AOPA Action

AOPA Urges Garvey to Terminate FAA 'Ticket' Program

AOPA has urged FAA Administrator Jane Garvey to terminate implementation of the so-called "Streamlined Administrative Enforcement Process" immediately. SAEP would permit an FAA inspector to act like a traffic cop and issue a ticket on the spot for an alleged regulatory infraction.

"Our members are extremely sensitive to the abuses that might come from this program," AOPA President Phil Boyer wrote in a June 5 letter to Garvey, noting that a ticket — regardless of how minor the infraction — could affect a pilot's employment and insurance, as well as influence future enforcement actions. "We hope you realize the negative implications of this ill-conceived program," Boyer told Garvey. "You are trying to work with the aviation community to build consensus and trust. This program does nothing to advance either."

'Order to Land' Plan Decried by AOPA Legislative Action

AOPA Legislative Action is opposing a bill in Congress that would permit antidrug officers to order civilian aircraft to land without reasonable suspicion of criminal activity. The bill would also make innocent pilots pay thousands of dollars to reclaim their aircraft.

H.R.3858, sponsored by Rep. Duncan Hunter (R-Calif.), is part of a House Republican effort to strengthen the war against drug smuggling. The bill also contains numerous other maritime and aviation antismuggling measures.

"AOPA has always supported antidrug efforts," declared AOPA President Phil Boyer. "But forcing innocent pilots to Earth without the slightest indication of criminal activity raises serious questions of both safety and constitutional rights."

Just after the bill was introduced, two-thirds of Southern California pilots polled at recent Pilot Town Meetings registered disapproval of the legislation.

FAA OKs New Champion Spar Inspection Procedure

Most American Champion wood wing spar aircraft, including Champs, Citabrias, and Decathlons, will not require new inspection holes cut in their wings.

The reprieve came with FAA approval of an "alternate means of compliance" for Airworthiness Directive 98-05-04. AOPA had petitioned for the alternate method in March.

The AD on Scout models and proposed AD 97-CE-79 on the rest of the Aeronca/Bellanca/Champion 7, 8, and 11 series with wood wing spars require repetitive inspections to check for compression cracks in the wing spar. The original AD and proposed AD would have required two new inspection covers on the top of wings and up to 24 new inspection holes in the fabric covering the wing bottom.

But the Citabria Owners Group, supported by AOPA, proved to the FAA that a mechanic using a "Bend-a-Light" and a series of mirrors could inspect all critical spar areas through the original factory inspection holes.

A detailed explanation of the nondestructive inspection procedure is available on the Citabria Owners Group Web site ( www.citabria.com).

AOPA President Phil Boyer congratulates Lancair President Lance Neibauer as they stand in front of the certification prototype of the Columbia 300. FAA type certification for the 191-knot four-place single, the company's first production aircraft, is expected by August. Minor modifications have been made for certification in a spin-resistant category. More than 200 refundable deposits have been received for the aircraft, which is expected to sell for about $189,000 equipped for VFR and $230,000 equipped for IFR.

Redesign, Rename Flight 2000 Program, AOPA Tells FAA

AOPA is urging the FAA to redesign the Flight 2000 program and establish clear objectives for the effort to test ATC modernization.

"AOPA supports using Flight 2000 to evaluate risks associated with modernization," said AOPA President Phil Boyer, "but we believe the program as currently structured will not accomplish this goal. The program design should be scrapped and the FAA should begin with a 'clean sheet.'"

Flight 2000 is critical to all GA pilots and aircraft owners, in part because it will determine how much it will cost pilots to equip with new avionics required for the ATC system of the future.

Boyer argued that not only should the program be redesigned, it should also be renamed in order to remove the stigma associated with previous designs. In fact, because of Flight 2000's late start, field demonstrations are unlikely to even begin in the year 2000, as originally proposed.

"AOPA is ready to assist the FAA in making a redesigned, renamed Flight 2000 a success tool for modernizing the nation's aviation system," said Boyer.

AOPA REGIONAL ACTION

Action in the States

Alaska. Mt. McKinley: A 500-name petition to keep the McKinley National Park airstrip active has been presented to the National Park Service. Active in efforts to save the airstrip are the Alaskan Aviation Safety Foundation, Alaska Airmen's Association, and AOPA. A legislative resolution is also pending. Kenai: A new AOPA-backed users group will provide input to the FAA on airspace and other Alaska-specific issues in the region.

Arizona. Safford: AOPA helped to halt a mobile home park development 2,500 feet from Safford Municipal Airport. Sedona: Vocal Sedona Airport opponents are demanding a "no fly" zone over the entire Sedona/Oak Creek area. AOPA is helping local pilots to form an airport support group. Yuma: AOPA is opposing an effort to decommission the Yuma ILS.

California. Chico: The Chico Municipal Airport Master Plan will be updated; AOPA is providing technical help. Sacramento: Pilots calling the 900-line Mather Airport AWOS are being charged $2 per minute. AOPA is investigating. Solano County: The Board of Supervisors voted 5-0 to take over fueling operations at Nut Tree Airport. The county expects to lower the cost of 100LL fuel from $2.04 to $1.85 per gallon.

Florida. Boca Raton: The Boca Raton City Council is working with the airport authority and the noise committee to alleviate complaints of noise from Boca Raton Airport. A complete noise study is planned for next year. AOPA's Flying Friendly video is running on the city's cable access channel. Sarasota: The Sarasota County Commission has voted to keep Buchan Field open, with some restrictions. AOPA had provided statistics and arguments against closing the field. The win came despite a fatal ultralight crash near the airport just two days before the vote.

Idaho. The new Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness draft environmental impact statement proposes giving U.S. Forest Service managers the right to close airstrips, a move that AOPA says would be "disastrous to the future of airstrips in the wilderness."

Illinois. Chicago: Meigs Field's hours of operation are under investigation by AOPA. Although no notam closing the airport had been issued, Chicago police impounded an AOPA member's airplane for landing after the Meigs tower was closed.

Kansas. AOPA, the Kansas Pilots Association, and the Kansas Association of Airports are pushing for 1999 legislation allowing multiyear, multimodal funding of GA airports. Despite an aviation fuel tax, Kansas ranks last in GA airport support. Valley Center: Plans for high-density housing just south of the High Point Airport are under study by AOPA; modifications may help to reduce the impact on the airport.

Louisiana. Baton Rouge: S.B.168, which dedicates $665,000 for GA airport repair and maintenance, was signed by Gov. M.J. "Mike" Foster on May 5. AOPA had supported the legislation.

Maine. AOPA is supporting the newly formed Maine Pilots Association.

Maryland. Annapolis: H.B.1303, authorizing counties to establish airport districts and setting policies for preserving land near existing airports, was signed by Gov. Parris Glendening. Hagerstown: A new lease form for aircraft owners, based on AOPA suggestions, eliminates the most objectionable provisions of a previously proposed lease.

Montana. The Aviation Organizations of Montana (AOM) is completing work on new legislation to ensure funding for the state Aeronautics Division. AOPA member Bob Lipscomb heads the funding task force.

Nebraska. AOPA will back 1999 legislation to restore the powers of local airport authorities, lost in a 1997 tax law revision. AOPA member and attorney Lynn D. Hutton, Jr., AOPA Airport Support Network volunteer for Norfolk's Karl Stefan Field, will help to draft corrective legislation.

New Hampshire. Claremont: AOPA is providing airport advisory groups with options to help save a runway.

New Mexico. Albuquerque: Runway 17/35 at Albuquerque International Airport has reopened. AOPA and local airport supporters are at odds with the city, which had tried to close the runway permanently. Santa Fe: New Mayor Larry Delgado is strongly pro-aviation. Previous administrations in the city had ignored or been hostile to GA.

North Carolina. Chapel Hill: A 12-member airport advisory committee has been appointed for Horace Williams Airport. Among the first tasks of the committee will be a long-range agreement between the airport and the town of Chapel Hill.

North Dakota. Bismarck: The North Dakota Aeronautics Commission will grant about $690,000 for airport improvements in the state.

Ohio. Bellefontaine: Plans for a runway extension are under consideration; AOPA is providing material to help sell the local community on the idea.

Oklahoma. Oklahoma City: AOPA supports H.B.2813, which would provide a substantial increase in dedicated funding for state airport needs.

Oregon. Ashland: A proposal to sell a portion of the Ashland Municipal Airport for industrial development is under fire from AOPA and local pilots.

South Carolina. The South Carolina Aviation Association has grown by 15 percent since last year and taken on legislative efforts to help general aviation. AOPA has encouraged the SCAA. Columbia: H.B.4784, which would have added $1 million to $2 million to the South Carolina State Aviation Fund by repealing airlines' fuel sales tax exemption, died this year. Reintroduction is expected next year.

Texas. San Antonio: AOPA Airport Support Network volunteer Frank Perry reports talk of privatizing the city's airports. AOPA is watching the situation.

Washington. Clark County: Rezoning that would have seriously impacted operations at Evergreen Airport was rejected by the Vancouver Planning Commission after AOPA and community opposition. The privately owned airport still faces an uncertain future following the death of its longtime owner.

AOPA INTERNATIONAL ACTION

GATE Program a Success, Will Be Extended, U.S. Customs Tells AOPA

The first-year test of the GATE (General Aviation Telephonic Entry) program was a success, the U.S. Customs Service has informed AOPA. Customs will now extend the test through June 1999.

The program simplifies reentry into the United States for travelers to Canada. Approved pilots and passengers flying from Canada to the United States give Customs advance notice by calling 800/98CLEAR (800/982-5327) and obtaining a "telephonic entry number." With that, the pilot may fly directly to the approved U.S. airport of entry, frequently the pilot's home field.

"At Customs' request, we surveyed pilots through AOPA Online," said Bill Dunn, AOPA vice president of regional affairs. "Pilots said that the program should be expanded to more airports. Now Customs is going to do that."

Pilots and passengers must be preapproved to utilize the GATE program. To apply, complete Customs Form 442 and send it to GATE Program Center, U.S. Customs Service, International Terminal, Detroit Metropolitan Airport, Detroit, Michigan 48242.

Detailed information and an application are available on AOPA Online.

AOPA MEMBERSHIP ACTION

New Electronic Bulletin Board Helps Link AOPA Project Pilot Students, Mentors

AOPA's Project Pilot "Find-a-Student/Find-a-Mentor" bulletin board is now available to any potential student pilot and to all AOPA members who would like to mentor a student.

To access the bulletin board, simply log on to AOPA Online (www.aopa.org), click on the "Learn to Fly" button, then click on "AOPA's Project Pilot."

AOPA Project Pilot asks AOPA's 340,000 members to identify and mentor new pilot prospects. Students receive free the Project Pilot Kit, which includes AOPA's Joy of Flying video and an issue of AOPA Pilot magazine with a special section devoted to the new pilot. Both student and mentor receive Project Pilot newsletters geared to new pilots.

More than 20,000 AOPA members have nominated more than 26,000 friends and coworkers for Project Pilot, and more than 2,000 have already earned their private pilot certificates.

Exhibit Booth Sales for Expo '98 Breaking Records

A record 400-plus exhibitors and 10,000 attendees are expected at the October AOPA Expo '98 in Palm Springs, California. About 90 percent of the exhibit hall has been sold.

Some 60 new aircraft will be displayed outside the exhibit hall at the Palm Springs Convention Center, with a unique "Parade of Planes" taxiing from the airport to the hall on Thursday afternoon, October 22.

Among aircraft manufacturers already planning to exhibit are AASI Jetcruzer, Cessna, Cirrus Design, Commander, Luscombe, Micco, Robinson Helicopters, Socata, and New Piper. Avionics manufacturers that will exhibit include Aearo Peltor, Airsport, AlliedSignal, Avionics Innovations, Century Flight Systems, David Clark, Electronics International, Eventide, Flightcom, Garmin, Icom, II Morrow, Magellan, Northstar, PS Engineering, S-TEC, Sennheiser, Shadin, Sigma-Tek, Sigtronics, Telex, and Trimble.

Other exhibitors include avionics retailers, aircraft financing institutions, engine manufacturers, equipment suppliers, aftermarket modifiers and engine overhaulers, and even famed aviation artist Sam Lyons.

For information on exhibiting at or attending AOPA Expo '98, see "Parading to Palm Springs," p. 61; call 888/GO2-EXPO; or visit the Web site (www.aopa.org/expo/).

New AOPA Credentials Kit Tailored To Member Needs

A streamlined AOPA credentials kit is making it easier for new or renewing members to find relevant information on AOPA services and benefits.

"The new membership guidebook has sections tabbed by pilot rating and aviation interest," said AOPA Membership Marketing Director Marsha Mason-Thies. "This makes it much easier to find AOPA benefits most relevant to your type of flying." The new guidebook also contains a Quick Response listing with telephone numbers and Internet addresses.

Other changes in the credentials kit include:

• A new member profile form for additional information on specific AOPA Certified products or services.
• A special AOPA credentials "wallet" containing key renewal items, including the popular yellow Air Aid ruler and AOPA "wings" decal for auto or airplane.
• A new, color-coded U.S. airspace quick-reference pocket card.

New or renewing members have been receiving the new credentials kit since May.

The AOPA Insurance Agency Combines With AON to Become World's Largest GA Insurance Agency

The AOPA Insurance Agency has combined administrative staffs with AON Risk Services, Inc. of Wichita, forming the world's largest GA insurance agency. The merger, providing expanded policy options and resources for AOPA members and nonmembers, was effective on May 1.

AON Risk Services brings to the expanded AOPA Insurance Agency 47 years of serving GA aircraft insurance needs.

Administration of policies held through AON Risk Services will be assumed by the AOPA Insurance Agency and will not affect policies issued by AON Risk Services. Former AON Risk Services agents will continue to serve pilots through the AOPA Insurance Agency.

Policyholders with questions should call 800/622-AOPA (800/622-2672).

Timeless Tri-Pacer Rebuild Suffers Off-Airport Landing During Test Flight

The airplane being rebuilt as AOPA's 1998 Timeless Tri-Pacer sweepstakes aircraft was involved in an emergency landing on May 14 after engine stoppage during a test flight from its California restoration shop.

The aircraft flipped over after landing in a plowed field. Damage is still being evaluated, but will delay the restoration process. The restoration firm's employee flying the airplane was not seriously injured. Details on repairs and more on the restoration process will be in the August Timeless Tri-Pacer story in AOPA Pilot.

"We weren't expecting this little detour," said AOPA President Phil Boyer, "but we're considering it just part of the aircraft restoration and ownership experience."

AOPA still plans to award the Timeless Tri-Pacer in January 1999. Members who join AOPA in 1998 or renew their memberships this calendar year are automatically entered in the sweepstakes. Watch AOPA Online for further news.

AOPA AIR SAFETY FOUNDATION

ASF Offers Seminar-in-a-Box for Local Pilot Groups

Safety meetings at the convenience of local pilots are now possible with the AOPA Air Safety Foundation's Seminar-In-A-Box program, available to local pilot groups.

"Pilots too often must choose between other activities and scheduled ASF safety meetings," said ASF Executive Director Bruce Landsberg, "but with the Seminar-In-A-Box, ASF-quality safety programs can be available to local pilot groups at virtually any time."

Programs include videotapes or slides, handouts for participants, door prizes, and guidance for presenters. Last year, ASF distributed 220 Seminar-In-A-Box kits, reaching more than 9,000 pilots.

The four programs available include:

• Trigger Tape I and Trigger Tape II, each featuring six suspenseful safety scenarios that help to "trigger" safety discussions.
• Collision Avoidance and Nontowered Airports teaches pilots how to avoid midair collisions and provides guidance for safe operation at nontowered airports. Of the 16,000 landing areas in the United States, only 347 have FAA control towers, with another 39 under contract with the FAA.
• Airspace Refresher demystifies complex airspace rules with a two-part seminar that takes pilots on a simulated cross-country.
• Never Again re-creates actual accidents and incidents in an interactive video format.

Although there is no charge for a Seminar-In-A-Box, a shipping and handling charge of $15.95 applies. For an order form, contact the ASF at 800/638-3101.

Landry Named to ASF Board of Visitors

Football great and former Dallas Cowboys coach Tom Landry has been named to the Air Safety Foundation Board of Visitors.

The BOV, currently chaired by former FAA Administrator David Hinson, is composed of distinguished pilots and aviation experts providing guidance and advice for ASF safety programs. The board meets twice a year.

Landry, 73, spent 29 years as head coach of the Dallas Cowboys for 20 consecutive winning seasons, 18 playoff appearances, 13 division championships, and five NFC titles. His record five Super Bowl appearances included Super Bowl VI and XII wins.

Landry learned to fly in World War II and holds a commercial pilot certificate with an instrument rating. He owns and flies a Cessna 210. He and wife Alicia reside in Dallas and have three children and six grandchildren.

New ASF Airspace Card to Be Distributed by AOPA

Colorful new pocket-size Air Safety Foundation cards explaining U.S. airspace will be distributed free to AOPA members throughout the coming year.

The sturdy 3-by-6-inch cards feature detailed depictions of classes A, B, C, D, E, and G airspace on the front, with weather and communication requirements on the back. A similar card produced by the FAA has been out of print since 1993.

"These handy airspace cards make it easier to understand and remember airspace rules," said ASF Executive Director Bruce Landsberg. "We're delighted that AOPA will be distributing these valuable safety aids to AOPA members."

The new ASF airspace card will be included free in new and renewing member credentials kits over the next 12 months.

ASF Silent Auction Bids Exceed $17,000

As of late May, more than 650 bids totaling $17,500 have been received for merchandise on the Air Safety Foundation Silent Auction. Proceeds help to support ASF's national aviation safety seminar program.

Latest additions to the auction include Sporty's Pilot Shop videotape courses for Recreational Pilot (value $109), Private Pilot (value $169), and Instrument Rating (value $224). All were to be added on July 1.

Other items available for bid include:

• Sun-Foil cockpit sunscreen set ($155 value).
• Microsoft Flight Simulator, ($60 value).
• Sam Lyons' Limited Edition paintings Guardian Eagle and Evening Return (each a $95 value).
• Gulf Coast Avionics GCA-6T headset ($135 value).
• Aircraft portrait, an aerial photograph of the successful bidder's aircraft, by AOPA Pilot ($3,000 value).
• Sporty's Flight Bag ($125 value).
• Texaco Ernie Irvan Car ($45 value).

Many other items are offered, ranging from aviation art and avionics, to pilot gear and bed-and-breakfast stays. New items are added monthly, while bidding closes on others.