GAO Agrees With AOPA: FAA Fails to Protect GA Airports
In a scathing report to Congress, the General Accounting Office (GAO) has cited the FAA for failing to protect "the federal government's investment in airports from mismanagement, fraud, waste, and abuse."
The May 7 report substantiates AOPA concerns that led to the GAO investigation, including diversion of airport revenues to nonaviation projects and use of airport land for everything from mobile home parks to dumps. Some unauthorized land use has increased safety risks.
"The GAO paints the picture of an agency 'asleep at the radar scope,'" said Phil Boyer, AOPA president. "The report proves what we've been saying for years: In the battle to protect airports, the FAA is frequently a noncombatant."
The GAO said that the FAA is not enforcing its own rules. In fact, only four of the 23 FAA field offices charged with protecting airports actually monitor rules compliance, and even those four take the word of airports themselves. In fact, FAA headquarters did not even have an up-to-date list of federally aided airports.
Because of the FAA's failure to monitor, the GAO could not determine the full amount of revenue lost to airports over the years. But the report did document some $18 million in revenue lost or diverted at just 11 GA airports since 1992.
The GAO said that the FAA has numerous enforcement tools but fails to use them. The GAO recommended that the secretary of transportation direct the FAA to perform these functions, among other things:
- Periodically visit airports to check compliance.
- Formally coordinate with interested parties, such as AOPA Airport Support Network volunteers.
- Hold FAA field offices accountable for taking enforcement actions.
The GAO report, General Aviation Airports — Unauthorized Land Use Highlights Need for Improved Oversight and Enforcement, is available on AOPA Online ( www.aopa.org/whatsnew/newsitems/1999/995gaoreport.pdf).
Atlantic City, Kansas City Airports Singled Out as Example of Poor FAA Oversight
Atlantic City, New Jersey's downtown Bader Field and Kansas City's Richards-Gebaur Memorial Airport were singled out by the GAO report as particularly egregious examples of FAA ineptitude in handling airport grant assurances.
The report said that Atlantic City has ignored FAA regulations and has done its best to gut Bader Field by allowing the airport to deteriorate, using airport land for a high school football field, and converting airport buildings to a police and fire station. Ramp demolition for an unauthorized baseball stadium on airport land led to an aircraft accident in 1996.
In the case of Kansas City's Richards-Gebaur Memorial Airport, the GAO says that the FAA failed to get the taxpayers' money's worth. The city is trying to sell or lease the airport for an intermodal rail-highway depot at less than half of its FAA-estimated value. "The FAA did not follow its policy requiring an independent appraisal to determine fair market value of the airport property," the GAO stated.
Charity Pilot Drug Testing Unnecessary, AOPA Says
AOPA is asking FAA Administrator Jane Garvey to change a new policy requiring drug testing for pilots conducting sightseeing flights for charity, saying that the tests would cripple such valuable efforts.
"These operations not only produce much-needed income for charitable causes, but they are invaluable in promoting the utility, value, and image of aviation to the nonflying public," said AOPA President Phil Boyer.
Under the new FAA ruling, a pilot who wants to volunteer his time and aircraft for charity fundraising would have to spend more than $200 to establish an "approved" drug testing program.
Before making the request, AOPA researched 16 years of NTSB accident data and found only two or three GA accidents per year, or one per 10 million flight hours, in which drugs were a cause or contributing factor. None involved sightseeing or charitable flights.
Stop Whining About FAA Budget and User Fees, AOPA Tells Administration
Stop using budget complaints as an excuse for poor performance. That was AOPA President Phil Boyer's blunt message to the FAA and the Clinton administration during the May 4 American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics Global Air and Space '99 conference near Washington, D.C.
"Stop the budget whining," Boyer said. "The claims that budget problems are delaying FAA modernization are not always as they seem. The FAA is spending a lot of money trying to achieve goals that it should have met a long time ago."
Sharing the stage with Boyer were FAA Administrator Jane Garvey, American Airlines Executive Vice President Bob Baker, NTSB Chairman Jim Hall, and Rep. John Duncan (R-Tenn.), chairman of the House aviation subcommittee.
"We've had problems with this administration for six years on how to manage and to fund aviation growth," Boyer said, remembering a 1994 warning from Rep. James Oberstar (D-Minn.). Oberstar had predicted that the administration would first propose inadequate FAA funding, then propose "solutions" such as user fees to solve such self-created budget problems. Meanwhile, the aviation trust fund surplus has continued to grow.
"User fees are new taxes," said Boyer. "The administration's real agenda is to evade the limits of the Budget Enforcement Act and spend aviation funds on nonaviation programs." AOPA also called on the administration to stop shortchanging aviation infrastructure needs.
AOPA Petitions FAA to Withdraw Beech Placeard AD
AOPA has petitioned the FAA to withdraw a Beechcraft fuel selector placard airworthiness directive (AD) that would do little more than clutter cockpits with noncritical information.
AD 99-05-13 requires a placard on the fuel selector valve to warn pilots that the engine may not get fuel if the fuel selector isn't clicked in a detent for the appropriate tank. It applies to just about every piston-engine airplane that Beech Aircraft Corporation ever built, from the Model 17 Staggerwing to the Bonanza and Baron.
"Positioning the fuel selector is an operational issue rather than an airworthiness concern," said Dennis Roberts, AOPA vice president of government and technical affairs. "Normal operating procedures are more appropriately addressed in the aircraft flight manual or pilot's operating handbook."
AOPA pointed out that if such placards continue to be applied for every error a pilot could make, critical emergency information will become lost in the muddle of warnings posted around the cockpit. The association continues to back the military design philosophy of placards for nonroutine, emergency information only.
AOPA Backs Property Seizure Reform
AOPA is throwing its weight behind a congressional movement to make the government prove that an aircraft seizure is justified. To do just that, H.R.1658 has been introduced by House Judiciary Committee Chairman Henry Hyde (R-Ill.).
"Aircraft owners can easily fall into a situation where their aircraft is rented, stolen, or used without their knowledge to smuggle drugs, or where a passenger commits a crime without the owner's knowledge," said AOPA President Phil Boyer. "These innocent aircraft owners are victims of crime, not criminals, and the government should not punish them for it."
AOPA members have reported horror stories involving aircraft seizures. One member, returning from Mexico, had his aircraft seized when a drug-sniffing dog "hit" on it. The government tore it apart looking for drugs. None were found, but it took the owner four months to get his airplane back-in pieces.
Under current law, innocent aircraft owners trying to reclaim their property must follow an arduous process that puts the burden of proof on them. They have virtually no way to force the government to pay for damages.
AOPA President Phil Boyer will help to dedicate the new Museum of Women Pilots at Will Rogers World Airport in Oklahoma City on July 23. The official opening of the museum, a project of The Ninety-Nines, Inc., coincides with the group's seventieth anniversary. Exhibits include at least one aircraft from the 1929 Transcontinental Air Derby, the event that helped to bring together the organization's original 99 members.
Alaska Issues Survey Gets Rapid Response
Even before Alaska members responded to a printed questionnaire on aviation issues in the forty-ninth state, more than 100 Alaska aviators had completed the poll on AOPA Online. More than 750 surveys are now in.
The survey, cosponsored by the Flyer newspaper and AOPA, appeared in the May issue of the Flyer and was mailed directly to AOPA member homes. Results of the survey will be a basis for discussion at AOPA Pilot Town Meetings July 12 to 14 in Juneau, Anchorage, and Fairbanks.
Action in the States
AOPA Airport Support Network volunteer activity is italicized. For information on how you can help AOPA's efforts to save your local airport, visit www.aopa.org/asn/ on AOPA's Web page.
Alaska. AOPA is opposing S.B.148, which threatens to impose landing fees at state-owned and-operated airports. Anchorage: The annual Seaplane Pilot Seminar, which took place April 20, drew more than 200 pilots and seaplane enthusiasts. Both AOPA and the Alaskan Air Safety Foundation participated.
Arizona. H.B.2404, which will help protect GA airports from encroachment by requiring disclosure of nearby airports to new home buyers, has been signed by Gov. Jane D. Hull. AOPA had pointed out the need to include "traffic pattern airspace" in the new law. Unfortunately, Gov. Hull also vetoed H.B.2600, which would have restored some of the flight property taxes to the state aviation trust fund. Scottsdale: AOPA is opposing a planned 140-foot (agl) cellular telephone tower near the Scottsdale Airpark. Sedona: AOPA ASN volunteer David C. Swartwout is working with the Sedona Airport Support Association to avoid excessive National Park Service regulation that could affect overflights.
Colorado. Byers: The Colorado Pilots Association is planning to protest an FAA decision allowing construction of a 1,950-foot (agl) television tower about 15 miles southeast of Byers. An AOPA analysis showed that the proposed tower is in an awkward location for pilots descending to avoid Denver Class B airspace.
Florida. Pompano Beach: ASN volunteer Bill Bahlke reports that Pompano Beach Airport ATC personnel have received a special FAA award for "quality operation and efficient service." Tampa: The purchase of Peter O. Knight Airport by the Hillsborough County Airport Authority has been completed.
Idaho. Boise: AOPA is supporting a decision by Idaho Aeronautics Division Director Bart Welsh to keep intact the state's highly successful airport courtesy car program. The program is being contested by a North Idaho taxi service. Pocatello: FAA funding for the Pocatello Regional Airport control tower will continue. The city had objected to the FAA's decision two years ago to shut down the tower and asked for a review of increased traffic at the airport.
Illinois. Frankfort: The privately owned Frankfort Airport has earned a reprieve. Owner South Suburban Aviation, Inc. filed for Chapter 11 reorganization just before a scheduled April 1 auction. New Lenox: The New Lenox-Howell Airport has been purchased by the New Lenox-Howell Airport Limited Liability Corp. The new owner has announced plans to expand the flight school there.
Indiana. The Indiana Aeronautics Section hasdeveloped a priority system for awarding state grants to fund GA airport repairs and improvements. In April, the Indiana legislature appropriated $2 million to be spent on GA airports over the next two years.
Iowa. AOPA is supporting H.B.199, which would exempt some aircraft purchased within the state from the 5-percent state sales and use tax. AOPA is also supporting S.B.424, which would allocate $2.5 million for GA airport repairs and improvements.
Kansas. The newly formed Kansas Aviation Council was recognized by AOPA President Phil Boyer at the May 27 Pilot Town Meeting in Wichita. The group is headed by AOPA ASN volunteer Lyle Bighley. Olathe: AOPA ASN volunteer Ray Olsen is working to help prevent restrictions on Johnson County Executive Airport as new housing developments spring up around the field. One development proposal would have placed a new school directly under the traffic pattern. Topeka: Thirty million dollars will be provided over 10 years for repair and improvements at Kansas GA airports. Passage of H.B.2071 caps a 10-year effort by AOPA and state pilot and airport groups to get state funding for GA airports. AOPA had issued a statewide pilot alert, and more than 250 AOPA members flew to Salina to support AOPA testimony before the Kansas Transportation 2000 Task Force.
Maryland. Baltimore: AOPA ASN volunteer Bill Peters is working to gather support for threatened Baltimore Airpark. A formal pilot association for the field is being formed.
Massachusetts. Boston: At an April 7 environmental hearing, AOPA argued for commissioning Runway 14/32 and against peak-hour pricing at Logan International Airport. On April 28, AOPA testified as part of an industry-labor-consumer panel in favor of H.B.547, which proposes sales tax relief for GA aircraft and parts.
Michigan. Six airports have been placed on the Michigan Bureau of Aeronautics endangered list. They include Grayling Army Airfield (55D), Detroit's Berz-Macomb Airport (UIZ), Brighton (45G), East Lansing's Davis Airport (2D8), Croswell's Arnold Field (55G), and Nile's Jerry Tyler Memorial Airport (3TR).
Missouri. A $3 million surplus for state aviation programs has resulted from passage of AOPA-supported jet fuel tax legislation. Missouri airports to benefit will include Grand Glaize at Osage Beach, Joplin Regional, Hannibal Municipal, Nevada Municipal, and Spirit of St. Louis. In addition, funding will also be provided for the ATC towers at Jefferson City Memorial Airport and Cape Girardeau Regional Airport. Kansas City: AOPA ASN volunteer Charles Smith and local aviation advocate Tim McDermott spearheaded an effort to force a referendum on the threatened closing of Richards-Gebaur Memorial Airport. Osage Beach: Operation of Lee C. Fine Airport has been turned over to the City of Osage Beach and additional GA hangars are planned. The transaction was made possible by passage of AOPA-supported S.B.228.
Montana. S.B.205, AOPA-supported legislation to fund about $300,000 in airport repairs and improvements through the Montana Aeronautics Division, passed in May. Also, AOPA and the Montana Pilots Association have been working to reopen back-country airstrips, many of which had been closed with establishment of the Bob Marshall Wilderness area in 1964.
New Jersey. Belmar/Farmingdale: AOPA ASN volunteer Paulo Santos reports that the $36 million price tag for purchase of the Allaire Airport has slowed efforts by Wall Township to purchase the privately owned field. Manville: The Borough of Manville has called for closure of the Central Jersey Regional (formerly Kupper) Airport. AOPA is working with airport owners to help secure state support. Readington: Readington Township is opposing improvements at Solberg Airport, including increasing the separation between runway and taxiway to meet current FAA standards. AOPA is working to build community support.
North Carolina. AOPA will participate in an update of the State Airport System Plan, commissioned by new NCDOT Aviation Division Director Bill Williams.
Ohio. Medina: AOPA ASN volunteer Greg Drezdzon has succeeded in getting an obstruction light on a 150-foot (agl) cellular-telephone tower located a half-mile from Runway 27 at Medina Municipal Airport.
Oregon. H.B.2358, which would allow pilots to refuel their own aircraft, has won support of both the state fire marshal and the Oregon Aeronautics Division. H.B.3294, an AOPA-opposed bill that would have required licensing for parachute and skydiving facilities, has been killed by the House Transportation Committee.
Utah. Salt Lake City: ASN volunteers Dr. Michael G. Mladejovsky (SLC) and Leonard Wojcik (U42) are working to develop a dialog between Salt Lake City International Airport management and users. Recent changes in rules for users and tenants had upset AOPA members.
Virginia. Tappahannock: A new Tappahannock/Essex County Airport, to replace the old Tappahannock Municipal, is scheduled for completion in 2000.
Washington. San Juan County:Attempts by San Juan County to regulate floatplane operations may be thwarted by a lawsuit filed by the San Juan Floatplane Defense Group and the Washington State Seaplane Pilots Association. The groups had challenged the "vague and undefined terms" of the ordinances. AOPA and the Seaplane Pilots Association had supported the challenge. Vancouver: As a result of proposed development, the city of Vancouver is developing a plan to address zoning impacts at Evergreen Field.
Wisconsin. Middleton: An anti-airport referendum was defeated two-to-one on April 6 largely because of the efforts of an airport support group organized by AOPA ASN volunteer Paul J. Preidecker and airport activist Diane Ballweg. The group distributed pro-airport literature, mailed postcards, and ran television ads.
ATC, U.S. Customs Will Answer Questions on AOPA's Pilot Information Center
AOPA members with questions about ATC or U.S. Customs matters will be able to get answers straight from working controllers and agents later this month. And both groups of government employees say that they hope to have serious give-and-take discussions with AOPA members who use their services.
FAA air traffic controllers will staff the AOPA Pilot Information Center July 19 to 21. Agents from the U.S. Customs Service will provide Customs answers on July 22. Both groups will be available from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Eastern time.
"AOPA's technical staffers answer member questions on ATC and Customs issues every day," said Marty Shuey, AOPA vice president of special projects. "But it isn't every day that you can call AOPA and talk to a working FAA controller or Customs agent for a real-life discussion on these issues."
AOPA's Pilot Information Center, 800/USA-AOPA (800/872-2672), is free to all AOPA members. It operates from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Questions may also be submitted in advance through AOPA Online and will be answered online during the respective visits.
New Logo on AOPA Insignia Sportswear Identifies You as a Pilot
A new logo immediately identifying the wearer of AOPA Insignia Collection sportswear as a pilot and AOPA member has been introduced by Sporty's Pilot Shop.
The new logo features the association's distinctive wings with the legend " AOPA Pilot." It may be ordered on a wide selection of sportswear.
For a free catalog or to order, call Sporty's Pilot Shop at 800/SPORTYS (800/776-7897). AOPA insignia items are shown online ( www.aopa.org/info/certified/sportys/), with a link to Sporty's Web site.
AOPA Aircraft Escrow Service Posts Record at Start of Buying/Flying Season
AOPA's Title and Escrow Service handled more than $42 million in escrow deposits during April, setting an all-time monthly record.
Since the AOPA escrow service began in 1990, more than three-quarters of a billion dollars has been deposited in escrow with AOPA Title and Escrow Service, which has represented both buyers and sellers in more than 2,000 aircraft transactions.
Available to members and nonmembers alike, the AOPA escrow service positions the AOPA service corporation as a trusted third party during the closing of an aircraft sale. Typically, AOPA Title and Escrow Service holds purchase funds, title, and financing documents for the buyer and the seller, pursuant to joint escrow instructions signed by all parties. Once the terms of the escrow instructions are satisfied, funds are disbursed.
Title and Escrow is one of the AOPA Certified services that return a small royalty to the AOPA service corporation at no additional cost to the user, helping to keep AOPA dues low and supporting efforts to preserve and revitalize general aviation.
For more information or to order, call AOPA Title and Escrow at 800/711-0087 (outside the United States, 405/682-2511) or visit AOPA Online ( www.aopa.org/info/certified/tne/).
