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 officers from the Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) Police made a special visit to AOPA Expo last week specifically to learn more about AOPA's Airport Watch.
The four are part of the airport police contingent assigned to Van Nuys Airport (VNY), the busiest GA airport in the country. Invited by Elliot Sanders, AOPA Airport Support Network volunteer at VNY, and AOPA Vice President of Airports Bill Dunn, they arrived at AOPA Expo in time to hear the head of the Transportation Security Administration, Admiral David M. Stone, tell members how highly his agency values Airport Watch. More on Airport Watch and the L.A. Airport Police...
Photo: ASN volunteer Elliot Sanders, Ofc. George Jarvis, Sgt. Hank Acosta, Lt. Allen Chu, Ofc. Jared Yochim, AOPA VP Airports Bill Dunn.
(October 27, 2004)
Thousands help make AOPA Expo 2004 one of most successful ever
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More than 11,000 pilots and aviation enthusiasts made AOPA Expo 2004 the second-most successful ever, just missing the record set in Palm Springs two years ago. And thanks to three days of sunny weather, some 1,200 pilots were able to fly in.
"11,185 pilots can't be wrong," said AOPA President Phil Boyer. "AOPA Expo is the general aviation convention. It's the one place where pilots can see the vast array of general aviation products and planes, learn to be safer, better pilots, and hear directly from top government officials whose decisions affect GA."
Expo visitors packed the general sessions that began each of the three days. More on AOPA Expo 2004...
Watch a video of members talking about AOPA Expo 2004 [broadband connection recommended].
(October 23, 2004)
AOPA senior management team outlines successes and goals
AOPA's senior management team took the stage at today's general session at AOPA Expo to showcase the association's many accomplishments and give members a preview of what to expect in the coming months.
In his opening remarks, AOPA President Phil Boyer cleared up confusion about WAAS — the Wide Area Augmentation System — with a video presentation showing how the GPS-based system can be used to fly instrument approaches to ILS-like minimums at airports without instrument landing systems.
Senior Vice President of Government and Technical Affairs Andy Cebula emphasized the work that his division does to protect airports across the country — work augmented heavily by the more than 1,700 AOPA Airport Support Network volunteers. More on the Team AOPA general session...
Watch videos of the general session: Part 1: Introduction With Phil Boyer | Part 2: Senior Management Team | Part 3: Senior Management Team and WAAS [broadband connection recommended].
Photo: AOPA President Phil Boyer and senior management — Andy Cebula, Jeff Myers, Karen Gebhart, Bruce Landsberg, John Yodice, Tom Haines, and Harvey Cohen — report to the members during the Update From AOPA Headquarters general session.
(October 23, 2004)
TSA head hears GA concerns from AOPA members
Transportation Security Administration (TSA) chief David M. Stone heard concerns about restrictions on general aviation flying directly from AOPA members at a well-attended AOPA Expo general session on Friday. The questioning became passionate at times but ended with a standing ovation when Stone pledged to come back next year.
In opening remarks, Stone said the TSA depends heavily on partnerships within the aviation community, including the AOPA Airport Watch program, to achieve its goals. He said TSA does not want the government to put up temporary airspace restrictions "...just to feel good, without realizing the ramifications on access" to the air transportation system. More on the general session with Adm. Stone...
Watch videos of the general session: Part 1: Remarks | Part 2: Q&A [broadband connection recommended].
(October 22, 2004)
Blakey supports WAAS, opposes user fees
FAA Administrator Marion Blakey told pilots via satellite at AOPA Expo's opening general session on Thursday to use the new Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS) or risk losing it. It provides vertical guidance during approaches. If GA pilots are slow to equip their aircraft with WAAS-capable GPS units, funds meant for WAAS development might instead be switched to other areas of the strained FAA budget, she warned. In other remarks, Blakey prepared the pilot community for the upcoming contract award in January 2005, allowing private industry or a government group to operate the flight service station system, excluding Alaska. There will continue to be no fees to pilots for briefings once the competition for managing the flight service stations is completed. Blakey also reiterated her opposition to user fees for providing air traffic services to pilots. For more on Blakey's speech, see the Web page.
Watch videos of the general session: Part 1: Remarks | Part 2: Q&A [broadband connection recommended], or read the transcript.
(October 21, 2004)
Luncheon recognizes journalists, civilian astronaut
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The luncheon on opening day of AOPA Expo offered an opportunity for the association to recognize the best contributions covering general aviation made by general media over the past year, as well as give a Presidential Citation to Mike Melvill, pilot of SpaceShipOne. The 2004 AOPA Karant Awards went to, in the radio category, Hal Cannon and Taki Telonidis for a story that aired on NPR; in the print category, John Bowman and Eric Simons of the San Mateo County Times in California; and in the television category, John Miller and Tom Bishop of KING-TV in Seattle. And to top off the luncheon, 35-year AOPA member, test pilot, and astronaut Mike Melvill gave an account of the building process for SpaceShipOne and showed video from his Ansari X Prize-winning spaceflight. "We brought meaning to the words 'burn rubber,'" said Melvill, referring to the combination of nitrous oxide and rubber used to propel the spaceship into orbit. The crowd of more than 1,000 luncheon attendees gave Melvill a standing ovation and enthusiastic cheers for his accomplishment and that of the SpaceShipOne team.
Watch videos of Mike Melvill's presentation, the Karant Award presentations, and the winning entry in the TV category [broadband connection recommended].
Hear the winning entry in the radio category [broadband connection recommended].
Photos: AOPA President Phil Boyer (center) with the 2004 Karant Award winners; Boyer presents Mike Melvill with an AOPA Presidential Citation.
(October 21, 2004)
The curtain goes up today on AOPA Expo 2004
In the Long Beach Convention Center, more than 500 exhibitors are ready for AOPA Expo 2004, and a short shuttle ride away at Long Beach/Daugherty Field (LGB), some 70 static display aircraft have been polished and prepped and ready for your inspection, including "your" aircraft, the better-than-new Win-A-Twin Sweepstakes Twin Comanche. Presenters are getting ready to offer more than 75 hours of fun and informational seminars. More on the opening day of AOPA Expo 2004...
(October 21, 2004)
TSA amends parts of new alien flight training rule
AOPA calls move "only a start...many more changes needed"
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has made some last-minute modifications to its alien flight training rule, but much work remains on the fundamental problems with the rule, according to AOPA.
"The recent changes are a start but just that and only that," said AOPA President Phil Boyer. "While some of our recommended changes have now been implemented, let there be no question: Significant issues still exist, and additional amendments to the original rule must be made if it is ever going to be appropriately effective and realistically workable. My staff and I will never let go of this issue until substantial changes are made," Boyer vowed.
Some progress was made this morning. In a phone call today with AOPA President Phil Boyer, TSA head Admiral David Stone pledged to keep open the path for continuing dialogue between the TSA and AOPA and pledged to work with the association regarding all remaining issues. More on the alien flight training rule amendments...
[See also AOPA's regulatory brief.]
(October 20, 2004)
Congress orders report from security agencies on reopening DC-3, Reagan National to GA
Congress and President Bush have ordered the Department of Homeland Security to report on steps for general aviation access to the DC-3 airports (College Park Airport, Washington Executive/Hyde Field, and Potomac Airport) and Reagan National to general aviation traffic. AOPA has continually emphasized the need for improving access to the three GA airports ever since the September 11 attacks. All three are located within the 15 nm no-fly zone around the nation's capital.
"While efforts to let corporate aviation back into Reagan National may often have grabbed the headlines, AOPA has never forgotten and never stopped fighting for the DC-3," said AOPA President Phil Boyer. "Nor have we forgotten the rest of the pilots in the Mid-Atlantic region who must cope with the Baltimore-Washington ADIZ (air defense identification zone), a security measure that in our opinion has long outlived its usefulness. We continue to push to have it rescinded.
"Between the ADIZ, the no-fly zone, and the security requirements imposed on pilots, the DC-3 airports have been crippled, threatening their very survival." More on the congressionally ordered DC-3 report...
(October 20, 2004)
AOPA wants FAA "Flight Plan" improved for general aviation
AOPA thinks some amendments are in order to the FAA "Flight Plan" — the agency's strategic plan of priorities through 2008. AOPA wants a few more waypoints added for general aviation.
Specifically, AOPA is calling for more emphasis on improvements to general aviation airports and better GA access to terminal airspace. And the association wants the FAA to be a stronger advocate on behalf of general aviation when it comes to security agencies restricting airspace access.
"One of our top member priorities is preserving and protecting airports," AOPA President Phil Boyer wrote FAA Administrator Marion Blakey. He complimented the administrator on the agency's enforcement of rules that keep airports open to all users, and he noted that the Flight Plan incorporated an AOPA-endorsed proposal to use Airport Improvement Program (AIP) funds to improve reliever and secondary airports near major metropolitan areas.
Boyer said the FAA should devote more funding to adding instrument approaches to GA airports. More on the FAA Flight Plan...
(October 19, 2004)
FAA says "no" to subsidizing commercial airline from airport revenues
The FAA has denied a petition from the Sarasota-Manatee (Florida) Airport Authority that would have allowed it to use airport revenues to subsidize a commercial airline. AOPA had opposed the petition, arguing that fees and charges collected from airport users, including general aviation pilots, should be used exclusively for airport improvements benefiting all users. More on Sarasota airport revenue...
(October 19, 2004)
AOPA Expo returns to Long Beach, Calif., for 2004
General aviation's premier convention and trade show to be held this coming Thursday through Saturday, October 21-23
AOPA Expo 2004, general aviation's premier convention and trade show, returns to Long Beach, Calif., for three days, October 21-23.
"General aviation is an integral part of the government's overall aviation strategy," said AOPA President Phil Boyer. "It's the training ground for most of today's and tomorrow's airline and military pilots. With more than 145 million people taking GA flights each year, general aviation actually carries more passengers than any single commercial airline. And GA is especially important in California; it's the home of one of every 10 pilots in the United States. That's why AOPA returns to the West Coast every other year for AOPA Expo."
In fact, 28,000 of AOPA's 48,000 California members live within 60 miles of Los Angeles. There are 21 general aviation airports within 50 miles of Los Angeles International Airport; 45 within 100 miles.
AOPA Expo 2004 is forecast to generate nearly $8 million for the city of Long Beach and surrounding area during its three-day run. More on AOPA Expo 2004...
Photo: The exhibit hall at the Long Beach Convention Center is starting to take shape for AOPA Expo 2004 beginning Thursday.
(October 19, 2004)
Stay ahead of the plane — plan your Expo arrival
AOPA Expo 2004 begins Thursday in Long Beach, California
AOPA Expo 2004 starts Thursday, and if you're flying in, make sure you've planned your flight in the busy Los Angeles basin airspace. Arrival procedures for pilots planning to land at Long Beach/Daugherty Field (LGB) are available on AOPA Online.
AOPA Aviation Services personnel worked closely with FAA air traffic controllers to develop five VFR (visual flight rules) arrival routes for pilots coming from the north, south, and east.
VFR is the preferred way to arrive at Long Beach. Pilots filing IFR will be required to obtain a "slot reservation" for a landing time under an FAA special traffic management program in effect during Expo. More on AOPA Expo 2004 arrival procedures...
(October 18, 2004)
AOPA Expo bound! |
FAA and TSA administrators, SpaceShipOne pilot featured at AOPA Expo 2004
Convention begins Thursday in Long Beach, California
FAA Administrator Marion Blakey, TSA chief Rear Adm. David Stone, and SpaceShipOne pilot Mike Melvill will be the featured speakers at AOPA Expo 2004. General aviation's premiere convention and trade show kicks off this Thursday (October 21) at the Long Beach Convention Center.
More than 500 vendor exhibits will fill the convention hall, while some 70 aircraft, including the grand prize in AOPA's Win-A-Twin sweepstakes, will be on static display a short shuttle bus ride away at Long Beach/Daugherty Field.
Attendees will be able to take part in more than 75 hours of informative, fun, eye-opening seminars, along with free general sessions and entertaining social events. (Custom-create your own schedule of AOPA Expo 2004 events and seminars!) More on AOPA Expo 2004 featured speakers...
(October 15, 2004)
Powerful House member calls on TSA to resolve difficulties in alien flight training rule
The chairman of the House aviation subcommittee, Rep. John Mica (R-Fla.), has joined AOPA's call for the Transportation Security Administration to extend the compliance deadline of the so-called alien flight training rule. AOPA has formally petitioned TSA to defer implementation of those portions of the rule that affect flight training in aircraft weighing less than 12,500 pounds. More on alien flight training rule...
Photo: Rep. John Mica (R-Fla.).
(October 14, 2004)
Sport pilot program moves forward
Student pilot application date changed
The FAA continues to move forward in developing the necessary support for light sport aviation. The agency recently released two documents that provide the infrastructure for approving light sport aircraft repairman courses.
Meanwhile, the FAA again has amended the date that it will begin accepting student sport pilot applications back to November 15.
"That was the original date, but then the FAA slipped it to next year because the application form won't be ready until January," said Rob Hackman, AOPA manager of regulatory and certification policy. "Now the Light Sport Aviation Branch has decided to use the current FAA airman application form until the sport pilot-specific form is available."
Sport pilot applicants will be able to use current FAA Form 8710-1 (See "Boarding Pass: FAA Form 8710" and AOPA's Online Interactive Form 8710.)
"The FAA will issue specific guidance on using Form 8710-1 for sport pilot applications prior to November 15," said Hackman. More on sport pilot...
(October 14, 2004)
FAA renews runway incursion program
ASF Runway Safety Program part of education process
The FAA on Wednesday notified pilots that it has renewed its Runway Incursion Information and Evaluation Program (RIIEP) that allows investigators to gather information from pilots involved in runway incursions and surface incidents. This helps the FAA to determine the best way to educate pilots and reduce the number of incursions. Pilots who participate in the program often avoid legal action from the FAA.
The AOPA Air Safety Foundation is the FAA's link to educating pilots. The FAA endorses ASF's Runway Safety Program, which means the agency will consider a pilot's program completion certificate when determining what course of action to take after a runway incursion or surface incident.
"Pilots could be spared punitive legal action for participating in ASF's Runway Safety Program and the FAA's RIIEP," said David Wright, ASF director for training. "Instead, pilots might receive counseling or administrative action." More on runway incursion program...
(October 13, 2004)
NBAA opens convention with optimism, vigilance
The two biggest annual general aviation conventions and trade shows are AOPA Expo (this year in Long Beach, California, October 21 to 23) and the National Business Aviation Association convention, now under way in Las Vegas.
While AOPA Expo focuses on owner-flown aircraft, primarily piston-powered, NBAA's convention is about the "heavy iron." That convention kicked off with optimism about sales of turbine-powered aircraft and concern that general aviation is under attack from the airlines.
Keynote speaker Rear Adm. David Stone, assistant secretary for Homeland Security and head of the Transportation Security Administration, mentioned AOPA and other organizations several times in his address to the convention, praising the organization's efforts to become a partner in protecting the security of the nation's airports. He said he receives two to three calls a week from the general aviation community under AOPA's Airport Watch program. He said partnerships are a key ingredient in protecting the nation. Stone will address AOPA Expo October 22. More on the NBAA convention...
[Get details on all the news from NBAA in the members-only section.]
(October 13, 2004)
AOPA continues fight against "permanent TFRs"
AOPA isn't giving up when it comes to preventing two temporary flight restriction areas from becoming permanent prohibited areas. The Department of Defense and the FAA have proposed turning the TFRs over Bangor, Washington, and St. Mary's, Georgia, into prohibited areas. But AOPA is arguing that making them national security areas (NSAs) is a better option.
Meanwhile, two former TFRs (Anniston, Alabama, and Pine Bluff, Arkansas) became NSAs instead of prohibited areas last month because of AOPA's advocacy. Nine more will become NSAs by January as sectional charts are updated (see "FAA denies DOD prohibited airspace requests"). More on AOPA's action against prohibited areas...
(October 13, 2004)
Pennsylvania pilot is quarterly winner of ASF door prize
Donald Rhodes of Cheswick, Pennsylvania, is the 2004 third-quarter winner of a Sporty's handheld transceiver, the door prize for attending an AOPA Air Safety Foundation seminar. ASF and Sporty's award one door prize each quarter. More on ASF's third-quarter winner...
(October 13, 2004)
See the broad range of general aviation aircraft at AOPA Expo 2004
More than 70 GA aircraft on display
General aviation is the largest segment of the aviation industry, with a dizzying array of aircraft. More than 70 examples of GA's broad range, from two-seat training aircraft to light business jets, will be on display at Long Beach Airport as part of AOPA Expo 2004, October 21-23.
"AOPA Expo offers fascinating, educational seminars, opportunities to hear directly from high-ranking government officials who affect aviation policy, and an exhibit hall full of the latest in avionics and aviation-related products," said AOPA President Phil Boyer. "But let's face it, we're plane people, and it's the planes that are the real draw." More on the AOPA Expo aircraft display...
Photo: The grand prize in AOPA's 2004 Win-A-Twin Sweepstakes, a better-than-new Piper Twin Comanche, will be the centerpiece of the Expo static display.
(October 13, 2004)
N.C. congressman adds concerns over Cherry Point MOAs
Rep. G.K. Butterfield is adding congressional pressure to AOPA's request that the FAA formally extend the comment period on the Cherry Point Military Operations Area (MOA) proposal.
The North Carolina congressman told FAA Administrator Marion Blakey, "I am concerned that the FAA has failed to consider the full impact of this proposal on the general aviation community in North Carolina and contend that an extension of the comment period will give those most affected, North Carolina pilots, the opportunity to comment."
AOPA believes that the establishment of the Core and Gunny (previously called Matamuskeet) MOAs, along and just inland from the Outer Banks, would create safety hazards and operational difficulties for general aviation pilots. The MOAs would extend from 3,000 to 17,999 feet agl and would severely limit access to GA airports near Cherry Point.
And AOPA argues that the FAA didn't properly notify airspace users about the proposal. More on Cherry Point MOAs...
(October 12, 2004)
Amid all the fun, AOPA Expo 2004 is also about education
75 hours of seminars available on safety, ownership, fun
When AOPA's AOPA Expo 2004 gets under way October 21-23 in Long Beach, California, visitors will be able to take part in more than 75 hours of informative, fun, eye-opening seminars. More on AOPA Expo 2004 seminars...
(October 12, 2004)
AOPA Expo 2004 to fill the Long Beach Convention Center with more than 500 GA exhibits
AOPA Expo 2004 in Long Beach, California, will be better than ever. There will be more exhibitors than the show has ever had on the West Coast.
Everything that could tempt a pilot — from aviation souvenirs to aircraft engines, from basic flight training to the latest "gee-whiz" gadgets — will be on display and available October 21 through 23 in the Long Beach Convention and Entertainment Center in Long Beach, California.
In addition, nearly 50 product demonstrations are scheduled.
"AOPA Expo is the only aviation gathering in the country geared heavily toward the light end of general aviation — the four- to six-seat aircraft," said AOPA President Phil Boyer. "It's not an airshow, and it's not an outdoor event. It's a place where pilots can come and see just about anything that's available for general aviation — touch it and try it and ask questions about it. So when visitors hit the exhibit hall floor, it's like walking into the world's biggest toy store." More on AOPA Expo in Long Beach...
(October 8, 2004)
N.J. ID requirement redundantAOPA is lobbying to stop a redundant photo ID requirement in New Jersey. The proposed bill is unnecessary because current FAA rules and rigorous industry practices regarding aircraft rental already require much more than the New Jersey law. |
Senate passes bill that includes photo pilot certificates
AOPA still questions implementation timetable
The U.S. Senate on Wednesday night passed the National Intelligence Reform Act (S. 2845) by a 96-2 vote. The bill would implement several aviation security recommendations from the 9/11 Commission report. It also includes a directive to the FAA to start issuing pilot certificates that include a photo ID within six months after the bill becomes law.
That provision is nearly identical to a Senate Commerce Committee bill passed late last month.
While AOPA supports including a pilot's photo on the pilot certificate, the association maintains that it is unrealistic to expect the FAA to gear up to provide the new certificates within the time allowed.
An intelligence reform bill also is moving through the House, but it does not include photo pilot certificates. More on pilot photo certificates...
(Update: October 8, 2004)
Air Force wants more airspace in Georgia, South Carolina
The Air Force is proposing to expand special-use airspace in South Carolina and Georgia, a move AOPA says will have a negative impact on general aviation.
"Fortunately, this proposal is in the early planning stages because the military didn't provide the aviation community with notice about recent public 'scoping' meetings. Therefore, neither AOPA nor local pilots had much opportunity to tell the Air Force in person how taking away this additional airspace would affect their flying," said Heidi Williams, AOPA manager of air traffic policy. "Pilots may still offer written comments on environmental issues with this initial scoping plan until October 15."
The Shaw Air Force Base Training Initiative would significantly expand the Bulldog Military Operations Area (MOA) south of Augusta, Georgia, and the Poinsett MOA south of Sumter, South Carolina. In addition, the Gamecock MOA complex south of Fayetteville would be extended to the west over the Poinsett MOA to connect with Restricted Areas 6002. More on Air Force airspace expansion...
Graphic: Proposed airspace modifications — Alternative B restricted airspace, Poinsett Low MOA and Gamecock MOAs.
(October 8, 2004)
New ASF report breaks the ice on cold weather flying
Pilots who believe an expensive new deicing system will make it legal and safe to tackle icy winter skies could be wrong, according to a new AOPA Air Safety Foundation Safety Advisor. "Deicing equipment now being installed as a factory option on many new airplanes can be a wonderful safety enhancement, but unless it's FAA-certified for flight in icing conditions, the margin of safety a pilot thinks he's getting might not really be there," said ASF Executive Director Bruce Landsberg. "In addition, an illegal icy-weather flight might very well land the pilot in FAA hot water." The new 24-page ASF Aircraft Deicing and Anti-icing Equipment Safety Advisor explains the difference between deicing and anti-icing systems that are FAA-certified and those that simply meet the FAA's "non-hazard" standards. Click here to download the document.
(October 8, 2004)
Boyer takes member concerns over alien flight training rule directly to Congress
AOPA President Phil Boyer took members' frustration over TSA's alien flight training rule directly to Congress Thursday morning. Boyer told Rep. John Mica, chairman of the House aviation subcommittee, that the rule takes something that should have been a straightforward, commonsense security measure and creates an impractical regulation with far-reaching consequences.
Mica's committee wrote the law that requires TSA to check for terrorists among the foreign nationals applying for flight training in the United States. But the committee was concerned primarily with large aircraft that have the potential to do significant damage.
"We support the intent of the law," Boyer told Mica. "But the implementation of the regulation for training in smaller general aviation aircraft negatively impacts more than 650,000 pilots, 85,000 resident aliens with U.S. pilot certificates, 93,700 flight students, 88,700 flight instructors, and some 3,400 flight schools."
Boyer asked for Mica's help in deferring application of the parts of the rule governing training in smaller aircraft until TSA and the industry can resolve some of its problems. More on the alien flight training rule...
[See also "Boyer appeals directly to TSA chief to delay alien flight training rule" and AOPA's regulatory brief.]
Photo: Boyer explains the negative impacts of TSA's alien flight training rule to House aviation subcommittee Chairman John Mica.
(October 7, 2004)
AOPA's resources in Congress
AOPA spends considerable time and effort establishing and cultivating relationships with members of Congress. And those relationships pay off for general aviation pilots. Consider this: Six members of the House aviation subcommittee who described themselves as "general aviation enthusiasts" wrote to subcommittee Chairman John Mica (R-Fla.) last week to urge him to oppose any security legislation that would place an undue burden on GA.
"It's the kind of thing that requires a Washington, D.C.-based and dedicated staff," explained Jon Hixson, AOPA's vice president of legislative affairs. "You can't do it over a telephone or by 'parachuting in' when an issue gets hot."
The congressmen's letter said, "We write to voice our disapproval over legislation, H.R. 5035, which would devastate the general aviation community," referring specifically to an amendment that would have required airline-style security screenings for all GA flights. More on congressional support of GA...
(October 7, 2004)
DOE responds to AOPA concerns on Los Alamos Airport landfill project
The Department of Energy (DOE) has concurred with AOPA's request that the federal agency suspend its landfill project at Los Alamos Airport (LAM) in New Mexico. At a high-level meeting this week between AOPA and senior DOE officials in Washington, D.C., the department committed to put the project on hold for 90 days and to address the concerns of airport users before proceeding with the cleanup of the old airport landfill.
"Joe McMonigle, chief of staff for Energy Secretary Spencer Abraham, and himself a pilot and AOPA member, brought the right parties together," said Andy Cebula, AOPA senior vice president of Government and Technical Affairs. "And we can say that pilots' perspectives are now being addressed." More on Los Alamos airport landfill...
Photo: Los Alamos County Airport (courtesy Dane Spearing, copyright 2001).
(October 7, 2004)
AOPA and Georgia work to prevent bird strikes
AOPA is working with the state of Georgia to help keep birds away from general aviation airports. The association has added its support for Georgia regulations that would make it very difficult to build a new landfill within six miles of a public-use airport in the state. That's important because landfills attract birds, and having a landfill close to an airport increases the risk of a bird strike. More on landfills and airports...
(October 7, 2004)
FAA Administrator Marion Blakey will address pilot concerns at AOPA Expo 2004's opening general session in Long Beach, Calif.
Preserving America's airports. Temporary flight restrictions. Maintaining high-quality, no-fee preflight briefings. These issues are of vital importance to general aviation pilots. They're also issues facing FAA Administrator Marion Blakey. On Thursday, October 21, Blakey will discuss many such issues as she speaks to AOPA's members during the opening general session of AOPA Expo 2004 in Long Beach, Calif. More on Marion Blakey at AOPA Expo 2004...
(October 7, 2004)
AOPA acts to block New Jersey photo ID bill
AOPA is lobbying the New Jersey legislature to stop the adoption of a redundant photo ID requirement. The bill (A3058) would require that a pilot present government-issued photo identification along with a pilot certificate before renting an aircraft. The aircraft provider would have to keep a copy of that information for five years.
"Checking a photo ID against a pilot certificate is good industry practice, and we recommend that all FBOs do it," said Andy Cebula, AOPA senior vice president of Government and Technical Affairs. "The issue here is the imposition of a state law that's already covered by federal regulation and the establishment of needless record-keeping requirements." More on New Jersey photo ID bill...
(October 7, 2004)
Mayor Daley tries to explain away FAA fines for Meigs destruction
Faced with a $33,100 fine and the possibility of another $4.5 million in penalties for illegally closing Meigs Field airport and misusing restricted airport funds, Mayor Richard Daley and the City of Chicago predictably went into "spin" mode this weekend.
The FAA announced Friday it was planning to sanction the City of Chicago following its investigation prompted by a formal AOPA complaint (see "FAA to fine Chicago for destroying Meigs Field airport"). The agency concluded that the city failed to provide proper notification to the FAA when it snuck in the middle of the night to carve Xs in the runway. And the FAA said the city may have misspent some $1.49 million in federal grants and airline passenger tax revenues intended for Chicago O'Hare airport, instead using the money to pay contractors to rip out Meigs' runway.
That "irked" Daley, reported the Chicago Tribune Sunday. Daley said he closed Meigs because of security concerns following the September 11, 2001, terror attacks, adding, "I don't think small planes should be flying whatsoever in the metropolitan area, especially in the city of Chicago."
But Daley's claim about security holds little water when you examine the facts and the history of Meigs Field. More on FAA fines against Chicago for Meigs destruction...
Photo: Northerly Island, former home of Chicago's Meigs Field (photo courtesy of AOPA member Lee Hogan).
(October 6, 2004)
The little airplane that could
Aircraft survives three hurricanes
Talk about a trusty, durable aircraft. Rick Cohen's Cessna 172SP stood up to beatings from three hurricanes that have hit Florida this year and came out with only a few scratches.
His airplane weathered hurricanes Charley and Jeanne at Kissimmee Gateway Airport (ISM) where it is based. But Cohen tried to escape the wrath of Hurricane Frances, only to end up in its path. More on Cohen's stroke of luck...
Photo: Hurricane Charley flattened one of Ranger Aviation's hangars at Kissimmee Gateway (ISM) Airport near Orlando, Florida. Could anything survive?
(October 6, 2004)
SpaceShipOne pilot Melvill to speak at AOPA ExpoSpaceShipOne pilot Mike Melvill, a 35-year AOPA member, will be the featured speaker at the AOPA Expo opening luncheon October 21 in Long Beach, California, AOPA announced today. "We congratulate Mike and the entire SpaceShipOne team on winning the Ansari X Prize," said AOPA President Phil Boyer. "We know that everyone attending Expo is excited to hear Mike tell us more about his astronaut experiences." |
SpaceShipOne wins X Prize
Just as the sun peaked over the horizon, SpaceShipOne, attached to its mothership, lifted off from California's Mojave Spaceport on Monday. After a steady climb, test pilot Brian Binnie released from the mothership at about 46,000 feet. Burning a combination of laughing gas and rubber, Binnie flew what appeared to be a flawless mission, reserving him a spot in history and taking the $10 million Ansari X Prize.
Radar at Edwards Air Force Base showed that he reached about 364,000 feet, far beyond the 328,000 feet needed to win the prize. Designed by Burt Rutan, SpaceShipOne was required to make two successful space flights within a two-week period under the terms of the award. Last week, Mike Melvill flew the first of the two successful space flights then handed it over to Binnie to share the limelight.
History in the making: A special feature for AOPA members. Listen to Melvill, Binnie, and Rutan, among others, over the radio during SpaceShipOne's second X Prize flight.
Photo: Aboard SpaceShipOne, test pilot Brian Binnie waves to the crowd before takeoff under the mothership, White Knight.
(Update: October 5, 2004)
Aviation security bill advances in House without Weiner amendment
The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee this week approved a bill to enhance commercial aviation security. And honoring his commitment to AOPA President Phil Boyer and AOPA members, Rep. Anthony Weiner (D-N.Y.) did not attempt to add his general aviation security bill to the legislation.
Boyer met with Weiner September 22 to explain the substantial improvements in GA security since September 11, 2001. At the conclusion of that discussion, Weiner promised that he would "not be pursuing fixed-wing aircraft."
This completes committee action on the issue of aviation security. This bill, along with other security measures, is likely to be considered by the full House as part of legislation developed in response to the recommendations of the 911 Commission Report.
(October 1, 2004)
Pilots in Pacific Northwest need to keep an eye on Mt. St. Helens
The U.S. Geological Survey has issued a volcano advisory warning that increased seismic activity in and under Mt. St. Helens' lava dome may signal an impending eruption — and that has direct implications for pilots. Even a relatively minor eruption could spew volcanic ash thousands of feet into the air and drift tens of miles downwind.
"Volcanic ash is highly abrasive," said Kelvin Ampofo, manager of AOPA's Aviation Services department. "It can pit windscreens and landing lights so badly they're useless. In severe conditions, it can clog pitot-static systems and damage control surfaces. While piston engines are less likely to lose power than turbines if they ingest ash, the ash still can cause severe damage." More on Mt. St. Helens...
Photo: Mt. St. Helen's eruption in 1980 (NASA/Ames Research Center).
(October 1, 2004)
AOPA Expo returns to Long Beach, Calif., for 2004
General aviation's premier convention and trade show to be held October 21-23
AOPA Expo 2004, general aviation's premier convention and trade show, returns to Long Beach, Calif., for three exciting days, October 21-23. Long a favorite with pilots for its convenience, Long Beach boasts a fabulous convention center for the event as well as local attractions such as the Queen Mary, the Long Beach aquarium, museums, and fabulous ocean vistas.
AOPA Expo 2004 kicks off on Thursday, October 21, when FAA Administrator Marion Blakey will again address the association's members who are gathered at the first of three free daily general sessions. On Friday, October 22, Adm. David M. Stone, the head of the Transportation Security Administration, will make his first presentation to AOPA members when he discusses "GA Security: A View From the Top." Saturday's general session is Team AOPA, giving AOPA members a chance to hear from and ask questions of the association's senior leaders, including AOPA President Phil Boyer.
"General aviation is an integral part of the government's overall aviation strategy," said Boyer. "It's the training ground for most of today's and tomorrow's airline and military pilots. With more than 145 million people taking GA flights each year, general aviation actually carries more passengers than any single commercial airline.
"GA is especially important in California; it's the home of one of every 10 pilots in the United States. That's why AOPA returns to the West Coast every other year for AOPA Expo." More on AOPA Expo 2004...
Photo: Downtown Long Beach, California (Long Beach Convention and Visitors Bureau).
(October 1, 2004)
FAA to fine Chicago for destroying Meigs Field airport
Agency acts on AOPA complaint
Take that, Mayor Daley! Acting on an AOPA complaint, the FAA announced late Friday afternoon that it is proposing to fine the city of Chicago $33,000 — the maximum allowed by law — for the illegal destruction of Meigs Field airport.
The FAA has also begun an investigation into the possible diversion of some $1.5 million in federal airport funds that the city may have used to pay contractors to rip up the runway in the dead of night a year and a half ago.
"This is bittersweet," said AOPA President Phil Boyer. "As much as we relish sticking it to Mayor Daley, we still would rather have the airport."
AOPA filed the formal complaint alleging that Daley and the city of Chicago violated both the U.S. Code and Federal Aviation Regulations by not providing proper notice before closing Meigs Field. The FAA concurred, saying the city was required to provide 30 days notice before deactivating the airport.
Federal regulations allow the FAA to assess a maximum penalty of $1,100 per day for this type of violation. The FAA plans to hit Chicago with the maximum. More on Meigs penalties...
Photo: Northerly Island, former home of Chicago's Meigs Field (photo courtesy of AOPA member Lee Hogan).
(October 1, 2004)
1,100-plus Texas pilots now smarter about GPS
A record 1,170 Texas pilots this week learned all about practical GPS tricks and cautions. They crowded into four AOPA Air Safety Foundation seminars to hear ASF presenter Pat Shaub explain the peril and promise of the new technology.
"GPS: Beyond Direct-To" is the current ASF live safety seminar, which will continue through early November. The seminar will be presented next week in the Illinois cities of South Holland, Northbrook, Rockford and Peoria, and later this year in Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, North Carolina, California, and Colorado. All ASF safety seminars are free and open to all pilots, thanks to the generous support of ASF's contributors.
(October 1, 2004)
SpaceShipOne pilot Melvill to speak at AOPA ExpoSpaceShipOne pilot Mike Melvill, a 35-year AOPA member, will be the featured speaker at the AOPA Expo opening luncheon October 21 in Long Beach, California, AOPA announced today. "We congratulate Mike and the entire SpaceShipOne team on the second successful flight of a general aviation spacecraft," said AOPA President Phil Boyer. "We know that everyone attending Expo is excited to hear Mike tell us more about his astronaut experiences." |
Rutan is poised for a Monday space launch
Exclusive for AOPA members, listen to Rutan and Melvill describe latest flight
Once again Burt Rutan and his crew are planning to go for space on Monday, October 4. The expected takeoff time of the rocket's mothership is 10 a.m. Eastern time. Even if any mechanical problems or weather issues crop up between now and then, the crew still has plenty of time to fly twice within the two-week window to win the $10 million Ansari X Prize. So far, Scaled Composites test pilot Mike Melvill has made the first two successful space flights in SpaceShipOne. But there is a possibility that a different pilot may fly Monday's mission to spread the limelight. On Wednesday, Melvill vertically rolled his way to 337,500 feet before a world audience. So what happened? How do you train to fly something like that? And what's the airframe life of the spacecraft? Get the answers to these and more questions in our special report on AOPA Online, exclusive for AOPA members, and listen to Melvill and Rutan talk about the endeavor in their own words.
(Update: October 1, 2004)
New Postcards Online feature Vermont, Mackinac Island, and Long Beach
No matter where your home airport is, AOPA Online has a weekend destination for you. Postcards Online's latest destinations are Rutland, Vermont (East); Mackinac Island, Michigan (Central); and Long Beach, California (West) — site of AOPA Expo October 21-23.
Postcards Online are another exclusive feature for AOPA members on AOPA Online. More on Postcards Online...
Photo: Quaint Vermont villages and fall colors are only a short distance from Rutland State Airport (RUT). (Rutland Region Chamber of Commerce photo)
(October 1, 2004)
