AOPA Action

FAA Finalizes Part 67 Revisions, Responds to AOPA and Pilot Input

AOPA has commended the Federal Aviation Administration's final rule revising FAR Part 67 pilot medical certification regulations. The new rules, published in the Federal Register on March 19, will take effect on September 16.

"This time, the FAA listened to pilots," said AOPA President Phil Boyer. "The FAA withdrew the five most Draconian proposals that would have increased the cost of flying and forced many qualified pilots out of the cockpit."

Responding to a series of AOPA petitions, the FAA also extended the duration of a third class medical certificate to three years for pilots under 40.

Boyer said that the new medical standards are a step forward because the FAA responded to pilot concerns. "The FAA paid attention to the more than 5,000 comments filed by pilots and by aviation and medical groups," said Boyer. "Throughout the final rule document, the FAA cites those individual comments as reasons for withdrawing objectionable proposals."

Boyer said that the five most objectionable proposals withdrawn were:

1. Annual physical for pilots age 70 and older. The FAA dropped proposed annual third class physicals for pilots age 70 and older and created a two-tiered system centered on age 40. For pilots age 40 and older, a third class medical will remain valid for two years. But the duration of third class certificates for pilots younger than 40, will be three years.
2. Second class ECG. The FAA withdrew a proposed requirement for a resting electrocardiogram (ECG) annually for pilots over age 40 applying for a second class medical certificate. The FAA agreed with AOPA's analysis that ECG testing wouldn't significantly increase the chances of detecting heart conditions leading to in-flight incapacitation.
3. Cholesterol testing. Citing AOPA arguments, the FAA abandoned its proposal for cholesterol tests for first class applicants over age 50. That test would have added up to $100 to the cost of each first class exam.
4. Blood pressure standards. The FAA withdrew a proposed 150/95 blood pressure standard for all medical classes. In addition, the agency dropped the blood pressure standards currently specified for a first class medical. Responding to comments from the medical community, the FAA said that a specific blood pressure standard was unnecessary. The agency said that each pilot's medical condition and treatment will continue to be evaluated on an individual basis.
5. The "catchall" phrase. The Trojan Horse hidden within the FAA's proposal was a catchall phrase that gave the FAA unrestricted authority to disqualify any medical condition. Proposed changes each contained the statement that standards "include, but are not limited to" those listed. AOPA objected strongly, saying that the language was not constitutional. The FAA withdrew the catchall phrase.

"Those five proposals would have done great damage to our efforts to revitalize general aviation," said Boyer. "But because of the tremendous input from the aviation community, the FAA was forced to abandon these onerous rules."

For an analysis of the the new Part 67 medical certification rules, see "Jogging to a Different Medical Standard," p. 93.

An AOPA summary of the rulemaking is available on AOPA Online on CompuServe (Library: Medical Matters; filename: PART 67_1.txt).

AOPA and Gama Announce GA Team 2000 Effort to Revitalize GA

AOPA and the General Aviation Manufacturers Association have initiated the formation of a national industry-wide partnership to increase public awareness and knowledge about general aviation flying.

In a joint announcement at the 1996 FAA General Aviation Forecast Conference, AOPA and GAMA invited all general aviation businesses, associations, and organizations to join in a new industry effort for industry recovery through more student pilot starts.

"The industry must come together in a new and innovative effort, capitalizing on this unique moment following liability reform and the increasing production of light aircraft," said GAMA President Ed Stimpson.

"General aviation's future depends on returning to at least 100,000 student starts a year," commented AOPA President Phil Boyer. "Renewing the pipeline of new pilots is the keystone on which all other industry revitalization needs will depend."

Differing from previous efforts, GA Team 2000 will design programs targeted according to research completed by GAMA's Piston Engine Aircraft Revitalization Committee (PEARC) in 1995 and by earlier AOPA strategic planning.

Preparatory activities in 1996 will be conducted by the founding members of GA Team 2000 recruited this spring from among industry manufacturers, associations, aviation businesses, publishers, flight schools, and FBOs.

Programs will be launched early in 1997 to rekindle the public's interest in flying. GA Team 2000 will encourage the coordination of both existing and new manufacturer and association programs in an industry-wide promotional effort. To maintain cost efficiency, efforts will be focused on a highly targeted group of more than one million individuals identified by research as being the industry's best prospects.

Marketing and awareness programs will differ from past efforts in a number of ways. GA Team 2000 will focus on a precisely targeted portion of the American public. Communications will be efficient and highly targeted. GA Team 2000 will encourage unique and independent efforts by others while encouraging cooperation among the marketing and promotional programs of all industry stakeholders.

Additional GA Team 2000 projects are expected to address the flight training infrastructure, including facilities, local marketing, and customer service issues.

Staff and facilities during 1996 will be donated by AOPA and GAMA.

Did You Know ...

...that the expert guidance of AOPA Online's newest section leader, Richard Bagby, is helping to resolve pilots' confusion over aviation weather? Bagby, a former U.S. Air Force weather officer, is an associate professor at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. He developed a course of study in aviation weather and teaches five different weather courses. His meteorological guidance is available in message section 16, "Aviation Weather," AOPA Online on CompuServe.

AOPA Legislative Action Opposes User USER Fees, Lists Funding Priorities for 1997

AOPA Legislative Action has told the House Appropriations transportation subcommittee that it is opposed to replacing the current aviation excise tax system with new user fees.

"We are not persuaded that the FAA is facing a funding crisis, nor do we believe user fees are needed," said Phil Boyer, speaking for AOPA Legislative Action. "And user fees would eliminate Congress's ability to oversee FAA spending; oversight that is clearly needed."

Boyer said that the FAA may face funding problems in the future and told the subcommittee that AOPA was developing a new funding concept called Linked Financing. That concept would retain excise taxes, rather than user fees, as the mechanism for generating funds for the air transportation system. "But unlike the present system with absolute budget caps," said Boyer, "linked financing would permit additional revenues collected through excise taxes to be spent on the air transportation system without hitting legislative caps that reduce the budget for other transportation modes or discretionary programs."

Boyer said the linked financing concept would maintain a sound and workable collection mechanism for FAA revenue, allow Congress to increase resources for the air transportation system, and preserve congressional FAA oversight.

Boyer also told subcommittee members that funding priorities for the FAA's 1997 budget should include:

• Continued operation of primary en route radar;
• Faster progress toward practical application of GPS technology;
• Continued operation of loran through 2010; and
• Refocusing the Airport Improvement Program toward smaller non-hub and general aviation airports (see following story).

Boyer pledged AOPA Legislative Action's assistance in finding new and innovative ways to fund the FAA. "We are always willing to provide our input on ways to end outdated, outmoded, or inefficient FAA programs, or to find more cost- effective ways of providing FAA services," said Boyer. "This cooperative process breeds success."

As an example, Boyer cited AOPA's consultation with the FAA on plans to consolidate 14 of 16 auxiliary flight service stations in the lower 48 states. "This was a difficult issue for us because AOPA was the principal advocate of auxiliary flight service stations in 1990," said Boyer. "But working with the FAA and seeing the advancements of DUATS and other improvements in the automated flight service stations, we were able to find ways to consolidate these flight service stations while maintaining equal or better service to pilots. And the FAA will realize an estimated $24 million savings through 2002.

"We understand today's difficult budget climate, and we recognize that it will be necessary to examine new ways of doing business," Boyer concluded. "Our linked financing concept and our consultation with the FAA demonstrate general aviation's commitment to the efficient operation of the world's best air transportation system."

Refocus Smaller AIP Program on GA Airports, Says AOPA Legislative Action

AOPA Legislative Action has told the House Transportation aviation subcommittee that a refocused Airport Improvement Program (AIP) could meet the nation's needs with as little as $1 billion annually. AIP provides grants for airport infrastructure improvements such as runways and navigation aids. Congress appropriated $1.45 billion in AIP funding in fiscal year 1996.

Boyer said that while AIP funding levels had declined steadily since 1992, primary airports were receiving an increasingly larger proportion of AIP grants. Primary airports, which serve commercial airlines, now receive three-quarters of total AIP funding, contrasted to less than a third of total funds in the 1980s.

"Primary airport funding is coming at the expense of the smaller non-hub and general aviation airports," Boyer told the subcommittee. "The majority of the nation's communities depend on these airports as their link to the air transportation system. But these airports usually don't have access to capital improvement funds (passenger facility charges and bond issues) available to primary airports."

He also urged the FAA to crack down on airport revenue diversion for inappropriate uses. Boyer said one of the most flagrant examples of revenue diversion was occurring in Los Angeles. AOPA has filed a formal complaint with the FAA.

Boyer also told the subcommittee that the nation's airports were facing threats greater than lack of funds. He mentioned specifically Meigs Field, which the city of Chicago wants to replace with a park.

"We are losing public-use airports at the rate of about one a week," Boyer said. "It's not just money. Our airports are threatened by politics, urban encroachment, ill- considered local zoning actions, and burdensome environmental regulations. Congress and the FAA need to find ways to help airport owners deflect those threats."

South Carolina Fuel Tax Will Now Go To Aviation Fund

South Carolina pilots can thank South Carolina State Representative Woody McKay (Independent) for convincing his colleagues that a longstanding law establishing (and paying for) a state aviation fund should finally be enforced. AOPA and McKay believed that the South Carolina Code mandates funding of the aviation fund through the existing five-percent tax on aviation fuel sales. This tax, originally imposed in 1962, exempted aviation fuel from the regular highway fuel sales tax and dedicated sales tax revenues from avgas and jet fuel to the aviation fund. However, while the tax has been collected since that time, it had always been deposited in the state general fund and used primarily for education.

McKay's efforts have resulted in the South Carolina revenue department's creating the aviation fund and beginning to deposit all state aviation fuel sales tax revenues into it. The tax would have provided an additional $1,039,000 in airport funding to the South Carolina Commerce Department's Aeronautics Division if it had been in place in 1995.

Prior to his non-legislative victory, McKay had drafted a bill to create a separate fund into which the sales tax revenues would be placed. State Representative Bob Walker (R) and senators Phil Leventis (D) and John Russell (R), all South Carolina legislators who are AOPA members, were ready to support the bill, had this been necessary. Because McKay was able to produce the same result without legislation, South Carolina now enjoys a significant new airport funding source.

Air National Guard Withdraws MOA Proposal for Northeast

The Air National Guard has withdrawn a proposal that would have created new and expanded military operations areas over five northeastern states. AOPA had opposed most of the proposal.

"We're pleased that the National Guard has withdrawn this request for airspace that it now doesn't need," said Melissa K. Bailey, AOPA director of airspace and system standards. "And we compliment the military for working closely with all of the affected airspace users."

Bailey said that as a result of lessons learned from the Northeast and other airspace proposals, the National Guard created a planning and management system for the entire United States. That system created ad hoc regional airspace committees to provide an opportunity for users to give input to future military airspace proposals. AOPA participates on those committees.

In 1993, the National Guard submitted a proposal to the FAA to expand special use airspace over the Northeast. The military had planned that two Air National Guard groups would replace their A-10 attack aircraft with F-16 fighters. The Guard said the higher-performance fighters would need more airspace for flight training. The Guard proposal would have created or expanded military operations areas and military training routes over Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, New Hampshire, and Maine.

The military areas would have severely affected general aviation. For example, the proposed expansion would have left one-third of Maine covered by military airspace. However, the Guard has reviewed proposed mission changes and concluded it does not now need additional special use airspace.

AOPA General Counsel John Yodice To Host Alaska Cruise

Members can join AOPA's general counsel, John Yodice, on a 10-day Alaska Bush Aviation Theme Cruise this August by booking now through the AOPA Travelers Club. Book by May 13 for a free $50-per-person shipboard credit on this adventure with the man who helped to defend Bob Hoover's right to fly.

Optional activities will include a floatplane flight from Juneau to Taku Lodge, helicopter trips to glaciers, and fjord and ice cap sightseeing by air.

The excursion leaves Vancouver, British Columbia, on August 11 aboard Royal Caribbean's Song of Norway cruising to Victoria, British Columbia, and then to Sitka, Hubbard Glacier, Haines, Skagway, Juneau, Tracy Arm, Wrangell, Misty Fjords, and Ketchikan, Alaska.

On-board seminars and a tour of the bridge are also scheduled. Following the cruise, participants can obtain a seaplane rating in Vancouver or take an AOPA Air Safety Foundation Pinch-Hitter course.

Cruise prices start at $1,549 per person, a discount for AOPA members from the regular $2,349. Prices do not include air transportation, port charges, or taxes. For more details, call the AOPA Travelers Club at 800/888-AOPA (2672).

1996 Fly-In to AOPA HQ Themed 'Sharing the Experience of Flying'

In tune with AOPA Project Pilot and new industry efforts to revitalize general aviation, the Sixth Annual Fly-In to AOPA Headquarters on June 15 will be dedicated to "Sharing the Experience of Flying."

"Bring your family or a non-flying friend," said AOPA President Phil Boyer. "Project Pilot mentors and CFIs, bring your students. The AOPA Fly-In could be the spark that ignites the fire of a new pilot."

Each year the AOPA Fly-In has grown larger, featuring more exhibitors, aircraft, and seminars. Last year's record-setting event drew more than 500 aircraft and 5,000 aviation enthusiasts to Frederick, Maryland, northwest of Washington, D.C.

"It's the one day each year AOPA headquarters is open on a weekend so that members and non-members alike can visit the world's largest and most successful aviation association," Boyer said.

Activities include headquarters tours, Air Safety Foundation seminars on learning to fly and the instrument rating, and new aircraft static displays. More than 50 vendors will offer aviation merchandise.

An FAA temporary tower will be in effect. See next month's "AOPA Action" for details and fly-in procedures.

Did You Know ...

...that the AOPA Air Power Loan program has once again lowered its interest rates, making buying and owning an airplane more affordable? For more information on how to get the most airplane for your money, call the AOPA Air Power Loan Hotline at 800/62-PLANE (800/627-5263).

Avis Offers New Services to Support AOPA Member Travel Needs

Avis is offering a number of new services that should be useful to AOPA members, whether their travel is by personal aircraft or airline. The company has teamed with Official Airline Guides (OAG) to provide Avis airport location customers with immediate information and printouts of specific flight departure time and gate numbers for many airlines. With OAG you can even find out the next three available flights to your destination, including any stops or connections. The service will be available through the carside Avis Roving Rapid Return service as well as at the Avis rental counter.

The company has also introduced WeatherFax, a detailed five-day weather forecast for specific geographic regions. The report is faxed daily by the National Weather Service to 34 Avis airport and downtown locations and is displayed at various Avis rental counters for customers to take at their convenience. The one-page printed forecast includes a report for that day, that night, the next day, and a three- day extended forecast. Anticipated possible flight delay information is included.

GPS is the heart of the Avis Satellite Guidance system now available in several cities. The system includes an in-car computer designed to help you pinpoint your destination and determine how to get there. Easy-to-use moving maps highlight your planned route with turn-by-turn directions. A voice prompt alerts you to upcoming turns.

Avis is an AOPA Certified rental car provider, along with Alamo and Hertz. Every time you rent from these AOPA Certified providers, a portion of your transaction is contributed to help keep dues low and AOPA strong.

For information on these new services or for reservations, call Avis toll-free at 800/331-1212; remember to use your AOPA/Avis Worldwide Discount number: A451300.

ASF Announces New Giving Program; Signs First Lifetime Donor

Aviation pioneer Tom Davis, founder of Piedmont Airlines and longtime AOPA member, has become the first lifetime member of the Hat-in-the-Ring Society through a commitment of $25,000 to the nonprofit AOPA Air Safety Foundation.

"Mr. Davis' pioneering and generous contribution is a cornerstone upon which others can build," said Bruce Landsberg, ASF executive director. "Through such gifts, our endowment fund will ensure a permanent base of financial support for the Air Safety Foundation."

Davis, now retired as chairman of Piedmont Aviation, Inc., has been an active pilot for more than 60 years. The Taylor E-2 Cub he restored and flies today is the same one he soloed on January 29, 1935. He remains active in aviation and is a director emeritus of USAir, Inc., having joined its board following Piedmont's merger with USAir in 1987.

ASF depends on donations from individual pilots and grants from major sponsors to fund its air safety work. It is the largest private nonprofit organization in the United States dedicated to continuing pilot education and safety research and training.

ASF rewards donors of $1,000 or more annually with Hat-in-the-Ring Society membership. Named after Eddie Rickenbacker's famed squadron of volunteers who "tossed their hats in the ring" to fight in World War I, the foundation's society honors those who stand up for a strong personal commitment to aviation safety.

"Mr. Davis was a founding member of ASF's Hat-in-the-Ring Society and the ASF Board of Visitors," said Landsberg. "And once again, he has thrown his hat into the ring for a cause he holds dear — aviation safety and continuing pilot education."

AOPA Online has scheduled the following conferences for May:

• May 7: Alan Klapmeier, Cirrus Design Corporation; "The Future of General Aviation, As I See It"
• May 14: Gary Crump, AOPA medical director, "What the New Medical Rules Mean to You"
• May 21: Dave Sclair, president of Living With Your Plane Association, "Living in a Fly-In Community: It's (Almost) Heaven"
• May 28: Kit Darby, Air Inc., "Are Aviation Careers Really Looking Up? (Yes!)"

All conferences take place in Conference Room 1 of the AOPA Forum on CompuServe and run from 9 to 10 p.m. Eastern time.

ASF Silent Auction List Grows

Thanks to the generosity of donors, the AOPA Air Safety Foundation has added several new items to its Silent Auction Online and will continue to do so on a regular basis in weeks to come.

Among the new auction items are a wide selection of avionics products, a cruise to Central/South America, a choice of FlightSafety International training courses, and several items that will appeal especially to Piper owners. Be sure to check the ASF Silent Auction area on AOPA Online regularly, because new items will be added frequently.

Members without access to AOPA Online may obtain a current list of auction items and the auction rules by writing to the AOPA Air Safety Foundation.