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| GA News
| CIRRUS CELEBRATES COMPANY MILESTONES
 Cirrus Design Corporation has delivered its 100th Cirrus SR20 since the company began moving the aircraft out of the factory last year. Cirrus also recently received an amended production certificate that allows company inspectors to issue airworthiness certificates for the new, more powerful SR22. Cirrus inspectors have been issuing airworthiness certificates for the SR20 since June. The company plans to build more than 300 airplanes in 2001. Cirrus now has an order backlog of more than 640 aircraft. For more, see the Web site.
ADAM AIRCRAFT MOVES FORWARD ON CERTIFICATION
Adam Aircraft Industries will be among the first U.S. aircraft manufacturers to use the FAA's new streamlined process for certifying the six-seat, pressurized Adam M-309. Called Certification Process Improvement (CPI), the program involves more direction and feedback from the FAA at earlier stages in the process and allows input from FAA-designated technical experts in composites, aerodynamics, and avionics. While the process is designed to be more efficient, the company said it ensures full regulatory compliance and safety. Designed by Burt Rutan, the Adam M-309 has a twin-engine centerline thrust layout. Pending certification, the airplane is slated for production in 2003. For more, see the Web site.
CAP AVIATION TO OFFER TWO NEW AIRCRAFT IN 2001
The French sport airplane company, CAP Aviation, will offer the CAP 10C and the CAP 222 next spring. Both of the two-seat tailwheel aircraft are well along toward production. The maiden flight of the 10C is now set for March in France. The first flight has been delayed by modifications to the fuel system and windscreen that differentiate the 10C from the older model, the popular 10B. The factory-built CAP 222 is based heavily on the Giles 202 kitplane. However, the fuselage had to be modified extensively to meet the greater load-bearing requirements of fully certified production aircraft. The 222 will be built at Composites Unlimited in Oregon. No prices have been announced for either aircraft. There are 23 orders for the CAP 222, including three for the French Air Force that will be used to train aerobatic military display pilots. A progress report about both aircraft will be posted in late December on the CAP Aviation Web site.
NTSB CHAIRMAN TO RESIGN
Acting NTSB Chairman Jim Hall announced in December that he will resign his position as a member of the board on January 18. Hall was named chairman of the NTSB in 1994; that appointment expired in October, and he has served as acting chairman since that time. During his tenure as chairman, Hall saw the two longest and most complex aviation accident investigations in the NTSB's history--the crash of USAir Flight 427, a Boeing 737 near Pittsburgh in 1994, and the crash of TWA Flight 800, a Boeing 747 off Long Island in 1996. Hall also presided over the investigation into the death of John F. Kennedy Jr., Kennedy's wife, and his sister-in-law. They died in a Piper Saratoga off the coast of Massachusetts in 1999. Hall joined the board in October 1993 and has been chairman since June 1994. Hall, of Chattanooga, Tennessee, has not disclosed his future plans.
SEASTAR FLIES TURBINE-POWERED KITPLANE
SeaStar Aircraft of Weatherford, Oklahoma, says it has completed nine hours of testing on its new amphibious kitplane, the turbine-powered SeaStar Adventurer. A 657-horsepower Walter 601M turbine engine powers the aircraft. The 235-knot aircraft can carry six and cruise 1,000 miles at 25,000 feet. The pressurized version of the Adventurer will cost $99,000 for the basic kit, while the unpressurized model will cost $90,000. The prices do not include the engine and instruments. Fully completed, the aircraft are expected to cost between $200,000 and $300,00. The Adventurer will be on display in Lakeland, Florida, during the Sun 'n Fun EAA Fly-In this spring. For more information call 580/772-2140 or 877/6-SEASTAR.
FAA ALLOWS ALTERNATIVE INSPECTION FOR AD
On December 18 the FAA published final rule AD 2000-25-02, allowing alternative wing spar inspections to detect damaged wood spars in the wings of American Champion 7-, 8-, and 11-series airplanes. The highly contested AD proposal drew heavy fire from AOPA and aircraft type clubs concerned with the prospect of installing numerous inspection plates on the upper and lower wing surfaces. Industry input led to the ultimate adoption of an alternative inspection procedure created by the Citabria Owners Group. AOPA issued comments to the FAA in July 1999, encouraging the FAA to adopt the type club's alternative inspection that utilizes a Bend-a-lite flashlight and mirrors to inspect the wood spars without the installation of numerous inspections plates. For more, see AOPA Online.
For daily news updates, see AOPA Online.
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Inside AOPA
| AOPA JOINS IN LAWSUIT AGAINST SAN JOSE CURFEW
AOPA has joined in a lawsuit against San Jose, California, challenging the city's nighttime curfew at San Jose International Airport (SJC). In a brief filed in federal district court, AOPA argued that the city ordinance establishing a nighttime flight curfew based on aircraft weight was illegal under federal law and a violation of city agreements with the federal government. The ordinance mandates a nighttime curfew of 11 p.m. to 6:30 a.m. for some jet aircraft based on weight, not the amount of noise produced. "The curfew is discriminatory," said Bill Dunn, AOPA vice president of regional affairs. "If the San Jose ordinance is allowed to stand, it opens the door for banning other classes of aircraft like Bonanzas and Cessna 210s. Noise ordinances must be targeted at specific noise levels, not arbitrary categories of aircraft." AOPA filed an informal complaint with the FAA concerning the ordinance in September 1999. The agency is still investigating.
BUSH SPEAKS TO AOPA MEMBERS
President-elect George W. Bush, a former pilot in the Texas Air National Guard, has told AOPA that he will work to keep flying affordable. In an exclusive video address taped earlier this year, he provided unique insight to AOPA members on how his administration will address issues affecting general aviation pilots. To view the video, see AOPA Online.
| On Capitol Hill
| 106TH CONGRESS COMES TO A CLOSE
The 106th Congress came to a close late last week, ending a two-year session that saw the passage of the historic FAA funding legislation known as AIR-21. After 21 "stopgap" funding measures, a final omnibus appropriation bill cleared Congress, concluding the session. This legislation included a $7 million cut in Airport Improvement Program funding (out of a $1.2 billion increase over last year) as part of an across-the-board government spending reduction. However, legislative language included in the bill protected the vital formulas, guaranteeing increased funding to general aviation airports.
TRANSPORTATION SECRETARY SPECULATION BEGINS
With President-elect George W. Bush's transition under way, the question for general aviation supporters now becomes: Who will be appointed secretary of transportation? AOPA has learned those in the running include John Johnson of the Texas Transportation Commission; Elaine L. Chao, former deputy transportation secretary in the senior Bush's administration; Rep. Jennifer Dunn (R-Wash.); former Sen. Spencer Abraham (R-Mich.); and Wisconsin Gov. Tommy Thompson, who is reportedly a prospect for secretary of Health and Human Services. Bush is expected to make the announcement in the next two weeks in an effort to receive Senate confirmation before the end of January.
| Airport Support Network
| VOLUNTEER OF THE WEEK–JAMES HOLDER
AOPA Airport Support Network volunteer James Holder is keeping an eye on Griffin-Spalding County Airport (6A2) in Georgia. At the most recent airport advisory board meeting, Holder showed AOPA's Flying Friendly video to gain support for a get-together. The board endorsed his proposal and agreed to sponsor the event along with Holder.
Click here to learn more about the Airport Support Network.
| AOPA Air Safety Foundation News
| ASF LOOKS FOR A FEW GOOD PILOTS
Twenty-first century avionics are now here, and the AOPA Air Safety Foundation is conducting a study to help develop information to circulate about these products. If you are a current instrument-rated pilot and are interested in volunteering, fill out the form on the Web. The study will be conducted from the Frederick (Maryland) Municipal Airport from February through midsummer 2001 and will include flight time in ASF's Piper Archer, equipped with state-of-the-art UPS Aviation Technologies avionics. Volunteers will need to come to Frederick.
LEARN GPS NAV WITHOUT LEAVING THE GROUND
Many pilots, especially renters, must navigate with different GPS receivers. ASF offers online access to GPS manuals and computer-based simulators. For more, see the Web site. ASF's Safety Advisor, GPS Technology, can be viewed on AOPA Online, and the current seminar, GPS for VFR Operations, is conducted nationwide. A seminar schedule also can be found on the Web site.
IT'S NOT TOO LATE TO DONATE
ASF would like to remind friends and potential donors that time is running out to make an end-of-the-year charitable gift for inclusion on 2000 tax returns. Visit AOPA Online and click on "How You Can Help," then "Named Endowment Gift Opportunities," and scroll down to "Wiring Instructions" for quick, easy, hassle-free, and efficient gift giving. And know that many pilots, numerous programs and projects all will benefit from such a legacy for safety.
| Quiz Me!
| Here’s a question asked by an AOPA member last week of our AOPA technical specialists. Test your knowledge.
Question: Now that winter is here, where can I find an explanation of what braking action reports are?
Answer: The Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM) gives an explanation of braking action reports and advisories in section 4-3-8. This is a report of conditions on the airport movement area, providing pilots with a degree or quality of braking that they might expect. It is reported in terms of good, fair, poor, or nil. Braking action reports can be included in notams and ATIS broadcasts. For more, see AIM chapter 4 and AIM glossary under "braking."
Got a technical question for AOPA specialists? Call 800/872-2672 or e-mail to [email protected]. Send comments on our Quiz Me! questions to [email protected].
| What's New At AOPA Online
| Do you have a weather question? Now you can pick the brains of DTN's senior meteorologists. Visit AOPA Online's weather section for more information.
| Attention Pilots
| Ever thought about working for AOPA? We currently have employment opportunities at our Frederick, Maryland, headquarters for:
Aviation Technical Specialists
Government Analyst, Airport Support Network
Manager, Airport Policy
Please visit our Web site to learn more about these exciting employment opportunities.
| ePilot Calendar
| WEEKEND FLYING DESTINATIONS
In response to member requests, some destinations will be posted one week in advance.
San Luis Obispo, California. First Night San Luis Obispo takes place December 31. San Luis Obispo County-McChesney Field (SBP), 805/781-5205, serves the area. Call 805/781-6668 for event information, or visit the Web site.
Naples, Florida. Naples Downtown New Year's Weekend Art Festival takes place December 30 and 31. Naples Municipal Airport (APF), 941/643-4084, serves the area. Call 954/472-3755 for event information.
Columbus, Georgia. A Young Eagles Pancake Breakfast and Fly-In takes place December 30 at Columbus Metropolitan Airport (CSG), 706/324-2449.
For more airport details, see AOPA’s Airport Directory Online . For more events, see the Aviation Calendar of Events.
ASF FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR REFRESHER CLINICS
(All clinics start at 7:30 a.m.)
The next AOPA Air Safety Foundation Flight Instructor Refresher Clinics are scheduled in Charlotte, North Carolina; Seattle; Long Beach, California, and Detroit, January 6 and 7. Clinics are scheduled in Jackson, Mississippi; Jacksonville, Florida; and San Antonio, Texas, January 13 and 14. For complete details, visit the Flight Instructor Refresher Clinic schedule.
ASF SAFETY SEMINARS
The next AOPA ASF Safety Seminars are scheduled in St. Louis, January 8; Springfield, Missouri, January 9; Kansas City, Missouri, January 10; and Wichita, January 11. For more information see Web site.
ASF PINCH HITTER GROUND-SCHOOL COURSES
(Pinch Hitter courses start at 9:30 a.m.)
The next Pinch-Hitter� Ground School will take place January 7 in Long Beach, California. For details and a complete schedule, see the Pinch Hitter Ground School Schedule.
AOPA PILOT TOWN MEETINGS
Featuring AOPA President Phil Boyer
(7:30 p.m.; admission is free)
The next Pilot Town Meetings are in Tallahassee, Florida, January 30; Fort Lauderdale, Florida, January 31; and Tampa, February 1. Click for more information on Pilot Town Meetings.
For comments on calendar items or to make submissions, contact Julie Walker at [email protected].
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Contacting ePilot
Got news tips? Contact ePilot editor Nathan A. Ferguson at [email protected]. Having difficulty using this service? Visit the ePilot Frequently Asked Questions now at AOPA Online or write to [email protected]. Changing your mailing or e-mail addresses? Click here to update.
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