AOPA News in Review
September 1999
| FAA institutes streamlined administrative action process |
| Sept 30, 1999 — FAA has officially launched the new Streamlined Administrative Action Program (SAAP). SAAP was developed after strong, unanimous opposition from AOPA and the aviation industry to FAA’s "ticket program." (See "Ticket Program Finally Dead.") Under the revised program, inspectors counsel airmen, complete a job-aid, and after a records review, mail a warning or letter-of-correction to the airman. Additionally, the SAAP guidance stresses the opportunity for the airmen to file any additional pertinent comments that may have a bearing on the case. For more information, see AOPA's regulatory brief. |
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| Flying Sweepstakes Cessna 206 is a high-tech adventure |
| Sept 28, 1999 — It's not hard to imagine you've got the best of everything aboard the highly modified Cessna 206 that AOPA will award at the end of the year in the AOPA "Aero SUV" 1999 Sweepstakes. Anyone who joins AOPA or renews their membership this calendar year is automatically entered in the Sweepstakes, which closes at midnight December 31, 1999. The grand prize aircraft will be on display at AOPA Expo '99 in Atlantic City, New Jersey, October 21-23. Pilots will be most impressed with its advanced avionics that make every trip a pleasure. |
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| AOPA tells FAA to aggressively field WAAS |
| Sept 27, 1999 — AOPA has told the FAA that it must move forward aggressively to implement the Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS) for enhanced Global Positioning System (GPS) navigation. That urging came following the successful completion of an FAA test of WAAS development. [See also AOPA's testimony.] |
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| Avgas contamination reported in California |
| Sept 24, 1999 — AOPA has received reports of 100LL fuel contamination at the Chico (California) Municipal Airport. Avgas sold by Pacific Flight Services between August 31 and September 20 was contaminated with Jet-A, and the FBO is trying to track down those who bought the tainted fuel. The oil company that supplied the fuel is testing samples to determine the extent of contamination. The degree of contamination is believed to be less than 10 percent. Pacific Flying Services reportedly received 7,000 gallons of avgas from the Valley Oil Company. Diamond Tank Lines delivered the load, but apparently the driver neglected to purge the last 980 gallons of the tanker's last load of Jet-A prior to taking on the 100LL. Our source estimates that the avgas was 12.25- to 12.5-percent diluted with Jet-A. Since that load was deposited in a tank with avgas and further distributed into trucks with residual avgas, the percentage of dilution that ultimately made it to aircraft fuel tanks is likely less than 10 percent. If you received fuel from Pacific Flight Services between August 31 and September 20, you are strongly urged not to fly your aircraft and to call the FBO at 530/893-6727. In addition, it is recommended that those affected call their insurance provider. For more information, call AOPA's Aviation Services' Pilot Information Center at 800/872-2672. |
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| AOPA helps "aviation country club" celebrate 50 years |
 Sept 20, 1999 — AOPA President Phil Boyer has helped another of the nation's original aviation country clubs celebrate its history — this time the former Columbia Aviation Country Club (now Columbia Aviation Association) near Portland, Oregon. Its innovative history includes continuing pilot education, a strong emphasis on safety, and its famed air tours from the Arctic to the tropics. Noting that CACC was inspired by the Philadelphia Aviation Country Club where AOPA was founded in 1939, Boyer presented a special citation to president Jim Matisies at CAA's 50th Anniversary Banquet September 18. He lauded the group's "dynamic history of serving the interests of general aviation in Oregon." |
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| TFR blocks New York East River Corridor Sept 20-Oct 2 |
| Sept 17, 1999 — The FAA has issued a temporary flight restriction (TFR) around the United Nations headquarters building in New York City, effective September 20 to October 2 from 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. local time. The TFR extends from the surface to 1,500 ft agl for a 1.5-nm radius around the UN building and blocks flight through the East River Class B exclusion. |
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| AOPA asks Senate to move on FAA reauthorization bill |
| Sept 16, 1999 — AOPA is calling on the U.S. Senate to take action on the FAA reauthorization bill, and do it "in the sunshine." The bill would authorize funding for all FAA operations and programs for five years and would set long-term policy guidance for the agency. |
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| 1999 holiday cards commemorate ASF’s 50th anniversary |
| Sept 16, 1999 — A unique collection of aviation-theme holiday greeting cards celebrating the 50th anniversary of the AOPA Air Safety Foundation are now available. |
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| AOPA opposes restrictions over the Grand Canyon |
 Sept 15, 1999 — AOPA has again opposed the expanded Special Flight Rules Area (SFRA) over Grand Canyon National Park. During an August public meeting in Las Vegas, Nevada, and in formal comments filed with the FAA in September, AOPA said the SFRA unfairly penalizes noncommercial general aviation operations by restricting access, imposing aircraft performance penalties, and increasing costs associated with overflights. |
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| A visit to AOPA's birthplace at the revitalized PACC |
 | | Phil Boyer and Mike Chiodo | Sept 13, 1999 — Mike Chiodo, president of the Philadelphia Aviation Country Club (PACC), greets AOPA President Phil Boyer Saturday, September 11, at the 10th Annual Vintage Aircraft Day at historic Wings Field outside Philadelphia. AOPA was founded there in May 1939. Now, with AOPA's help, PACC's AOPA Founders' Room has been renovated as part of substantial upgrades to the Club. Any AOPA member is welcome to drop in for a look at the Club during regular hours. PACC is also accepting new memberships. |
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| ASF’s Pinch-Hitter Ground School back by popular demand |
| Sept 2, 1999 — Back by popular demand, the Air Safety Foundation’s famed Pinch-Hitter Course returns to four locations in October, November, and December. The ground school course is designed to make non-pilots more comfortable with flying and teach them to safely land the airplane in the case of pilot incapacitation. Companions who frequently fly with friends and family members can learn how to function effectively as cockpit crewmembers and assist the pilot. |
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| USPA will feature AOPA president as key speaker |
| Sept 1, 1999 — Under the banner, "USPA Brings Boyer to Branson," the U.S. Pilots Association convention in Branson, Missouri, October 14-17 will feature a Saturday night keynote address by AOPA President Phil Boyer. Boyer will use the occasion to premier a new presentation that appeals to pilots and their spouses alike: an examination of how men and women look differently on flying. |
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August 1999
| AOPA challenges San Jose’s application for federal funds |
 Aug 31, 1999 — AOPA has taken action that could cut off federal funds to San Jose International Airport and stop planned airport construction. In a filing with the FAA, AOPA has opposed San Jose’s application to impose a $3 passenger facility charge to raise some $13 million for airport construction and noise monitoring. AOPA has also challenged San Jose’s continued eligibility to receive federal Airport Improvement Program funds. |
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| Rebates through FBO Rebate Program exceed $2 million |
| Aug 31, 1999 — As part of AOPA efforts to help reduce the cost of flying, AOPA members have received more than $2 million in rebates to date on AOPA credit card purchases of fuel, maintenance, flight training, aircraft rentals, and pilot supplies at qualifying FBOs. The average monthly participant is saving over $300 a year, more than seven times his or her annual $39 AOPA dues. |
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| AOPA ASF announces winners of 1999 scholarships |
| Aug 30, 1999 — Two university students have each won a $1,000 scholarship administered by the AOPA Air Safety Foundation and the University Aviation Association. |
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| Michigan pilot wins AOPA ASF transceiver prize |
| Aug 30, 1999 — William Kelley of Dowling, Michigan, is the winner of a Sporty’s handheld transceiver after attending an Air Safety Foundation "Weather Tactics" seminar. |
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| AOPA counters new attempt to mandate $2,500 ELTs |
| Aug 27, 1999 — Threats to affordable flying come from everywhere. Not surprisingly, many originate in the halls and back offices of Capitol Hill. AOPA recently countered a quiet attempt to have Congress require new, $2,500 emergency locator transmitters (ELTs) on GA aircraft. Shortly after the John F. Kennedy, Jr., accident, lobbyists for Litton Industries began quietly contacting congressional staffers, advocating legislation mandating new 406 MHz ELTs for GA aircraft. |
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| AOPA president will hold pilot meetings in NY, NJ, and PA |
| Aug 26, 1999 — Phil Boyer, president of the 350,000-member AOPA, will hold three AOPA Pilot Town Meetings in September, consulting with pilots in New York State, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. He will update pilots on current developments in national aviation legislation, policy, and regulations and will solicit pilots’ views of the general aviation situation in their local areas. |
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| AOPA Expo ’99 in Atlantic City celebrates what’s new |
| Aug 23, 1999 — AOPA Expo ’99 comes to the Northeast again this year as AOPA’s massive convention and trade show in the new Atlantic City Convention Hall welcomes some 450 exhibitors, 70 display aircraft, and 10,000 pilots and family members October 21-23. |
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| Survey: New pilots undeterred following JFK, Jr., tragedy |
| Aug 19, 1999 — A survey of student and low-time private pilots by AOPA has found new aviators realistic but largely undeterred by the highly publicized John F. Kennedy, Jr., accident. The telephone survey was conducted by AOPA during late July soon after the accident. Most new pilots interviewed were student pilots, although 15 percent of the group had achieved a private pilot certificate. The median pilot interviewed had logged just 25-49 hours in the previous year. |
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| AOPA Online Flight Planning Service offers easy access |
| Aug 18, 1999 — AOPA has launched the AOPA Online Flight Planning Service, an easy-to-use Web-based interface that integrates online route planning, the AOPA Airport Directory, GTE DUATS, graphic weather charts, and flight plan filing. The Online Flight Planning Service is available exclusively to AOPA members. |
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| AOPA president helps dedicate new Ninety-Nines museum |
| Aug 18, 1999 — AOPA President Phil Boyer helped The Ninety-Nines dedicate their new museum at Will Rogers Airport in Oklahoma City in July, taking the occasion to contrast the reasons women today say they want to be pilots. AOPA presented new portions of the research commissioned by AOPA, AEA, GAMA, NASA, and Sporty’s Pilot Shop in 1997 to develop a better understanding of likely future pilots. |
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| AD on turbo twin Cessnas too costly, unneeded |
 Aug 18, 1999 — The proposed exhaust system airworthiness directive on turbocharged twin-engine Cessnas could cost aircraft owners more than $100 million and could adversely affect the U.S. economy, AOPA told the FAA. (See AOPA’s comments on AD 97-CE-67-AD.) While the FAA estimated that the initial inspection mandated by the AD would cost an aircraft owner $4,340, many owners would have to replace exhaust system components, and that could cost anywhere from $12,000 to more than $200,000 per aircraft. |
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| AOPA takes action to preserve competition in oil markets |
| Aug 13, 1999 — AOPA has opposed a petition by a group of independent oil producers that could have resulted in increased petroleum costs for aircraft owners. The group of Kansas, Oklahoma, and Texas oil producers called Save Domestic Oil (SDO) had charged Mexico, Venezuela, Iraq, and Saudi Arabia with illegal dumping — selling crude oil in the U.S. for less than the cost of production. SDO petitioned the U.S. International Trade Commission and the Department of Commerce (DOC) to impose stiff duties on oil imported from these nations. Following opposition from other U.S. oil producers and consumer organizations such as AOPA, DOC dismissed the petition. |
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| AOPA applauds FAA withdrawal of certification proposal |
| Aug 11, 1999 — The FAA has withdrawn its proposed revision of certification requirements for aviation mechanics and repairmen. AOPA had objected to the proposal, saying it was unneeded and would likely lead to higher costs for pilots and aircraft owners. AOPA had filed 22 pages of detailed objections to the proposed FAR Part 66, which would have replaced sections of existing FAR Part 65. Most significantly, the Part 65 remake would have established a two-tiered mechanic certification system. |
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| Atlanta Center services may be limited |
| Aug 11, 1999 — Pilots flying in Atlanta Center’s airspace may encounter some delays and a limitation of some services. That’s because FAA has installed a new control room in the Atlanta Air Route Control Center, equipped with the Display System Replacement (DSR) system that will eventually be installed in all enroute centers. During the August transition period, FAA will be running two control rooms simultaneously while controllers familiarize themselves with the new equipment and become proficient working with the new radarscopes, keyboards, and computer interface. |
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| FAA withdraws AD on Beechcraft fuel selector placard |
| Aug 9, 1999 — Following an AOPA petition, the FAA is now proposing to withdraw Airworthiness Directive 99-05-13, which would have required the installation of a warning placard on the fuel tank selector of nearly every piston-engine Beech (now Raytheon) aircraft ever built. In its May petition to withdraw the AD, AOPA argued that positioning the fuel selector is an operational issue rather than an airworthiness concern. [See also AOPA's regulatory brief.] |
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| 200th AOPA Pilot Town Meeting held in Alaska |
| Aug 9, 1999 — AOPA President Phil Boyer conducted his 200th Pilot Town Meeting during July as he addressed the concerns of Alaska pilots gathered in Anchorage, Juneau and Fairbanks. |
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| Senate passes short-term extension for AIP |
| Aug 2, 1999 — The U.S. Senate has passed yet another short-term extension of the Airport Improvement Program. The action may be the best the Senate can manage to answer AIR-21, the bill the House passed in June that would reinstate a multi-year AIP authorization and provide additional funds by taking the Airport and Airway Trust Fund "off-budget." |
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July 1999
| AOPA, Microsoft team on FlightSim 2000 |
| July 31, 1999 — AOPA has reached an agreement with Microsoft Corp. to provide informative pilot content to enhance Microsoft Flight Simulator 2000, the newest version of the best-selling PC simulation software of all time. Selected by Microsoft as the exclusive aviation organization for Flight Simulator 2000, AOPA will provide resources, information and guidance from the new AOPA Flight Training Program to enhance the PC simulation experience for real and virtual pilots alike. |
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| Boyer testifies before Congress on weather and safety |
 July 27, 1999 — AOPA President Phil Boyer was before Congress July 22, just days following the Kennedy-Bessette tragedy, after being called on by the House aviation subcommittee to testify about the impact of weather on general aviation safety. In a first before Congress, Boyer used a PC-based flight simulator to depict day VFR, night VFR, night over-water VFR, and private pilot instrument training. Projecting the computer output onto a 15-by-15-foot wall area, Boyer showed lawmakers the "pilot’s eye view" of weather outside and instrument indications inside the cockpit. [Read Boyer's written testimony and view the presentation that accompanied Boyer's oral testimony.] |
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| AOPA backs alternative AD on Champion wood wing spars |
| July 27, 1999 — AOPA told the FAA July 16 that it supports a rewritten airworthiness directive on Aeronca/Bellanca/Champion 7-, 8- and 11-series aircraft with wood wing spars, but wants more explicit maintenance instructions and a narrower scope of required inspections. [See also AOPA's regulatory brief.] |
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| Kansas pilots recognize AOPA efforts in their state |
| July 26, 1999 — The Kansas Pilot Association has awarded AOPA President Phil Boyer a lifetime membership in the state pilots’ organization for AOPA’s efforts to secure some $30 million for Kansas airports over the next 10 years. |
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| What's AOPA doing with the media after the Kennedy tragedy? |
| July 23, 1999 — As "The Voice of General Aviation," AOPA has stepped up to work forthrightly with the media in pursuit of "fair, accurate and insightful" coverage. AOPA did an estimated 150 media interviews in the first four days alone, including 60 Minutes, 20/20, Dateline, CNN Sunday, and Geraldo Rivera, among others. There were multiple appearances on CNN, CNBC, MSNBC, and Fox Cable, plus airings on NPR "Morning Edition" and "All Things Considered," and taping for an upcoming A&E/Discovery Channel/Learning Channel cable special. |
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| FAA reopens comment period on MOA lights-out proposal |
| July 16, 1999 — Following an AOPA request, the FAA has reopened the comment period on a U.S. Air Force proposal to fly unlighted aircraft at night in military operations areas (MOAs). Pilots now have until August 2 to comment. AOPA opposes the proposal because military aircraft operating in MOAs at night without position lights would be invisible to VFR pilots. |
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| Senate to consider "Hoover Bill" next week |
| July 16, 1999 — The U.S. Senate could vote on the "Hoover Bill" as early as next week. AOPA is urging pilots to contact both their U.S. senators to ask them to vote in favor of the bill, which would protect pilots from FAA's overzealous use of its power to suspend, or even revoke, an airman's certificate. |
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| ATC, Customs will answer member questions July 19-22 |
| July 16, 1999 — AOPA members with questions about air traffic control or U.S. Customs matters will be able to get answers straight from working controllers and agents July 19-22. FAA air traffic controllers will staff AOPA’s toll-free Pilot Information Center (800/USA-AOPA) July 19 to 21. Agents from the U.S. Customs Service will provide Customs answers on July 22. Both groups will be available from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Eastern time. |
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| Ticket program is finally history |
| July 15, 1999 — The FAA "ticket program" is officially history, as of July 15. That’s when the FAA publicly announced the details of the ticket program’s replacement, the Streamlined Administrative Action Process. SAAP eliminates the "on-the-spot ticket" and provides for faster notification and resolution of administrative actions. |
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| AOPA-championed VFR waypoints debut on TACs |
| July 14, 1999 — Southern California pilots will discover something new on the Los Angeles and San Diego Terminal Area Charts published July 15: VFR waypoints. VFR waypoints will help GPS-equipped pilots navigate in and around Class B and C airspace and will also be used to identify VFR corridors and flyways. [See also a VFR waypoints training presentation.] |
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| Air and Space Museum director killed in glider break-up |  July 14, 1999 — Don Engen, 75, director of the National Air and Space Museum, former FAA administrator, NTSB board member, and former president of the AOPA Air Safety Foundation, was killed July 13 in an apparent glider break-up at 11,000 feet east of the Sierra Nevada near Minden-Tahoe Airport, Nevada. Also killed was soaring legend Bill Ivans, 79, former president of the Soaring Society of America and AOPA 251344. [More] | |
| FAA airspace meeting at AOPA HQ today |
| July 14, 1999 — AOPA is hosting today, from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., an FAA Airspace User Meeting at AOPA Headquarters on the Frederick (Maryland) Airport. It's an opportunity for pilots to discuss problems they have experienced in the safe and efficient use of airspace, and particularly to tell FAA what's good and bad about the Baltimore-Washington Class B airspace. The RTCA Special Committee for National Airspace Redesign Planning and Analysis, which is conducting the meeting, is also looking for pilot input to set priorities for the National Airspace Redesign. Pilots may drop into the meeting anytime between 4 and 9 p.m. |
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| 200th AOPA PTM in Anchorage, poll results announced |
| July 13, 1999 — AOPA President Phil Boyer will conduct his 200th Pilot Town Meeting July 13, one of three in Alaska this month to address the concerns of pilots in the 49th State. Discussion topics at the 200th Town Meeting in Anchorage July 13, and similar meetings in Juneau July 12 and Fairbanks July 14, will be based in part on an AOPA poll of Alaska aviators conducted in May and June. |
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| AOPA sends action alert to 6,000 twin Cessna owners |
| July 12, 1999 — AOPA has mailed some 6,000 "Action Alerts" concerning the exhaust system Airworthiness Directive 97-CE-67-AD to owners of Cessna 300/400-series turbocharged twins. Because of the critical safety and economic implications of this AD, AOPA is alerting all owners, regardless of their affiliation with AOPA. [The hyperlinks above require Adobe Reader; see also AOPA's regulatory brief.] |
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| Court upholds authority of airport land use commissions |
| July 12, 1999 — A developer whose plans threatened Northern California’s Napa County Airport was handed a defeat in court July 7, in part thanks to AOPA. At issue were 918 acres of vineyards and cattle pasture some two miles north of the Napa airport. A developer, Carefree Resorts, has grand plans for those rural acres — a “Mediterranean-themed” golf resort. Some of those expensive homes would be underneath the traffic pattern for Napa’s Runway 18R, the airport’s busiest. |
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| Pete Conrad: pioneer astronaut, AOPA member |  July 9, 1999 — Charles P. "Pete" Conrad, Jr., AOPA 90031, pioneer Gemini- and Apollo-era astronaut, has died at the age of 69. He suffered fatal injuries in a motorcycle accident near Ojai, California, July 8. He had been an AOPA member since 1952, was a regular donor to the AOPA Air Safety Foundation and a member of ASF's "Hat-in-the-Ring" Society. Conrad was commander of Apollo 12, the second moon landing, and was the third American to walk on the moon. Selected in the second astronaut group in 1962, he helped set a space-flight endurance record on Gemini 5 in 1965 and commanded Gemini 11 in 1966. The former Navy aviator commanded and helped save the troubled first Skylab mission in 1973. He later worked on McDonnell Douglas's vertical-landing single-stage-to-orbit/reusable spacecraft. Since 1995, he has been president of his own Universal Space Lines pursuing commercial space operations. | |
| AOPA seeks member exemption from charity flight drug tests |
| July 8, 1999 — AOPA has petitioned the FAA to exempt all AOPA members conducting charity or community event sightseeing flights from drug testing requirements. Earlier this year, FAA determined that its regulations require that if a pilot charges for charitable sightseeing rides during an airshow or other airport event, the pilot "must assure that all safety-sensitive persons be on an FAA-approved antidrug and alcohol misuse prevention program." |
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| Dave Speer named publications marketing VP |
 July 7, 1999 — Longtime industry advertising executive David C. Speer has been appointed vice president, publications marketing, at AOPA.“As AOPA expands its outreach with AOPA Flight Training magazine and broadens the Internet’s role in association communications, we’re thrilled to have this respected industry veteran on our team,” said AOPA President Phil Boyer. |
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| Turbo twin Cessna NPRM published |
| July 6, 1999 — The FAA has published notice of proposed rulemaking 97-CE-67-AD (358kb; requires Adobe Reader) proposing a costly exhaust system airworthiness directive on turbocharged twin Cessna models T310 to 421C (except 337). Affected owners and operators have until August 9 to comment. FAA had originally planned to issue an "immediately adopted rule" establishing the AD without first obtaining public comment but reversed course and decided to issue an NPRM following protests from AOPA and the Cessna Pilots Association. FAA wants to know the economic impact of the proposed AD on owners and suggestions for alternate means of compliance. Comments must be submitted in triplicate to: Federal Aviation Administration, Central Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket No. 97-CE-67-AD, Room 1558, 601 E. 12th Street, Kansas City, Missouri 64106. |
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| Requests for accident data show increased awareness |
| July 2, 1999 — AOPA’s Title and Escrow Service delivered a record 186 Aircraft Accident/Incident Data Reports in May, up 61% from the same month in 1998. |
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| Pilot counseling program in Alaska is canceled |
| July 1, 1999 — The FAA has canceled an informal flight deviation counseling program that was to be tested in Anchorage, Alaska. The FAA’s outline of the program left many questions unanswered; AOPA was concerned that a pilot might unwittingly incriminate himself during “informal counseling,” resulting in a formal enforcement action. [See also AOPA's regulatory brief.] |
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| AOPA-supported asset seizure reform bill passes House |
| July 1, 1999 — It’s not supposed to happen in America. You haven’t done anything wrong, haven’t broken any laws. But government agents seize your airplane without a hearing, a trial or even an arrest. But that could change if the Civil Asset Forfeiture Reform Act (H.R.1658) becomes law. The bill passed the U.S. House of Representatives by an overwhelming majority (375 to 48) on June 24, and is now under consideration by the Senate. Every member of the House had received a letter from AOPA supporting the bill. |
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More News in Review: April through June 1999.
