Conferees Reach Final Agreement on FAA Spending Bill
House and Senate conferees reached final agreement in October on some $12 billion in FAA funding for fiscal year 2001, a $2 billion increase.
The agreement provides more funds for AOPA-backed priorities, including modernization of ATC and FSS equipment, fuel research, and GPS approaches. Also included was airport improvement funding, as required in the AIR-21 legislation passed earlier this year, and a dramatic increase in the FAA's operations budget.
Despite early reports that the transportation appropriations bill would be "piggybacked" with other legislation, the bill was passed by the House and Senate as a standalone and President Clinton signed the bill on October 23.
AOPA Files Actions Against Airport Curfews, Noise Restrictions
AOPA has filed actions against three airports that are improperly attempting to ban certain aircraft.
"Although these controversies often involve business jets, they are precedent-setters," said Bill Dunn, AOPA vice president of regional affairs. "Today, the ban is on some jets or large aircraft. Tomorrow, it could well be your Bonanza."
At Palm Beach County Park Airport, Lantana, Florida, an ordinance prohibits "pure turbojet aircraft" and "all aircraft weighing in excess of 12,500 pounds engaged in cargo operations" from "parking, landing, or taking off." The airport authority even threatened to prosecute the owner of a Czech-made L-39 warbird jet trainer at the airport for painting.
On Florida's west coast, the City of Naples is proposing a total ban on noisier business jets at Naples Municipal Airport. AOPA's protest included eight pages of technical analysis and criticism of the city's study attempting to justify the ban. AOPA pointed out that the study was technically flawed and did not meet study legal requirements.
Flying Cloud Airport near Minneapolis has also done a study to support a nighttime ban on some jet aircraft. It has an existing ban on aircraft weighing more than 20,000 pounds. AOPA is opposing both.
AOPA is also fighting a weight-based access restriction at San Jose (California) International Airport and a nighttime operations surcharge at Hanscom Field in Bedford, Massachusetts.
Congress Passes Legislation to Protect Backcountry Airstrips
Congress has passed an AOPA-supported provision to protect backcountry airstrips on federal lands. The hard-won provision was included in the Interior appropriations bill (H.R.4578) that received final congressional approval on October 4.
"This is an important victory for GA," said AOPA President Phil Boyer. "These airstrips not only provide a vital link to the outside world for many rural communities, but they are an essential safety tool for pilots operating in rural and mountainous areas."
In the Senate, the fight to protect backcountry airstrips was led by senators Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) and Slade Gorton (R-Wash.). In the House, Rep. Jim Hansen (R-Utah) introduced a more comprehensive backcountry airstrip protection bill, and both Hansen and Crapo plan to advance that legislation in the next session of Congress.
Even before congressional passage of H.R.4578, AOPA and local pilots won U.S. Bureau of Land Management agreement to reopen the Rogersberg backcountry airstrip upon request of the Washington State Division of Aviation.
In a letter to AOPA announcing the decision, BLM Field Manager Penelope Dunn Woods noted that the BLM is willing to allow "noncommercial light aircraft landing with stipulations."
UWB Devices May Threaten GPS, AOPA Tells FCC
Low-powered devices using new technology called ultra-wideband transmission systems (UWB) could interfere with GPS signals. They need further study, AOPA has told the Federal Communications Commission.
In formal comments, AOPA asked the FCC to allow enough time to test and analyze new devices using UWB technology, and that such devices either be licensed or subject to controls.
"UWB cuts right through GPS frequencies," said AOPA Vice President and Executive Director of Government and Technical Affairs Dennis Roberts. "Can you imagine the havoc if crucial navigation signals were disrupted, especially in bad weather?"
UWB systems use digital transmissions over the extremely wide frequency range of 1.5 gigahertz for a variety of uses. High-power UWB applications include "through-the-wall radar" that could help find victims of a natural catastrophe buried under debris. But it is the expected proliferation of lower-power UWB devices such as remote controls, communicators, and wireless wide- and local-area networks that AOPA identified as a threat to GPS navigation.
"It's not the few already licensed and controlled high-powered units that would interfere with GPS signals. It's the combined 'hum' of millions and millions of the small units," pointed out Roberts.
AOPA filed a 21-page comment to the FCC's Notice of Proposed Rulemaking in September.
AOPA Asks FAA to Reverse New Reg Affecting Safety and Increasing Costs
AOPA has petitioned the FAA to reverse a new rule that could add up to $15,000 to the cost of something as simple as installing a new GPS receiver.
The new rule, called "Type Certification Procedures for Changed Products," requires that aircraft undergo recertification to meet the most current airworthiness regulations if a change meeting specific criteria is made to the aircraft. If the change is for a part installed on the aircraft, then all "associated systems" may have to be brought up to current standards. (AOPA opposed the rule when it was first proposed in 1997.)
"For example, if you wanted to put new avionics in your aircraft, everything from the mounting rails to the alternator and electrical/antenna wiring might have to be recertified to the latest standards under an STC," said Dennis Roberts, AOPA vice president and executive director of government and technical affairs. "It could cost an additional $10,000 to $15,000 just to put the latest GPS in your airplane."
The rule could make the development or installation of safety-enhancing equipment prohibitively expensive.
The AOPA regulatory brief with full details on the new rule is available on AOPA Online ( www.aopa.org/whatsnew/regulatory/regchanged_products.html).
AOPA Warns Developer Trying Yet Again to Close Hawthorne Municipal
AOPA has fired a shot across the bow to warn a new group of developers who want to close California's Hawthorne Municipal Airport, a key reliever airport east of Los Angeles International.
The City of Hawthorne recently granted an "exclusive right" to Arden Realty Inc. and Paladin Partners LLC to create a plan to build a sports stadium and retail outlets on the site of Hawthorne Municipal. The grant provoked an immediate warning letter from AOPA to the developers and the city.
AOPA told developers that the airport property had certain strings attached to it, including FAA grants that require the city to continue operating the airport until at least 2011. Moreover, the federal government had originally deeded some airport land to the city; such federal land transfer agreements never expire.
AOPA also reminded the city that the airspace around Hawthorne Airport protects Hawthorne from the noise of low-level heavy jet traffic approaching Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). "LAX has already 'acquired' airspace west of Hawthorne," said Bill Dunn, AOPA vice president of regional affairs. "Ironically, the single most important factor preventing airline jets from flying low over 120th Street in Hawthorne is Hawthorne Municipal Airport."
AOPA ASN volunteer Gary Parsons originally discovered the threat to the airport and has been actively involved in the fight to save the field.
Checkride Backlog for New CFIs Should Shrink, FAA Promises
The FAA has promised that first-time CFI candidates will be able to schedule a checkride within two weeks of their request. The promise came after action by the General Aviation Coalition chaired by AOPA President Phil Boyer.
FAA policy since 1987 has been that an FAA inspector must conduct the checkride for an initial flight instructor certificate. But some FAA flight standards district offices have had many more new CFI applicants than available inspectors, creating long backlogs.
"We told Administrator Garvey that some potential flight instructors had to wait months to schedule a practical test," said Boyer, adding that the logical solution was to allow experienced designated examiners to conduct those checkrides.
In a September 29 directive, the FAA told field offices that it is still the agency's intent that FAA inspectors check first-time flight instructors. However, the bulletin also directs FSDOs to approve highly qualified examiners for initial CFI practical tests "to ensure that the FAA meets its responsibility for conducting such practical tests in a timely manner."
"This is a perfect example of FAA/industry cooperation to solve a common problem. AOPA encourages the FAA to expand the use of designated examiners in all areas to reduce backlogs and better serve pilots and aircraft owners," said Boyer.
Initiatives to Improve Runway Safety Announced
The FAA has announced 10 initiatives for reducing runway incursions, selected from among some 800 items proposed by a joint industry/FAA-working group cochaired by AOPA Vice President and Executive Director of Government and Technical Affairs Dennis Roberts.
The 10 initiatives offer the highest potential to reduce runway incursions and can be implemented before the end of the year.
Among them are repainting and doubling the size of runway "hold-short" lines, and outlining them in black to improve contrast. Also on the list are improved pilot testing and evaluation and more FAA knowledge test questions on surface operations.
All check flights, such as those for new pilot certificates and biennial flight reviews, will include evaluations of pilot knowledge of airport signage, lighting, and markings. Ironically, these items were included in 1998 recommendations from another runway incursion advisory committee chaired by AOPA Air Safety Foundation Executive Director Bruce Landsberg.
Other initiatives include a new advisory circular on airport surface operations, a review of pilot/controller communications phraseology, teamwork and memory enhancement training for tower controllers, and more education for foreign pilots.
IFR 'Slot' Reservations Now on the Web; AOPA Urges More on Internet
ATC "slot" reservations for arrivals at major sporting or other events are now available on the Web. AOPA has been pressuring the FAA for more Web-based services.
"Slots" — officially called the Special Traffic Management Program — are reservations required for aircraft bound to or from special high-traffic events. Slots had previously been available only through a cumbersome 10-step telephone keypad entry process or by using special computer communications software and a dial-up connection operating at absurdly slow rates of 300 to 9,600 baud.
"Nobody likes slots," AOPA Vice President of Air Traffic Services Melissa Bailey said. "But at least the new method of getting them is much less awkward for pilots to use. We thank the FAA for this Web-based service, and hope it continues to move more services to the Web."
A user's guide to the Web slot reservation system is available online ( www.fly.faa.gov).
AOPA'S 2000 Karant Journalism Awards Include JFK Jr. Coverage
The AOPA Max Karant Journalism Awards for 2000 honored fair and insightful coverage of the John F. Kennedy Jr. accident, a TV news story on airports' economic value, a heart-warming TV feature on Funk airplanes, and a radio show profiling volunteer medical transportation pilots. The awards were presented at AOPA Expo 2000 in Long Beach, California, in October (see " Expo 2000: GA on a Steady Climb").
Print category winner Rinker Buck of The Hartford Courant was honored for his accurate and insightful coverage of the Kennedy tragedy. The Courant called on Buck, an experienced pilot, to explain the aeronautical and aerodynamic aspects of the accident. Buck's work, with detailed illustrations, covered navigation, weather, and decision-making issues — clearly, accurately, and without sensationalism.
TV News winner Steve Grant, anchorman at KYTV in Springfield, Missouri, won Karant honors for coverage of an airport improvement controversy in a nearby Missouri town. Grant contrasted the local debate with the experience of two other small Missouri towns whose airports yield demonstrable economic benefits for their communities.
TV Feature winner Scott Thompson is billed as "The Oklahoma Traveler" at KOTV in Tulsa. His statewide features led him to South Coffeyville, Oklahoma, the last production facility for Funk airplanes. His story on the Funk brothers, their Funk airplane, and their aviation dream featured historical footage, loving owner testimonials, and reminiscences by surviving brother Joe Funk amid company memorabilia.
The Karant Radio winner is Susan Wiencek, news director of WNND-FM "Windy 100" in Chicago. Her winning radio entry interviewed Chicago's Lifeline Pilots organization that provides volunteer emergency medical flights to persons in need in Chicago and throughout the Midwest. Her interview illustrated that GA often involves more than just recreational flying and serves the community in many unseen ways.
The AOPA Karant Awards memorialize the late Max Karant, a former newsman, AOPA pioneer, and the first editor of AOPA Pilot magazine.
AVFAX Discontinued; Web Expanded
After more than five years and hundreds of thousands of documents delivered free to members, AOPA's Avfax fax-on-demand service has been discontinued.
"With exploding use of AOPA's Web site, member use of our fax-back system was dropping dramatically," said Woody Cahall, AOPA vice president of aviation services. "It came down to a decision to use those resources to develop and expand information available on the Web site."
All Avfax documents — and many more — are now available on AOPA Online ( www.aopa.org/members/pic/).
Millennium Mooney Drawing Set for January
The drawing for the AOPA 2000 Membership Sweepstakes grand prize — a completely refurbished Mooney 201 dubbed the Millennium Mooney — will be in January, with a surprise award to the lucky winner expected shortly after.
AOPA members have been able to follow the refurbishment of the Mooney in articles in AOPA Pilot magazine (see " Millennium Mooney: High Time") and on AOPA Online ( www.aopa.org/pilot/mooney/).
The Millennium Mooney, a 1987 model, features a sparkling new paint job and Mattituck Red Gold engine overhaul. Its technologically advanced panel includes the latest from UPS Aviation Technologies — including the UPSAT MX20 multifunction display, packing exciting navigation and systems instrumentation into new, compact displays.
Anyone who joins or renews their AOPA membership during calendar year 2000 is automatically entered in the AOPA Millennium Mooney 2000 Sweepstakes.
AOPA AIRPORT SUPPORT NETWORK
Public use airports in the United States are closing at the rate of more than one every two weeks. The AOPA Airport Support Network, launched in 1996, designates one volunteer per airport to watch for threats and encourage favorable public perception of general aviation. For more information on how you can help support your airport, visit AOPA Online ( www.aopa.org/asn/ ).
ASN Volunteer of the Month
ASN volunteer Ron Porterfield of Eastern West Virginia Regional/Shepherd Airport in Martinsburg, West Virginia, reported to AOPA a school site proposed for just a mile off the end of the airport's main runway. Porterfield worked with airport administration to educate the Faith Christian Academy about the potential safety implications of the proposed site. AOPA also weighed in with a letter to the school. Recently, a change in school administration created a communications gap about the issue. Porterfield met with new school officials, who were receptive to safety concerns. Porterfield plans to take several school officials on a flight over the proposed site to drive home the point.
AOPA ASN Volunteer
Action in the States
Florida. Boca Raton: AOPA ASN volunteer Dave Freudenberg appeared before the city school board to urge that a proposed new building for Boca Raton High School be located away from the approach end of Runway 5 at Boca Raton Airport. Miami: AOPA ASN volunteer Paul Stutsman is helping plan an "aerofest" community day and a "flying Santa Claus" toy drop at Kendall-Tamiami Executive Airport. The events are expected to help showcase airport benefits to the community.
Louisiana. New Orleans: AOPA ASN volunteer Addie Fanguy reported servicing more than 500 aircraft in just three days at New Orleans Lakefront Airport, host airport for October's National Business Aviation Association convention.
Massachusetts. Newburyport: The new owner of Plum Island Airport, the Society for the Preservation of New England Antiquities, has announced reconsideration of its decision to close the field. AOPA ASN volunteer Robert Walton has been working with surrounding communities, businesses, and several support groups to keep the historic airport open.
Minnesota. Buffalo: AOPA ASN volunteer Jeff Anderson and the chairman of the Buffalo Municipal Airport board are working to shore up airport support from city council members and the mayor. Among other things, they are building community support by telling the media of newsworthy aviation activities and soliciting support from local businesses.
Montana. Plains: Firefighting GA aircraft using the Plains Airport (in full view of area residents in that fire-ravaged area) have helped improve public perception of the airport's value, reports AOPA ASN volunteer Daniel Lilja.
Ohio. Cincinnati: The AOPA Flying Friendly video is being shown on local cable TV, thanks to AOPA ASN volunteer Peter Bruemmer of Cincinnati Municipal/ Lunken Field. Columbus: AOPA ASN volunteer Alan Harding reports the ASOS at Ohio State University Airport now transmits on the ATIS frequency (121.35 MHz) when the tower is closed. Harding and local pilots had been working for the change for the past three years. Lancaster: Plans for a soccer park and subdivision near a runway at Fairfield County Airport were discovered and reported to AOPA by ASN volunteer Jeff Gerken. AOPA is protesting the encroachment, which could lead to airport restrictions.
Texas. Gainesville: The national Cessna 120/140 Association fly-in at Gainesville Municipal Airport attracted more than 100 pilots and spectators. AOPA ASN volunteer Daniel Combs helped promote the event.
Utah. Ogden: Air rallies to show support for GA airports in Utah begin and end at Ogden-Hinckley Airport. AOPA ASN volunteer Randal Udy helps support these rallies. Also, Udy and local AOPA member Fred Klauss contributed information that led to a front-page story in the local newspaper detailing the role of the airport in firefighting efforts throughout western states.
Virginia. Leesburg: Some 3,500 citizens attended a thirty-fifth anniversary celebration at fast-growing Leesburg Municipal/Godfrey Field in the burgeoning Loudoun County suburbs of Washington, D.C. AOPA ASN volunteer Ed Levine helped coordinate the event, the first of its type in years.
Wisconsin. Baraboo: AOPA ASN volunteer Joe Canepa has created an 11-point plan for improving public awareness of the Baraboo Wisconsin Dells Airport. It includes a promotional video aired on local TV stations, a fly-in breakfast, open houses, and articles in local newspapers.
AOPA Air Safety Foundation
CFI Renewal Program Now Online
The nation's leading providers of flight instructor refresher training — the AOPA Air Safety Foundation and Jeppesen-Sanderson — have joined to offer an online flight instructor certificate renewal program. ASF-Jeppesen CFI Renewal Online will "go live" early next year, it was announced at AOPA Expo 2000 in Long Beach, California.
"ASF saw the need to use the latest technology to make it easier for flight instructors to renew their certificates," said Bruce Landsberg, ASF executive director. CFIs are required to renew their certificates every two years to ensure that they are up on all of the latest safety information, teaching techniques, and regulations.
ASF pioneered today's two-day Flight Instructor Refresher Clinic (FIRC). More instructors renew their certificates through ASF's FIRCs than any other program. Jeppesen-Sanderson Inc. is the leading provider of home-study materials for flight instructor certificate renewals.
"The ASF-Jeppesen CFI Renewal Online is highly interactive and visually exciting," said Richard Hiner, ASF vice president of training. "We use video, audio, specially created graphics, and other techniques to keep CFIs engaged and participating in the course. This isn't just rote memorization."
Unlike some other home-study programs, help on a course question or problem is just a phone call or an e-mail away. The aviation technicians on AOPA's Pilot Information Center will be available to answer any question from a CFI enrolled in the ASF-Jeppesen CFI Renewal Online program.
Graduates' flight instructor certificate renewal paperwork will be filed with the FAA and a new temporary certificate will be issued, all at no extra charge. The ASF-Jeppesen CFI Renewal Online program will cost $149.
Safety Seminar Debuts at AOPA Expo 2000
The Air Safety Foundation's latest safety seminar, "Collision Avoidance," debuted at AOPA Expo 2000 in October.
While GA safety has continued its overall improvement, there has been a slight increase in the number of midair collisions. "There were 15 midairs annually in 1997 and 1998, but 18 in 1999 and some very high-profile incidents this year," said ASF Executive Director Bruce Landsberg. "It's too early to call that a trend, but it's not too early to take strong action now."
The seminar dramatizes typical midair collision scenarios and uses interactive video and audience discussion to identify the most common collision scenarios.
While most midairs occur within five miles of an airport, 20 percent happen in cruise flight, usually from inattention by both pilots. In most cases, the midair could have been prevented if just one pilot had been scanning for traffic.
The seminar teaches effective procedures to locate and track traffic, and how to get the most help from air traffic control. Pilots learn about empty-field myopia and why just glancing out the windshield isn't enough to spot a collision threat. Pilots also learn how to cope with distractions. Cockpit resource management principles are taught.
The seminar also includes a discussion of new collision avoidance technology including TCAS, TCAD, and ADS-B.
ASF's "Collision Avoidance" will be conducted across the United States. All pilots in seminar areas will be advised of a nearby seminar by mail. A schedule of all ASF safety seminars is available online ( www.aopa.org/seminars/seminar.cfm), updated weekly on AOPA ePilot, or by calling 800/638-3101.
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