procedures for ingress to and egress from the Leesburg (Va.) Executive Airport, effective Nov. 30.

FAA proposes SR22T gasket AD (PDF)

A proposed airworthiness directive affecting 67 Cirrus SR22Ts would require inspection and modification of the air box flange welds and slots, and installation of induction system air box seals. Comments are due Dec. 19.

LightSquared plan 'not acceptable' to GA (PDF)

Companies from agriculture to aviation rely on GPS, making signal interference problematic for business, said House Committee on Small Business Chairman Rep. Sam Graves (R-Mo.). In a letter to the Federal Communications Commission, Graves requested that the agency "outline" its review of LightSquared's proposed wireless network, shown by tests to disable GPS.

Deadline on Salt Lake Class B changes draws near

A proposal to change the Salt Lake Class B airspace, which includes increasing the ceiling from 10,000 feet msl to 12,000 feet msl and elongating the airspace to the north and south without creating T-routes or VFR flyways, would be detrimental to general aviation operations, AOPA told the FAA.

FAA fixes turbojet proficiency compliance deadline

The FAA has amended a recent rulemaking that set a requirement for pilots of turbojet-powered aircraft to undergo a pilot-in-command proficiency check, giving affected pilots a year from the effective date to take the initial required checkride.

Judge calls for more info in Calif. avgas suit

A federal judge requested additional briefings Oct. 3 before ruling on a motion to dismiss a case brought by California producers, distributors, and sellers of leaded avgas, the National Air Transportation Association announced.

Community works to save Texas airport (PDF)

Abernathy, Texas, city officials are working with AOPA members and Airport Support Network volunteer Tom Porterfield to find ways to help make the airport self-sufficient and raise money for airport improvements. AOPA has weighed in on the importance of the airport to the area.

Deficit-cutting panel urged to reject user fees

The House has "repeatedly and overwhelmingly" rejected GA user fees, and a joint select committee studying ways to reduce the federal deficit should also avoid damaging the $150 billion aviation industry.

BARR to get day in court

A three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit announced that it will hear argument on Dec. 2 in a case brought by the NBAA and AOPA that seeks to overturn the restrictions that the government imposed on the Block Aircraft Registration Request program.

Was LightSquared waiver a political prize?

Opposition to the GPS-jamming mobile-satellite network planned by communications venture LightSquared moved forward on two fronts last week, with congressional critics pointing to possible political pressure on regulators.

AOPA committed to state advocacy

AOPA President Craig Fuller has announced that the association is creating a new regional manager program as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen its presence at the state and local level.

Senators write FAA, EPA about avgas

A letter from a group of senators to the administrators of the FAA and the EPA urges the agencies not to use the rulemaking process to force the elimination of lead from aviation fuel before a suitable replacement is found.

CFIs, students win training relief

California flight instruction providers who waited more than a year for relief from crippling regulatory burdens imposed under a 2009 education-reform law got the news they were waiting for Sept. 21, when Gov. Jerry Brown signed a bill exempting them from its provisions.

Pilot's Bill of Rights hearing sought (PDF)

Sen. James Inhofe (R-Okla.) and 31 co-sponsors have requested a hearing for the Pilot's Bill of Rights in the Senate Commerce Committee. AOPA members are encouraged to contact committee leaders Jay Rockefeller (202/224-6472) and Kay Bailey Hutchison (202/224-5922) and express support for Inhofe's request for a hearing.

House, Senate approve FAA extension

With the FAA's spending authority set to expire Sept. 17, the House and Senate have passed a four-month extension, preventing what could have been a second partial shutdown of the agency since July.

Politics trumped safety, Ohio pilots group says

Supporters of the Norwalk-Huron County Airport in northern Ohio said that county officials' refusal to seek $400,000 in federal airport aid ignores increasingly worsening hazards on the airport's approaches.

Learn shortened rwy terms (pdf)

Construction at airports may shorten the runway, so the FAA is informing pilots of ATIS messages and takeoff/landing clearances they may receive at airports where runway construction is under way or just completed.

Second try at LGB airspace

The FAA has scheduled two informal airspace meetings as it pursues an effort to establish Class C airspace for the now-Class D airspace in Long Beach, Calif. AOPA views the airspace change as a quick fix, and encourages members to attend the meetings and submit comments.

CA training fix heads to gov.

A bill that would exempt California fight training organizations from onerous fees and reporting requirements imposed by a 2009 post-secondary education law took a major step toward becoming law Aug. 30 with approval by the state Senate. It now goes on to Gov. Jerry Brown.

Sport-to-private transition

The FAA is accepting comments on whether flight instruction logged by sport pilot applicants from sport pilot instructors can be counted toward higher pilot certificates.

C150 rudder stop AD revised (pdf)

A Cessna 150/152 AD requiring "a placard prohibiting spins and other acrobatic maneuvers in the airplane or replacing the rudder stop" has been updated to modify the rudder stop kit because people have "reported difficulty in obtaining full rudder travel with the existing modification kit."

FAA: Don't toss pilot records (pdf)

The FAA reminds air carriers and others who employ pilots to keep pilots' records as the agency sorts out who will need to contribute to the pilot records database and what records will need to be submitted. AOPA maintains that businesses such as flight schools should not bear the burden of extensive record-keeping.

Multi-state swing touts GA

From Southern California to Idaho, changes in airport operations - and in one case, the continued operation of the airport itself - present challenges calling for a strong GA response.

SoCal pilots speak up!

Southern California pilots: AOPA needs your help. Send your ideas for improving airspace and service in the area to AOPA. The association will present them to the FAA.

Wx data critical for Alaska (pdf)

Alaska pilots need accurate, reliable weather data, AOPA said regarding a proposal to modernize and optimize the National Weather Service network in the state. AOPA is concerned that a transition to automated sensors "would result in a net loss of observations."

Wash. awards airport grants

The Washington State Department of Transportation has announced that 26 airports will receive a share of almost $12 million in federal, state, and local funds for maintenance, safety, and security improvements.

Colby: No wind farm (pdf)

A proposal to build wind turbines near Shalz Field in Colby, Kan., would increase some instrument approach minimums at the field. AOPA, the Kansas Division of Aviation, and Colby are opposing the move.

AOPA-China GA Summit

In a step toward building the general aviation industry in China, AOPA-China is hosting a five-day General Aviation Summit in Beijing in September.

Airport vols in high gear

Airport Support Network volunteers across the country have been spreading the word about the program to keep it running in high gear.

Aviation group leaders unite

What affects one segment of the aviation industry ultimately affects everyone involved in aviation, be they business jet owners, helicopter pilots, or airport operators, association leaders said July 27.

Icing: Educate, don't regulate

After investigating twin-engine Cessna accidents and incidents attributed to icing, the FAA is proposing to address the safety issue with an AD. AOPA says an educational campaign could be more effective.

Debt talks turn to user fees

User fee threats are lurking just below the surface on Capitol Hill, with talk of possible fees ranging from $25 to $100 or more for flight planning or aircraft operations. AOPA is calling members to action!

Calif. avgas lawsuit to await fed ruling

NATA said that avgas producers, distributors, and sellers targeted for legal action in California will not face state-level lawsuits before their request for an injunction is heard in federal court in October.

AOPA Advocacy One-Liners