'Hoover Bill' Introduced
The FAA's overuse of emergency authority to revoke pilot, airline, and repair station certificates will be curbed if a "Hoover bill" now in both the House and Senate is enacted.
Senate Bill 842 introduced by Sen. James Inhofe (R-OK), and House Resolution 1846 by Rep. Elton Gallegly (R-CA), would give pilots or other certificate holders 2 days to request an NTSB hearing if the FAA issues an emergency revocation order against them.
"We believe the FAA has been using this authority recklessly," said AOPA Legislative Action Vice President Bill Deere. "Since 1989, the percentage of emergency cases heard by the NTSB has more than quintupled."
The legislation is named for famed airshow performer Bob Hoover, who in 1996 won a 3-year battle with the FAA for his right to fly. The bill would give the NTSB a maximum of 7 days to decide if the emergency order is justified. If it is not, the certificate would be returned and the pilot could continue flying while the FAA pursues its revocation case in an expedited appeal process.
AOPA is the major force behind the proposed legislation.
Fuel Tax Extension Appears Likely
Bills to extend excise taxes on avgas and jet fuel for 10 years have been reported favorably by both Senate and House tax committees.
The House bill, written by Ways and Means Committee Chairman Bill Archer (R-TX), also dedicates to the aviation trust fund the 4.3 cents per gallon of the tax that now goes to general fund deficit reduction.
Both chambers of Congress must now pass their respective tax bills, with differences reconciled in a conference committee. If the bills are not passed by October 1, current aviation taxes would expire for the third time in 3 years.
AOPA continues to fight against scuttling tried-and-true fuel excise taxes for new user fees on aviation system users.
New Fees Turned Back With Help Of Domenici and Linder
AOPA Legislative Action has helped to defeat another attempted raid on your aviation pocketbook.
A proposed increase in the aircraft registration fee and new FAA pilot licensing fees were removed from the Fiscal Year 1998 budget resolution before it passed Congress on June 5, thanks to Senate Budget Committee Chairman Pete Domenici (R-NM) and Rep. John Linder (R-GA).
The proposal, developed by the Congressional Budget Office, would have raised the aircraft registration fee from $5 to $30 and added a $10- to $15-charge for pilot certificates.
Arguing against the new fees, AOPA Legislative Action asked budget committee members to realize that general aviation pilots already pay their fair share for FAA services through taxes on noncommercial aviation fuel — 15 cents per gallon on avgas and 17.5 cents on jet fuel. In addition, most states also collect state taxes on aviation fuel and already impose substantial registration fees and personal property taxes on aircraft owners.
"The Congressional Budget Office is incorrect when it asserts these proposed fees are comparable to automobile registration fees and operators licenses," Legislative Action President Phil Boyer told lawmakers. "Automobile drivers do not pay registration and license fees to both the state and federal government. What these proposals really amount to is double taxation on business and personal aviation."
A similar proposal was first made by the Clinton administration in 1993.
AOPA Reminds Industry: Parts Prices Plague Pilots
AOPA President Phil Boyer delivered a "voice of the consumer" speech to the Aviation Distributors and Manufacturers Association on June 3, telling them that the cost of flying is the number one issue for pilots, and "most aviation consumers believe your parts prices are too high."
In a May AOPA member survey, more than three-quarters of aircraft owners said aviation parts prices are not justified. Among probable culprits cited: excessive government regulation, small production runs, and manufacturer or distributor pricing.
A similar number believed nonapproved parts would serve them as well and as reliably as FAA-approved parts in noncritical aircraft applications. More than 67 percent would choose an overhauled part at a lower price instead of a costlier new part.
More than 62 percent of aircraft owners reported that they commonly perform their own routine maintenance.
ADMA, headquartered in Philadelphia, brings together representatives of major original engine and equipment manufacturers, parts and aftermarket suppliers, and their distributors and dealers.
AOPA Says New AD Policy Could Increase Cost Of Flying
The FAA is claiming that a full cost-benefit analysis of airworthiness directive compliance isn't necessary, a position that AOPA says is ludicrous.
In a recent AD on the Embraer EMB-120 turboprop, the FAA said that a complete cost-benefit analysis was "redundant and unnecessary" because the original cost-benefit level of safety when the aircraft was certificated was no longer being achieved.
"The FAA's circular logic ignores common sense and presidential directives," said AOPA President Phil Boyer. "Under this rationale, the FAA would never have to consider the failure rate versus the cost of compliance, or even show that its proposed AD would be the best way to solve the problem!"
Boyer reminded the FAA that a presidential order requires the agency to assess the impact of its regulations. Although that order exempts airworthiness directives from review by the Office of Management and Budget, AOPA argued that AD rulemaking should not be exempt from other provisions of the order, particularly the president's "Statement of Regulatory Philosophy and Principles."
Airworthiness directives can add 24 percent or more to the hourly cost of operating a single-engine aircraft. AOPA members surveyed said that they spent an average of $1,915 on AD compliance in the last 12 months.
"Pilots' number one concern is the cost of flying," said Boyer. "An area ripe for reducing costs is the AD program."
AOPA at Work in the States
AOPA Legislative Action continues to work for you at the state and local levels. Among current issues:
Arizona. Approved requirement for disclosure forms for home purchases near airports; measure helps to protect airports. On the downside, $45 million state aviation trust fund raided of $30 million for general fund.
California. Removed from S.B.45: integrated state funding for ground and aerial transportation (would have diluted effectiveness of GA funding). Failed: proposed aircraft exemption from personal property taxes in S.B.634.
Connecticut. Established a requirement for takeoff and landing records at unlicensed airports only in specific cases and limited to one year, sharply narrowing proposed legislation. AOPA also won a time limitation on the requirement and gained exemptions for agricultural or emergency medical operations and special events.
Minnesota. Defeated: ban on jets at Anoka airport; proposed restrictions on Metropolitan Airport Commission funding of airports.
New Hampshire. Defeated: measure restricting use of private landing strips.
New York. Opposed by AOPA: a measure to create a state transportation safety board; but the association supports creation of a dedicated aviation trust fund.
Oklahoma. Deferred but still alive: a measure to increase state funding for aviation.
South Carolina. Approved: an AOPA-supported measure establishing a $3 million capital improvement fund for general aviation airports.
Texas. Modified: A bill requiring licensing of out-of-state air ambulances, minimizing impact on GA.
Proposed New Texas Taxes Defeated
Proposed new state aviation taxes have been defeated in the Texas legislature. AOPA Legislative Action had opposed the taxes — including a new tax on aviation fuel of up to 10 cents per gallon — and had asked 22,000 Texas AOPA members to weigh in with state legislators as well.
"Fortunately, there was little public support for this overhaul of the Texas tax system," said AOPA President Phil Boyer, speaking for AOPA Legislative Action. "The tax plan would have had a huge negative impact on general aviation in Texas."
The $5.7 billion plan would have replaced revenue lost by reducing property taxes with new or increased sales and use taxes. Changes could have included new aviation fuel taxes, a state sales tax on commercial leases (including at airports), and the removal of the existing sales tax exemption for flight schools.
AOPA Oshkosh Booth in New Location
The AOPA booth at Oshkosh, July 30 to August 5, will be easier to find this year. The new location (Booths 821 to 823) is just to the left after entering the main gate, between exhibit buildings A and C.
The "Ultimate Arrow" will be the crown jewel of AOPA's display. The dazzling Arrow will be given away in early January as the grand prize in AOPA's 1997 sweepstakes. The completely refurbished 1978 Piper sports a state-of-the-art panel including new-generation AlliedSignal avionics coupled to an Arnav multifunction display, a new three-blade Hartzell propeller, a factory-remanufactured 200-hp Lycoming, and aerodynamic speed mods. Some 39 manufacturers and distributors have shared in the making of the Ultimate Arrow.
AOPA staff will be available at the booth to help with both membership and technical questions, and editors and photographers for AOPA Pilot will be on hand to explain how the world's most popular general aviation magazine is produced.
Those joining AOPA or renewing their membership at the show will be offered either the popular AOPA khaki baseball cap or a copy of AOPA's new publication, How To Cut Your Cost of Flying. Project Pilot Instructor marketing mentor and humorist Ralph Hood will join the AOPA booth staff from opening day through Sunday to help flight instructors.
AOPA Canadian National Representative Bill Peppler will explain AOPA's work in Canada, including the fight against user fees and the struggle to allow medical certification of diabetics in Canada. AOPA won that right for diabetics in the United States late last year.
AOPA products and services vendors will explain AOPA Certified programs, including aircraft financing, education assistance, the AOPA Insurance Agency, and AOPA Title and Escrow Service.
Along with special seminars and information programs, the AOPA Air Safety Foundation will have four PC-based aviation training devices in the booth. Come test your skills!
AOPA Expo To Showcase Rebirth of GA
A record 425-plus exhibits sprawling over 100,000 square feet are scheduled for AOPA Expo '97, which will be held from October 23 through 25 in Orlando, Florida. Headquarters will be the Marriott Orlando World Center.
In addition to a packed exhibit hall demonstrating the renewed vitality of general aviation, dozens of aviation seminars will be available on a "track" system. An impressive static display will be featured at Orlando Executive Airport.
Package plans include a variety of Expo events at a discount, but daily passes may be purchased on site.
For more information, call AOPA Expo at 800/942-4269.
Aircraft Insurance Demystified on the AOPA Web Site
If aircraft insurance has always been a mystery to you, check out the AOPA Insurance Agency pages on AOPA's Web site ( www.aopaia.com).
With 10 pages of easy-to-read explanations, the site clears a path for pilots through the aviation insurance jungle. Coverages discussed include those for owners, renters, and flight instructors.
A "News And Trends" section offers up-to-date articles from AOPA Pilot magazine. A five-page "Frequently Asked Questions" section answers some of the thorniest questions pilots encounter when considering insurance.
An application for insurance quotation is available at the site.
AOPA'S Prince, GAMA's Snyder Win Aviation Education Award
Janette M. Prince, AOPA manager of member relations, and Shelly R. Snyder, General Aviation Manufacturers Association director of communications, are joint recipients of the 1997 Dr. Mervin K. Strickler, Jr., Award for Aviation Education Leadership.
The award, sponsored by the National Coalition for Aviation Education (NCAE), recognizes individuals who have made lifetime personal commitments to aviation education. It is named for Dr. Mervin K. Strickler, Jr., who, after more than 50 years in the field, is considered the "father of aviation education."
Prince developed and manages AOPA's APPLE program — America's Pilots Participating in Local Education. APPLE encourages pilot volunteers to speak to classes and serve as aviation mentors to teachers. AOPA provides free materials, guidance, tips, and techniques.
1997 Water Flying Annual Now Available; Emphasizes Travel and Seaplane Fun
The Seaplane Pilots Association has issued its 1997 Water Flying Annual, offering an exciting glimpse into the world of seaplane flying.
Featuring spectacular color photography, the 64-page Annual explores a variety of "adventures" available to seaplane pilots, including advice on trips to Alaska and Canada. A low-altitude tour the length of the Mississippi River features unique photos from the wingtip-mounted camera of a float-equipped Piper Super Cruiser.
The Annual also offers a "Seaplane Training Directory" with listings for 63 flight schools in 21 states and three Canadian provinces. Included are addresses and telephone numbers, aircraft offered, and hourly rates for instruction. In addition, the Annual's "Seaplane Flight Instructor Directory" lists 38 seaplane CFIs, their ratings, experience level, and specialties. Included are nine seaplane-designated examiners.
The 1997 Water Flying Annual is available for $10 (plus $4 shipping and handling) from the Seaplane Pilots Association, 421 Aviation Way, Frederick, Maryland 21701. Visa and Mastercard are accepted. Call 301/695-2083 or fax 301/695-2375.
Those who join SPA (annual dues $36) receive the Annual automatically as a membership benefit.
Pilots Participate in Annual AOPA Fly-In
Some 4,000 people and 400 aircraft attended the Seventh Annual Fly-in to AOPA Headquarters on June 7 at the Frederick (Maryland) Municipal Airport.
The highlight for many pilots was a chance to drool over the "Ultimate Arrow," AOPA's 1997 Sweepstakes aircraft. "I'd trade my Baron for that," said one pilot.
While the Ultimate Arrow held center court in the AOPA static display, it was joined by an impressive selection of new aircraft from Cessna, Diamond, Mooney, Piper, Raytheon, and Zenith.
A full slate of education and safety seminars complemented 68 exhibitor booths. Pilots flew in from as far away as Florida, Maine, Indiana, and Missouri.
Pilot Craig Marshall, a veterinarian from London, Ohio, won AOPA's drawing for a $700 Garmin 90 handheld GPS receiver and said it was "almost as good" as winning the Ultimate Arrow.
AOPA is open every business day of the year for visits and tours, but the annual fly-in provides an opportunity once a year to see AOPA headquarters and meet association staff on a weekend.
Valentine Flies PC-ATD Approach
Acting FAA Administrator Barry Valentine tried an ILS approach on the AOPA Air Safety Foundation's PC-based aviation training device (ATD) while attending the AOPA Fly-in on June 7. ASF's longtime push for acceptance of PC-based training is expected to be rewarded this month with the FAA's issuance of Advisory Circular 61-126, which will permit up to 10 hours of initial instrument training time to be logged on approved PC-ATDs. Approval is expected to help lower the cost of instrument training.
Cessna 310, Piper Comanche Safety Reviews Issued
The Cessna 310 and the Piper Comanche and Twin Comanche are subjects of the latest type-specific safety reviews from the AOPA Air Safety Foundation.
The Cessna 310 review covers accidents from 1982 to 1992, pointing out that long landing gear and tip tanks can make the airplane more vulnerable to hard landings and side loads.
"Stepping up from a high-performance single, the neophyte 310 pilot finds himself dealing with nearly 600 horsepower, 2,000 pounds of additional gross weight, and a landing speed 20 to 30 knots faster," said ASF Executive Director Bruce Landsberg. "The ASF training outline in this review will be especially valuable for pilots moving up."
Of 262 Cessna 310 accidents studied, surprisingly, only 66 percent were attributed to pilot error, compared to more than 72 percent in similar aircraft including the Aero Commander, Piper Aztec and Aerostar, Beech Baron, and Cessna T303 Crusader. However, accidents caused by mechanical failures were higher.
For single-engine Comanches, the review found a total accident rate of 10.85 per 100,000 hours, compared with 6.22 for comparable airplanes. Accident rates in instrument weather, on instrument flight plans, or at night were much higher. Pilot error accidents included an unusually high rate of fuel exhaustion in cruise and gear-up landings. Mechanical problems centered on the engine, propeller, and fuel system.
The Twin Comanche total accident rate of 6.04 per 100,000 hours more closely paralleled those of comparable twins, with only night accident rates significantly higher than average. In both serious and minor accidents, pilot experience played a large role.
Twin Comanche takeoff accidents, often caused by improper fuel management, occurred 50 percent more often than in comparable aircraft. Landing gear problems accounted for 14.1 percent of pilot-related accidents, with more than half due to inadvertent retraction immediately after landing.
Both safety reviews include numerous NTSB summaries and selected reviews from AOPA Pilot, as well as a suggested pilot refresher outline based on that aircraft's accident history. Reviews draw on data in ASF's accident database, the largest such accident database in general aviation.
The reports join previous ASF reviews on the Piper Tomahawk, Beech Bonanza/Debonair, Beech Baron, Cessna 172, Cessna 182, Cessna 210/T210, Cessna P210, Mooney M20, Piper Cherokee Arrow, and Piper Malibu/Mirage. All ASF safety reviews are available from Sporty's Pilot Shop, 800/SPORTYS (800/776-7897) for $22.95 each.
Air Safety Foundation Announces Winners of McAllister and Burnside Scholarships
Two aviation university students have won $1,000 scholarships administered by the AOPA Air Safety Foundation and the University Aviation Association.
The 1997 McAllister Memorial Scholarship has been awarded to Michael Kent Duffy of Pittsburgh, a senior majoring in aeronautical science at the Florida Institute of Technology. The 1997 Burnside Memorial Scholarship has gone to Christopher C. Howerton of Jacksonville, Illinois, a senior majoring in aviation management at Southern Illinois University in Carbondale.
Eligibility for either scholarship is limited to college juniors or seniors enrolled in a curriculum leading to a degree in the field of aviation. Competition is based on grade point average of 3.25 or higher on a 4.0 scale and an essay addressing the topic "What three factors would you address in improving general aviation safety?"
Duffy's essay identified technology as a driving force in aviation. Howerton's essay concentrated on improving safety for renter pilots through greater FBO involvement.
The McAllister Memorial Scholarship Fund was established in 1979 by the friends of Eugene and Dorothy McAllister, enthusiastic pilots who devoted much of their lives to pilot training. The Donald Burnside Memorial Scholarship honors the aviation pioneer and cofounder of the Burnside-Ott Flight School in Florida.
Applications for the 1998 McAllister and Burnside scholarships can be obtained by sending a self-addressed, stamped envelope to: "Scholarship," AOPA Air Safety Foundation, 421 Aviation Way, Frederick, Maryland 21701. To be eligible for the 1998 awards, applications must be received by March 31, 1998.
