AOPA Action

AOPA Commends FAA For Eliminating 'On-The-Spot' Tickets, But Still Wants More Details

AOPA is optimistic about the FAA's modified "streamlined administrative action process," a new alternative to an "on-the-spot" ticket program proposed in 1998, but is reserving judgment until more details are known.

AOPA was particularly pleased that FAA Administrator Jane Garvey eliminated the on-the-spot issuance of administrative actions ("tickets"), forestalling possible confrontations between FAA inspectors and pilots.

Opposing the FAA's original "ticket program," AOPA said that it would unnecessarily increase enforcement actions and lacked an appeal process, and that a "ticket" would affect a pilot's insurability, employment, and future FAA enforcement actions.

During a meeting in December, Garvey told AOPA President Phil Boyer, "Phil, we got [your members'] cards and letters, we heard the message, and we're taking appropriate action." The FAA unveiled an outline of its modified program on December 21.

But Boyer said, "The devil may be in the details. After carefully reviewing all that the FAA has revealed so far, there is still not enough information for AOPA to determine if this modified enforcement program will be fair to our members."

AOPA has asked Garvey for program details, including:

• what type of infractions will be considered for the new process,
• how an airman's response will be handled, and
• how the program will be implemented.

A copy of AOPA's letter to Garvey is available on AOPA Online ( www.aopa.org/whatsnew/newsitems/1999/990108letter.html).

AOPA Says WAAS Delay Will Benefit Safety, Encourages Continued GPS Development

AOPA is urging continued development of the Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS), which increases GPS accuracy and will allow precision GPS instrument approaches.

Responding to an FAA-announced delay in WAAS Phase 1, AOPA President Phil Boyer said, "This is not a program going awry. The FAA is following a deliberate course to ensure safety."

The FAA cited software development difficulty in delaying WAAS Phase 1 implementation (covering about half of the continental United States) from July 1999 to September 2000.

"This is cutting-edge technology," said Boyer. "We're willing to accept some delay to ensure that GPS/WAAS is completely proven and reliable."

By the end of January, the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory was to complete a study to determine whether GPS, WAAS enhancements, and a Local Area Augmentation System (LAAS) at large airports can serve as the sole U.S. air navigation system. The study was sponsored by AOPA, the Air Transport Association, and the FAA.

WAAS-augmented GPS precision approaches will equal today's expensive ILS system — available at only 1,323 locations nationwide — and allow precision approaches for thousands of airports that cannot support an ILS.

AOPA's Value-Of-Airports Advertising Reaches Millions Over Holidays

Some 13.5 million American households saw AOPA's The Weather Channel advertising on the value of local community airports during the Christmas/New Year's holiday period.

AOPA's unprecedented 30-second TV advertisement for local airports aired up to 15 times a day between December 24 and January 1. Each sponsored Weather Channel segment included the AOPA logo above the weather map, host ad libs about AOPA sponsorship for the airport cause, a full-screen message that "America's Pilots Support Your Local Airport," and AOPA's specially prepared TV commercial on airports' value to the community.

At the same time, AOPA mailed more than 9,000 America's Airports videos to mayors, county executives, chambers of commerce, FBO managers — and even governors and state legislators. An accompanying message from AOPA urged them to consider community airports' value to local economic and transportation needs, especially as GA bounces back from its long recession.

"I doubt anything like this unprecedented holiday blitz for local community airports has ever been attempted by any other aviation organization," said AOPA President Phil Boyer. "And it was all possible because of AOPA's strong membership in 1998 and members' use of AOPA Certified Services that support such special programs for the defense and preservation of GA."

AOPA Offers FAA Common-Sense Ideas On Reducing Medical Certificate Backlog

A 50,000-application backlog for FAA medical certificates could be reduced substantially with just a few common-sense changes, AOPA has told the FAA.

"Too many medical applications are kicked out for manual review because of simple omissions or items that look like new medical information," said Douglas C. Macnair, AOPA director of aviation standards. Suggestions offered by AOPA to make the process more efficient included:

Triplicate Form. A third copy could remind pilots what they reported on previous applications. Re-reporting of medical conditions or medication often triggers a manual FAA review.

Medication Usage. The FAA's computer rejects thousands of applications that list any medication, even common over-the-counter medications such as aspirin. AOPA suggested a space to list medications previously reported to, and cleared by, the FAA.

Incomplete Forms. AOPA said that the FAA could help avoid manual reviews by simply printing at the top of the form in bold type, "Items in fields 1 through 20 must be completed."

AOPA's Pilots' Guide to Medical Certification ( www.aopa.org/members/files/medical/medcert.html) and some 50 "Medical Information Sheets" ( www.aopa.org/members/resources/medical.html) are available in the members-only section of AOPA Online .

Avoiding The White House

A special working group appointed to reduce the number of airspace violations around the White House and U.S. Capitol has issued recommendations without unfairly targeting GA pilots.

AOPA represented GA on the P-56 Work Group, formed in November 1996. According to the FAA, GA pilots account for well over half of all incursions in the P-56 prohibited area.

"Of course, pilots don't plan to infringe on national security," declared AOPA Director of Airspace Melissa Bailey, "but the area around Washington, D.C.'s Reagan National Airport can be a navigational nightmare."

The group recommended special warning language on both VFR and IFR charts, advisory signs near runways, and a study of commonly used traffic routes in the Washington Class B airspace. Most recommendations are now being implemented.

"AOPA understands national security concerns, and I'm glad we could help the working group find ways to address those issues without 'running over' GA pilots," said Bailey.

AOPA Says MU-2 Icing Ad Is 'Tip Of Iceberg' For Certification Reviews

Planned FAA certification reviews of many aircraft approved for flight into known icing could result in unnecessary airworthiness directives costing individual owners tens of thousands of dollars, AOPA has learned.

The information was revealed at a Kansas City meeting on AD 97-CE-21, which proposes $27,000 in modifications to each Mitsubishi MU-2B turboprop to prevent "departure from controlled flight" because of undetected inflight icing.

"It's not needed, but what worries us more is that this proposed AD is just the tip of the iceberg," said Dennis Roberts, AOPA vice president of Government and Technical Affairs. "Even though there is no substantive evidence, the FAA apparently thinks there is a general 'icing problem' and feels compelled to 'do something.'"

AOPA, which has gone on record twice opposing the AD, told the FAA that there is no evidence that the MU-2B is prone to undetectable ice accumulation. In fact, visual ice detection is easier on MU-2Bs than on many GA aircraft.

But FAA officials said the MU-2 AD is just the leading edge of more certification reviews affecting GA airplanes. "Airframe icing accounts for less than 5 percent of GA weather-related accidents, according to AOPA Air Safety Foundation studies," Roberts said. He added that the FAA's efforts should be directed in ways that will benefit all GA pilots, rather than redoing icing certification on a limited number of aircraft certified for known icing.

Copies of the FAA's proposed AD 97-CE-21 and AOPA's position statement in opposition are available on AOPA Online ( www.aopa.org/whatsnew/newsitems/1998/981216mu2.html).

Y2K: Will Your GPS Be Affected?

AOPA is surveying GPS manufacturers to determine which IFR GPS units might be affected by the "end of week" (EOW) rollover at 0000Z on August 22, 1999, and year 2000 (Y2K) problems at 0000Z on January 1, 2000.

"We're asking for a unit-by-unit description of potential problems and how AOPA members can avoid them," said Randy Kenagy, AOPA Government Affairs researcher. "As we receive specific data, we'll post it in the members-only section of the AOPA Web site ( www.aopa.org/members/pic/), with links to manufacturer sites where needed."

At press time, Northstar Technologies had notified AOPA that while all current Northstar GPS products are fully Y2K compliant, early M2/M6 GPS units (models 8000A, 8200, 8100A), GPS add-on boxes, and earlier GPS-60s would require a certain version of software. Company President Scott C. Lewis said that Northstar will upgrade units sent to them at no charge.

AlliedSignal, Inc. reported that the KLN 89 and KLN 89B GPS units will show an incorrect date on February 29 of each leap year, and the KLN 90 and KLN 90A will show no date on February 1 of a leap year. Neither anomaly will affect navigation. The company said that KLN 90 or KLN 90A units can be upgraded to a KLN 90B to avoid that anomaly.

Trimble Navigation has listed the Y2K and EOW rollover status of all its products on its Web site ( www.trimble.com/y2kwnro/chart.htm).

Other GPS manufacturers surveyed include Arnav Systems; II Morrow, Magellan Systems, and Garmin International.

Another Y2K Bug: Obstruction Lighting

Don't let a Y2K "bug" put out the lights, AOPA told an FCC industry forum on December 7.

"Many tower lighting systems are monitored by computers," said Marty Shuey, AOPA vice president of air traffic control. "Our biggest concern is any kind of 'glitch' that would prevent the computer from alerting a human about a lighting failure."

The FCC hosted the special forum to examine ways in which year-2000-related computer problems might disrupt antenna lighting.

AOPA told forum participants that broadcast towers are difficult for pilots to see and explained the importance of immediately notifying the nearest flight service station of any lighting failure.

AOPA Airport Support, AOPA President Make Big Impression For Ohio Airport

"A mile of highway gets you one mile. A mile of runway gets you anywhere."

That was AOPA President Phil Boyer's message to more than 100 business and civic leaders in Bryan, Ohio, in late November as he helped a local AOPA member make the case for the 5,000 feet of runway at Williams County Airport (0G6) near the Indiana and Michigan borders.

Local support for the county-owned airport was fading until Boyer answered a call for help from LeRoy Feather, AOPA 865273. Boyer brought a national perspective to Bryan's view of its under-appreciated asset.

Media coverage included two front-page newspaper stories, a number of radio interviews, and repeated broadcasts of AOPA's 24-minute Local Airports — Access to America video on area cable TV.

"Of course, I can't answer every speaking request," said Boyer, "but AOPA will answer every request for help. Defending airports is AOPA's — and our members' — first priority."

AOPA established the Airport Support Network in 1997 to place a member volunteer at each of the nation's 5,389 public-use airports. For more information, visit AOPA Online ( www.aopa.org/asn/).

News in the States

Alabama. Auburn: Threats to the long-established aviation management program at Auburn University have been answered by students and graduates, helped by AOPA. Montgomery: AOPA expects a sympathetic ear to GA's needs from new Gov. Don Siegelman (D), AOPA 1360641. Meanwhile, the AOPA-encouraged Aviation Council of Alabama is working to establish a voice in state government. Sylacauga: AOPA is meeting with the Sylacauga airport board and local government officials to help improve airport-community relationships.

Florida. Englewood: AOPA ASN volunteer Jeff Walston is working for improvements at the sod airport, which is owned by Sarasota County. AOPA is suggesting an advisory board and an airport support group for the field. Punta Gorda: AOPA ASN volunteer Lionel Schumann reports that local zoning allows a proposed mobile home community to be built near Charlotte County Airport. AOPA has asked the airport director to ensure that potential property owners be informed of the airport's proximity. Valkaria: At least two proposals for an FBO at Valkaria Airport have been received. The troubled airport now has seven pilots on an 11-member advisory board, thanks to activism by AOPA ASN volunteer Mark Cannon.

Illinois. New Lenox: The owner of the public-use Howell-New Lenox Airport has not yet found a buyer for the field, making loss of the privately owned airport a real possibility.

Maryland. Annapolis: Owners of the historic Annapolis Lee Airport have extended the lease of FBO Annapolis Flying Service until 2012. AOPA ASN volunteer Sharon Hasslinger reports that the move may ease pressure on the airport from developers. Ft. Meade: The former Tipton Army Airfield is expected to open for GA use by this summer.

Minnesota. Minneapolis: A "Sport Conference and Flight Expo" featuring AOPA President Phil Boyer will be held February 13 and 14 at the Minneapolis Convention Center.

Missouri. Kansas City: Insufficient safety zones on Runway 1/19 at Kansas City Downtown Airport could affect the ILS to Runway 19. AOPA is gathering data on the situation. Lake of the Ozarks: The AOPA-encouraged Missouri State Aviation Council was officially formed at a three-day transportation conference in November. AOPA is represented on the council's board of directors.

North Carolina. Charlotte: An AOPA-supported new city zoning law provides to potential homebuyers near Charlotte-Douglas International Airport disclosure of the airport's location through zoning approval documents, building permits, and approved subdivision plats. A similar requirement in surrounding Mecklenburg County was voted down. Hendersonville: Hendersonville Airport owner David Cowan has retired, leaving the fate of the airport — which is up for sale — uncertain. The Western Carolina Aviation Museum is adjacent to the field. Hickory: A cellular telephone tower proposed for the traffic pattern entry point at Wilson's Airport is being opposed by AOPA. Salisbury: AOPA and airport users continue to oppose the already-approved annexation of the Rowan County Airport by the city of Salisbury. Aircraft owners on the field have incurred a large hike in personal property taxes since this 1997 annexation.

Pennsylvania. Langhorne: Buehl Field will be developed as a senior citizens' community, despite efforts by AOPA and Langhorne Mayor Chris Blyden to keep the historic airport open.

South Carolina. Anderson: Anderson County has taken over FBO operations at Anderson County Airport pending award of a new FBO concession; fuel on weekends is by appointment only. Camden: Kershaw County officials have rescinded an airport regulation establishing a locally enforceable traffic pattern at Camden/Kershaw County Airport. AOPA, the FAA, and others pointed out that such local efforts are in direct conflict with federal preemption of airspace.

Tennessee. Arlington: FBO A.I. Guron plans to offer $800,000 for the Arlington Airport. The town of Arlington plans to close the airport this February. Lexington: A new regional airport serving the cities of Lexington and Parsons is under consideration. It would be the first new GA airport in Tennessee since the Upper Cumberland Regional Airport was built in White County in the 1970s.

Virginia. New Kent County: County supervisors have agreed to bring the New Kent County Airport fuel farm into EPA compliance. Longer-term airport survival is still a question.

AOPA Announces 1999 Journalism Competition

AOPA's 1999 Max Karant Awards journalism competition is now open. The postmark deadline for entries is April 15.

The $1,000 Karant awards are given annually to nontrade media coverage of GA in print, radio, television/cable — news or short feature, and television/cable — program length.

"GA too often takes it on the chin in the general audience media with inaccurate or unfair news or features," said Drew Steketee, AOPA senior vice president of communications. "The Karant Awards encourage fair, accurate, and insightful GA coverage."

Work published or broadcast for public consumption between January 1 and December 31, 1998, is eligible. 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 through Patricia L. Rishel, AOPA Communications, 421 Aviation Way, Frederick, Maryland 21701; telephone 301/695-2157.

AOPA Expo '98 Video Now Available

An exciting 32-minute video that captures many of the highlights of AOPA's 1998 annual convention and trade show is now available.

"The editors of AOPA Pilot magazine selected some of the newest and most innovative products and aircraft at Expo," said AOPA Media Relations Director Warren Morningstar, who produced the video. "What these veteran aviation reporters have to say is informative and entertaining."

Among Expo '98 highlights narrated by Pilot editors:

The new Cirrus SR20 and Lancair Columbia 300, both of which received their type certificates at AOPA Expo '98. AOPA Pilot Editor in Chief Tom Haines also details innovative navigation equipment such as the Garmin 430 integrated navcom/GPS with color moving map.

Many new active noise reduction (ANR) headsets, explained by Associate Editor Al Marsh.

Handheld radios and GPS receivers, engine-monitoring and weather-avoidance equipment, and new turbine-powered aircraft, narrated by various AOPA Pilot editors.

Included is a bonus "video-within-a-video," AOPA's traditional "That Was the Week That Was" featurette. It's the fast-paced, humorous glance at AOPA Expo '98 shown during the Expo closing banquet.

The AOPA Expo '98 Video is available for $19.99 (plus $3 shipping). It can be ordered by calling 888/462-3976 toll-free or by visiting AOPA Online ( http://data.aopa2.org/expo/video.html).

UND Professor Is Seaplane Pilot Of The Year

The Seaplane Pilots Association has selected University of North Dakota aviation professor Dale De Remer as its "1998 Pilot of the Year." De Remer has been SPA's central northwest field director since 1986.

De Remer is the founder of the "Seawings" safety program, modeled after the FAA's Wings program. A nationally recognized CFI, he is a frequent lecturer on topics ranging from seaplane operations and safety to long-range navigation. He has been the chairman of the Central Canada Seaplane Safety Seminar and Fly-In since 1986.

SPA is an international nonprofit association of some 6,500 members in the United States, Canada, and 42 other countries. Visit the SPA Web site ( www.seaplanes.org).

Rates Lowered For AOPA Life Insurance Program

Premiums for AOPA Group Life Insurance Program policyholders under age 35 have been reduced 25 percent.

Both new and current AOPA Group Life customers insured under this popular Minnesota Life program will see the reduction in premiums beginning February 1.

For information on the program, call toll-free 888/TRY-AOPA (888/879-2672).