AOPA Action

AOPA Asks Members to Comment on Revision of Airmen Medical Standards

AOPA is asking members to write the FAA, opposing changes to airmen medical certification standards, and to do so well ahead of the February 21, deadline for comments.

"Bob Hoover should not only be a role model for his aerobatic prowess, but a symbol of what can happen when the FAA moves from routine aviation medicals to becoming a pilot's family physician or specialist," said AOPA President Phil Boyer.

The FAA's 162-page notice of proposed rulemaking on medical standards was released recently without consideration by ARAC, the industry-government regulatory advisory committee.

AOPA said specifications for "personality disorders, neurosis and other mental conditions" remain far too general under the proposed revision. "As we have all feared, perhaps Bob Hoover's plight is just the beginning of broad interpretations by the FAA in this arena," Boyer said.

AOPA criticized NPRM elements that add new medical criteria despite the FAA's pledge to reduce economic and regulatory burdens on the industry.

The NPRM proposes to reduce blood pressure maximums from the current 170/100 (recumbent) to 155/95 (seated), forcing many with borderline hypertension to undertake expensive drug therapies and cardiovascular workups to qualify for a medical certificate.

Applicants for second-class medicals, including most of the nation's flight instructors, would be required to undergo electrocardiograms every two years. Currently, that standard exists only for airmen holding first-class medical certificates.

The FAA's former standard relating to "convulsive disorder" would change to include "seizure disorder" and would make a single seizure event disqualifying or subject to a special-issuance medical.

In addition, AOPA expressed disappointment that the NPRM does not recognize modern medical technology in cardiological areas such as heart valve replacement and pacemakers.

AOPA praised some of the NPRM's proposals, however, including changes to color vision standards. While maintaining that standards are still vague, AOPA noted that red/green perception is seldom important to pilots, especially since tower light gun signals are now rarely used.

AOPA also praised proposed "conversational voice" hearing tests, using both ears. The tests would be faster and more realistic than machine testing or individual ear "whispered voice" tests.

Possible certification of diabetics whose conditions are under good control with insulin has had longstanding AOPA support. The FAA currently allows such certification for air traffic controllers.

The AOPA Medical Advisory Panel met on December 3, 1994, and developed recommended positions on the FAA proposal. In addition to a review of current medical practices, the physicians also considered accident data and trends in the examination and testing field. AOPA will submit a Freedom of Information Act request to FAA to conduct a more detailed analysis of the government's proposal. The association also will be providing statements at the public hearings scheduled this month.

Pilots are encouraged to submit comments on the cost and complexity of FAA medical certification, especially in regard to unburdening third-class medical holders over 70, who would be limited to one-year third-class medicals (see "AOPA Action," December 1994 _Pilot_). To comment, write: FAA, Docket No. 27940, Notice #94-31, 800 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20591.

Public  Meetings

Participate in the medical certification rule-making process by attending these public meetings:

• January 20, FAA Headquarters, Washington, D.C.
• January 25, Radisson Airport, Orlando, Florida
• January 31, Marriott Courtyard, Renton, Washington

Registration will begin at 8:30 a.m. Hearings will be held from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

AOPA Calls for Elimination of Mode C Veil Under Much Class B Airspace

AOPA has asked the FAA to eliminate transponder altitude reporting requirements beneath Class B (former terminal control area) airspace surrounding the nation's major air traffic hubs.

The "Mode C Veil Rule" imposed in 1988 mandates Mode C altitude reporting capability on radar transponders within a 30-mile radius of the area's primary airport, even if below protective Class B airspace used by arriving and departing airport traffic. The association responded to an FAA notice of proposed rulemaking proposing a continued exemption for traffic operating to and from 300 airports beneath the outer five miles of Class B airspace. AOPA called for the rule's complete elimination, saying neither the exemption nor the requirement serves a valid safety purpose.

There have been no air carrier-general aviation collisions beneath the floor of Class B airspace, AOPA said. Much of outer Class B areas at extreme low altitudes is not even scanned by air traffic control radar, due to line-of-sight limitations.

AOPA said the rule "unnecessarily denies legitimate safe access to non-conflicting traffic in airspace at low altitudes..."

Alternatively, AOPA proposed elimination of the rule beneath the outer 25- to 30-mile ring of the Mode C veil, based on the perfect three- year safety record of the previous exemption.

Short of abolishing the Mode C veil, AOPA also called for a test Mode C exemption for airspace beneath the 15- to 25-mile radius from Class B primary airports.

When all 32 proposed Class B airspace areas are established around major metropolitan hub airports, some 1,191 suburban airports underlying these areas would be restricted by the Mode C requirement. These airports represent 24 percent of the nation's public-use airports.

Because air traffic control is required to route primary airport traffic through protective Class B Airspace, not beneath it, there has never been a collision between traffic in this special airspace and low- altitude traffic below it.

With radar coverage near the surface spotty at best beneath the outer rings of Class B airspace, a Mode C requirement based on controllers' ability to see developing traffic conflicts is also unlikely.

AOPA to Support FAA Efforts to Increase Airport Funding Levels

AOPA has pledged its support to efforts by FAA and others to restore funding levels for the Airport Improvement Program (AIP). FAA Administrator David R. Hinson first raised the airport capacity issue during a press conference in November.

Congress drastically cut the Fiscal Year 1995 AIP grants from the Airport and Airway Trust Fund despite the fact such funding is provided by user fees on aviation, not by the general taxpayer.

AOPA President Phil Boyer, in a letter to Hinson, cited special concern because "AIP funding doesn't go as far as it used to" with new costs and delays in airport improvement projects because of environmental concerns. Citing costs imposed by state and federal environmental regulations, he said compliance costs for a recent 1,600-foot runway extension at San Diego's Montgomery Field airport added $800,000 to the project's $1.5 million construction budget. He predicted environmental mitigation measures would be even more costly in the future, thus calling for more, not less, AIP support of the national aviation infrastructure.

Funding earmarked for the Reliever Airport program was cut in half, to five percent of total AIP grants this year.

Boyer speculated that Congress had treated the Passenger Facility Charge (PFC) as the "funding mechanism of choice." He countered that PFC funds mostly benefit large airports served by air carriers.

AOPA also cited the capacity potential of military bases but said base conversions "crawl along" and the process is not robustly funded, especially in light of high environmental and clean-up costs.

Boyer gave FAA his personal pledge to work with the agency to stop future reduction of airport funding. "If we are to increase capacity and reduce delays within the national transportation system, we must seek creative methods to demonstrate to Congress the need for additional funding," he told Hinson. "You have my personal commitment to garner whatever support is necessary to gain this additional funding."

FAA Seeks Comments on Recurrent and Transition Training

The FAA has issued a request for public comments to identify acceptable transition and recurrent flight training standards for pilots not engaged in commercial operations. The notice asks commenters to provide subjects and standards for flight training that may be incorporated into one or more new or revised advisory circulars (ACs). AOPA is preparing comments and urges members to submit suggestions to the FAA based on their own operational experiences.

On the subject of transition training, the FAA is seeking information on whether a pilot should receive training for some or all transitions, from basic training aircraft to faster and more complicated aircraft; and, if so, what that training should be.

The agency is convinced that recurrent training can be very effective in reducing accidents and incidents and is therefore requesting that the aviation community identify subjects and standards for recurrent training and to recommend whether changes should be made to the content of current ACs, particularly the AC 61 series.

The FAA is especially seeking comments from flight instructors, manufacturers, industry groups, aircraft-specific type clubs and societies, and insurance underwriters.

Submit comments in triplicate on or before January 19 to: FAA, Office of the Chief Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket (AGC-10), Docket No. 27905, 800 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20591.

INTERNATIONAL ACTION

AOPA Now Offers Bulletins for Members Planning International Flights

AOPA is now compiling International Flight Bulletins on Customs problems, unusual airport charges, unexpectedly high fuel prices, and other difficulties pilots find in international operations. AOPA members may request the latest bulletin containing pilot reports from recent international operations by AOPA members. Although reports range from poor runway conditions to ill treatment by Customs officials, most involve unexpected costs.

The new International Flight Bulletins are available now for Canada, Mexico, and the Bahamas. Bulletins for other countries in Central and South America and for trans-Atlantic crossings are expected early this year.

AOPA International Flight Bulletins are available free of charge to AOPA members.

The bulletins will also be included in AOPA's comprehensive International Flight Advice Packages, for which AOPA members pay an $8 to $11 fee for printing, shipping, and handling. For more information, call AOPA Flight Operations at 800/USA-AOPA (800/872-2672).

REGIONAL ACTION

Airport Curfew Would Violate Federal Law, AOPA Warns Ohio County

AOPA has warned the Cuyahoga County (Ohio) Board of Commissioners that plans to establish a nighttime curfew at Cuyahoga County Airport, a key Cleveland reliever, could end up in federal court. "Local regulation of aircraft noise and restrictions on airport access due to aircraft noise concerns is preempted by the federal government," AOPA pointed out in a letter to County Commission President Timothy F. Hagen.

An 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. curfew has been proposed by the Cleveland suburbs of Richmond Heights, Lyndhurst, South Euclid, and Willoughby Hills, which made the request to the county commission.

AOPA cited aviation's recent U.S. Court of Appeals win in the Tinicum Township case involving federal preemption of a locally imposed noise ordinance affecting the rural, privately owned Van Sant Airport in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. AOPA noted that Cuyahoga County Airport is a publicly owned facility that has received and continues to receive federal funding. AOPA said the county risks an FAA finding of non-compliance with federal grant assurances.

AOPA suggested that alternative solutions be explored and provided the county a copy of FAA Advisory Circular 150/5020-1, "Noise Control and Compatibility Planning for Airports."

AOPA Asks for Reconsideration of Zoning That Threatens Tennessee Airport

AOPA has asked Mayor Donald Trotter of Clarksville, Tennessee, to help reverse rezoning for a 2,600-unit apartment complex adjacent to the threshold of Outlaw Field airport's main 6,000-foot north-south runway.

Rezoning from general industrial to multi-family residential was approved by the Regional Planning Commission despite the objections of its own staff, the airport commission, the FAA, and U.S. Department of Transportation.

The mayor was reminded of the city's obligations in connection with 1989 federal Airport and Airway Trust Fund support of airport improvements. These require "appropriate action, including the adoption of zoning laws...to restrict use of land...in the vicinity of the airport to activities and purposes compatible with normal airport operations...."

Poor zoning decisions and inappropriate land use have threatened airports nationwide. More than 135 public use airports like Outlaw Field have been lost in the past five years alone. AOPA said anything less than full zoning protection for Clarksville's airport would undoubtedly lead to future anti-airport campaigns by apartment residents subject to airport noise.

SAFETY ACTION

New ASF Safety Review Covers Piper PA-28 Series

The AOPA Air Safety Foundation has released its newest Safety Review, which covers the Piper PA-28 Cherokee series and PA-28R Piper Arrow.

The review examined 1,164 Piper Cherokee accidents and 341 Piper Arrow accidents between 1982 and 1988. The fifth in a continuing series of type-specific safety reviews, the study uses information from ASF's database to describe accident trends and factors.

The fixed gear PA-28 was compared against Beech 19/23/24 Sport, Musketeer, and Sundowner models; the Cessna 172 and 182; and the Grumman AA-5. The PA-28R Arrow was compared to the Beech 24R Sierra, Cessna 172RG and 182RG, Rockwell 112 and 114, and the Mooney M20 series.

The study showed that:

• the fixed-gear PA-28 had a 10-percent higher involvement in serious accidents than comparable aircraft;
• fuel-management accidents in cruise flight were of particular concern for the fixed-gear PA-28;
• the PA-28R experienced significantly more IFR approach accidents than comparison retractables;
• the Arrow's automatic landing gear extension system, however, may be responsible for its involvement in only half as many gear-related accidents as comparable retractables.

Study results mirror overall safety issues involving accidents in IMC and at night. Of 174 PA-28R accidents in instrument conditions, 105 pilots had no instrument rating. Of 306 night accidents, two thirds of pilots lacked an instrument rating.

More than 18,000 fixed-gear PA-28 Cherokees have been built since the line was introduced in 1961. Some 4,000 PA-28R Arrows have been delivered since 1967. More than 21,000 of both types were still registered as of December 31, 1991.

The review includes illustrative accident reports plus transition and recurrent training syllabi specifically linked to PA-28 and PA-28R safety issues.

The study was funded by the M. J. Murdock Charitable Trust, the Ray Foundation, AOPA, and individual pilot donors.

The Piper Cherokee/Arrow Safety Review is available from ASF for $25.95, including shipping and handling. To order, call 800/638-3101.

ASF Distributes "NO TAILGATING" Poster With Tips on Avoiding Wake Turbulence

The AOPA Air Safety Foundation has distributed 5,623 safety posters to FBOs nationwide with tips on avoiding wake turbulence from larger aircraft. Titled "NO TAILGATING," the posters follow more than 30,000 reprints of AOPA Pilot's article on wake turbulence already distributed to pilots nationwide through both FAA and ASF safety seminars.

ASF recommends that pilots avoid flight behind or below large or heavy aircraft, and ask ATC for assistance in doing so, if needed. ASF said this strategy may require flying above the glide slope or VASI on airport approaches in visual conditions to remain above the flight path of preceding aircraft. On departure, pilots should request an immediate turn upwind to avoid climbing through the wake of departing large or heavy aircraft.

Aviation cartoonist Gary Steiner designed the poster as part of the continuing wake turbulence awareness campaign of ASF, whose motto is "Safe Pilots, Safe Skies."

To acquire a copy of the poster for your organization, send a self-addressed, stamped envelope (9 by 12-inch minimum, 52 cents postage) to ASF, attention: Robin Sharitz, 421 Aviation Way, Frederick, Maryland 21701.

MEMBERSHIP ACTION

Horelick Promoted to Senior Vice President, AOPA Products and Services

Andrew L. Horelick, who joined AOPA's staff last year to manage AOPA Products and Services, has been promoted to senior vice president — Products and Services.

During 1994, Horelick was a key player in the marketing of new aircraft hull and liability insurance through the AOPA Insurance Agency. Horelick also helped to negotiate a better deal for AOPA members on AOPA MasterCard and Visa credit cards, which now carry a lower interest rate and no annual fee.

Horelick will manage the annual AOPA Expo convention and trade shows, beginning with AOPA Expo '95 in Atlantic City, New Jersey, October 19 to 21.

Seaplane Pilots Name Californian Walter Windus "Pilot of the Year" at Clear Lake West Coast Splash-In

The Seaplane Pilots Association has named Walter Windus of Saratoga, California, as its Pilot of the Year.

SPA executive director Bob Richardson presented the award at the Annual West Coast Splash-In at Clear Lake in Lakeport, California.

Windus was honored for his sustained contributions to water flying and for his role in opening some 20 bodies of water to seaplane operations, including California's Folsom Lake.

He is SPA's field director for Arizona, California, Nevada, and Utah. An FAA accident prevention counselor and command pilot for the Coast Guard Auxiliary, Windus flies a Cessna 172 on floats, which is also used in the auxiliary's search and rescue missions.

Aviation Services Updates Publications Catalog

AOPA's Aviation Services Division has updated the following list of publications available to members. Charges apply to some publications to help defray printing, postage, and handling costs, but one-page summaries of these are available without cost. "AO" indicates that the publication is available for downloading from AOPA Online at no cost other than connect time.

• Foreign Pilot Certificate Validation, a briefing on how to get a U.S. FAA pilot certificate based on a foreign certificate. Free.
• A Pilot's Guide to Medical Certification, an overview of the FAA medical certification process and common questions. Free. AO.
• A Pilot's Guide to Renter's Insurance, for those pilots who want protection when renting aircraft. Free.
• Plane Sense, a reprint of an FAA publication giving procedures and pitfalls in buying an aircraft, especially used. Free.
• Sales and Use Tax, a valuable booklet that explains pertinent portions of the tax code. Free.
• A Pilot's Guide to Preventive Maintenance, a concise, illustrated guide for pilots who want to save money on aircraft maintenance while staying safe and legal. $5. AO.
• A Guide to Aircraft Co-ownership explains the pleasures and pitfalls of aircraft partnership, as opposed to an incorporated "flying club." $5. AO.
• An Overview of FAA Enforcement Actions, a true must read for all pilots. $5.
• An Income Tax Guide for Aircraft Owners and Pilots, for those interested in minimizing the bite of state and federal taxes. $5. AO.
• The Kitplane/Homebuilt Alternative, a guide to building and certifying amateur-built aircraft. $5.
• Tips on Buying Used Aircraft, truly valuable guidance since new aircraft are still rare. $5.
• A Pilot's Guide to Aircraft Insurance, primarily for aircraft owners who are interested in properly protecting themselves and their families. $5.
• A Pilot's Guide to Organizing and Operating a Flying Club. Freshly updated, this book features solid, practical advice for safe and efficient operation of a flying club. Recently cited by the NTSB as "valuable guidance." $5. Will be available on AOPA Online shortly.
• International flight information packets for the Bahamas, Canada, Alaska, and Mexico. These packets contain all the information, forms, booklets, and helpful advice pilots flying to these areas will ever need. $8. (Or $11 if two packets are combined — such as Canada and Alaska.) The core information from the Canada, Alaska, and Mexico packets is available on AOPA Online.

Call 800/USA-AOPA to order. MasterCard, Visa, or personal check accepted. Sorry, no invoicing.

Factoids

Mark your calendar. AOPA Fly-in: Saturday, June 17; AOPA headquarters, Frederick Municipal Airport, Maryland. AOPA Expo '95: October 19-21; Atlantic City Convention Center, Atlantic City, New Jersey.

While VA flight training benefits have been extended indefinitely, they have not been expanded to include older veterans as some AOPA members have been led to believe. "If you are eligible for VA educational benefits now under the Montgomery GI bill, you will probably be eligible for flight training benefits," said a VA spokesperson. For more information, call the VA at 800/827-1000.