No user fees in White House budget plan—for now
For the first time in years, President Barack Obama’s budget proposal does not include any new user fees for general aviation. Past budgets from the Obama administration have proposed a $100-per-flight fee for GA, but that idea has met with strong opposition from AOPA and others, including GA supporters in Congress who have repeatedly written to the White House insisting they would not support such a fee.
“After years of fighting to protect pilots from arbitrary fees and charges, we’re pleased to see that the White House has finally taken our message to heart and acknowledged that user fees on general aviation are a non-starter,” said AOPA President Mark Baker. “This is a big victory for the future of general aviation, but we’ll continue to keep a close watch to make sure this bad idea doesn’t reemerge as it has in the past.”
The president’s past three budget proposals included user fees, as did his very first budget request. But the 2016 budget proposal is silent on the matter and includes increased FAA funding in many areas.
The latest proposal includes $15.8 billion to fund the FAA and its activities, including the search for an avgas replacement, air traffic management, operations, airport infrastructure, and NextGen modernization. In making the request, the White House notes that the money is an investment in the future of aviation, an industry that accounts for more than 5 percent of the nation’s gross domestic product.
SURVEY
93% of AOPA members believe the possibility of user fees is an issue of high importance to the future of GA.
Action in the states: State by state
Alabama: Gov. Robert Bentley signed an executive order giving the Bureau of Aeronautics authority over unmanned aerial technology and establishing an Unmanned Aerial Systems Council to serve as an advisory group. Alaska: Newly appointed AOPA Airport Support Network volunteer Dennis Perry is working with officials on the master plan for Seward Airport. Arizona: AOPA Regional Manager John Pfeifer is working with stakeholders to stop a proposal to reallocate $15 million from the state aviation fund for nonaviation purposes. Arkansas: AOPA worked with state Rep. Joe Jett, an aircraft owner and co-chair of the state Aerospace and Aviation Legislative Caucus, to plan a visit to the control tower and tracon at Clinton National Airport. Colorado: AOPA presented outgoing Colorado Aeronautical Board Chairman Joe Thibodeau with an AOPA Presidential Award for his outstanding service to GA. Connecticut: AOPA Regional Manager Sean Collins is working with the Connecticut Airport Authority to update the definition of avgas, allowing for transition to future unleaded aviation fuel. Delaware: The Delaware Aviation Museum is hosting flights in its historic B–25 Panchito at aviation events this month in Dayton, Ohio, and Beaufort, South Carolina. Florida: AOPA hosted a forum on how to start a flying club at the U.S. Light Sport Aviation Expo in Sebring. Georgia: With fuel revenues generating a profit, Troup County Commissioners are planning to hire a full-time airport director for Lagrange-Callaway Airport. Hawaii: AOPA has raised concerns about airport management issues with the chairs of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means and the House Committee on Finance. Idaho: The Idaho Aviation Expo will take place May 15 and 16 at Idaho Falls Regional Airport. Indiana: AOPA is advocating for House Bill 1267, which would dedicate the state’s 10-cent-per-gallon excise tax on fuel to the airport fund. Iowa: AOPA is working with the Iowa Public Airports Association to exempt flight schools from having to obtain large bonds and file documentation with the Iowa College Student Aid Commission. Kansas: AOPA recently met with Gov. Sam Brownback and state lawmakers to discuss the role of GA in the state. Kentucky: AOPA is supporting legislation requiring a comprehensive study of the impact of aviation and aerospace on the commonwealth. Louisiana: AOPA is working closely with state decision makers to keep aviation funding intact and prevent fuel taxes from rising. Maine: AOPA took part in quarterly meetings of the Maine Aeronautics Advisory Board and the Maine Aviation Business Association. Maryland: AOPA is working with Maryland Aviation Administration and Maryland Airport Managers Association officials to update the state’s definition of avgas to allow for the transition to unleaded aviation fuels. Massachusetts: In recent weeks, AOPA updated Sen. Dan Wolf on legislative issues impacting aviation, spoke to pilots at Minute Man Airfield, and took part in the Atlantic Aviators’ monthly meeting. Michigan: AOPA exhibited at the 2015 Great Lakes Aviation Conference in Lansing. Minnesota: AOPA is advocating for Senate File 269, which would tax mogas used in an aircraft at lower aviation fuel rates and deposit the money in the state airport fund. Mississippi: AOPA is working with lawmakers to amend state code relating to avgas to ensure it’s compatible with future unleaded aviation fuels. Missouri: AOPA is working to support pro-GA bills that would amend the recreational use statute to include aviation and create a sales-and-use tax exemption for aircraft sold to out-of-state residents. Montana: AOPA talked about promoting and protecting airports in seminars hosted by the Montana Community Airport Association at the annual Montana Aviation Conference in Missoula. Nebraska: AOPA supports Legislative Bill 205, which would add an enforcement provision to an existing law requiring owners to mark meteorological evaluation towers (MET). Nevada: AOPA will testify before a key committee in favor of Senate Bill 93, which would provide tax abatement for certain property and sales-and-use taxes relating to aircraft ownership, maintenance, repair, and testing. New Hampshire: AOPA conferenced with officials from the Granite State Airport Management Association on legislation aimed at broadening state property tax. New Jersey: The twentieth annual New Jersey State Aviation Conference is scheduled for May 1 and 2 at Princeton University’s First Campus Center and at Morristown Municipal Airport. New Mexico: AOPA discussed GA issues with state legislators during Aviation Day at the capitol. New York: AOPA Regional Manager Sean Collins is working with officials updating the State Airport System Plan. North Carolina: AOPA took part in the North Carolina Airport Conference, March 22 through 24 in Pinehurst. North Dakota: AOPA met with legislative leaders and North Dakota Aeronautics Commission staff to discuss pending changes to aircraft registration fees and advocated in favor of increased airport funding through a variety of legislation. Ohio: AOPA has been meeting with state legislative leaders to urge their support for House Bill 32, which would eliminate the sales tax on aviation fuel, impose a lower excise tax, and dedicate the revenue to the state airport fund. Oklahoma: AOPA took part in the Joint Oklahoma Airport Operators Association and AAAE South Central Chapter Conference in Tulsa, March 8 through 11. Oregon: AOPA is supporting legislation to add aviation activities to Oregon’s recreational use statute, which could encourage private airstrip owners to expand public access. Rhode Island: The Quonset Air Museum is looking for volunteers to help man the flight line for the Rhode Island National Air Guard Air Show May 30 and 31. South Carolina: AOPA took part in the South Carolina Aviation Conference and South Carolina Aeronautics Commission meeting. South Dakota: AOPA worked with the state Department of Transportation to craft a presentation for the South Dakota Airport Conference, held March 18 and 19 in Sioux Falls. Tennessee: AOPA Regional Manager Bob Minter has been invited to serve on the Middle Tennessee State University Aerospace Department’s Aviation Industry Advisory Committee. Texas: AOPA Regional Manager Yasmina Platt met with lawmakers in support of House Bill 946 to register and mark meteorological evaluation towers (MET) and celebrated with the U.S. Flight Club based at Houston Executive Airport. With AOPA’s help, the club’s size more than tripled in just over a year. Utah: AOPA Regional Manager David Ulane will speak at the Utah Airport Operators Association’s annual conference. Virginia: Wes Hillman, 92, was honored with a Congressional Gold Medal for his World War II service with the Civil Air Patrol during a ceremony at the Virginia Museum of Transportation. Vermont: It’s time to trade skis for soaring at Post Mills Airport, where the soaring club opens for the season next month. Washington: AOPA Regional Manager David Ulane took part in Airport Awareness Day at the state capitol, where he briefed legislators on the importance of aviation and airports. West Virginia: AOPA submitted testimony in support of House Bill 2138, which could reduce liability for private landowners who allow pilots to operate on their property. Wisconsin: AOPA participated in an industry legislative planning meeting to address problems with aircraft lien registration and aircraft transfers. Wyoming: AOPA took part in the Wyoming Airport Operators Association’s annual legislative reception in Cheyenne, briefing legislators on the importance of aviation and GA in the state.
California: For the thirty-second consecutive year, AOPA Regional Manager John Pfeifer took part in the Southwest Chapter American Association of Airport Executives’ winter conference, where he spoke on four separate occasions.
Illinois: In a recent letter, AOPA thanked the mayor of Dixon for his support of Dixon Municipal Airport, which he has called an “asset to the community.”
Pennsylvania: AOPA is opposing House Bill 191, which would allow cities to levy their own sales-and-use tax on aircraft—on top of the state sales tax.
Airport support network
Flying, family, and fun
An annual celebration of aviation in Imperial County, California, drew a large number of local residents to Imperial County Airport, where pilots gave airplane rides to about 150 area youngsters. Then they repeated the process in an impromptu series of rides for enthusiastic adult volunteers. AOPA Airport Support Network volunteer Dennis Logue served as the Aviation Day chairman, and its goal of combining flying, family, and fun was a great success.
Those who pitched in to ensure a smoothly running event included “lots of very highly qualified volunteers” from area U.S. Navy installations, including a Blue Angels ground-support team, and aircraft handlers from the nearby El Centro Naval Air Facility, said Logue, who also is a member of the Experimental Aircraft Association.
After the event, one of the military crewmembers asked if it would be possible to take a ride in a Piper aircraft. “We cranked ops up again and flew all of the adult volunteers, from the Navy folks to the airport administrators,” Logue said. Community outreach is key to keeping airports vibrant and healthy. Check out AOPA’s Holding an Open House event guide online.
Web: www.aopa.org/asn
AMEs get guidance on new sleep apnea policy
The FAA recently released an eight-minute video providing aviation medical examiners (AME) with guidance on the agency’s new obstructive sleep apnea policy, which took effect March 2.
The video stresses that a pilot’s medical certificate should only be deferred or denied if there is clear evidence of an immediate safety hazard, which is rare when dealing with sleep apnea, and that body mass index (BMI) alone is not grounds for deferral.
Under the new policy, AMEs will be asked to screen pilots for sleep apnea risk and record their findings on the AME portion of the MedXpress form using new selection boxes, which are shown in the video. Risk of obstructive sleep apnea will be determined through an integrated assessment of the pilot’s medical history and symptoms as well as physical and clinical findings. To assess each pilot’s risk, AMEs will rely on guidance published by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, which has provided charts listing signs and symptoms that could indicate potential sleep apnea.
“The effectiveness of the new policy will depend on how AMEs implement it,” said Rob Hackman, AOPA vice president of regulatory affairs. “We invite AOPA members to let us know about their experiences under the new policy.”
For more information: www.aopa.org/sleep_apnea
AOPA Pilot Protection Services: Aggravating questions
What you need to know about 18(v) on FAA 8500-8
By Dr. Warren Silbermann
The 8500-8 is thE FAA’s medical history and physical examination form. Question 18(v) has caused airmen more aggravation than most other questions on the FAA medical history. This is the question that asks for a yes or no response if the airman has a history of arrests, convictions, or administrative actions involving driving while intoxicated by, or while under the influence of, alcohol or a drug. An improper response to this question results in the number one enforcement action in the FAA legal realm.
An airman must notify AMC-700, the FAA’s Security Division in Oklahoma City, within 60 days of a conviction, suspension, or administrative action regarding driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, according to 14 CFR 61.15(e). In these cases, airmen also must check yes to question 18(v) when they complete their next online medical application.
Be sure to read the small print above the final signature block on the medical history side (item 20). By signing the form with your email address, you are verifying that everything you have indicated on the form is true and correct, and you are granting the FAA permission for a single search of the National Driver Registry.
When the medical application is processed at the FAA and there is a report of a DUI on the application, the file is matched against the 61.15 security database. If this shows that the FAA Security Division was not notified within the 60-day time period, the FAA will take action against all of the pilot’s certificates. Pilots who have been arrested and undergone a field sobriety test, along with a breathalyzer request, should obey both requirements. Pilots should not refuse to submit to breathalyzer testing if they are arrested for suspicion of DUI, because the FAA looks at a refusal as equivalent to a DUI.
If the blood alcohol level was 0.15 percent or above, the AME must defer issuance of the medical certificate and the airman will be asked to provide a substance abuse evaluation. If the evaluator determines that the airman does not have a substance dependence or abuse problem, the FAA will clear the airman and issue the medical certificate. If the evaluation suggests other problems, additional evaluation will be needed before the FAA can determine the airman’s eligibility for certification.
The FAA maintains a database, and it knows exactly how many events an airman has had. The more substance-related legal actions, the more involved the evaluation.
Dr. Warren O. Silberman is the former manager of FAA Aerospace Medical Certification and a doctor of osteopathic medicine. A pilot since 1986, he is recognized nationally as an expert in aerospace/preventive medicine, and is a regular writer for AOPA’s Pilot Protection Services.
To learn more about AOPA Pilot Protection Services, visit the website (www.aopa.org/pps).
Insurance Services
AOPA member loves his aircraft
When it came time to insure his 1976 Cessna 150 and 1965 Piper Comanche 260, Bob Bagwell, an AOPA member for 20 years, says, “I chose AOPA Insurance because AOPA is the largest and best group of pilot representatives who are working to keep my flying rights protected and promoted. Their rates are also very competitive. They were very upfront and timely in responses and were kind to me over the phone. I would strongly encourage other pilots to give them a fair shake and help support AOPA.”
Whether you fly low and slow aircraft or a faster, more complex airplane, AOPA Insurance has the right policy for you. For more information or a quick quote on aircraft insurance, talk to AOPA Insurance. To learn more or to apply for a policy, visit the website or call 800-622-2672. Don’t forget: You may qualify for a 5-percent discount just for being an AOPA member.
AOPA Foundation
Together we can make a difference. Join fellow philanthropists who have funded AOPA Foundation initiatives this year.
Air Safety Institute: ASI rekindles spirit of fun, learning, and flying
Safety seminars planned at aviation-themed destinations
The AOPA Air Safety Institute is well known for its innovative brand of online and in-person aviation safety education—from award-winning safety courses and videos to quizzes, publications, and seminars. Chances are, at one time or another you’ve engaged with one or more ASI programs and connected with other pilots to learn new techniques and pick up insights on being a better and safer pilot.
How would you like to renew that bond and feed your flying passion? ASI has you covered. During 2015, it will bring the aviation community together with captivating aviation safety seminars at exciting new locations, whenever the opportunity arises.
To kick off this initiative, the institute recently presented its current seminar, After the Crash: Surviving an Aircraft Accident, at Sporty’s Pilot Shop at the Clermont County Airport in Batavia, Ohio. In addition to airport and FBO sites, the institute is planning venues in towns near aviation-themed settings. The Air Safety Institute also is teaming up with aviation colleges; with schools, such as the Central Florida Aerospace Academy at Lakeland Linder Regional Airport in Florida; and with aviation organizations—from Experimental Aircraft Association chapters to Civil Air Patrol squadrons—to secure seminar opportunities at their locations.
These are excellent opportunities to compare notes with seminar leaders and flight instructors, network with other pilots, and make new friends along the way. No registration required: Just fly in to a great experience and connect with fellow aviation enthusiasts.
Check the seminar calendar frequently for updates, as new locations and dates are added throughout the year.
After the Crash: Surviving an Aircraft Accident has been drawing crowds of pilots eager to learn more about preparedness after a forced landing. The free seminar runs through May. Watch the short video and visit the website for dates and locations near you.
Making safe decisions
As safety-minded pilots we need to make conservative decisions for the best chance of a positive outcome. In Accident Case Study: Emergency Management, the Air Safety Institute shares lessons drawn from a pilot’s unfortunate decisions following a vacuum pump failure in instrument meteorological conditions while on approach to Fayetteville, North Carolina.
Using ATC audio and radar data, ASI reconstructed the flight’s events and discusses the regrettable chain of mistakes, miscommunications, and missed opportunities that eventually led to the pilot’s spatial disorientation. Watch the video and take this opportunity to boost your awareness of critical and proper decision making in an emergency.
For flight instructors: eFIRC
If you’re a flight instructor or aspiring to become one, you’ll love AOPA’s popular electronic Flight Instructor Refresher Course (eFIRC). Why? You can now fulfill your currency requirement by choosing from among 13 electives, including new seaplane and helicopter elements.
Several electives are built on existing ASI courses, such as Teaching VFR into IMC Avoidance, Aging Aircraft, Mountain Flying, IFR Insights: Cockpit Weather, and Public Benefit Flying: Balancing Safety and Compassion. If you have completed any of these courses within your two-year renewal window, you’ll receive instant credit in the eFIRC, so you already may have completed portions of the refresher course before even enrolling.
“eFIRC is the only course that allows certificated flight instructors to begin their refresher program a full two years before their renewal date, when it fits their schedule,” explains Kristine Hartzell, ASI’s chief flight instructor. “They can take eFIRC on a laptop or mobile device—a great, innovative way to stay current as an instructor. We’re really excited about offering the seaplane and helicopter electives for the first time. These and other electives allow CFIs to expand into the kind of flying that most interests them, and that best serves the needs of their students.”
The renewal is fully online, so there’s no need to visit a notary or mail in paperwork at the end of the course. eFIRC is available to all instructors.
Aviation Finance: What airplane is right for you?
Big decision for aircraft buyers
Buying an aircraft is a huge decision for most pilots, but the same rule applies as for any other purchase you make: Buy what you need first, not necessarily what you want.
Start with your logbook and look back at the kind of flying you have done over the past 12 months. Is this flying likely to change much in the next few years? The answer to that question may be yes if you are moving, earning your instrument rating, or a family member is joining you in the purchase. If it’s just you, the type of flying you do may stay the same. Keep your set budget in mind and plan to spend that budget based on the pilot you are—and not the pilot you want to be.
If you are a current airplane owner looking to make a change, make a list of the things you don’t like about your current airplane that you want to have in your next. That might be air conditioning, for example. If your family is growing and that skinny little eight-year-old son is now a teenager, you are definitely going to need more room. Maybe as you age, the ease of getting in and out of your airplane becomes a consideration. Determine how many of your wants are must-haves. Air conditioning may be nice, but your six-foot, two-inch son no longer fits in the back seat. One is a want and one is a must-have.
Every aircraft purchase is a bit of a compromise. As you narrow down your search to two or three possibilities, talk to other pilots who are flying those models. Ask for a realistic appraisal. This is the time for research. Study the ads, talk to brokers, talk to other owners—all will help you reach a decision.
Contact AOPA Aviation Finance to see what type of loan is available for your financial profile and aircraft selection. Is there a match? The goal of AOPA Aviation Finance is to make it easy for AOPA members to finance their airplanes. The experienced team of aviation-savvy loan experts is ready to discuss your unique situation.
