AOPA Action

Garvey's Stance on GPS, ATC Wins Kudos

New FAA Administrator Jane Garvey scored a hit with AOPA in November for her announced support of GPS precision approaches and a more rational approach to ATC modernization.

AOPA President Phil Boyer praised Garvey for her promised 2001 operational date for the GPS Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS) that would pave the way for precision instrument approaches at many airports that cannot afford a $1.5 million ILS.

Boyer also applauded Garvey's endorsement of "evolutionary, not revolutionary" ATC modernization. "As the new FAA administrator, Ms. Garvey seems to be hearing the message AOPA has been sending in recent years," he said. "We're pleased she's putting her foot down and is directing the agency on a logical, rational modernization course."

AOPA also asked the FAA to focus GPS approach development on new approaches rather than simple "overlays" of existing approaches. "GPS overlay approaches allow the FAA to claim impressive numbers but do nothing to increase the true utility of our air navigation system," said Boyer. "Rather than running up the score, the FAA should focus on providing GPS nonprecision approaches to those runways that have no instrument approach today."

Boyer said that to encourage more pilots to equip aircraft with IFR-capable GPS receivers, the FAA must make the system more useful and cost-effective. Until the FAA commissions more new GPS approaches and permits true point-to-point IFR navigation, pilots will see little practical advantage to GPS in the IFR system.

AOPA Leads Coalition to Oppose FCC Tall Tower Proposal

Can you imagine thousands of new tall TV towers built without regard to local zoning laws protecting airports?

That's what the Federal Communication Commission has proposed, and AOPA is leading a coalition of aviation and community interests against the idea. At an October 23 meeting in Washington, AOPA told the coalition that aircraft safety, and even survival of some airports, is at stake.

Broadcasters, complaining that local zoning would slow construction of new digital TV (DTV) towers, have asked the FCC to exempt these new towers from all local or state regulations. Many towers would be well over 1,000 feet agl and could be placed without regard to airports or VFR flyways.

"Unfortunately, local zoning is the only real protection pilots and their passengers have," said AOPA Vice President of Government and Technical Affairs Dennis Roberts. "Builders are required to notify the FAA of a proposed tower, but the FAA has no authority to deny the construction."

Senator Patrick Leahy (D-VT) and Representative Bernard Sanders (I-VT) have introduced legislation to stop the FCC from implementing the proposal.

Atlantic City Laser Show Threatens Pilots

Laser light shows can temporarily blind pilots flying nearby. Nonetheless, a new show in Atlantic City, New Jersey, just opened off Runway 29 at nearby Bader Field, and AOPA is criticizing the FAA for not objecting to it.

"The FAA should follow its own Order 7400.2D and stop this threat to pilots' eyesight," said Melissa K. Bailey, AOPA director of airspace and system standards. The laser source is directly on the Runway 29 centerline, less than one mile from the threshold.

The FAA suggested that a ground-based spotter terminate the show if an aircraft enters the projection area, but did not specify that spotter's aviation experience or accountability. "The spotter would be a laser show employee," said Bailey. "Whose interest would be represented?"

A copy of FAA Non-Rule Case 97-AEA-0061-NR and AOPA's comments are available on AOPA Online.

Don't Block a Major East Coast Flyway, AOPA Tells FAA, Air National Guard

Latest revisions to a proposed Georgia Military Operations Area are good but don't go far enough, AOPA has told the FAA and the Georgia Air National Guard.

The proposed new Coastal MOA, which would consolidate the existing Quick Thrust, Gator, and Ft. Stewart MOAs, still threatens to block VFR traffic to 18,000 feet along the busy flyway along Interstate 95 between Brunswick and Savannah. It would also endanger six GA airports under or adjacent to the MOA.

The original Coastal MOA was shot down, so to speak, by AOPA and other groups in 1996. The current proposal includes changes that AOPA suggested to accommodate GA, including:

• publication of a VHF frequency on charts allowing pilots to obtain real-time MOA status;
• re-segmenting areas of the MOA to align with ATC boundaries and to better accommodate IFR traffic; and
• reducing vertical boundaries of several areas and shrinking a restricted area.

"But the new MOA still blocks both that I-95 flyway and Victor 157," said AOPA Director of Airspace and System Standards Melissa K. Bailey. "Even though MOAs are not restricted airspace, many VFR pilots quite properly avoid them for safety reasons."

Comments should be submitted to: Paul Gallant, ATM-420, Military Operations Branch, FAA, 800 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, D.C. 20591.

A copy of the proposal is available on AOPA Online.

DF Equipment Still Useful, Will Be Relocated Where It's Needed

The FAA has decided not only to keep its direction-finding equipment, but to relocate units to areas not well served by radar.

"We've been telling the FAA for years - you've got the equipment, so why don't you just put it where it's needed?" said Marty Shuey, AOPA vice president of air traffic control. "Finally, they did!"

DF equipment allows trained flight service station personnel to triangulate on radio transmissions to locate a lost aircraft. An operating VHF communications radio is the only aircraft equipment required.

Although 115 tube-type DF units will be phased out, 127 newer digital DF units will be reassigned to areas where the floor of radar coverage is too high to help pilots in trouble at lower altitudes.

Before the DF equipment is moved, the FAA will conduct a study to determine the areas of greatest benefit.

Headed for Super Bowl '98? Slot Reservations Will Be Required

Pilots bound IFR for any of the five San Diego area airports during the January 21 to 27 Super Bowl week will need a "slot" reservation.

Special traffic management procedures will apply to all unscheduled IFR arrivals, both domestic and international, at San Diego International, Montgomery, Brown, Gillespie (El Cajon), and McClellan-Palomar (Carlsbad) airports from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. PST (1400 to 0700 UTC).

Beginning January 19, pilots may call the Slot Reservation Line, 800/909-7107, between 7 a.m. and 9 p.m. PST for an arrival slot time and reservation number. Slots will be assigned no more than 72 hours in advance of ETA/ETD. To avoid possible extended delays, arrivals and departures must be within 10 minutes before/after the assigned time.

Airport Support Network Nomination Forms Available

Remember the famous JFK admonition, "Ask not what your country can do for you ..."?

With GA airports disappearing from the landscape at the rate of more than one a week, the rest of the quote for pilots could be "What can I do for my airport?" One possible answer: apply to become an AOPA Airport Support Network volunteer.

Announced at AOPA Expo in October, the AOPA Airport Support Network will eventually include one volunteer at every public-use airport to work with AOPA to solve local airport problems before they become critical.

"All too often, problems have been festering for months or even years, but members call us just before a local vote is taken to close the airport," explained Bill Dunn, AOPA vice president of regional affairs. "By then it's too late. ASN volunteers can change that."

Applicants for ASN volunteer positions must be willing to invest their time and effort to work with airport managers, local elected officials, pilots, and airport businesses. Program emphasis is on finding and reporting problems, then working with AOPA staff to resolve them.

An e-mail address is required for volunteers, since most network communication will be via the Internet and the AOPA Web site. A nomination form is available on the Web site ( www.aopa.org/asn/).

AOPA Action in the States

Alaska. McKinley: The National Park Service reaffirmed the intended closure of the McKinley Park airstrip; AOPA, the Alaskan Aviation Safety Foundation, and the Alaska Airmen's Association, Inc. are continuing the fight to preserve it. Anchorage: The goose population is causing bird-strike concern for pilots. Alaska Fish and Wildlife is holding hearings.

Arizona. Phoenix: A raid of $30 million from the state aviation trust fund in 1997 could happen again this year; AOPA is helping to organize opposition. Scottsdale: The city council has agreed not to ignore other values while trying to close the fiscal deficit at the airport. Glendale: A draft final report revealed that plans for a second runway have been scrapped in favor of commercial development on the east side of the airport. Tucson: A strategic plan is underway for better treatment of GA at Tucson International Airport.

California. Sacramento: Legislation changing aviation fuel tax revenue distribution (to the community in which the airport is located) failed in the first half of the 1997-98 legislative session; AOPA is urging reconsideration in the second half of the session. San Diego: A judge ruled that San Diego County can take over the Fallbrook Community Airpark; improvements are expected to follow a master plan study. Ventura County: Privatization of the Oxnard and Camarillo airports was shelved after AOPA objected to the use of airport revenues.

Colorado. Denver: The Colorado Aeronautical Board has granted airports in the state more than $1.9 million; Federal grants total $10.5 million.

Connecticut. Hartford: The Hartford-Brainard Airport master plan is under way; AOPA has warned of possible incompatible land use.

Florida. Orlando: A proposed 546-foot (agl) office complex just 2.5 miles from Orlando Executive would affect five instrument approaches; AOPA is opposing the construction. Pompano Beach: The FAA has refused to release federal restrictions on airport property, effectively saving the airport from closure.

Illinois. Chicago: A GPS approach to Meigs Runway 36 has been approved; radar is scheduled for installation in 1998.

Kansas. Wichita: The governor and lieutenant governor say that Airport Improvement Program funds for Kansas airports will be included in the 1999 transportation initiative. AOPA continues to work with the Kansas Airport Rescue Coalition.

Massachusetts. Boston: A bill to allow tree clearing around airports was stalled in the Ways and Means Committee; AOPA supports the bill. Nantucket: A special Massachusetts Aeronautics Commission meeting explored the possibility of Class C airspace as a solution to noise problems; AOPA opposes this solution.

Nebraska. Lincoln: A state aviation conference is scheduled for January 28 to 30; AOPA will be participating.

Nevada. Jean: A plan to develop a major airport south of Las Vegas may jeopardize sport aviation activities at Jean; AOPA is monitoring the situation. Reno: An audit recommended a citizen advisory committee, as well as clarification of responsibilities and policies for the Reno Tahoe Airport Authority Board of Directors.

New Mexico. Santa Fe: Airport neighbors who live near the primary runway are objecting to aviation noise; AOPA is helping with "Flying Friendly" material.

North Dakota. Bismarck: North Dakota officials said that AOPA Air Safety Foundation seminars in Bismarck, Fargo, Grand Forks, and Minot reached more than 300 pilots. The seminars were described as "very professional."

Texas. Wichita Falls: An effort to install Class C airspace has been delayed; the Class C installation is opposed by AOPA.

Utah. Salt Lake City: The Class B airspace ceiling could be raised from 10,000 feet msl to 12,000; AOPA opposes this change. The Utah Division of Aeronautics has completed a pavement maintenance system, allowing a forecast of needs, costs and impacts.

New Publications Juice Up AOPA Apple Program

A bright new student guide and updated teacher reference are now available as part of AOPA's Apple program - America's Pilots Participating in Local Education.

"AOPA provides members with materials, tips, and techniques to teach young people about the wonders of aviation," said Janette Prince, AOPA manager of member relations. "You just provide the enthusiasm, knowledge, and connections."

Since its inception in 1991, the Apple program has helped AOPA members and schoolteachers motivate more than 50,000 children, using the excitement and romance of aviation as a learning tool for a variety of academic subjects.

"The students you reach through the Apple program aren't only future pilots and airport managers," said Prince. "They're also future community leaders and voters who someday will make decisions affecting your airport and your flying."

AOPA's Apple packet of aviation education materials is available to AOPA members and to schoolteachers by calling 800/USA-AOPA (800/872-2672).

1998 AOPA's Airport Directory Now Shipping

The 1998 edition of AOPA's Airport Directory was shipped in November. It lists more than 7,500 landing facilities, 4,395 FBOs, and some 33,000 entries for on-airport and near-airport services. A special Turbine Pilot edition, which includes maps of major airports and relievers, is sent to members who choose the directory and who receive the Turbine Pilot edition of AOPA Pilot.

New in the 1998 print edition are icons identifying key services, including locations eligible for AOPA's three-percent rebate program.

Obstructions, nonstandard traffic patterns, extensive flight training activities, and other important safety items are categorized and highlighted. Weather resources listed include AWOS, ATIS, and FSS frequencies, along with station identifiers and phone numbers for all weather reporting stations, National Weather Service offices, and PATWAS and TWEB recordings.

The 668-page directory is free to AOPA members who elect to receive it. Members may purchase additional copies of AOPA's Airport Directory for $24.95 from Sporty's Pilot Shop. The nonmember price is $34.95. Call 800/SPORTYS to order.

Former Colorado Aeronautics Director Dennis Roberts Named AOPA VP

The former director of the Colorado Division of Aeronautics, Dennis E. Roberts, has been named AOPA vice president of Government and Technical Affairs.

Roberts, 42, will manage AOPA's federal regulatory policy and regional affairs areas and will help with the management of IAOPA, the organization representing general aviation interests in more than 40 nations worldwide.

He was the founding director of the Colorado Division of Aeronautics in 1989 and is recognized as the state's expert on aviation issues. Previously, he directed regional air transport planning for the Denver Regional Council of Governments.

A 1,200-hour instrument-rated commercial pilot, Roberts is a native of Excelsior Springs, Missouri.

Seaplane Pilots Make Big Splash on the Internet

The new Seaplane Pilots Association Web site ( www.seaplanes.org) has made a big splash on the Internet, with more than 14,302 visitors since its opening on August 25 and its selection by both Yahoo! and Netscape Communications as a "Pick of the Day."

Among site features are news briefs on water flying, an events calendar, a listing of all float manufacturers, seaplane flight training information, and a searchable database of seaplanes with performance data, specifications, and photographs. A "Seaplane Compatibility Issues Study" provides safety data, noise information, and answers to legal questions.

The site also includes a collection of links to other seaplane resources on the Internet, the SPA Product Catalog, and information on joining the SPA. "It's the comprehensive information source on water flying," said SPA Executive Director Bob Richardson.

The Seaplane Pilots Association represents seaplane pilots and operators in the United States and Canada. With more than 6,000 members, it is headquartered at AOPA offices in Frederick, Maryland.

Project Pilot Mentors to Receive $100 Sporty's Gift Certificates

AOPA Project Pilot mentors now have an additional reason for finding and mentoring new student pilots: a $100 gift certificate from Sporty's Pilot Shop, awarded when their new pilot earns his or her wings.

Sporty's had previously offered successful mentors an electronic checklist.

The new Sporty's certificate is good for purchases from any of Sporty's premium catalogs, including the Wright Brothers Collection, Sporty's Preferred Living, and Sporty's Pilot Shop. Only one certificate will be issued per mentor, and prior awards may not be exchanged.

AOPA Project Pilot asks members to identify and mentor new students to help reverse the decline in the U.S. pilot population. Since program inception in 1994, some 18,000 members have mentored more than 24,000 new pilots and prospective pilots.

More information on Project Pilot is available on the Internet (www.aopa.org).

Schiff to Host New Zealand Tour

If you've ever had the urge to go "walkabout" in New Zealand, here's your chance.

AOPA Pilot columnist Barry Schiff will host a special AOPA Traveler's Club tour of that country, leaving on March 1 and returning on March 16. Participants may obtain a New Zealand pilot certificate and tour that country in a rental aircraft.

Among the planned highlights:

• a VIP tour of a Royal New Zealand Air Force Base;
• an option to fly antique airplanes, seaplanes, World War II airplanes, and other unusual aircraft;
• a flight over beautiful Mt. Cook and into a challenging fjord strip at the end of spectacular Milford Sound;
• a New Zealand-style wild game barbecue and separate Aero Club party hosted by AOPA-New Zealand; and
• an optional flight in a cropduster during actual aerial application operations.

The tour is limited to AOPA members and their families. Members are eligible to receive a cash rebate from the AOPA Travelers Club. For a free brochure or to sign up, call the AOPA Travelers Club at 800/888-AOPA (800/888-2672). Cost of the land package is $3,599 per person, based on double occupancy. Single rates are available on request.

Air Safety Foundation Runway Incursions

The AOPA Air Safety Foundation is working to reduce general aviation runway incursions, ASF Executive Director Bruce Landsberg told the House Transportation and Infrastructure aviation subcommittee on November 13.

Incursions (loss of traffic separation or threat of collision with landing or departing aircraft) increased 18.6 percent last year, and 68 percent of those involved GA aircraft. Runway incursions have been a hot topic since the November 19, 1996, crash in Quincy, Illinois, between a private Beech King Air and a Beech 1900 commuter (see " Safety Pilot: Collision at Quincy,"December 1997 Pilot).

"But those statistics don't show the complete picture," Landsberg told the congressional committee. "In many cases, there is confusion regarding aircraft location or the meaning of a clearance. It's worth noting that GA pilots caused only two fatal [incursion] accidents in 10 years."

Landsberg showed examples of ASF's aggressive solutions to the problem, including:

• special safety messages and a poster on incursions sent to 5,000 flight schools and FBOs immediately after the Quincy accident;
• a new Safety Advisor pamphlet, praised by the National Transportation Safety Board, emphasizing runway incursion avoidance; and
• a new Seminar in a Box, for safety counselors to use in conducting local seminars on safe airport operations.

About 100 Seminar in a Box kits have been provided to the FAA alone.

Landsberg added that other solutions include better paint on runways and taxiways; better marking of taxi paths and runway entrances; and larger, clearer presentations on airport diagrams and charts.

Finally, controllers need to provide unambiguous instructions to pilots and have a backup plan ready in the event of misunderstandings.

Landsberg chairs the runway incursions subcommittee of the FAA's Research, Engineering, and Development Advisory Committee.

Weather Strategies Safety Program Premieres

A new AOPA Air Safety Foundation seminar titled "Weather Strategies - How to be Calm Before the Storm" premiered in December and goes nationwide this year.

"Weather is always the most requested seminar subject," said Don Koranda, ASF vice president of training. "It's the one thing every pilot has to deal with but few pilots understand well."

Topics covered in the two-hour live presentation include:

• how professional pilots do weather planning;
• the two most dangerous weather traps and how to avoid them;
• four things every pilot needs to know to stay out of hazardous weather;
• the real problem with automated weather observations;
• the three best sources of weather information today; and
• how to use your personal computer to get more weather information than ever before - the Number One weather question on every pilot's mind.

Pilots attending ASF seminars may also register for a chance to win a $395 handheld aviation transceiver. Drawings are held quarterly. Other door prizes will be awarded on-site. ASF seminars are free to all pilots.

Links to all Web sites referenced in this issue can be found at ( www.aopa.org/pilot/links.shtml).