Future FAA Budget a 'Trojan Horse' Hiding Tax Increase and User Fees
The Clinton Administration is hiding a $1.7 billion tax increase and GA user fees - starting in the year 2000 - within the proposed FAA budget that was sent to Congress on February 2.
"Do all your flying by 1999, because you won't be able to afford to fly after that - if the administration gets what it wants," said AOPA Legislative Action President Phil Boyer. The White House budget proposes legislation that would result in an FAA funded entirely by cost-based user fees by the year 2003.
Through new direct user fees, $1.7 billion in new aviation taxes would be funneled into a still-undefined "Transportation Fund for America." On February 2 a senior Department of Transportation official couldn't say what those fees would be or how they would be spent, leading Legislative Action to question whether the new fund would be just a slush fund for nonaviation projects.
Boyer noted that the FAA budget would increase by only $600 million, despite the $1.7 billion tax increase. "We ask Congress to reject once again an administration attempt to destroy our proven aviation funding system," he said. "Now more than ever, it's time to complete FAA reform by making the FAA an independent agency, free from the political meddling of the Department of Transportation and the White House."
Boston CFI Wins Ultimate Arrow
Paul Perrone, AOPA 1126978, is the winner of AOPA's 1997 Sweepstakes grand prize, the "Ultimate Arrow." The 30-year-old Boston-area career pilot hopeful just logged his 1,000th hour during a stint flight instructing at nearby Hanscom Field. The refurbished Piper Arrow was delivered to Norwood Memorial Airport near his Medfield, Massachusetts, home in February. Photos and more information are available now on AOPA Online and will be published in the April issue of AOPA Pilot.
AOPA Wins Major Cost Savings in Lycoming Crankshaft AD
AOPA has won major cost savings for aircraft owners in a revised FAA airworthiness directive on Textron Lycoming engines with fixed-pitch propellers. The FAA issued the final AD on January 28.
"We succeeded in limiting this AD so that 80 percent of Lycoming owners will not be affected," said AOPA President Phil Boyer. "This means that more than 36,000 aircraft owners won't have to spend a potential $10,000 each." AOPA said that there is no evidence of crankshaft failure on these engines.
The proposed AD would have affected nearly one-quarter of the U.S. piston-powered fleet. It called for both initial and repetitive crankshaft inspections in O-235-, O-290-, O-320-, and O-360-series Lycomings with fixed-pitch propellers, and replacement within five years of all crankshafts having inner diameter corrosion pits.
The final AD now affects only Lycoming engines of 160 horsepower and above with fixed-pitch propellers. That limits the AD to selected O-320- and O-360-series engines.
The AD calls for a visual inspection for corrosion pits inside the crankshaft, costing most owners about $500. If pits are found, a fluorescent penetrant inspection (FPI) to look for cracks would be required.
Cracked crankshafts will have to be replaced. Those with corrosion pits but no cracks can remain in service, with reinspections at 100-hour intervals. The original proposal would have required replacing all corroded crankshafts within five years.
Most important, the FAA granted AOPA's request for a terminating action. A Lycoming-approved coating - Urethabond 104 - may be applied to the inside crankshaft bore during overhaul, eliminating the need for further inspections.
But Doug Macnair, AOPA director of aviation standards, warned owners that crankshaft corrosion pitting is still possible on engines under 160 horsepower not affected by the AD. He encouraged their owners to get crankshaft bore inspections the next time the propeller is removed and suggested applying Urethabond 104 during the next engine overhaul in order to prevent future corrosion.
"This AD is a significant victory," said Boyer. "It demonstrates that with AOPA's technical expertise and our determined effort, we can reduce the cost of flying."
Full text of the AD can be found on AOPA Online.
FAA Reform? Use Tools Available Now, AOPA Tells President Clinton
"Mr. President, to solve the problems with the FAA, we have to start using the tools at our fingertips." That's the message that AOPA sent to President Clinton on January 16.
AOPA chided the president for his 15-month delay in activating the FAA Management Advisory Council (MAC). Congress created the MAC in October 1996, but President Clinton has yet to appoint any members.
"FAA Administrator Jane Garvey is a bright and talented manager, but she has little direct aviation knowledge or experience," AOPA President Phil Boyer wrote to President Clinton. "Clearly, she could use the aviation industry advice, experience, and knowledge this advisory committee would provide."
Boyer noted that the same law establishing the MAC also created the National Civil Aviation Review Commission (NCARC), which recently submitted its final report undercutting FAA funding solutions established in the Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997, which were supported by both parties in Congress and the president.
Boyer told the president that the MAC, and the wealth of expertise its members could bring to the FAA, was arguably more important than the work of the NCARC. But while the NCARC has completed its work with much fanfare, the MAC has never been appointed and convened.
Don't Kill Loran, AOPA Tells DOT
Continued funding for loran is even more critical now that the FAA has accepted AOPA's view that a "support" navigation system is needed for GPS/WAAS, the association told Secretary of Transportation Rodney Slater in a January 14 letter.
The FAA declared at a January briefing that it now favors a "support" navigation system for several reasons, including possible GPS signal fade and the military's reluctance to provide anti-jam technology for civil use.
"AOPA feels its pilot members will be best served by using GPS as a primary means of navigation," said AOPA President Phil Boyer - adding, however, that until all questions about WAAS-augmented GPS are answered, "… it is imperative that the DOT continue funding loran."
Despite the FAA's turnabout, the DOT's Federal Radio-navigation Plan (FRP) still calls for an end to loran funding in the year 2000.
Noting that other countries also look to the U.S. Federal Radionavigation Plan to help set their national navigation policies, Boyer said, "The aviation community must be able to rely on the FRP to make informed decisions about equipment purchases and technology investments."
AOPA in the States
Alabama. Montgomery: An Airport Development Funding bill, H.B.448, has been reintroduced in the Alabama General Assembly. Last year, AOPA issued a "Member Alert" in support of the measure.
Alaska. The FAA may mothball some or all of 13 microwave landing system units in Alaska. AOPA has called the little-used but expensive installations a "continuing saga of waste, duplication, and entrenched arrogance." Anchorage: The new commander of Elmendorf Air Force Base, Lt. Gen. David McCloud, AOPA 907941, has affirmed his support for GA through the Alaskan Civil Military Airspace Council. Airspace there has been a continuing source of conflict between civilian and military users. Wasilla: The local property tax on aircraft has been eliminated by a unanimous city council vote, saving owners about $93,000 a year. It's the latest victory in the joint three-year effort by the Alaska Airmen's Association and AOPA regarding state and local taxes on aviation.
Arizona. Phoenix: Sen. Gus Arzberger has introduced AOPA-backed legislation to stop diversion of aviation property taxes to nonaviation uses. Prescott: The Prescott Airport Users Association has conducted familiarization flights for air traffic controllers at Love Field. AOPA offers free brochures on how to "Fly A …" controller, community leader, or reporter. Scottsdale: Scottsdale Airport is one of four airports to be featured in a new AOPA Airport Support Network video.
California. Oakland: A proposed $600 million expansion of the Oakland International Airport has resulted in two lawsuits charging an inadequate environmental impact report. AOPA is monitoring the situation. San Diego: Brown Field is on an application for "privatized" status under a new FAA program.
Colorado. Denver: Dale K. Hall, AOPA 973498, of Greeley, and Douglas L. Lashley, of Durango, have been appointed to the Colorado Aeronautics Board (CAB). The CAB and the Colorado Transportation Commission are considering a joint project for highway directional signs to GA airports.
Florida. Gainesville: The Gainesville/Alachua County Airport Authority may be losing nearly $200,000 in revenue from a sale of airport properties. The FAA had anticipated that all proceeds would benefit the airport. AOPA is investigating.
Georgia. Athens: Col. Mac McWhorter, AOPA 273459, has been selected for induction into the Georgia Aviation Hall of Fame. He was appointed to the Athens Airport Authority in December.
Illinois. Chicago: An approach for Meigs Field using the O'Hare VOR is under consideration. The approach would complement the recently commissioned GPS approach.
Indiana. Indianapolis: A House bill introduced by Rep. Beverly J. Gard (R) would require builders of obstructions near airports to get permission from the airport.
Kansas. Topeka: Gov. Bill Graves has promised to include GA airport funding as part of a 1999 comprehensive transportation bill. AOPA is working with the Kansas Airport Rescue Coalition to ensure proper funding.
Kentucky. Frankfort: A bill introduced in the Kentucky legislature would dedicate jet fuel tax revenues to airport improvements. AOPA is working with the Kentucky State Office of Aeronautics and the Kentucky Aviation Association for passage.
Maryland. Hagerstown: Airport and county officials are considering suggestions from the Washington County Pilots Association and AOPA for more equitable hangar and tiedown leases. Ocean City: Despite some citizen opposition, the city council has approved land acquisition and zoning for the Ocean City Airport. A trailer park just northwest of the airport was at issue.
Massachusetts. Boston: AOPA testified before the Massachusetts Joint Taxation Committee in favor of legislation that would provide sales and use tax relief for aircraft used primarily in business.
Michigan. Marquette: A "Friends of Marquette County Airport" group wants to keep this longtime airport open while most operations move to the K.I. Sawyer Air Force Base site. Current plans call for closing Marquette County Airport by October.
Missouri. Excelsior Springs: AOPA efforts to save the endangered Excelsior Springs Airport have paid off. The city council has agreed to lease the airport to a group of local investors headed by the former airport board chairman.
Nevada. Battle Mountain: Airport improvements will include a PAPI, rehabilitated runway, and helipad. Jackpot: An economic feasibility study to upgrade the Jackpot airstrip is under consideration; AOPA is supportive of the study.
New Hampshire. Manchester: AOPA is working with the Manchester Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association and others for fair treatment of GA during construction at the field.
New Jersey. Teterboro: Some of the nation's harshest noise abatement measures apparently still aren't enough at Teterboro Airport. The State Assembly is asking Congress and the FAA to control noise and expansion at the airport, one of GA's busiest.
New York. East Hampton: Runway reconstruction remains stalled at East Hampton Airport after a new supervisor refused to sign an order to proceed. AOPA is working with the East Hampton Airport Association and others.
North Carolina. Charlotte: The Charlotte Tracon may add airspace for better coordination of high-performance arrivals from the north and west. Charlotte is also asking for airspace that includes the Hickory and Statesville airports, a move that could impact IFR operations. AOPA is working to ensure that GA operations will not be impaired under either plan. Manteo: AOPA continues work with the FAA and political leaders to give pilots real-time status information on Restricted Area 5314.
Ohio. Cincinnati: A proposal to "downsize" Blue Ash Airport is under consideration by both airport owner Cincinnati and the city of Blue Ash, which completely surrounds the property. AOPA is working to ensure that aviation capability is retained. Willoughby: A city plan to sell Lost Nation Airport to Lake County has fallen through. Meanwhile, the city has asked the FAA to let it continue converting the former Cleveland Jet Center hangar into a sports complex. AOPA has asked the FAA to deny the request unless it is tied to airport survival.
Oregon. La Grande: City-enacted guidelines based on the new Oregon airport zoning law have proved effective in protecting the La Grande/Union County Airport from mining interests. The law was passed in late 1997 after years of effort by AOPA and Oregon aviation groups. Salem: AOPA and the Oregon Aviation Alliance will be lobbying lawmakers in 1998 for support of an autonomous Oregon Aeronautics Division with overhauled funding. Also on the agenda: a proposed three-cent avgas and one-half cent jet fuel tax for aviation purposes and development of a state aviation system plan.
South Carolina. Andrews: AOPA is helping to find resources for removal of trees from the approach path. Loris: Twin City Airport remains under threat of closure. The last such episode at Twin City, in 1995, ended when AOPA and local users convinced the Horry County commissioners of the airport's value.
Tennessee. Nashville: AOPA is working to "cap" Tennessee sales tax on aircraft. The 6-percent tax applies not only to aircraft sales, but also to aircraft brought into Tennessee.
Virginia. Chesterfield: Updated minimum standards for operators at Chesterfield County are expected to be issued soon. AOPA has encouraged user input for reasonable standards. Manassas: The city council is considering appointing a liaison with commercial operators at the airport to consolidate suggestions for initial minimum standards into one document. Previously proposed standards would hurt most smaller aviation businesses there. New Market: The popular Valor Field is for sale: $449,000. Williamsburg: James City County has asked the owners of the Williamsburg-Jamestown Airport to appoint an airport advisory committee with a "broad constituency." Such a committee would be unusual for a privately owned, public-use airport and could set a precedent.
Washington. Puget Sound: Portions of a plan for a NOAA marine sanctuary that would have heavily restricted GA flight in the area have been dropped. The Washington Seaplane Pilots Association and AOPA had argued safety impairments. Rogersberg: AOPA has joined with the Washington Pilots Association, the Idaho Aviation Association, and state aviation agencies to convince the Bureau of Land Management to reopen the Rogersberg recreational airstrip. BLM has said that it is "surprised" at the volume of pilot support. Vancouver: Privately owned Evergreen Airport is fighting a proposed multilevel apartment complex bordering the airport.
West Virginia. Charleston: A new $250 million regional airport with an 8,700-foot runway has been proposed for a location midway between Huntington and Charleston. Charleston's existing Yeager Airport would remain as a GA facility.
Wisconsin. Madison: The Wisconsin Bureau of Aeronautics will study economic impacts of aviation in the state, as advocated by AOPA. The study is expected to help local communities understand the value of their airports. Middleton: An economic impact study favors preservation of Morey Field; some noise-sensitive residents are complaining. River Falls: Privately owned Riviera Airpark has been ordered closed for noncompliance with county zoning ordinances; airport residents are fighting back.
ATC to Answer AOPA Member Questions
Six air traffic control specialists from FAA headquarters will answer member questions on AOPA's Pilot Information Center on March 10 and 11.
"The FAA wants to know how the system is working for GA pilots," said Martin W. Shuey, AOPA vice president of air traffic control. "Ron Morgan, FAA's director of air traffic services, hasn't forgotten his general aviation roots. He should be commended for getting his headquarters staff to AOPA to talk to system users."
The ATC specialists will join AOPA's 21 aviation technical specialists on the toll-free Pilot Information Center (800/USA-AOPA, 800/872-2672) from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. EST. They will also answer questions submitted in advance by e-mail through AOPA Online.
"This is a tremendous opportunity for AOPA members to find out more about how the system works," said Woody Cahall, AOPA director of aviation services. "For example, pilots don't always understand why ATC sometimes sends us off our planned routing. Now pilots can learn why, from the people who implement the policy."
More than half of AOPA members are instrument-rated. According to FAA data, general aviation aircraft flew 25.4 million hours in 1995, 5.6 million of those hours on IFR flight plans.
New on the 'Net
New offerings on AOPA Online, your association's Internet information service, include:
- Rod Machado's Project Pilot Instructor safety tip of the week, an AOPA Online exclusive.
- The Timeless Tri-Pacer's own Web page, with periodic updates on the refurbishment of AOPA's 1998 sweepstakes airplane and information about AOPA resources for aircraft purchasers.
Links to these pages, and all other Web sites mentioned in AOPA Pilot, can be found at www.aopa.org/pilot/links.shtml
Mark Your Calendars for a Great Time in Palm Springs
Plan now to attend this year's AOPA Expo in one of our most popular locations: beautiful Palm Springs, California.
This year's Expo covers a convenient Friday-Saturday-Sunday schedule from October 23 to 25.
Even better, the Expo '98 static aircraft display of some 70 singles, twins, and turboprops is right outside the convention center - one of the few places that this is possible!
Spectacular site. Great city. Aircraft displays just a short walk from the exhibit hall. This should be your year to attend AOPA Expo. Call 888/GO-2-EXPO for a brochure (available soon).
AOPA Answers Record 26,000 Inquiries for Help on Medicals in 1997
AOPA's Medical Certification Department handled a record 26,000 requests for help in 1997, often working with the FAA's Aeromedical Certification Division in Oklahoma City to resolve problems experienced by AOPA members.
One AOPA-suggested change now being implemented addresses a frequent problem: temporary grounding while awaiting renewal of a special issuance medical.
The FAA had previously told pilots to send special issuance renewal data no earlier than 30 days before the medical's expiration date, but AOPA found the FAA's typical backlog means that 30 days is insufficient to process the renewal. Thus, special issuance medicals frequently expire before a new one is issued, grounding the pilot for weeks.
After AOPA raised the issue last month, Federal Air Surgeon Jon Jordan said that the FAA will now change its procedures and form letters to request special issuance renewal data 90 days in advance.
Medical questions accounted for 15 percent of the 145,000 annual calls and e-mails to the specialists manning AOPA's toll-free Pilot Information Center (800/USA-AOPA).
The medical certification staff can help pilots on FAA rules and procedures, medical application review, revoked or denied medicals, and finding a local medical examiner. Some 95 percent who call are "completely satisfied" or "very satisfied" with AOPA's medical service, according to the 1997 audit of AOPA service to members.
AOPA Announces 1998 Journalism Competition
AOPA has opened the 1998 competition for the Max Karant Awards for Excellence in Aviation Coverage. Deadline for entries is April 15.
The $1,000 awards are given annually to nontrade media coverage of general aviation in print, radio, television/cable - news or short feature, and television/cable - program length.
"The Karant Awards call attention to AOPA's concern for fair, accurate, and insightful coverage of GA in the general circulation media," said Drew Steketee, AOPA senior vice president of communications.
Eligible for a Max Karant Award is work published or broadcast for public consumption between January 1 and December 31, 1997. Participants may submit up to three entries. Previous cash award winners are ineligible.
Complete rules are included on entry forms available on AOPA Online ( www.aopa.org/special/karant/) or from Patricia L. Rishel, AOPA Communications, 421 Aviation Way, Frederick, Maryland 21701; telephone 301/695-2157.
The 1998 Karant Awards will be presented to winners in person during AOPA Expo'98 in Palm Springs, California, October 23 through 25.
U.S. Customs Asks AOPA Member Opinions
The U.S. Customs Service has asked AOPA members for help in evaluating the year-old General Aviation Telephonic Entry (GATE) program, which simplifies Customs processing for U.S. citizens returning from Canada.
The one-year trial program was the result of a five-year effort by AOPA and other pilot groups. It expired in November, but the Customs Service has agreed to continue providing services, pending results of the evaluation.
AOPA members may participate in the survey through AOPA Online .
AOPA AIR SAFETY FOUNDATION
ASF Offers Monthly 'Self-Test' Quiz on Web
The new AOPA Air Safety Foundation "aviation fitness" quiz for pilots is now available on the ASF Web page ( www.aopa.org/asf/asfquiz/). The monthly quiz is free and includes links to appropriate ASF Safety Advisors and other publications.
After clicking answers for eight to 10 multiple-choice or true/false questions, pilots are shown correct answers and links to corresponding explanations. A whimsical grading scale runs from "Super Pilot" to "Grounded."
Topics will include seasonal flying challenges (structural icing, carburetor icing, wind, and thunderstorms), plus general weather and flight planning.
New Weather Strategies Booklet Available
A new full-color Weather Strategies booklet is now available to help pilots make better go/no-go weather decisions.
The 20-page booklet, also used as a workbook for ASF's new "Weather Strategies" seminars, leads pilots through planning a flight that at first glance seems impossible because of forecast weather.
"But is it unflyable?" asks Bruce Landsberg, ASF executive director. "Knowing how to find and understand comprehensive weather information could change the answer."
For instance, online weather charts and graphics help to communicate the "big picture" of what the weather is doing and whether it is likely to develop as forecast. They help to answer the million-dollar question: "Can I complete this flight safely?"
For pilots who don't use computer briefings, the Weather Strategies booklet helps pilots to ask the right questions of the telephone briefer.
A flow chart of the go/no-go decision-making process is included, as is a list of resources for understanding more about weather.
Send a 9 x 12 self-addressed envelope and $2 to Weather Strategies, Air Safety Foundation, 421 Aviation Way, Frederick, Maryland 21701-4798 .
