News Archive
Frequently asked questions
Why is AOPA being so aggressive in pursuing the removal of flight restrictions affecting general aviation operations?
"I am appalled at AOPA's arrogant and unpatriotic attitude regarding the restrictions placed on general aviation"—AOPA member
Many times a tough approach is needed in dealing with Washington, D.C., policymakers to make a position known and achieve success. With all of the attention in bringing the air traffic system back into operation focused on the major airlines, the AOPA staff and its president have been making it clear to policymakers such as DOT Secretary Norman Mineta, FAA Administrator Jane Garvey, and a host of FAA management staff the desire for pilots to return to the skies. It has been with full knowledge of the national crisis that the association has pursued our desire to be recognized as airspace users, realizing that we would only be granted access when national security wasn't compromised. Those who may have thought our position was one of "whining" or too overt should consider the even stronger arguments made by many airlines and their representatives to return to using the NAS.
Why isn't AOPA being more aggressive in pursuing the removal of flight restrictions affecting general aviation operations?
"...I would like to be one more voice asking that you put the pressure on the FAA to allow us to fly once again. It was not GA that created the disaster...." —AOPA member
The AOPA staff has attempted to take a responsible approach to educating top policymakers with the goal of getting everyone flying as soon as possible. We have recognized the catastrophic events that took place and the need for the federal government to assure the Americans public that the aviation system is safe and attempted to balanced these with our desire to reopen the aviation system for all. In every communication to members and to government officials, we have recognized the grave situation that occurred and the continued threats to the nation.
Should I call or write Congress?
"Is there anything I can do? Write senators, congressmen? Help!" —Ohio AOPA member
Not yet. The backbone of AOPA's work on Capitol Hill is its members' willingness at key moments to write and call their elected representatives and senators. In return, members of Congress recognize that AOPA members are the backbones of their local communities. At this grave moment, decisions on the operation of National Airspace System are being made at the highest levels of the executive branch, with the Congress deferring to our national security leadership. AOPA has been in constant contact with those key decision-makers, alerting them to the effects of grounding general aviation on both pilots and the national economy. Flooding them with calls, faxes, and e-mail will tie up valuable communications resources and not change the outcome. In fact, the inconvenience of dealing with this sort of organized mailing could cause more damage than good. Rest assured, when the time comes where individual pilots' input with Congress can be effectively utilized, AOPA will, as always, be the first organization to inform its members as to whom to contact and with what message. This will be particularly important in the weeks and months ahead when new security procedures for accessing airports and airspace will be debated and voted upon by Congress.
If I can't fly this weekend, what else can I do?
"My six year old son and I had blocked off all of Sunday...to spend the day flying together...." —AOPA member
With the ban on VFR general aviation flying still in effect because of continuing national security worries, pilots will have to find other things to do this weekend.
"General aviation pilots are, on the whole, a group of adult, responsible U.S. citizens who love to fly but understand overriding national security issues in these times of crisis," said AOPA President Phil Boyer. "Although we'd rather fly, perhaps we can take advantage of this enforced time-out for some other things.
"And rest assured that AOPA is working through the weekend with federal officials, doing everything humanly possible to restore VFR flying privileges for general aviation pilots," said Boyer. "Let's make the best we can of a difficult situation."
Boyer suggested:
- Attend church, synagogue, or mosque to reflect on the tragedy that has befallen our nation, and pray for the souls of both victims and survivors of the terrorist attacks.
- Volunteer to give blood, join relief efforts, or collect medical or other supplies needed in the ongoing rescue efforts in New York and Washington. (Click here for links to a few of the many volunteer opportunities).
- Spend time with family with the television off. Have a family discussion over the dinner table. Go on a date with your spouse, take time to play with your children, take them to a movie, museum, or play. For a real challenge, check up on your kid's table manners. Clean your old camera and take pictures of your kids (or pets). Learn how to program your VCR so it doesn't flash .
- Write a letter to a parent, children, relative, friend. Visit a neighbor. Mow the lawn. Organize a community game of touch football. Sort your record (or CD) collection. Arrange your pilot magazines chronologically. Offer to wash the family car or even wash dishes. Remember: No woman ever shot a man while he was doing dishes.
For those who absolutely must have aeronautical-flavored activities, Boyer suggested:
- Improve your aviation knowledge. Get FAA Wings program credit with the free ASF Runway Safety course. Review your pilot's operating handbook. Read the FARs and AIM; you'll be surprised how much changes. Fly approaches to Meigs Field in Chicago with Microsoft Flight Simulator. Check out FAR Part 77 and then use your new-found knowledge to see if your home runway needs a displaced threshold. Check out AOPA's free "smarts" resources at and follow some of the links. Join a discussion group on the AOPA messaging boards. Study the ASF Safety Review for your specific airplane type.
- Start studying for your next pilot certificate or rating. An instrument rating not only allows better utilization of the airplane, but also makes you a better VFR pilot. Pull out your GPS manual and learn at least one function other than the "direct to" button. Review non-GPS navigation planning. Brush up on your E6B skills.
- Catch up on neglected ground duties. Total up your logbook. Check expiration dates of your BFR, IPC, and medical. Use AOPA's free new "TurboMedical" interactive program to find any red flags that might cause the doctor to defer or deny your next medical. Subscribe to the free AOPA ePilot newsletter. Update your Jepps. Laminate your pilot certificate. Clean out your flight bag. (Careful!) Untangle your headset cords. Plan a cross-country camping vacation with your spouse, using AOPA's Airport Directory, searchable online.
- Care for your airplane. Wash, wax, and vacuum the bird; a careful cleaning is one of the best preflights you can do. Take a picture of your airplane: evening light, with aircraft lights on, can give you a spectacular professional-looking portrait. Check the logs for inspection and ELT battery dates. Loan your latest Sporty's catalog to a friend. (Don't worry. You'll get another in a few days.)
If you would like to make direct donations to the people and families affected by these tragedies, or the organizations helping with the relief efforts, here are a few useful Web site links and phone numbers:
American Red Cross
800/HELP-NOW (800/435-7669) to give money or to donate help
800/GIVE-LIFE (800/448-3543) to donate blood.
Firefighters Widows & Children's Fund
Send checks to:
Widows & Children's Fund
c/o Uniformed Firefighter's Association
204 East 23rd Street
New York, NY 10010
or call the UFA office at 212/683-4832.
United Way
To give to the United Way's September 11th Fund, call 212/251-4035 or visit the Web site.
Charitywave.com
United Way International's Emergency Relief efforts. To give "in honor of" or "in memory of," visit the Web site.
DisasterRelief.org
For comprehensive disaster relief information and resources, visit the Web site.
September 14, 2001
