AOPA Action

GA Airport Protections Die With FAA Reauthorization Bill

A congressional dispute over expanding airline service at a few major airports has killed the 1998 FAA reauthorization bill, which also contained AOPA Legislative Action-endorsed provisions protecting GA airports.

An interim measure, included in the omnibus spending bill passed in October, allows the FAA to continue operating through March.

House and Senate aviation leaders failed to find a compromise on the FAA reauthorization bill, which had been in development for two years. Talks broke down when Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) refused to back down from his efforts to allow additional flights at the nation's four slot-controlled airports, among the busiest in the United States, and to loosen the "perimeter rule" prohibiting airline service to cities beyond 1,250 miles from Washington, D.C.'s Reagan National Airport.

AOPA Legislative Action-endorsed GA airport protections that died with the bill included a requirement for public notification before selling airport property or closing an airport that used FAA Airport Improvement Program (AIP) grants to buy land. The bill's failure also puts at risk almost $1 billion of the $1.95 billion in AIP funds provided for FY99.

AOPA Legislative Action will pursue the same protections when the 106th Congress convenes in January.

AOPA Calls for Investigation of FAA Decision Permitting Closure of Kansas City Airport

The FAA may be violating federal law by permitting closure of Kansas City reliever airport Richards-Gebaur Memorial, and AOPA has asked the Department of Transportation to investigate.

"The FAA's precedent-setting decision does not appear to meet the requirements of the law and most definitely does not take into consideration the needs, concerns, and voices of GA users," AOPA President Phil Boyer wrote in a September 21 letter to Secretary of Transportation Rodney Slater.

Kansas City wants to convert the airport into an intermodal distribution center to transfer freight between trucks and railroad cars, but the city can't close the airport without a release from its FAA grant obligations. Kansas City had previously accepted a federal AIP grant triggering grant assurances to keep the airport open for 20 years.

AOPA said that the Richards-Gebaur closure would undermine the entire Airport Improvement Program and would make meaningless the AIP grant guarantees that protect the program's investment of user tax dollars at AIP-assisted airports.

AOPA Legislative Action Vows 'Hoover Bill' Will Pass Next Year

The "Hoover Bill," designed to curb FAA abuse of emergency authority to revoke pilot certificates, was narrowly defeated 46 to 51 in the U.S. Senate on September 24.

The very close vote tells us this issue is not yet over," said Phil Boyer, AOPA Legislative Action president. "We'll be back next legislative session."

Sen. James Inhofe (R-Okla.), a pilot and AOPA member for 36 years, had offered the bill to establish an expedited appeal process through the NTSB for pilots who undergo emergency certificate actions.

Current law gives the FAA power to suspend or revoke an airman certificate if the pilot has violated FARs and poses a threat to safety; an emergency revocation order grounds the pilot pending the outcome of an appeal to the NTSB. But the FAA now considers almost every certificate action an "emergency." The FAA's action against world-renowned airshow pilot Bob Hoover is but one example of the agency's frequent use of emergency revocation.

A list of how your senators voted on the Hoover Bill is available on AOPA Online( www.aopa.org/whatsnew/newsitems/1998/98-3-060a.html).

AOPA Members Help Defeat 'Order-To-Land' Bill

The "order-to-land" provision included in the Senate's Coast Guard reauthorization bill was deleted in the waning hours of the 105th Congress. The legislation would have allowed law enforcement officers to force down randomly selected GA aircraft crossing U.S. borders.

AOPA Legislative Action had urged pilots in key congressional districts to contact their representatives. "Their reasoned explanations helped to persuade Congress," said Phil Boyer, AOPA Legislative Action president. "We support all reasonable antidrug efforts, but this particular provision could have led to tragic consequences for innocent pilots.

"We thank all pilots who wrote to Congress," said Boyer. "And we thank the lawmakers who worked to defeat this provision, particularly representatives John Duncan (R-Tenn.), Don Young (R-Alaska), and Coast Guard subcommittee Chairman Wayne Gilchrest (R-Md.). They did the right thing for aviation safety."

AOPA Works With FAA to Ease Burden of Inflatable Door Seal AD

AOPA is working with the FAA to lessen the impact of an emergency AD requiring deactivation or removal of all Bob Fields Aerocessories inflatable door seals.

The seals, designed to reduce cabin noise, have been installed on some 20,000 aircraft as an STC aftermarket modification. The FAA has reports of three accidents, one of them fatal, where overheated components of the seal systems caused smoke or fire in the cockpit. Some AOPA members have reported similar experiences.

"The problem is real," said Douglas C. Macnair, AOPA director of aviation standards, "but there are alternate means of compliance which could lessen the impact of this AD." AOPA is pushing to allow aircraft owners to be notified by mail about alternate means of compliance.

New Aircraft Designators Include AOPA-Suggested Changes; List Available Online

Do you know the official ICAO designator for your aircraft type? You'll need it by January 28, and it may have changed.

Although it's been a year since the FAA adopted ICAO designators, some new codes caused safety concerns in the United States, and AOPA asked for changes. Since U.S. controllers issue instructions based on aircraft performance, they need type designators that clearly indicate aircraft capabilities.

"We argued for specific changes requested by AOPA members," said Randy Kenagy, AOPA research specialist. "For example, one member asked for a designator for the Howard DGA-15P, a classic radial-engine aircraft from the 1940s. There are some 130 of them flying, many of them IFR." The designator for the Howard is now DG15.

Another change advocated by AOPA was to separate the heavier models of the Piper PA-28 series (Dakota, Charger, Pathfinder) from the rest of the Cherokee line because of performance differences, particularly in landing distance. The heavier models will now be listed as P28B, while the Piper Cherokee, Archer, Warrior, etc., will be P28A.

AOPA Online Gallery Offers Mike Fizer Prints

For more than a decade, AOPA members have enjoyed the spectacular photography in AOPA Pilot by renowned aviation photographer Mike Fizer. With the launch of AOPA OnlineGallery, AOPA members can now own these fine-quality photographic prints of their favorite airplanes. Shop online ( www.aopa.org/online_gallery/) for your favorite aviation prints, with or without mats and frames. AOPA members receive a 20-percent discount and, as an AOPA Certified service, the purchase returns a small royalty to AOPA. Check back each month for the latest photos from every new issue of AOPA Pilot. No Web access? Call 800/265-2962 for a catalog of images.

AOPA Helps Noise Abatement Efforts At Seattle's Boeing Field

Noise abatement brochures for Boeing Field-King County International Airport were included in AOPA Pilot Town Meeting invitations sent in October to some 15,000 pilots in the Pacific Northwest.

The busy Boeing Field airport, located south of downtown Seattle, is facing increasing noise complaints from area residents.

"AOPA's help shows local politicians that GA pilots are listening to community concerns," said Jim Combs, vice president of the Washington Pilots Association. "All GA pilot organizations are working to get the word out."

Copies of Boeing Field Voluntary Noise Abatement Procedures for VFR are available by calling the Boeing Field Noise Abatement Office at 206/296-7437 or by sending an e-mail ( [email protected]).

Action in the States

Alabama. Montgomery: AOPA is working with the newly formed Aviation Council of Alabama on strategies to improve general aviation airport funding in Alabama. AOPA was involved in the formation of the group and is encouraged by early support from pilots. Sylacauga: AOPA is working with local pilots to build community support for improvements at Sylacauga Airport.

Arizona. Glendale: Touch-and-goes between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m. have been prohibited at Glendale Airport, apparently at the urging of the city council. AOPA is investigating. Mesa: An aviation education program for high school students in the Mesa Valley has been organized by local pilot volunteers. AOPA is providing materials. Sedona: AOPA ASN volunteer Dave Swartwout has been invited to participate on the Sedona Airport Master Plan committee. Yuma: Letters and comments from AOPA members have saved the Runway 21R ILS at Yuma International Airport.

California. Burbank: Tiedown leases for single-engine aircraft are being canceled at Burbank Airport to allow more room for larger, more lucrative corporate aircraft. AOPA is working with fixed base operators to find space for small aircraft. Monterey County: A proposed "no fly" zone covering the Big Sur area south of Monterey and Carmel is under discussion by Rep. Sam Farr and the Monterey County Board of Supervisors. Some residents there want to ban aircraft overflight from the surface to 10,000 feet. AOPA is represented on the committee reviewing public testimony. Orange County: Opponents of a future El Toro civilian airport will receive more than $410,000 from Orange County to pay attorney fees for fighting the environmental impact report on the military airbase conversion. A San Diego County judge said that the group was entitled to the reimbursement because courts ruled in their favor on several key issues in the EIR. Palo Alto: A rash of avionics thefts at Palo Alto Airport has prompted plans for security measures including lights and fencing. Nearby residents, however, say that a fence would interfere with movement of area rodents, squirrels, and jackrabbits. Sacramento: A.B.66, which sends fuel sales tax revenue to cities or counties with airports (rather than where oil companies negotiate fuel sales), passed and was signed by Gov. Pete Wilson on September 30. San Carlos: AOPA ASN volunteer Carol Ford reports that an anti-airport group is fanning community opposition to a proposed 400-foot runway extension at San Carlos Airport. AOPA is providing reasoned arguments. San Jose: AOPA ASN volunteer Bob Luten reports a proposed tall tower just six miles south of Reid-Hillview Airport; AOPA is investigating. Also, the Santa Clara County Airport Land Use Commission has been reactivated and is pursuing a noise study for RHV. The study would make RHV eligible for FAA funds to mitigate noise problems.

Connecticut. Bridgeport: Fee increases for GAwere proposed at the September 2 meeting of the Sikorsky Memorial Airport Commission. AOPA and the Friends of Sikorsky Airport oppose higher fees.

Florida. Orlando: A competitive dispute is brew-ing between Orlando International Airport and Orlando Sanford Airport, located 25 miles away in Sanford, Florida. AOPA is watching to ensure that GA is not a victim of this struggle.

Idaho. Donnelly: The Idaho Aeronautics Division has asked the FAA to review a proposed new airport five miles south of Donnelly. AOPA has long advocated a GA airport to serve the Cascade Reservoir area.

Kansas. Salina: More than 150 AOPA and Kansas Pilot Association members voiced support for increased airport funding at a September public meeting of the Kansas Transportation Task Force. The show of force apparently worked; the Task Force voted to recommend including airport funding in next year's multiyear, multimodal transportation bill.

Massachusetts. Hyannis: Criminal chargesbrought by anti-airport activists against the Barnstable Municipal Airport manager, alleging violation of the town's noise ordinance for airport noise, were thrown out by a local magistrate.

Michigan. Detroit: Dozens of Michigan andBahamas youth participated in an Aviation Career Academy sponsored by The Tuskegee Airmen, Inc., and other African-American-oriented aviation groups. AOPA supplied educational materials.

Mississippi. Vicksburg: The Vicksburg Airportremains open, thanks largely to support from a local industry that depends on the airport. A court order in September stayed closure of the field.

Montana. Kalispell: The City of Kalispell appears willing to commit up to $1 million to assure long-term management, protection, and operation of its airport. The Kalispell City Airport is one of the busiest GA airports in the state.

Nevada. Las Vegas: The annual Discover Aviation weekend provided demonstration flights, performances, and educational opportunities for both pilots and the public. AOPA provided materials. Reno: AOPA has asked for representation on a committee to investigate noise complaints from neighbors of Reno/Tahoe International Airport.

New Mexico. Albuquerque: Long-suffering Coronado Airport will receive state funding for maintenance projects; a five-year lease to an FBO should allow growth and improvements. Las Cruces: The illegal city ordinance allowing the airport manager to "ticket" pilots who fail to follow AIM-recommended radio and pattern procedures is having an adverse effect on business in that city. AOPA has learned a California company declined to open operations at LRU, citing "excessive government interference."

Oregon. Ashland: An attempt by two Ashland developers to purchase critical Ashland Airport property has been turned back by local pilots who were helped by AOPA.

Tennessee. Arlington: Town officials have voted to close the Arlington Airport, despite the best efforts of AOPA ASN volunteer Don Furr. Industrial development is planned.

Texas. Conroe: Controversy over the location of a new terminal at Montgomery County Airport has pilots pitted against airport management and the county government. AOPA is helping to form an airport support group. Galveston: A late-September meeting with Mayor Roger "Bo" Quiroga and industry and civic leaders kicked off an effort to improve the Galveston Municipal Airport. AOPA is providing technical guidance and support. Georgetown: A city council resolution providing both short- and long-term planning will help Georgetown Airport to absorb overflow from the closing of Mueller Airport in nearby Austin.

Vermont. Morrisville: AOPA ASN volunteer Lisa Darden reports that a new TV antenna may interfere with ILS signals at Morrisville-Stowe State Airport. AOPA is working with the FAA on the issue.

Washington. Olympia: Success in passing legislation to protect airports from encroachment won the Washington Aviation Division the National Association of State Aviation Officials' "Most Innovative State Program" award. AOPA had helped to promote the legislation.

Wyoming. Hulett: The new Hulett Airport is slat-ed to open in about a year, despite protests that the facility is too close to Devil's Tower National Monument. AOPA had supported construction of the airport.

AOPA Aircraft Financing: Lowest Rates, Longest Repayment

AOPA's Aircraft Financing Program, an AOPA and MBNA America Bank partnership, now offers the most competitive interest rates and one of the longest repayment terms in the aircraft financing industry.

Unlike most other aircraft loan programs, AOPA's program features no application or prequalification fees and no closing costs. Applications are reviewed by aviation loan specialists; pilots usually have a response within the hour.

With lower monthly payments, more pilots will find aircraft ownership an attractive alternative to renting. For example, a $40,000 used Piper Cherokee will require payments of just over $300 a month with 20-percent down payment on a 20-year loan. And, as an AOPA Certified program, the MBNA Aircraft Financing Program helps to support GA, at no additional cost to you.

AOPA members can prequalify or apply for an aircraft loan by phone. Call 800/62-PLANE (800/627-5263) and mention priority code AAKG. AOPA Aircraft Financing Program representatives are available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Eastern time.

California Aviation Advocate Receives Crotti Award

AOPA's 1998 Joseph R. Crotti Award for aviation advocacy in California was presented at AOPA Expo '98 to Jim Gates, AOPA's first Airport Support Network volunteer and president of the Torrance Airport Association.

The award — named for AOPA's first regional representative, longtime California activist, and former California state aviation director — recognizes the year's greatest contribution to defending GA in the Golden State.

Gates has been a vocal and active defender of his airport, Zamparelli Field, in the Los Angeles suburb of Torrance, which is home to 535 based aircraft and some 200,000 aircraft operations a year.

Unenlightened city management has continually forfeited airport options and allowed — even encouraged — encroaching development leading to airport curfews and operating restrictions.

Saying that he's attended "more airport commission meetings since 1995 than some airport commissioners," Gates, AOPA 01274289, has been a pilot for the past 38 years. An aircraft owner for 20 years, he owns a Pitts and a Lancair.

In finally turning to AOPA for national help, Gates became the first volunteer for AOPA's new Airport Support Network.

AOPA Long-Term Care Program Extends Enrollment Time

[ Note: This program is no longer available.]

AOPA's Long-Term Care Program has now been approved in 28 states, and the enrollment deadline has been extended to January 31, 1999.

"Member interest and enthusiasm, as well as approval in several additional states, led us to extend the deadline," explained Andrew Horelick, AOPA senior vice president for Products and Services. "Other state approvals are expected soon."

Launched on September 1, the AOPA Long-Term Care Program helps AOPA members and their spouses, parents, and parents-in-law to protect themselves against the high cost of long-term care. AOPA members with a valid FAA medical certificate are guaranteed acceptance upon enrollment.

The program is currently available in Alabama, Alaska, Connecticut, Hawaii, Idaho, Indiana, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, Ohio, Oregon, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, Virginia, West Virginia, Wyoming, and the District of Columbia.

AOPA Long-Term Care is an AOPA Certified program, which means that it helps to keep your dues low and general aviation strong — at no additional cost to you.

AOPA members may request enrollment materials by calling the AOPA Long-Term Care Service Center toll free at 888/343-5824 or by visiting the AOPA Web site .

AIR SAFETY FOUNDATION

New Safety Advisor Helps Pilots Fly Like Pros at Busy Airports

In response to an increasing number of runway incursions, the AOPA Air Safety Foundation has published a new Safety Advisor titled Operations at Towered Airports. It is a compilation of procedures and information proven over millions of flight hours by airline and GA pilots.

"GA pilots need to fly and talk like professionals," said Bruce Landsberg, ASF executive director. "Particularly when we are sharing the airport with the airlines, we need to know the rules and the expectations."

With only one fatal accident for every 106 million flight operations, runway incursions are not a major cause of accidents, Landsberg noted. But Congress and the FAA have focused attention on the problem, and that means a future runway incursion accident could lead to more regulations or restrictions on GA.

ASF, the FAA, and the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) jointly sponsored the latest ASF Safety Advisor, with the GAMA Safety Affairs Committee donating $10,000 toward preparation and printing of the pamphlet.

The 16-page pamphlet takes the confusion out of the frequently bewildering collection of pavement markings and signs at a major airport. Full-color photographs and graphics show pilots the logic and meaning of location/direction sign-age and pavement markings.

A list of ATC instructions common at towered airports includes details on what action the controller expects the pilot to take.

Another section details "how the pros do it," providing useful piloting techniques that will make all ground operations more professional.

"If you're ever in doubt about where you are or where you're going on the airport, stop and ask ground control for progressive taxi instructions," said Landsberg.

The FAA's Aviation Safety Program will distribute some 50,000 copies of Operations at Towered Airports. It will also be available at all ASF safety seminars throughout the nation.

For a copy, write to Operations at Towered Airports, AOPA Air Safety Foundation, 421 Aviation Way, Frederick, Maryland 21701 and enclose a check or money order for $1. The Safety Advisor is also available online ( www.aopa.org/asf/publications/sa07.pdf).