News Archive
AOPA News in Review
December 2004
Going strong and growing stronger, AOPA looks back on 2004
The 215 employees of AOPA have one goal, year after year — finding ways to make your flying safer, more affordable, and more fun. As we look back on our information, education, and advocacy efforts for 2004, we want to thank you for your support and tell you about some of the work we've done on your behalf.
"AOPA is going to end the year with a record number of members — more than 403,000, and a record high renewal rate," said AOPA President Phil Boyer. "That's particularly gratifying, because it is a vote of confidence in what the AOPA staff are doing for the members day in and day out.
"It's also a tribute to all of our members who value their AOPA membership and encourage other pilots to join," Boyer continued. "You cannot underestimate the power of 403,000 pilot voices, united in their determination to keep general aviation growing and strong."
But it certainly has been a year of challenges.
When we started the year, we made your top priorities our own — protecting airports, beating back user fees, bringing reason to security rules for GA, reducing the number of "temporary" flight restrictions, putting GA-friendly politicians in office, putting a dent in rising insurance costs, and finding more ways to reduce the cost of flying. 
More on what AOPA has done for you...
(December 30, 2004)
AOPA's TV ads promoting general aviation are effective
AOPA's TV ads spreading the good word about general aviation are working. During the first week of the ad campaign on the Weather Channel, the number of visits to the General Aviation Serving America Web site has increased five times.
"It is important that the public understand what general aviation is, how it works, and what it does for all Americans," said AOPA President Phil Boyer. "What we convey in these ads and with this Web site is that general aviation is woven into the fabric of American life."
The commercials will air more than 100 times between December 20 and January 2, during the busy holiday travel season when many Americans — not just pilots — are keeping a close eye on the weather for their own travel, whether by personal car, train, bus, or airline.
(
View all four TV commercials: broadband | dial-up.) More on AOPA's TV commercials promoting general aviation...
(December 30, 2004)
U.S. high-altitude reduced vertical separation to take effect
Turbine operators should use new equipment codes starting January 5
The FAA has issued a notam reminding pilots flying at and above Flight Level 290 that starting January 5, they should use new aircraft equipment suffixes (/Q or /W) in their flight plans to show that their aircraft have been certified for reduced vertical separation minima (RVSM) operations. And beginning January 20, when new high altitude aeronautical charts become effective, the amount of vertical separation between aircraft operating at high altitude will be reduced from 2,000 feet to 1,000 feet. Aircraft and pilots operating between FL290 and FL410 must be RVSM-certified.
"AOPA argued for a phased implementation beginning at the higher altitudes, so our members who operate high-end aircraft would have additional time to make the necessary modifications," said Andy Cebula, AOPA senior vice president of Government and Technical Affairs. "But the airlines had to retrofit their entire fleets and persuaded the FAA that they needed to see the cost benefits sooner rather than later." More on RVSM...
(December 30, 2004)
Anticipated holiday flight restrictions limited
TFRs for presidential travel, NYC, Rose Parade, Las Vegas
This New Year's weekend, AOPA is expecting only a limited number of temporary flight restrictions (TFRs), but pilots are urged to check notams before flying for the latest status of the airspace. TFRs already issued include restrictions for Waco and Crawford, Texas, and Jackson Hole, Wyoming, extending through January 2.
The FAA also has established TFRs over New York City and Las Vegas, Nevada, on New Year's Eve, and the Rose Parade in Pasadena, California, on New Year's Day. More on TFRs...
(December 30, 2004)
Sport Pilot PTS available online
The Sport Pilot Practical Test Standards (PTS) have just been released. Along with the procedures already in place for student sport pilot applications and the availability of knowledge test questions, the new standards provide key information that flight instructors need to train students.
"Flight instructors need to know to what standards to train their students for the sport pilot certificate," said Rob Hackman, manager of AOPA's regulatory and certification policy. "Now that the practical test standards are available online, they can easily and quickly refer to them at any time." More on the sport pilot PTS...
(December 29, 2004)
Last chance to 'Win-A-Twin'!
Time is running out to enter for a chance to win the most up-to-date twin anywhere. The better-than-new 1965 Piper Twin Comanche is the grand prize in AOPA's Win-A-Twin Sweepstakes, and all you need to do to enter is to join AOPA or renew your membership before midnight, December 31. Sign up or renew using the Automatic Annual Renewal service, and get a second entry. (Complete rules, eligibility requirements, and alternate methods of entry are available online).
"Sometime early next year, some pilot somewhere is going to be holding the keys to a very, very nice light twin," said AOPA President Phil Boyer. "Joining or renewing before the New Year arrives guarantees you're in the running when we draw that name." More on AOPA's Win-A-Twin Sweepstakes...
(December 29, 2004)
FAA to extend comment period on North Carolina SUA proposal at AOPA's request
The FAA is once again seeking formal comments on the proposed expanded military operations areas (MOAs) near Cherry Point over the Outer Banks in North Carolina. AOPA requested the 60-day extension for comments on the proposal to create the Core and Gunny (previously called Mattamuskeet) MOAs because the FAA did not properly notify airspace users the first time around.
In addition to AOPA and local pilots, Rep. G.K. Butterfield (D-N.C.) added congressional pressure in October to AOPA's request to extend the comment period.
"The proposed airspace creates an operational hazard for general aviation, and AOPA is pleased that the FAA has reopened the comment period until February 14," said Heidi Williams, director of air traffic services. "Those who already have submitted comments do not need to resubmit them — the agency will consider all previously received comments." More on Cherry Point MOAs...
(December 28, 2004)
All I want for Christmas is my medical
"I'm trying to present my husband with his medical certification on Christmas Day, only 14 days away," the e-mail began. "He mailed it [to the FAA] in September.... If you can help me in any way I would be grateful," wrote Nancy Williams. Why the urgency? Her husband, a student pilot, needed the medical to solo. And he was eager to get his ticket so he and his wife could fly often to see their 14-week-old grandson.
"A highly unusual request, but that's what we are here for," AOPA President Phil Boyer wrote back. "We have a terrific fella in charge of our medical department.... If it is possible, he'll get it done."
The idea of making the medical certificate a Christmas present was a bit unusual, but for AOPA's Medical Certification department, there was nothing unusual about the issues involved. Every year, thousands of pilots ask AOPA for help in getting their medical certificates. And most of the time, AOPA is able to deliver. More on AOPA's Medical Certification department...
(December 28, 2004)
AOPA answers turbine pilots' TAWS questions
In just 90 days, on March 30, 2005, anyone who owns or operates a turbine-powered airplane that carries six passengers (not counting pilot or copilot) must have a terrain awareness and warning system (TAWS) installed or face the grounding of their aircraft. The looming deadline is prompting an increasing number of questions to AOPA's Pilot Information Center (800/USA-AOPA), so AOPA aviation technical specialists and regulatory affairs staff have prepared a frequently asked questions page for AOPA members. More on TAWS...
(December 28, 2004)
An electronic glideslope to your airport, today!
AOPA's WAAS advocacy means safer approaches
An ILS approach is the easiest and safest kind of approach. Even for a VFR pilot, following the ILS needles at night is a guarantee you won't hit anything unseen on your way down to the runway. However, only a little more than 700 airports in the United States have a traditional instrument landing system.
"But with WAAS-certified avionics, you could most likely fly an ILS-like approach into your airport today, even if it's one of the 4,400 general aviation airports without an ILS," said AOPA President Phil Boyer.
"If your airport has a straight-in GPS approach, it probably has vertical guidance built in to the WAAS database," Boyer. "You can fly this 'pseudo' glideslope just like an ILS, with advisory vertical guidance to the visual descent point or the missed approach point."
AOPA has been pushing for WAAS — the wide area augmentation system — for almost a decade. This year, AOPA successfully lobbied Congress for full funding — some $100 million — for continued WAAS development and operations. The association also obtained a congressional directive to FAA to develop more WAAS approaches to general aviation airports.
But there are already literally thousands of approaches that can be flown like an ILS right now. More on WAAS...
For more on flying WAAS approaches, see the December 2004 AOPA Pilot magazine article "What's Up With WAAS?"
View AOPA's WAAS video from AOPA Expo.
(December 23, 2004)
TFRs downgraded after AOPA intervention
Pilots in Indiana, Kentucky, Oregon, and Washington State's Puget Sound area got an early holiday present today. Six temporary flight restriction (TFR) areas have become much less restrictive national security areas (NSAs). That nearly completes a process AOPA initiated earlier this year to reduce the number of restricted areas nationwide.
The military had wanted to turn 13 TFRs into prohibited areas. AOPA opposed that and suggested that airspace over military installations be designated national security areas. For 11 of the 13 TFRs, the FAA agreed.
TFRs in Washington (Bremerton, Everett, and Port Townsend), Indiana (Newport), Kentucky (Richmond), and Oregon (Umatilla) became NSAs today with the publication of the latest sectional chart. The Pueblo, Colorado, TFR will change over to an NSA with the next charting cycle effective January 20, 2005. More on NSAs...
(December 23, 2004)
Defense Department wants to stop publishing aviation charts
AOPA pushes to keep charts public
After hearing from AOPA and other users, the Department of Defense (DOD) is going to accept comments on its proposal to stop public distribution of Department of Defense flight information publications (FLIP) and the digital aeronautical flight information file (DAFIF) in October 2005.
"We've had discussions with the military and a meeting with the FAA last week, and the ramifications of this decision were dramatically underestimated," said Melissa Rudinger, AOPA vice president of regulatory policy. "While we're still analyzing all of the impacts, we will be asking the Department of Defense to revise its decision, and we'll offer some realistic alternatives."
The most immediate impact of the decision on AOPA members will be the loss of Department of Defense-National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) operational navigation charts (ONC), which include en route charts for the Caribbean and South America, the supplement of Caribbean airport information, and instrument approach charts for the Caribbean and South America. More on Defense Department aviation charts...
(December 22, 2004)
AOPA upgrades medical certification services for members
It's easier than ever for members to get AOPA's help with their medical certification issues. AOPA recently completed several major improvements that focus on improved security and communications between members, AOPA's medical certification staff, and the FAA's Aerospace Medical Certification Division.
AOPA installed state-of-the-art encryption software to ensure that all member medical status inquiries that AOPA submits to the FAA have the highest degree of privacy protection available. The association also has installed a customized medical status inquiry management database. It allows the medical certification staff to track member medical cases as they're routed through the FAA's certification process.
Upgrades also allow members to submit a request for a status check on a medical application online. The new system was designed by AOPA's in-house web developers, who understand what pilots need. More on improvements in AOPA's medical certification services...
(December 22, 2004)
AOPA helps save Pittsburgh-area airport
AOPA and an AOPA Airport Support Network volunteer have pushed the wolves back from the door of Pittsburgh-Monroeville Airport (4G0) east of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
A developer had requested that the city change the privately owned, public-use airport's zoning. The change would permit the airport to be closed and houses built on the land. But 4G0 ASN volunteer Peter Polen and AOPA told the planning commission that change would destroy a community asset. More on Monroeville airport...
(December 22, 2004)
Boyer helps FAA honor Florida 'master pilots'
AOPA President Phil Boyer was the keynote speaker last week during the FAA Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award ceremonies at the FAA safety center and TV production studios at Lakeland Linder Regional Airport.
The ceremony honored six senior Florida aviators — all of whom have maintained their medical currency and have been actively flying for at least 50 years. More on Florida master pilots...
(December 22, 2004)
AOPA's Airport Watch helps nab con man in KansasAn accused con man is in custody thanks to vigilant airport employees across central Kansas. They followed AOPA Airport Watch principals, and because they were alert for suspicious activity, police nailed an alleged criminal. "We may not have tall fences and strobe lights," T.W. Anderson, president of the airport association and manager at Newton City-County Airport in Newton, Kansas, told the Wichita Eagle newspaper, "but that doesn't mean nobody is paying attention. "The ability of airports and users in the Wichita area to keep watch for a suspect has helped greatly in this particular case. The people who belong at our airports tend to know each other pretty well. A stranger stands out." (December 21, 2004) | AOPA teams with states to promote GA security With the holiday travel season in full swing, AOPA has partnered with aviation officials in Massachusetts and Tennessee to remind pilots that they are important players in the effort to secure general aviation airports. "For the GA community to live up to the billing the Government Accountability Office (GAO) gave us in its recent report on GA security, all pilots and airport personnel are going to need to be aware of and active participants in the Airport Watch program," said Andy Cebula, AOPA senior vice president of Government and Technical Affairs. "That's why, in addition to all of AOPA's own outreach efforts, we've teamed up with state officials in Massachusetts and Tennessee." (December 21, 2004) |
Strong advocate of AOPA's Airport Watch to leave Homeland Security
DHS second-in-command resigns
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced the resignation of Adm. James Loy Monday afternoon. Loy, the second-in-command at DHS, has been a strong advocate for balancing the needs of general aviation with the demands of security. Among the programs he vigorously promoted is AOPA's Airport Watch, which he cited as a model for partnership between industry and government.
"Adm. Loy clearly understands that security has to be tempered with practicality," said AOPA President Phil Boyer. "He allowed AOPA open access to him, which greatly aided pilots on important GA matters. The only time we personally crossed swords was when I didn't call him on a TSA rulemaking but instead enlisted the help of Congress. Loy was offended by my misreading his intense desire to hear from me directly rather than have his staff deal with the issue. What a refreshing change as we discussed this by phone. Never before in my experience with federal agencies had a leader wanted this much feedback.
"The departures of Secretary Tom Ridge and Deputy Secretary Loy will leave a large void at the Department of Homeland Security. We hope the administration will nominate people of equal understanding and capacity to replace them," Boyer said. More on Loy's resignation...
Photo: AOPA President Phil Boyer and Admiral James Loy in 2002.
(December 20, 2004)
Alien training/citizenship validation rule hits everyone today
AOPA continues advocacy to lessen impact
Starting today, any non-U.S. citizen who is beginning training for a new certificate or rating in any size powered aircraft must be cleared by the Transportation Security Administration, including those who have previously held pilot certificates. This alien flight training rule applies even to resident aliens with a "green card."
And the rule also applies to U.S. citizens as well. That's because flight instructors and flight schools are required to check a student's citizenship before providing training for any new certificate or rating.
"We expect that the TSA will soon announce some changes that AOPA advocated that will make this rule less intrusive," said Andy Cebula, AOPA senior vice president of Government and Technical Affairs. "We also pushed very hard for TSA to treat resident aliens the same as citizens, but TSA refuses to budge on that issue." More on alien training rule...
(December 20, 2004)
AOPA reaches out to general public with TV ad campaign
Benefits and importance of general aviation explained
General aviation benefits virtually every single American, whether or not they've ever climbed into a "little plane" or dreamed of learning to fly. That's the message AOPA will convey when it once again sponsors a series of television ads on the Weather Channel promoting the association's educational Web site, General Aviation Serving America. The ads will run throughout the holiday season, beginning on Monday, December 20.
"General aviation is woven so tightly into the fabric of American life that most Americans don't even notice it," said AOPA President Phil Boyer. "These ads will give the millions of Weather Channel viewers a brief insight into the value of GA and tell them how to get more information by visiting the General Aviation Serving America Web site."
GAservingAmerica.org is a world-class, award-winning Web site designed to show the general public, including reporters and federal, state, and local government decision makers, all that general aviation does for this country.
( View all four TV commercials: broadband | dial-up.) More on AOPA commercials promoting general aviation...
(December 17, 2004)
Santa stumped?
The perfect pilot gift — an AOPA life membership
Looking for the perfect gift for the pilot in your life? One woman found just the thing for her pilot husband — an AOPA life membership offered exclusively through the AOPA Air Safety Foundation. This gift includes a tax-deductible donation to the AOPA Air Safety Foundation. And that means not only are you giving your special someone the benefits and privileges of the world's best general aviation association for the rest of their flying life, you're also helping advance the cause of general aviation safety. For more information, see the AOPA Life Member Web page.
(December 17, 2004)
President Bush signs intelligence overhaul bill
Pilot certificates will now include photos
Update: President Bush on Friday signed into law the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act implementing many of the recommendations of the 9/11 commission.
Buried within the 563-page bill is a provision requiring the FAA to start issuing improved pilot certificates within a year. The pilot certificates must be resistant to tampering and counterfeiting, include a photo of the pilot, and might also include a biometric identifier such as a fingerprint or retina scan.
"We worked closely with key members of Congress to make sure that these new requirements don't impose an undue burden on GA pilots," said AOPA President Phil Boyer. "Adding a pilot's picture to the license has been debated for a long time, we wanted to make sure pilots don't have to travel long distances to make this happen."
Thanks to AOPA's advocacy, the bill allows the FAA to use designees to process the new certificates "to the extent feasible in order to minimize the burdens on pilots." More on intelligence bill and impacts on pilots...
(Update: December 17, 2004)
Media got the GPS story wrongThe headlines screamed: "President Bush prepares for possible GPS shutdown." And AOPA members were understandably concerned. Only trouble was, while the headlines were technically correct, they were also very wrong. Very wrong, because what the President really did was sign a policy that guarantees GPS for civilian use. But what the reporters heard was a tidbit that the military could "turn off" GPS in a small area to prevent terrorists or hostile forces from using it. Nothing new there, the military has always been able to do that. But reporters who don't know much about the GPS system thought that was news. It wasn't, and they needlessly upset a lot of people for whom GPS is critical to their safety. |
Importance of GPS to GA is affirmed by Bush
AOPA helps shape breakthrough policy
President Bush has signed a new policy that guarantees the availability and reliability of GPS for civilian use. And despite some exaggerated press reports, there is no imminent threat that GPS will be shut down.
"GPS is absolutely critical to safety of flight, particularly in the future as the FAA decommissions some land-based navigation aids and transitions to a satellite-based system," said AOPA President Phil Boyer. "This new policy recognizes that and adds even greater protections for civilian use of GPS without user fees. This is tremendous news for general aviation."
AOPA provided significant input to the new presidential directive on global positioning system policy and was the only general aviation organization to participate in the process.
"The press got it wrong about a GPS shutdown," Boyer continued. "The military has always maintained the option to deny GPS to a hostile force within a limited geographical area, and they continue to have that option under this new policy. But now there is a very clear directive that this be done without unduly disrupting civilian use."
The White House said Wednesday that any shutdown of the system within parts of the United States would come under only the most remarkable circumstances. But the presidential directive is very clear: The government is to "provide uninterrupted availability of positioning, navigation, and timing services." In other words, the GPS signal is supposed to be available all the time to domestic users. (And it should be noted that the government kept the GPS system operating during the aftermath of the September 11, 2001, attacks.) More on GPS policy...
(December 16, 2004)
GAO report praises government/industry efforts to secure GA airports
A new Government Accountability Office (GAO) report notes that "the small size, lack of fuel capacity, and minimal destructive power of most general aviation aircraft make them unattractive to terrorists and, thereby, reduce the possibility of threat associated with their misuse."
The report concludes that continued partnerships between the general aviation (GA) industry and the government — such as AOPA's Airport Watch program — are vital to the long-term success of efforts to enhance security at the nation's nearly 19,000 GA landing facilities.
"After more than a year of study and months actually writing the report, the GAO has concluded what we've been saying all along — general aviation airports and aircraft are not a major security risk," said AOPA President Phil Boyer. "What's more, the GAO recognized that the GA industry has taken significant steps on its own to improve security at GA airports."
The watchdog agency's report says that "the public/private partnership has been strengthened...through the teaming of TSA and general aviation industry associations."
AOPA worked closely with GAO staff members to make sure they truly understood the general aviation industry. More on GAO report on GA airports...
(December 14, 2004)
Kerik's loss could be a GA pilot win
New opportunity to put the right person in the left seat at Homeland Security
The sudden withdrawal of Bernard Kerik's nomination as head of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) serves as a stark reminder of the importance of finding the right person for this critical position. It increasingly appears he wasn't the right guy for the job, especially given that none of his prior jobs had anything to do with general aviation.
"To be effective as the leader of DHS, the person must be a politician in the broadest and very best definition of the word," said AOPA President Phil Boyer. "Our 400,000 members — and all Americans — will be best served by an individual who has made a career of being able to listen to a wide range of interests and then craft optimal solutions. A keen understanding of the many issues and benefits associated with general aviation is also essential." More on Homeland Security head...
(December 14, 2004)
FAA grounds T-34 fleet
Emergency action not likely to affect Bonanzas or Barons
The FAA has issued an emergency airworthiness directive grounding all Raytheon Beech Model 45 aircraft, commonly known as T-34s. The action comes after the in-flight break-up of a Texas Air Aces-operated T-34 last week. The company uses the former military trainers to give customers a taste of mock aerial combat.
Although the T-34 bears some similarity to the Beech Bonanza, the wing spar issues are different, and this accident is not likely to directly affect Bonanza and Baron owners," said Andy Cebula, AOPA senior vice president of Government and Technical Affairs.
"However, this adds more pressure on the FAA to examine aging aircraft issues in the general aviation fleet. Some of the T-34s have a much greater number of fatigue cycles than the typical GA aircraft. From the FAA's viewpoint, the problems they are having could be an advance indicator of issues that will face other aircraft in the next decades.
"Our number one priority is maintaining the safety of our aircraft," Cebula said. "But consistent with safety, we also will continue AOPA's advocacy to keep these aircraft affordable and flying." More on T-34 emergency AD...
(December 14, 2004)
AOPA pushes for better GA access in Indiana military airspace proposal
FAA extends comment period to January 31
Update: Faced with a barrage of controversy, the FAA has extended the comment period until January 31 on a proposal to expand special-use military airspace in southern Indiana. AOPA had filed comments earlier this month contending that the proposal could severely restrict general aviation access to important flight routes and instrument approaches. So AOPA recommended changes that would preserve GA access without impeding military operations.
The proposal would create two military operations areas, the JPG and Racer MOAs, for the U.S. Air Force. AOPA has recommended that the floor of the proposed JPG A MOA be raised from 500 feet above ground level (agl) to 3,500 feet mean sea level (msl) to allow traffic to fly below the special-use airspace. More on southern Indiana MOA proposal...
(Update: December 14, 2004)
DHS nominee Kerik withdraws from nomination
Former nanny "may have been an illegal immigrant"
In a startling turn of events, Bernard Kerik, President Bush's nominee to replace Department of Homeland Security chief Tom Ridge, has withdrawn his name from consideration. According to the Washington Post, Kerik sent a two-sentence e-mail to the White House around 10 p.m. on Friday night, indicating that he was taking the action for "personal reasons."
Kerik's nomination had been widely supported on both sides of the aisle, and his Senate confirmation was expected to be quick and easy. But the new revelation that he had failed to pay taxes for a nanny he had employed, and that she "may have been an illegal immigrant," were obviously facts that he considered to be too much political baggage. As a result, he is stepping away from the DHS position.
While a favorite for the position, it was unclear how well he'd function in the DHS top job. That position is responsible for creating a wide range of policy that affects every sector of American life — including GA. However, none of his prior assignments has had a policy-generating component — or any interaction with GA. More on Kerik's withdrawal...
(December 11, 2004)
Powerful senator calls Meigs destruction an "abomination"
If the City of Chicago thought lawmakers and the aviation community would quietly accept its claims that Meigs Field was an "abandoned" airport (see following story) that had to be bulldozed, it's in for a surprise.
In a December 8 letter to FAA Administrator Marion Blakey, Sen. James Inhofe (R-Okla.), an AOPA member and active GA pilot, called the destruction of Meigs Field a "complete abomination" and Chicago's definition of abandoned property "alarming."
"When the airport was bulldozed under the cover of darkness, 16 aircraft — some arriving just the day prior — were stranded at the popular airport," Inhofe wrote. He went on to say that the city's use of federal funds to destroy a valuable general aviation airport was "insulting" and urged the FAA to continue its efforts to impose the maximum penalties allowed by law.
"It's great to know that GA has powerful friends — and that they won't look the other way and allow this despicable deed to go unpunished," said AOPA President Phil Boyer. "It's important for Chicago and other cities to recognize that the aviation community won't stand by while our nation's air transportation system is torn apart." More on Sen. Inhofe's letter...
[See also "Chicago claims it was forced to use federal funds to destroy Meigs."]
Photo: AOPA President Phil Boyer discusses general aviation issues with Senator James Inhofe (R-Okla.) during an AOPA Capitol Hill Pilot Town Meeting in 2001.
(December 10, 2004)
AOPA says pilots flying in United States don't need SIC pilot type rating
The FAA has proposed creating a second-in-command (SIC) pilot type rating so that U.S. flight crews operating internationally can meet the requirements of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). In its current form, the proposal would require even pilots who operate only within U.S. borders to obtain the new rating — a provision AOPA opposes.
"Pilots flying within the United States should not have to get a SIC pilot type rating simply because those flying abroad need it," said Luis Gutierrez, AOPA director of regulatory and certification policy.
In the proposed rule, the FAA inadvertently failed to distinguish between domestic and international operations, unintentionally applying the rule to both. More on the SIC pilot type rating proposal...
(December 10, 2004)
Land-use battle heats up near Texas airport
AOPA has been fighting the trend of developers building homes too close to airports, and Grand Prairie Airport (GPM) in northeastern Texas has joined the list of battleground locations.
More than three decades ago, the City of Grand Prairie zoned a parcel of land that sits less than 1,500 feet south of Runway 35 — within the runway protection zone (RPZ) — for multi-family housing use. Now, a developer is planning to build an apartment complex there.
Debate over the plan is heating up, and all sides are weighing in — but it could be too late. More on the Grand Prairie land-use battle...
(December 9, 2004)
Boyer underscores importance of airspace access, security during NAAA Annual Convention
AOPA is the leading aviation organization fighting to protect the rights of general aviation pilots in the United States. That's why the National Agricultural Aviation Association (NAAA) invited AOPA President Phil Boyer to address its pilots about airspace access and security issues during the NAAA Annual Convention and Exposition.
AOPA President Phil Boyer addressed about 400 aerial applicators during the convention on Tuesday in Reno, Nevada, touching on AOPA's efforts to ensure that the nation's airspace remains open to GA.
"AOPA has successfully worked with the Department of Defense (DOD) and the FAA to reduce the number of temporary flight restrictions (TFRs) and open the airspace back up to GA pilots," Boyer said. "Only two of the DOD-imposed TFRs have been proposed as prohibited areas. All of the remaining TFRs have changed or will be changing to AOPA's suggestion of national security areas.
"Aerial applicators have a vested interest in airspace access because their livelihood depends upon getting into the air and treating crops." More on NAAA convention...
Photo: NAAA President Thomas "Jim" Avery and AOPA President Phil Boyer at the
National Agricultural Aviation Association's Annual Convention and Exposition.
(December 8, 2004)
FAA budget cuts spare GA programs
No new user fees for 2005
The FAA's 2005 budget is smaller than last year's, but most of the cutbacks will have little impact on general aviation. And thanks to AOPA's strong presence on Capitol Hill, this year's spending bill once again includes language prohibiting the FAA from implementing any new user fees.
Congress sent the omnibus spending bill for fiscal year 2005, which began October 1, to President Bush Monday night. The bill funds most federal agencies, including the FAA.
Congress hit all federal budgets (except defense and homeland security) with an across-the-board cut of 0.8 percent. That means the FAA's $13.8 billion budget is $44 million less than in 2004. But the agency is taking most of the cut in its facilities and equipment budget. Programs important to general aviation were funded at or above requested levels.
The new bill includes money for things AOPA members have said are important to them, including research on a leaded avgas replacement and funding for general aviation airport improvements and new instrument approaches. For more details, see "AOPA successfully defends GA priorities in FAA budget."
(December 7, 2004)
Boyer shows international aviation leaders value of GA
When aviation leaders from around the world get together, the conversation naturally turns to talk of air traffic control, airport access, regulation, and security. These issues affect every pilot and every flight everywhere in the world — but too often aviation officials think only of the airlines.
So during a visit to International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) headquarters in Montreal earlier this month, AOPA President Phil Boyer reminded an audience of ICAO Air Navigation Commission members and international delegates that general aviation brings tremendous transportation and economic benefit to the communities where it is welcomed.
"General aviation can thrive on the edges of the aviation infrastructure, but it can also be crushed by excessive restrictions on access to airports and airspace, high fees, and unnecessary regulation," Boyer said following the meeting. "It's important for ICAO representatives to understand that there's more to aviation than the airlines."
More on Boyer's ICAO visit... Photo: In an effort to increase the visibility of GA in ICAO, Boyer presented several large framed photographs of GA aircraft to high-level officials, stating "We want you to think of general aviation along with the airlines when you are making policy for international aviation."
(December 6, 2004)
Chicago claims it was forced to use federal funds to destroy Meigs
The world's busiest "abandoned" airport
We had to spend airport funds. Meigs Field was an "abandoned" airport that had to be cleaned up! That's the gist of Chicago's response to an FAA probe into whether the city illegally used federal funds.
And from here, as Lewis Carroll would say, it gets curiouser and curiouser. Incredible as it may seem, the city's attorneys argued that if Chicago hadn't spent that money, it might have had to sue itself for not removing the runway, taxiways, control tower, and other airport infrastructure.
Acting on a complaint filed by AOPA in February, the FAA has proposed fining Chicago $33,100 for not providing 30-days notice before closing Meigs Field. The FAA is also investigating whether the city illegally diverted $1.5 million in federal funds intended for O'Hare Airport improvements, instead using the money to rip up Meigs' runway and tear down the control tower.
In a 40-page legal brief responding to the FAA's notice of investigation, Chicago admitted that it actually spent $2.8 million of O'Hare and Midway airport development funds to destroy Meigs and remove any evidence that it was once an airport. A city legal department spokesperson told the Chicago Sun-Times, "It's not in the public interest for a municipality to leave behind an abandoned airport."
"This is yet another insult. Our 400,000 members know this airport wasn't abandoned. Meigs Field was willfully destroyed by elected officials using public monies that were intended for airport construction, not destruction," said AOPA President Phil Boyer. "We're analyzing the city's brief to determine if there is an appropriate legal response from AOPA. But it's clear that the city is — once again — engaging in revisionist history and justification." (See "Mayor Daley tries to explain away FAA fines for Meigs destruction.") More on Meigs Field...
(December 6, 2004)
ePilot to unveil next AOPA sweepstakes airplane
In a few weeks, AOPA ePilot subscribers will be getting an exclusive sneak peek at the 2005 AOPA Sweepstakes airplane. We'll give you a hint. It's bigger than a breadbox but smaller than, say, a Grumman Albatross.
If you don't want to miss out on this exciting news, subscribe to ePilot, AOPA's free e-mail newsletter for members.
And if you want to see pictures of the new Sweepstakes airplane, make sure you're getting the HTML ePilot with graphics (click here to get ePilot with pictures). Subscribers will also be the first to find out about the winner of the 2004 Sweepstakes Twin Comanche when we award it early next year.
It's not too late for you to have a chance to "Win the Twin." See our Project Twin Comanche: Status Report for details on the making of the better-than-new 1965 Twin Comanche and how to enter the sweepstakes. If you're already an AOPA member, don't worry — your name was automatically entered in the sweepstakes if you joined or renewed in 2004.
(December 3, 2004)
Former NYC top cop to head homeland security
AOPA looks to build cooperative relationship
Today's nomination of former New York City police commissioner Bernard B. Kerik to succeed Tom Ridge as secretary of homeland security presents a new challenge to AOPA to establish a relationship with the top nation's security official and and to advise him on the realities of general aviation.
Mr. Kerik's many accomplishments — especially those surrounding 9/11 — have given rise to his stellar reputation and certainly facilitated his appointment. However, any views he might have toward GA were not demonstrated in his past jobs. As a result, many questions remain as to his posture on "America's largest air force."
For instance, will his strong security bias translate to proposing more airspace restrictions like the ADIZ that has had a stranglehold on GA in the Washington, D.C., area? Or will he, like the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), recognize that GA airplanes and airports do not pose a security threat? AOPA and its members will hopefully get some near-term glimpses into these and related issues during his upcoming Senate confirmation hearings.
"We hope that Mr. Kerik will continue on the path set by Secretary Ridge, recognizing that security must be balanced with the freedom of movement and commerce that general aviation represents and are fundamental to our rights as American citizens," said AOPA President Phil Boyer. "We look forward to establishing with him the same kind of cooperative relationship that we had with Tom Ridge."
Assuming he is confirmed by the Senate, Kerick, 49, would take on the job of running the Department of Homeland Security, which includes the TSA. More on Bernard Kerik...
Photo: President Bush announces his nomination of Bernard Kerik as the new Department of Homeland Security Secretary in the Roosevelt Room Friday, Dec. 3, 2004 (White House photo).
(December 3, 2004)
Drunk flying not an issue, despite new Pennsylvania legislation
The Pennsylvania legislature this week passed a "flying while impaired" law, joining 47 other states that have laws against drinking and flying. That was in response to the January drunken, erratic flight of a Pennsylvania pilot through Philadelphia's Class B airspace and near a nuclear power plant. Gov. Edward Rendell is expected to sign it.
"We absolutely condemn flying while impaired," said Bruce Landsberg, executive director of the AOPA Air Safety Foundation, "but it's also important to note that as a group, pilots are scrupulous about not mixing alcohol and flying."
In fact, Air Safety Foundation statistics show that alcohol has been a factor in only 0.2 percent of general aviation accidents in the past five years. More on Pennsylvania law...
(December 3, 2004)
Arlington Airport racetrack proposal dies
The deal is off for a NASCAR racetrack just south of Arlington Municipal Airport (AWO) in the state of Washington. Many local pilots and AOPA had expressed concerns about building the 75,000-seat stadium in the approach/departure zone for Runway 16/34.
"Whether a football stadium, basketball arena, or racetrack was slated for the site, it's bad public policy to allow large gatherings of people near the end of a runway at an active airport," said Roger Cohen, AOPA vice president of regional affairs. "That's why both FAA and Washington state guidelines would have precluded locating the racetrack near AWO, and why AOPA and our AWO Airport Support Network volunteer advocated so strongly against that location."
But it was economics that ultimately killed the deal. The city of Marysville wanted International Speedway Corp. to either pay more of the estimated $250 million construction tab or guarantee that a big-time racing series would come to the track. Both sides decided the costs were too high.
(December 2, 2004)
November 2004
AOPA helps in fight for Athens (Greece) airport
IAOPA discusses European GA issues in AthensThe International Council of Aircraft Owner and Pilot Associations (IAOPA) European regional meeting November 27 in Athens, Greece, marked the first time the organization has convened in southern Eastern Europe. That brought new participants to the semi-annual regional meeting, including representatives from AOPAs in Israel, Lebanon, Cyprus, Turkey, and Greece. View video of general aviation/aerial work worldwide [high resolution | low resolution]. |
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America leads the world in aviation, which also means that we lead the world in aviation problems — and ways to solve them. That's why AOPA President Phil Boyer found himself in Greece during the Thanksgiving holiday.
AOPA-Hellas (Greece) President Yiouli Kalafati invited Boyer, who also serves as president of the 60-country International Council of Aircraft Owner and Pilot Associations (IAOPA), to lend some international clout and experience to efforts to reopen a general aviation airport in the Greek capital and expand general aviation access throughout the country. Thanks to that high-profile IAOPA presence, Greek general aviation pilots got audiences with some of the country's aviation "heavy hitters," including the minister of defense, the deputy minister of transportation and communications, the minister of tourism, and the head of the Hellenic Civil Aviation Authority. More on Athens airport...
Top photo: Athens' closed Hellinikon Airport. The tram line crossing the runway is visible on the left, but some 5,300 feet of usable runway remain. Bottom photo: A Cessna remains "imprisoned" at Athens' closed Hellinikon Airport.
(November 30, 2004)
Homeland security chief resigns
Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge handed in his resignation to President Bush today. The move was expected. Ridge had previously said he wanted to step down from the pressures of the job to spend more time with his family.
Ridge was extremely supportive of the AOPA Airport Watch program, appearing on the beginning of AOPA's videotape lauding the association's cooperation with the Transportation Security Administration in establishing this government/industry partnership. ( View AOPA's Airport Watch video.)
"It is unfortunate that our less than three year relationship with Secretary Ridge will now end, and we will be required to start again with his replacement, said AOPA President Phil Boyer. "But such has been the case with three heads of the Transportation Security Administration in the same time frame, so we are up to the task.
"AOPA certainly hopes that Ridge's departure will not mean the loss of other key security officials in DHS/TSA who are working with us to understand the unique issues facing general aviation." More on the Ridge resignation...
Photo: Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge and AOPA President Phil Boyer in 2002.
(November 30, 2004)
AOPA opens 2005 Karant journalism competition
AOPA is accepting entries for the annual 2005 Max Karant Awards for Excellence in General Aviation Reporting. The awards recognize fair, accurate, and insightful reporting on any aspect of general aviation flying. The competition is open to all journalists (except those reporting for the aviation-trade media).
Winners in 2004 included television reporter John Miller and videographer Tom Bishop (KING-TV, Seattle, Washington) for the story of an aviation museum program through which troubled young people can rebuild their lives while restoring aircraft ( view the story); radio reporter Hal Cannon and producer Taki Telonidis (Western Folklife Center/National Public Radio, Elko, Nevada) for their fascinating report on the Wright brothers, using rare recordings of family members and friends who knew the pioneers well (
listen to the story); and newspaper editors John Bowman and Eric Simons (San Mateo County Times, San Mateo, California) for a special pull-out section on the Centennial of Flight highlighting local as well as national and worldwide aviation milestones. ( View the 2004 awards presentation.) More on Karant Awards...
(November 30, 2004)
No new user fees, GA programs funded
AOPA successfully defends GA priorities in FAA budget
Thanks to AOPA's strong presence on Capitol Hill, important general aviation programs will get the money they need from Congress. Lawmakers this week approved a $13.8 billion budget for the FAA for fiscal year 2005.
"Once again, AOPA successfully lobbied for language that prohibits the FAA from implementing any new user fees this year," said AOPA President Phil Boyer. "We also responded to member concerns and worked to increase the research on a leaded avgas replacement and funding for general aviation airport improvements.
"In a tight budget year with most government programs hit with across-the-board cuts, this level of funding for general aviation is a real tribute to the commitment of AOPA's legislative affairs staff on Capitol Hill," Boyer said.
"The support of AOPA's political action committee also helped build relationships and greatly enhanced our ability to present a businesslike case for general aviation." More on the FAA budget...
(November 24, 2004)
AOPA president delivers on Expo promise
FAA says pilots should have access to facilities
Pilots should be able to enter FAA facilities. There is currently no nationwide security reason to bar access to flight service stations, air traffic control facilities, and other FAA offices, AOPA and the FAA have determined.
In getting that determination, AOPA is delivering on an "IOU" that association President Phil Boyer took at AOPA Expo last month. More on access to FAA facilities...
Photo: Pilots at AOPA Expo asked TSA chief Stone why they were being denied access to FAA facilities. AOPA found out they shouldn't be.
(November 24, 2004)
GAO recommends user fees for pilot examiners, inspectors
AOPA vows to protect pilots from additional costs
The Government Accountability Office (GAO) praised the way the FAA monitors Aviation Medical Examiners (AMEs) and proposed expanding that system to monitor its other designee programs.
But how would the FAA pay for it? The GAO suggested that the agency charge designees application and renewal fees. And that's where AOPA draws the line.
"Ultimately, pilots would incur the cost of these recommended fees. Pilot examiners and inspectors would increase their prices to account for the added cost," said Andy Cebula, AOPA senior vice president of Government and Technical Affairs. "Pilots already pay for their portion of these aviation services through fuel tax. And Congress just passed spending legislation that once again prohibits new user fees, legislation that AOPA lobbied for." More on pilot fees...
(November 22, 2004)
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AOPA's Bill Dunn testifies on |
AOPA fights for Minnesota's Crystal Airport
AOPA Vice President of Airports Bill Dunn on Friday argued against closing Crystal Airport (MIC). Dunn testified before a Senate subcommittee in the Minnesota State Capitol.
Proponents of closing the airport had convinced the Minnesota Senate to hold a hearing on the future of the airport — the first step in getting the law changed so the airport could be sold.
"Crystal Airport is an extremely important part of the aviation transportation system, not only in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area, but also in the nation," Dunn told the committee. "The six reliever airports in the Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC) system, of which Crystal is one, provide tremendous traffic relief to Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP). Without Crystal, operational delays and costs to the airlines would grow." More on Crystal Airport...
(November 19, 2004)
Interim procedures for student sport pilot applications
The FAA began accepting applications for student sport pilot certificates this week, but there is one small problem — they don't have the application form yet, nor is the policy on issuing certificates ready for FAA safety inspectors or designated pilot examiners (DPEs).
So the FAA is working around it. Student sport pilots should complete FAA Form 8710-1 (there's a copy on AOPA's Flight Training Web site). Check the "other" box at the top and write in "sport pilot." More on student sport pilot applications...
(November 19, 2004)
AOPA participates in Florida airports/flight training study
There is an unusual partnership in central Florida's east coast. Local and state government officials, airport managers, homeowners, and pilots have come together to find ways to reduce airport noise while encouraging the region's vibrant flight training industry.
The Treasure Coast Regional Noise and Flight Training Assessment Committee is nearing completion of 18 months of work with a recommendation to build a regional flight-training center near Yeehaw Junction in the center of the state, west of busy general aviation airports along the east coast such as Vero Beach, St. Lucie, and Stuart.
The committee also recommended a prohibition on new home construction near the airports, a statewide airport residential real estate disclosure (notification to a potential buyer that the house is near an airport), and standardized voluntary procedures to minimize airport noise. More on the Florida airports/flight training study...
(November 18, 2004)
AOPA advocacy stalls threat to Georgia airport
AOPA's advocacy has stalled the threat to Jekyll Island Airport (09J) in Georgia's Golden Isles region. The Jekyll Island Authority had wanted to close the airport to develop the land for other purposes.
That brought a thunderous response from AOPA (see "AOPA team battles to save Georgia airport"). And now the island's master plan, revised earlier this month, makes no mention of closing the airport.
"This is a significant step forward, since the authority has dropped its public plans to close 09J for now," said Roger Cohen, AOPA vice president of regional affairs. "This victory resulted from the synchronized efforts of local pilots and AOPA members, Jekyll Island Airport Support Network volunteer Lynne Birmingham, and AOPA Regional Representative Bob Minter. More on Jekyll Island Airport...
(November 18, 2004)
FAA amends 'Flight Plan' to include numerous AOPA recommendations
The FAA has added three key AOPA "waypoints" to its "Flight Plan 2005-2009," but the document still doesn't cover all of the points important to general aviation pilots. The FAA's Flight Plan is a report card and a strategic planning document.
"The 'Flight Plan' now recognizes that the notice to airmen system has got to be streamlined, modernized, and improved," said AOPA President Phil Boyer. "And it renews the agency's commitment to general aviation airports by retaining an AOPA-endorsed goal of using Airport Improvement Program funds to upgrade reliever and secondary airports near major cities." More on the FAA Flight Plan...
(November 17, 2004)
Boyer, Cebula meet with top Homeland Security officials
Groups to share expertise on GA security
The Department of Homeland Security understands security. AOPA understands general aviation. Together they can develop and implement security solutions that really work. That was the message AOPA President Phil Boyer brought to the table when he sat down across from Adm. James Loy, deputy secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and Rear Adm. David Stone, head of the Transportation Security Administration, at a meeting of the General Aviation Coalition earlier this week. Boyer was accompanied by AOPA Senior Vice President for Government and Technical Affairs Andy Cebula, who has been meeting over the past several weeks with his TSA counterparts on details surrounding the contentious alien flight training/citizenship validation rule. More on AOPA's meeting with Homeland Security officials...
(November 16, 2004)
AOPA opposes racetrack near Arlington, Washington, airport
A proposal to build a NASCAR racetrack in north Marysville, Washington, has ignited a fierce debate in the community. About 600 people attended a public hearing on the subject Wednesday night. AOPA has opposed the potential location, just south of the approach/departure zone for Runway 16/34 at Arlington Municipal Airport (AWO).
"While AOPA recognizes that NASCAR officials are big users and supporters of general aviation, the association is concerned that the track could create safety issues," said Roger Cohen, AOPA vice president of regional affairs. More on Arlington airport...
(November 16, 2004)
TSA flight training rule |
Confusion reigns over TSA flight training rule
Pilots tell AOPA they didn't know it applies to them
One thing is clear: The Transportation Security Administration's new alien flight training/citizenship validation rule is confusing to most pilots, students, flight instructors, and flight schools.
"From my talks with pilots during Pilot Town Meetings last week in Georgia and Florida, I know there is still a great deal of confusion about this rule," said AOPA President Phil Boyer. "Most pilots don't know if the rule applies to them, and those that do are unsure of how to register and comply with the rule.
"And flight instructors are particularly unhappy about being turned into de facto immigration agents," Boyer said.
AOPA is working with TSA to resolve the many issues with the rule (see "AOPA to help TSA revise citizenship validation rule"). The association has been vocal in exposing the problems and has had some success in getting clarifications and changes to the rule (see "TSA amends parts of new flight training rule"), including a change to allow a simple logbook entry to show that a student's citizenship was properly validated. More on flight training rule...
(November 15, 2004)
Sport pilot knowledge test questions now available
AOPA has posted a bank of knowledge test questions for the sport pilot certificate. These include some (but not all) of the questions that could be asked on the sport pilot knowledge test. Questions can be viewed on AOPA Online in the Airmen Knowledge Test section, which also includes representative questions from all of the FAA's knowledge tests. The question bank is intended to help students prepare for the knowledge test and to help the aviation industry develop study materials. More on sport pilot...
Photo: A Taylorcraft BC12-D, an example of a light-sport aircraft.
(November 15, 2004)
AOPA to fight Crystal Airport closure plan
They're at it again. Some Minnesota politicians want to close and sell Crystal Airport (MIC), a general aviation reliever airport for Minneapolis-St. Paul International (MSP). But AOPA is at full charge to stop it.
"Crystal Airport handles some 20 percent of the regional GA activity, with four runways, 188,000 annual operations, and 300 based aircraft," said Bill Dunn, AOPA vice president of airports. "Close the airport and all that traffic would be forced elsewhere, increasing delays at the other Twin Cities airports, principally MSP.
"But AOPA is going to fight to make sure this developer-backed plan goes nowhere."
AOPA has asked to testify against the proposed Crystal Airport sale at a state Senate aeronautics subcommittee hearing Friday, November 19. More on plan to close Crystal Airport...
(November 12, 2004)
AOPA vigilance ensures grant protection will keep GA airports strong
AOPA is delving into regulatory nitty-gritty to make sure proposed changes to the FAA's Airport Improvement Program (AIP) protect the interests of general aviation airports.
AOPA recently reviewed the FAA's proposed changes to the AIP grant process. AIP grants provide federal monies to help maintain, develop, and improve airports, and AOPA wanted to be sure that GA airports get every available penny of the funds they're entitled to.
"This is 'down-in-the-weeds' regulatory stuff, but this kind of detail work on the part of AOPA is essential to ensure the future of GA airports," said Bill Dunn, AOPA vice president of airports. More on airport funding...
(November 11, 2004)
AOPA donates $20,000 to ERAU Career Pathways Scholarship fund
Offers turbine flight time to selected students
AOPA President Phil Boyer on Tuesday presented Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University with a check for $20,000 for the AOPA Career Pathways Scholarship fund. Each year, AOPA contributes a percentage of the AOPA membership dues of every Embry-Riddle alumni to an AOPA scholarship for students in ERAU's Aeronautical Science program. Some 4,800 Embry-Riddle graduates are AOPA members.
AOPA President Phil Boyer presented the check during a Pilot Town Meeting in Daytona Beach, Florida, home of one of the university's two residential campuses. Boyer also gave some "right-seat" time in AOPA's CitationJet to four students selected for academic excellence and campus involvement, allowing each to log a takeoff or landing. More on AOPA's ERAU scholarship...
Photo: ERAU students Joe Anderson, AOPA scholarship winner Kristen Brown, AOPA President Phil Boyer, Kristen Veith, Taras Hryniw, and Brady Harp.
(November 10, 2004)
AOPA to seek changes to southern Indiana MOA proposal
The Air Force is looking to expand special-use airspace in southern Indiana by about eight times, creating two large military operations areas (MOAs) that would impede VFR flight between Louisville, Kentucky, and Indianapolis, Indiana. AOPA is seeking changes to the proposed Racer and JPG MOAs to lessen the impact on civilian air traffic.
"Although this proposal is a significant improvement over the original 1999 request, we still have concerns over the times of use, the lack of 'real-time' activity information for pilots, and impacts on the V51 airway and instrument approaches into Freeman Municipal (SER) and North Vernon (OVO) airports," said Heidi Williams, AOPA manager of air traffic policy.
AOPA will be meeting this week with the AOPA Airport Support Network volunteers and the managers of the airports near the proposed MOAs to determine additional impacts on civilian flight. More on the Racer and JPG MOAs...
(November 9, 2004)
AOPA formally opposes Shaw Air Force Base airspace proposal
AOPA has formally opposed an Air Force plan to expand special-use airspace in South Carolina and Georgia. The association said that the expansion of the Gamecock, Poinsett, and Bulldog Military Operations Areas (MOAs), proposed as part of the Shaw Air Force Base Airspace Training initiative, could affect the safety of general aviation aircraft and reduce civilian access to heavily traveled airspace. AOPA recommended changes to the proposal to reduce the potential conflicts between civilian and military aircraft.
The proposal would expand the Bulldog MOA south of Augusta, Georgia. In its formal comments, AOPA said that expansion "poses a significant safety issue for underlying and adjacent general aviation airports." Pilots using Burge County (BXG) and Emanuel County (SBO) airports would be "forced to operate within the Bulldog A MOA with every flight, whether they remain in the traffic pattern maintaining currency requirements or on a transient flight to another destination." More on Georgia-South Carolina MOAs...
Graphic: Proposed airspace modifications — Alternative B restricted airspace, Poinsett Low MOA and Gamecock MOAs.
(November 9, 2004)
Alert for stolen crop-dusting aircraft
The Transportation Security Administration has asked AOPA to alert the general aviation community that a PA-25 Piper Pawnee was stolen from Ejido Queretaro, Mexico (near Mexicali and across the border from El Centro, California). The aircraft is registered in Mexico (XBCYP). TSA sources tell AOPA there is no indication that it has entered the United States.
However, in its security advisory, TSA says that al Qaeda may still be planning to disperse biological or chemical agents from an aerial-application aircraft. Pilots are urged to call the Airport Watch hotline — 866/GA-SECUR[E] — if they notice any suspicious activity.
Photo: PA-25, similar to aircraft stolen in Mexico.
(November 5, 2004)
AOPA to help TSA revise citizenship validation rule
Partnership aimed at ensuring appropriate GA security measures
The head of the TSA has made good on a promise to AOPA members. On Wednesday Rear Adm. David Stone sat down with AOPA President Phil Boyer and senior members of AOPA's Government and Technical Affairs (GTA) staff. The purpose of the meeting: Get AOPA and TSA working together to ensure that security concerns can be met without imposing onerous or ineffective regulations on general aviation.
"It makes no sense for TSA, with all of its security knowledge, and AOPA, with all of its knowledge of GA, to not work together," Boyer said at the meeting. "That's obviously the best, most effective way for us to achieve our common objectives of a safe country and a healthy and growing GA community." More on the meeting between AOPA and TSA...
(November 4, 2004)
Local politics important to AOPA members, too
"All politics are local," the late Speaker of the House Tip O'Neill was fond of saying. So national elections are important, but politicians at the state and local levels frequently have a more immediate impact on decisions affecting local airports.
And that's why AOPA is doing more than ever to reach out to those local decision makers. AOPA's GAservingAmerica.org Web site is one outreach tool, with a section specifically designed to educate local politicians. More on local politics...
(November 4, 2004)
AOPA team battles to save Georgia airport
It's a story repeated across the nation — greedy developers eyeing airports as prime property for making a quick buck. This time it's Jekyll Island Airport (09J) in Georgia's idyllic Golden Isles region. And the AOPA team has sprung to the airport's defense.
The Jekyll Island Authority wants to close the airport. But AOPA Airport Support Network volunteer Lynne Birmingham has been waging a campaign to ensure officials understand the importance of the airport to island residents and tourism. The association's regional representative, Bob Minter, is weighing in with Georgia Gov. Sonny Perdue, himself an AOPA member. (The governor appoints the members of the Jekyll Island Authority.)
The FAA also is taking a tough stance, reminding the island authority that the airport has accepted federal grant money and must keep the airport open "in a safe and serviceable condition" until at least 2022. More on Jekyll Island airport...
(November 4, 2004)
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Bush reelected; many GA friends return to Congress
President George W. Bush won his hard-fought battle for a second term in the White House. Bush, who flew F-102 fighters in the Texas Air National Guard, will be returning to the Oval Office, ensuring that many familiar faces will remain in place at the FAA and other regulatory agencies.
So what do the presidential and congressional elections mean for general aviation?
"Who controls the executive branch is important, of course, but over the long term, it is Congress that sets the course for aviation through legislation and control of the purse strings," said AOPA President Phil Boyer. "AOPA's friends and contacts remain in the top positions on the four congressional committees key to general aviation — in the Senate, the Commerce and Appropriations committees, and in the House, the Appropriations Committee and the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. More on the election...
(Update: November 3, 2004, 1:54 p.m.)
Key policies, leaders likely to remain in second term
With the reelection of President Bush, there will likely be continuity in the aviation policies with which AOPA has worked for the past four years.
That continuity helps foster increased effectiveness in the relationships AOPA has forged at all levels of key regulatory agencies. To achieve those results, AOPA has a headquarters staff that includes 16 technical experts dedicated to working closely with those who develop the regulatory policies that affect pilots and their aircraft. Those relationships help ensure that regulators understand the impact their decisions have on the general aviation community.
While many of the appointed officials that AOPA has come to know (and has educated about general aviation) will remain in place, new faces may be added as well.
A number of cabinet-level officials, including Secretary of Homeland Security Tom Ridge, have indicated that they may step down, opening the way for new appointees in these key positions. Should that occur, AOPA is well prepared to work with new cabinet members, as it has done for the past 65 years through 16 administrations, to ensure that these important officials understand and appreciate the role and value of general aviation.
In fact, AOPA President Phil Boyer has worked effectively with three heads, nine secretaries of transportation, and far more FAA administrators in his nearly 15 years at the association's helm. More on the impact of the presidential election on GA...
(November 3, 2004)
AOPA's power on Capitol Hill
18 AOPA members to serve in Congress, 95% of AOPA-supported candidates elected
AOPA's true political power comes from its more than 400,000 members — people who are more likely to vote and participate in the political process than the general population. And the politicians know that.
AOPA also has the largest staff of lobbyists of any general aviation organization. With an office strategically located on Pennsylvania Avenue midway between the White House and the Capitol, these experienced Capitol Hill staffers and aviation professionals are ideally positioned to maintain their extensive connections with members of Congress and their staffs.
The AOPA Political Action Committee supported 105 candidates for Congress on the ballot this November. These candidates have demonstrated their understanding of and support for general aviation. The AOPA PAC provided nearly $600,000 in political contributions this election cycle. As a result, 95 percent of AOPA-supported candidates were elected.
"PAC contributions don't 'buy' a vote, but they do facilitate our ability to have a dialogue with the politicians we have supported," said Boyer. "Then it's up to us to present our case in a businesslike fashion, effectively leveraging our 400,000 members to help make our point." (The AOPA PAC is not funded by member dues but by independent contributions by AOPA members concerned about ensuring the association's continued effectiveness on Capitol Hill.)
Many congressional committees can be thought of as either appropriators (committees that write the checks for general categories such as transportation or aviation), or authorizers (committees that set long-term policies and funding levels). Since funding is critical to enacting legislation, it's important to have friends in both roles. And AOPA does. More on the effect of congressional elections on general aviation...
(November 3, 2004)
October 2004
AOPA posts Expo videos for posterity
If you couldn't make it to AOPA Expo last week in Long Beach, California, we've got something for you. We've uploaded all the videos from the general sessions — featuring FAA Administrator Marion Blakey and Transportation Security Administration chief David M. Stone — a luncheon presentation by SpaceShipOne pilot/astronaut Mike Melvill, and segments from fellow members and top AOPA officials on AOPA Online. See the Web page.
(October 30, 2004)
Time change means more flying after dark: Be prepared
For most of the country, time switches back to standard time Saturday night, meaning earlier nightfall, more night flying — and greater need for caution.
"Terrain avoidance in night VFR conditions can be almost as challenging as flying in instrument meteorological conditions," said Kevin Murphy, vice president of safety education for the AOPA Air Safety Foundation. "That's why the Air Safety Foundation is featuring night VFR operations in the Safety Hot Spot."
Among the tools pilots will find in the Hot Spot is the Terrain Avoidance Plan. More on flying in night VFR conditions...
(October 29, 2004)
Citizenship check rule creates confusion
As Transportation Security Administration (TSA) chief David M. Stone learned directly last week from AOPA members during AOPA Expo, the new citizenship check rule has stirred up a firestorm of frustration and confusion within the general aviation community. Record numbers of pilots and flight instructors are telling AOPA that they are upset that there was no advance warning or education on the rule that requires pilots to verify citizenship with instructors before they train for additional ratings or certificates.
Non-U.S. citizens are also required to be screened by the TSA.
"This entire action is the most ill-conceived, bungled, incompetent travesty of justice that I have encountered in all my many years in aviation," said one pilot.
In addition, instructors are complaining that they are not trained in security and should not be put in the position of verifying citizenship documents. More on alien flight training rule...
(October 29, 2004)
Pilots must act in political process, says Rep. Darrell Issa, AOPA member and pilot
Rep. Darrell Issa (R-Calif.) spoke to several hundred guests at a reception for AOPA political action committee donors last week during AOPA Expo in Long Beach, Calif. Issa, representing California's 49th Congressional District just north of San Diego, has been an active pilot for nearly 30 years and is a member of AOPA.
Issa talked to attendees about the need to preserve airports, to protect pilots and owners from overbearing security measures, and for pilots to make sure their members of Congress know their concerns. He said the Transportation Security Administration needs to develop a balanced security policy that weighs the risks of all modes of transportation. Issa noted that cars and trucks pose a much greater risk than most general aviation aircraft, and that the kinds of restrictions imposed on general aviation would never be tolerated for other sectors.
"As one of more than 20 AOPA members and pilots in the U.S. Congress, Rep. Issa is an important ally and advocate for pilots," said Jon Hixson, AOPA vice president of Legislative Affairs. "He helps his nonpilot colleagues understand how their actions impact general aviation."
Photo: Rep. Darrell Issa (R-Calif.) and AOPA President Phil Boyer.
(October 27, 2004)
AOPA volunteers hear from elected official about saving airports
Los Angeles City Councilman Tony Cardenas is chairman of the city's powerful Commerce, Energy & Natural Resources Committee, which oversees four city-owned airports including Van Nuys Airport (the busiest GA airport in the United States), and he "gets" general aviation.
During a meeting with nearly 100 AOPA Airport Support Network volunteers at AOPA Expo last Friday, Cardenas gave the volunteers a look at GA issues from his side of the fence. He offered advice on enlisting local politicians' support without becoming confrontational. "Focus on substance and policy, not rhetoric and politics," Cardenas advised. And, he said, "Figure out what moves the elected officials to your side. Not what's in it for you, but what's in it for them." More on the ASN volunteer meeting...
Photo: AOPA President Phil Boyer and L.A. City Councilman Tony Cardenas (photo by Ray O'Connor).
(October 27, 2004)
Pilots, make your voice heard — vote!
AOPA Online will provide expert analysis of election returns
As an AOPA member, you are key to AOPA's political strength. With more than 400,000 members representing votes in nearly every congressional district, we are an organization that can't be easily ignored. Your voice joins with hundreds of thousand of other AOPA pilots/members and allows our lobbying in the nation's capital to be loudly heard.
On Tuesday, make sure your voice is heard. Your vote is a precious commodity; use it wisely on all of the issues and candidates you consider important.
AOPA Online will be following closely the election returns affecting general aviation, as well as those for the Presidency. As those races are decided, AOPA's legislative and government experts will be analyzing the results and reporting here on what the elections mean for general aviation. Check back often!
(November 1, 2004)
L.A. Airport Police see firsthand the benefits of Airport Watch
Four officer