AOPA Action

AOPA President Testifies Before Congress; 'Flies' Lawmakers in Night VFR

Just days after the Kennedy-Bessette tragedy, AOPA President Phil Boyer testified on July 22 before a previously scheduled congressional hearing on weather and aviation safety.

In a first before Congress, Boyer used a personal computer-based flight simulator to give lawmakers a "pilot's-eye view" of day VFR, night VFR, night overwater VFR, and private pilot instrument training.

Boyer drew on statistics from the AOPA Air Safety Foundation's Nall Report to explain that night VFR is, statistically, slightly safer than day VFR, but that continued VFR into instrument meteorological conditions is the most frequently reported cause of general aviation weather-related fatal accidents.

Rebutting media reports that private pilots have no instrument flight training, Boyer briefed lawmakers on night and instrument training requirements and reminded Congress that new private pilots average 77 flight hours before certification, far more than the FAA-required 35 to 40 hours. He cautioned lawmakers to wait for final NTSB determinations on the cause of the Kennedy crash and urged them to act on accident trends, not "a case of one."

Boyer told Congress that AOPA and ASF will assist federal regulators in whatever realistic solution is needed, contrary to some media pundits who claimed that the pilots' association would obstruct any government action on the issue.

AOPA Counters Erroneous Info on JFK Jr Crash

Wonder what your $39 AOPA annual dues mean to GA? How about the massive media response to John F. Kennedy Jr.'s tragic accident put forth by AOPA President Phil Boyer, AOPA Air Safety Foundation Executive Director Bruce Landsberg, and the AOPA Communications Division?

It started July 17 with CBS News' 10 a.m. telephone call to the home of Drew Steketee, AOPA senior vice president of communications.

Early coverage reflected badly on GA, and pilots were complaining; CBS wanted help to balance the reports. Dashing 35 miles to Washington, D.C., by 11:30 a.m., Steketee was in the hot seat with anchorman Dan Rather for the next six and one-half hours. The following week, it was nonstop from 6 a.m. to midnight each day.

Top AOPA staff conducted more than 150 media interviews in the first four days alone. Included were all three major investigative shows ( 60 Minutes, Dateline NBC, and ABC 20/20) plus wire services; Sunday news shows; and multiple appearances on CNN, MSNBC, CNBC, and Fox Cable News. After returning from Pilot Town Meetings in Alaska, AOPA President Boyer was interviewed live from the cockpit of his Cessna 172 on MSNBC's Evening News with Brian Williams and on the network evening news programs.

ASF Executive Director Landsberg and all AOPA spokespeople used the extensive resources of the Nall Report, ASF's annual analysis of GA accidents, to counter media misconceptions.

Media Relations Director Warren Morningstar was heard nationwide on public radio's NPR Morning Edition and All Things Considered and handled innumerable newspaper and broadcast interviews from dawn to dusk.

"This event cut deep into the American heart, brought to the surface old misconceptions and bias against GA, and could result in knee-jerk government reaction," said Steketee. "AOPA was there to defeat myth with fact, bias with accuracy, and ill-informed pundits with real knowledge."

AOPA Helps Owners Understand Twin Cessna Exhaust AD

In July, AOPA sent a special mailing to some 6,500 owners of turbocharged twin-engine Cessna aircraft that may be affected by an airworthiness directive on the exhaust system. The mailing provided information needed for owners to comment on the AD.

The FAA had originally planned to issue the AD on turbocharged Cessna twin models T310 to 421C, except the 337, with no opportunity for public comment. After quick, intense protest by AOPA and the Cessna Pilots Association, the FAA announced a 30-day comment period.

"This AD is likely to be extraordinarily expensive," said AOPA President Phil Boyer. "The FAA needs to hear from owners and operators before it determines the final form of the AD."

Visit AOPA Online ( www.aopa.org/whatsnew/regulatory/regtwincessna.html).

Ticket Program Dead, Garvey Tells AOPA

The FAA ticket program is officially dead, replaced by the Streamlined Administrative Action Process (SAAP).

"There won't be any 'ramp cops' handing out tickets to pilots," said AOPA President Phil Boyer. "The new SAAP is a marked improvement from the ticket program."

SAAP eliminates the "on-the-spot ticket" and provides for faster notification and resolution of administrative actions. Pilots will also have 30 days to respond to the action with additional information to explain or mitigate the alleged violation.

The FAA maintains that SAAP will reduce paperwork and shorten the time to resolve minor violations that don't require legal enforcement action.

"We support an informal counseling approach and commend the FAA's efforts to become more efficient," said Boyer. But he added a note of caution, warning FAA inspectors to continue to use good judgment. "A blizzard of computer-generated enforcement letters won't make us safer," he said.

Call Your Senators to Back S.1467, Help Get the Trust Fund Off Budget

Early August action by House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman Bud Shuster (R-Pa.) has boosted chances for freeing the aviation trust fund as part of legislation reauthorizing FAA operations — but AOPA members need to act immediately.

Shuster got H.R.1000 (also known as AIR-21) inserted into S.1467, a Senate bill simply extending FAA airport funding a fourth time, for another 60 days. AIR-21, if adopted, would mandate that aviation trust fund spending match annual aviation tax revenues.

Although the House passed AIR-21 by a healthy margin, a dispute over airline service held up Senate action. As a result, the FAA's Airport Improvement Program (AIP) grants are now shut down.

With the differing legislative proposals and no Senate-passed FAA reauthorization bill, House and Senate conferees will work in part from their own blueprint, making the process more difficult.

AOPA urges members to contact both of their U.S. senators for their support in taking the Aviation Trust Fund off-budget in S.1467. The U.S. Senate switchboard number is 202/224-3121. See AOPA's Web site ( www.aopa.org) for the latest on this historic legislative battle.

AOPA-Championed VFR Waypoints Debut on Los Angeles and San Diego Terminal Area Charts

Southern California pilots discovered something new on the Los Angeles and San Diego terminal area charts published July 15: VFR waypoints.

"VFR waypoints will help GPS-equipped pilots navigate in and around Class B and C airspace," said Randy Kenagy, AOPA associate director of air traffic services. "Transient pilots will find them particularly helpful in locating local landmarks controllers use for reporting purposes."

The new waypoints, identified by five-letter names starting with VV, also will be used to identify VFR corridors and flyways. As GPS receiver manufacturers begin adding the waypoints to their databases, pilots will be able to use the new fixes as they would any other GPS waypoint.

Area pilots will be asked to evaluate the new VFR waypoints through a survey on AOPA Online ( www.aopa.org/whatsnew/newsitems/1999/vfr_waypoints.html). VFR waypoints are expected to be added to all terminal area charts within the next two years.

FAA Administrator to Face the Membership at AOPA Expo '99

FAA Administrator Jane Garvey will join AOPA President Phil Boyer and face the AOPA membership in the October 22 general session at AOPA Expo '99 in Atlantic City, New Jersey.

Now in the third year of her five-year term, Garvey is expected to field tough questions from AOPA members about recent FAA actions in enforcement, rulemaking, and ATC modernization. The Friday general session is scheduled from 9 to 10 a.m. in Hall A at the new Atlantic City Convention Center.

More than 10,000 AOPA members and their guests are expected to attend this year's annual extravaganza, which will feature more than 450 aviation exhibits, in excess of 60 new aircraft, and more than 90 educational seminars. Convention dates are October 21 through October 23. It will mark the celebration of AOPA's sixtieth year serving members.

Other general sessions will include "Team AOPA," AOPA senior management's annual report to the membership, and a special session on ATC modernization.

For more information on Expo '99 registration and fly-in procedures, call 800/GO2-EXPO (800/462-3976) or visit the Expo '99 Web site ( www.aopa.org/expo/).

Airport Land Use Commission Authority Upheld; Major Victory for California Airports

AOPA helped to hand a court defeat on July 7 to a developer whose plans threatened northern California's Napa County Airport.

"This is a precedent-setting victory," said Bill Dunn, AOPA vice president of regional affairs. "The judge's decision affirms the authority of California's airport land use commissions to protect airports from incompatible development."

At issue were 918 acres of vineyards and cattle pasture some two miles north of the airport, where some 540 "upscale" homes would have been built underneath the traffic pattern for Napa's busy Runway 18R. In addition to other traffic, Beech A36 Bonanzas and C90 King Airs operated by Japan Air Lines' ab initio flight training program cross the airport fence every minute during peak hours.

The Napa County Airport Land Use Commission (ALUC) had ruled that the development was "inconsistent" with the airport land-use plan, so the developer challenged the ALUC's authority. The Napa Airport Pilots Association and AOPA sprang to the defense of the airport, with Washington, D.C.-based AOPA Counsel Kathleen Yodice flying to California to assist.

AOPA Challenges Proposed Ordinance in 'Hog Heaven'

Sturgis, South Dakota, may be "Hog Heaven" every July and August during the big Harley-Davidson Bike-In convention held there, but the heavens are still off-limits to city regulation, AOPA told city fathers.

Sturgis wanted to pass an ordinance prohibiting helicopter sightseeing flights below 1,000 feet agl and preventing helicopters from landing within city limits unless authorized by the city council.

"You can't do it," said AOPA. The ground may be the city's, but the sky belongs to FAA and such an ordinance would be unconstitutional.

AOPA recognized that Sturgis residents' safety concerns prompted the proposal and offered to promote a pilot information program and voluntary use of recommended minimum altitudes during the event.

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.

Alabama. Sylacauga: Public hearings are being held on a proposed zoning ordinance to protect Merkel Field Airport from tall towers and other obstructions. AOPA ASN volunteer Theron Kelley is active with pilots working for ordinance approval.

Alaska. Public-use airports still without an AOPA ASN volunteer include target airports Bethel Airport (BET), Dillingham Airport (DLG), Kodiak Municipal (KDK), and Sitka Rocky Gutierrez (SIT). Potential volunteers may obtain details and find the nomination form on the Web ( www.aopa.org/asn/).

Arizona. Phoenix: AOPA has been asked to make a presentation on GA to Gov. Jane Hull's Governor's Vision 21 Task Force this fall. The committee is reviewing long-range planning for Arizona transportation systems. Also, AOPA is working with airport management and ATC officials at Williams Gateway Airport to investigate ongoing AOPA member reports of poor ATC service.

Colorado. Ft. Collins: Concerns over temporary closure of the crosswind runway at Ft. Collins-Loveland Airport have been allayed, according to AOPA ASN volunteer Mike Myshatyn. Construction is expected to take less time than originally anticipated. Granby: AOPA ASN volunteer Penny Hamilton reports that ground has been broken for eight new hangars at Granby/Grand County Airport.

Florida. Craig: Efforts to build support for a 1,000-foot extension of Runway 14/32 at Craig Field are under way by AOPA ASN volunteer Colleen Straw. Ft. Myers: An informal airport support group is making the transition to a more formal organization for a more effective voice in airport operations. AOPA ASN volunteer and AOPA Pilot columnist Mark Twombly is leading the effort. Jacksonville: AOPA ASN volunteer Terry Biggerstaff reports that additional T-hangars and shade ports will be constructed at Herlong Airport. A new 10,000-square-foot hangar with office space was completed earlier this year.

Hawaii. Honolulu: AOPA ASN volunteer Henry Bruckner reports that conversion of the former Barbers Point Naval Air Station military airport to civilian use has officially begun. AOPA is watching to ensure that GA pilots are treated fairly. Keahole: State rules may have been improperly applied to GA pilots at Kona International at Keahole Airport. AOPA ASN volunteer Merle Martin is working with other pilots to file an FAA complaint against the state.

Illinois. Chicago: AOPA is working with Chicago pilots and the FAA for better airspace use and more direct routes. Among the concerns: the need for VFR corridors, particularly for pilots flying east-west.

Kansas. Topeka: Passage of the AOPA-supported Omnibus Transportation Bill (which allocated some $30 million for GA airports over the next 10 years) has brought on a flood of applications for airport repairs and improvements. Kansas Director of Aviation Mike Armour says the state will contribute 50 percent to 75 percent of costs for airport repair or improvement, with a maximum of $500,000 per project. State funding is critical in Kansas, in part because only 84 of the 146 public-use airports are eligible for federal funds. Wellington: Plans for a new Runway 17/35 and additional hangars for 10 more aircraft are under way at Wellington Municipal Airport.

Michigan. Clare: AOPA is studying a proposed increase in liability limits required of aircraft owners at Clare Municipal. AOPA ASN volunteer Richard Acker is tracking the issue.

Minnesota. St. Paul: AOPA ASN volunteer Gerald Sarracco has been showing the AOPA Local Airports video to local groups. The video promotes the value of GA airports.

New Hampshire. AOPA is providing technical help to the New Hampshire Aviation Division for airport zoning guidance to local communities. Poor zoning is often an underlying cause of airport problems or closures. Manchester: Nine new GA tiedown spaces have been created at Manchester Airport after an AOPA letter to the FAA pointed out unfair treatment of GA at the field. Wolfeboro: AOPA is supporting local users and aviation businesses at Lakes Region Airport in their fight to preserve the airport and seaplane ramp. The owner(s) of the public-use field may be forced to sell.

New Jersey. A.B.3306, which has been introduced by Assemblyman Richard Bagger, would help to protect airports from encroachment. Also introduced was A.B.3311, designed to replace the existing patchwork of local airport taxes with a uniform state airport tax. Unfortunately, tax revenue would flow to the state general fund, not the aviation fund.

New York. White Plains: AOPA ASN volunteer John Williams reports a significant amount of new housing going up around the Westchester County Airport. Residential encroachment is a leading cause of airport closures, and AOPA is investigating.

North Carolina. Beaufort: AOPA ASN volunteer Michael Creery has been asked to work with an airport authority committee to develop zoning regulations for property around Michael J. Smith Field.

Oregon. Baker City: An airport support group organizational effort is under way for Baker City Municipal Airport. AOPA ASN volunteer Jon Croghan is helping to organize the group.

Pennsylvania. Corry: AOPA ASN volunteer Clark Zeaman reports funding approval for fencing, recoating, and a short extension to the runway at Corry-Lawrence Airport.

South Carolina. A Senate amendment to H.B.3809 eliminated aircraft from the list of vehicles that would benefit from a reduced tax-assessment ratio. AOPA had endorsed the original bill.

Texas. McKinney: AOPA presented an overview of Texas and national legislative issues in June to EAA Chapter 1246. Midland: AOPA is investigating a report that the City of Midland is considering ways to close Midland Airpark.

Vermont. Gov. Howard Dean has disbanded the Vermont Rail and Air Division, effectively gutting the state's aviation programs. AOPA is investigating.

Washington. Puyallup: In compliance with stringent new EPA regulations, two new underground fuel tanks have been installed at Pierce County-Thun Field Airport. AOPA ASN volunteer Victor Young had been monitoring the fueling situation at the airport.

West Virginia. Martinsburg: A plan for a fence and gate across an access taxiway at Eastern West Virginia Regional Airport was discovered by AOPA ASN volunteer Ron Burr Porterfield. AOPA is working with airport management for creative solutions that will not block taxiway access.

Wisconsin. Opposition by AOPA and local pilots has delayed — and perhaps defeated — a proposal to reduce property taxes for airlines in Wisconsin while offering GA no relief from fuel excise taxes and registration fees.

AOPA Named By Microsoft as its Exclusive Aviation Organization to Enhance New Flight Simulator 2000

AOPA has been named the exclusive aviation organization of Microsoft Flight Simulator 2000 to help today's "virtual" pilots learn more about real flying. The latest version of the world's best-selling flight simulation software will be released in late October.

AOPA will provide resources, information, and guidance to these "armchair" pilots through a new AOPA Flight Training Program to be announced soon.

"Users of Microsoft Flight Simulator are already 'flying' in the virtual environment, so they are excellent prospects for becoming real pilots," said AOPA President Phil Boyer. "Our partnership with Microsoft is a great opportunity to reach more Americans who want to learn how to fly."

AOPA's enhancements to the information and reference sections of the Flight Sim 2000 program will come from AOPA Pilot and the new AOPA Flight Training magazine. AOPA will also create a dedicated AOPA Flight Training web site for Flight Simulator 2000 users.

Microsoft announced its selection of industry leaders to be involved in the effort at the big EAA Oshkosh fly-in July 31. Joining AOPA in special enhancements for Microsoft Flight Sim 2000 will be Bell Helicopter Textron, Bombardier Aerospace, Cessna Aircraft, Jeppesen-Sanderson Inc., King Schools, Mooney Aircraft, Patty Wagstaff, Rod Machado, and Systems Management Inc.