Clinton Nominates AOPA President to Unprecedented FAA Advisory Group
President Clinton has nominated AOPA President Phil Boyer to serve on the important new FAA Management Advisory Council (MAC), an unprecedented, congressionally mandated board advising the FAA administrator "as an oversight resource for management, policy, spending, and regulatory matters...."
"It's important that GA pilots and aircraft owners have a strong advocate at the table as the FAA makes critical decisions affecting the next century of air travel," said R. Anderson Pew, chairman of the AOPA Board of Trustees. "We are pleased the White House has recognized AOPA and Phil Boyer as the representative of general aviation."
The MAC will be a key resource in the pursuit of a more businesslike FAA and more effective modernization of the air traffic control system. AOPA will be especially attentive to issues regarding the economic impact of FAA regulatory actions, especially airworthiness directives.
Most advisors will be appointed from the ranks of senior aviation industry professionals with strong backgrounds in management and planning. AOPA's Boyer, formerly senior vice president of development for Capital Cities/ABC in New York and ABC's vice president and general manager of the network's two largest broadcast outlets, represents a level of business, planning, and management experience unusual in Washington. Among other MAC appointments thus far are American Airlines Vice Chairman Bob Baker, former Air Line Pilots Association President Randy Babbitt, and Air Wisconsin President and CEO Geoffrey T. Crowley. General Aviation Manufacturers Association President Ed Bolen will represent the manufacturer community on the panel.
FAA/Industry Summit Agrees WAAS needed; Boyer Briefs Washington nsiders
The GPS Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS) is needed for en route operations and reliable approaches to more airports, top aviation officials agreed at a WAAS summit in March convened by AOPA and the Air Transport Association of America. AOPA President Phil Boyer chaired the meeting with the FAA, its WAAS contractor, and others after a series of program delays, technical setbacks, and increasing costs. Senior FAA officials called it "painful to admit" that the program has not progressed as planned. They said, however, that WAAS would deliver a new approach capability by 2002 called LNAV/VNAV (lateral navigation/vertical navigation) to the majority of the nation's airports (see " Future Flight: Headwinds for WAAS," May Pilot).
Boyer later briefed Washington defense, industry, and government executives at the National Aviation Club. He stressed both WAAS needs and WAAS opportunities, especially more precision instrument approaches at smaller airports — important as regional airlines transition from turboprops to jets. As now envisioned, WAAS will enable ILS-like approaches to 350-foot/one-mile minimums. This is all that most general aviation operations need, Boyer noted.
FAA heeds AOPA proposals on Grand Canyon
Noncommercial general aviation flights will not be seriously affected by new Grand Canyon overflight rules after the FAA accepted recommendations urged by AOPA and others. Most major changes to the special air traffic regulation, effective December 1, 2000, will impact commercial air tour operators.
The FAA originally planned to adopt new rules in 1996, but AOPA opposed them as too restrictive and as constituting a transfer of FAA authority to the National Park Service. Later, AOPA petitioned the FAA to withhold new rules until 2000 for further study, continued its opposition, testified at public hearings, and submitted detailed new comments to the rule. In the final action, the FAA granted most AOPA-sought changes and agreed that noncommercial general aviation operations are not a significant noise concern at the national park.
Changes to the rule include reopening the Fossil Canyon and Tuckup corridors for GA flights, alterations to corridors for added safety, and more room between the SFAR area and the Sunny Military Operations Area.
Boyer urges Congress to keep back-country airstips open
Testifying before a House subcommittee in April, AOPA President Phil Boyer urged lawmakers to keep back-country airstrips open and federal lands accessible to general aviation. Boyer testified for a bill by Rep. James Hansen (R-Utah) that would rebuff efforts by federal agencies and others to restrict or ban general aviation from certain airstrips, especially in the Western states. Boyer countered that most flights to these isolated airstrips are by those also interested in nature and outdoor activities. More important, the strips are valuable safety facilities in remote areas, Boyer said, facilitating both search-and-rescue operations and emergency landings. Showing video he shot during a landing at one remote Idaho strip last year, Boyer noted that a single-engine sightseeing flight had made an emergency landing there just hours before.
The bill, if enacted, would limit federal land managers' authority to close airstrips. Federal agencies could not close a strip without FAA and state aviation department approval. Public comment would also be permitted.
Boyer told lawmakers that a Forest Service study concludes that GA aircraft do not appreciably impair the overall enjoyment of visitors to wilderness areas. Representatives from the departments of Interior and Agriculture testified against the bill.
Bill protects aircraft from Government seizure
Congress has passed the AOPA-backed bill that establishes an "innocent owner" defense that will protect aircraft owners from government seizure of property if they were unaware of its use for illegal purposes. House Judiciary Chairman Henry Hyde (R-Ill.) asked AOPA to review the bill before its introduction. Subsequently, AOPA contacted every member of Congress, urging support of the legislation.
In the past, federal law enforcement agencies could seize and hold property without a hearing or trial if they suspected its connection with a crime, such as drug smuggling. Under the new law, if property seizure causes a "substantial hardship," a judge may order its return pending final disposition of the case. The new legislation also permits suing the government for damage to property during its seizure and eliminates a previously required 10-percent deposit on the property's value in order to sue.
AOPA works with TV producer for accurate protrayal of GA
When an upcoming "Private Planes" episode of Modern Marvels airs on cable television's History Channel, viewers may get a fairer understanding of general aviation because AOPA was called for input. Alerted by Aviation Week and Space Technology magazine, AOPA rushed in to show the use of private aircraft by ordinary persons, not just the "rich and famous." Program research had focused on linking pre-World War II "society fliers" with today's business jet boom. AOPA countered by emphasizing the postwar mass production and marketing of aircraft for a wider segment of the public. Others interviewed in Washington, D.C., included the Smithsonian Institution's National Air and Space Museum, the National Business Aviation Association, and Aviation Week and Space Technology. The episode is currently scheduled to air June 12 at 10 p.m. Eastern time.
Charting Forum meets at AOPA, backs chart changes
AOPA headquarters hosted the Government/Industry Charting Forum in March, an official group that oversees policy and procedures for aeronautical charting and instrument approach design. (It is just one of 50 advisory committees on which AOPA serves.) Among other business, the charting forum endorsed two AOPA-backed proposals. One would include ARTCC frequencies on VFR charts so pilots can radio for real-time status of military operations areas (MOAs). Center controllers know best which MOAs are "hot" since they must direct IFR traffic around them. A second AOPA proposal would add city name and airport identifier to airport data on IFR en route charts. Airport identification would then be the same on charts, approach plates, and in GPS databases. Currently, for instance, just Palwaukee Muni appears on IFR charts. AOPA would make that Chicago-Palwaukee Muni (KPWK) because the approach plate is alphabetized under Chicago, not Palwaukee.
AOPA has new tips for your summer travel adventures
Members contemplating far-flung flying adventures this summer may want to check out revised guidance from AOPA Aviation Services, available online. Heading to Alaska? Check www.aopa.org/members/pic/intl/alaska/index.xml for the latest. Check www.aopa.org/members/pic/intl/ for the latest international flight information manuals (IFIMs) for favorite travel destinations including Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean. As always, AOPA technical specialists are available by phone at 800/USA-AOPA (800/872-2672) from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Eastern time, Monday through Friday.
Long Beach shaping up as extra special site for AOPA Expo 2000
AOPA staffers doing preliminary work for AOPA Expo 2000 are coming back excited about Long Beach, California, the site of AOPA's convention and trade show from October 20 through 22. The new Long Beach Convention Center in the rejuvenated harbor area (home of the Queen Mary and Toyota Grand Prix road race) will host more than 500 exhibits. Some 50 product demonstrations and 80 seminars are already scheduled, along with lots of Southern California sunshine, fresh ocean air, and fun. For more information about what to see and do at Expo and in Long Beach, call toll-free 888/GO2EXPO (888/462-3976) or visit AOPA Online ( www.aopa.org/expo/).
Two key Member service staffers promoted to AOPA Vice President
The heads of AOPA Aviation Services and AOPA Member Services have been promoted to vice president in recognition of their continuing improvement of AOPA member service. "Member service is the hallmark of AOPA," noted AOPA President Phil Boyer. "We don't just promise, we deliver." New Vice President of Aviation Services Woody Cahall recently supervised conversion of AOPA's technical knowledge base to electronic form, facilitating faster telephone inquiries and more direct accessibility via AOPA Online. Vice President of Member Services Ed Thompson's expertise in communications systems and team-oriented management has streamlined handling member service calls and e-mails with new computer-based tools. Cahall, an AOPA staff member since 1992, is a 10,500-hour former charter pilot, CFI, and airport manager. Thompson joined AOPA in 1996 with more than a decade of business experience in customer service management.
Action in the States
AOPA Airport Support Network volunteer activities are italicized. For information about how you can help AOPA's efforts to save your local airport, visit www.aopa.org/asn/ on AOPA Online.
Alaska. AOPA recently toured several facilities related to the FAA's experimental Safe Flight 21 program that will datalink in-cockpit traffic and weather advisories to specially equipped aircraft in Alaska beginning this summer. AOPA gave kudos for efforts of the FAA's Alaska Region, but also noted challenges in measuring the system's safety and operational benefits.
California. San Carlos: A ban on training operations planned by the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors is on hold awaiting results of a noise study. AOPA and the San Carlos Airport Pilots Association requested FAA intervention. The FAA persuaded supervisors to wait for study results, expected in November. Los Angeles: AOPA's California regional representative, Jack Kemmerly, is watching local issues, including passage of Measure F, which requires that two-thirds of county voters approve any new jail, waste disposal site, or airport (including conversion of MCAS El Toro to a civilian airport). Meanwhile, the South Coast Air Quality Management District will propose new rules governing air pollution starting with the public sector, including airports.
Colorado. Boulder: Closure of Boulder Airport to create a site for "affordable" housing has been dropped from the Boulder County Comprehensive Plan, thanks to a coalition of general aviation advocates including AOPA Regional Representative Bill Hamilton. Denver: The Arapahoe County Planning Commission has approved revised zoning around four area airports, according to Centennial (APA) ASN volunteer Robert Doubek. Lamar: ASN volunteer George Anthony Demus at Lamar Municipal Airport reports that Powers County is revising its land use manual to incorporate zoning around airports in the county.
Florida. Avon City: The city council is considering the future of the airport, which has received both federal and state funds. AOPA has been discussing with the city council ways to keep the airport operating. Marion County: ASN volunteer Earl Meridith is keeping AOPA informed on the possible closing of Dunnellon Airport. AOPA has contacted county commissioners, urging that they consider the full impact of a closure.
Hawaii. Kailua Kona: Local pilots at Kona International are considering a July 4 open house to develop more public interest and support, says ASN volunteer Merle Martin. He notes, however, that state airport officials may have some objections to such an event.
Illinois. Chicago: The city still plans to close Meigs Field in 2002, but pledges to keep the airport fully operational until then to avoid noncompliance with the Meigs court settlement. AOPA and other interests are seeking ways to convince Mayor Daley that Meigs and nearby lakefront parks are compatible.
Iowa. Des Moines: AOPA member Chris Andrews became an ASN volunteer after learning that the Des Moines International Airport master plan calls for closing 3,200-foot Runway 13R/31L to accommodate air cargo growth. That runway handles some 44,000 operations annually, mostly general aviation. Andrews alerted AOPA and provided local research; AOPA has contacted the airport director on the issue. Andrews is planning to organize a local pilot group to help protect general aviation's interests there.
Maryland. College Park: After seeing a notam banning student pilot operations, ASN volunteer Lee Sommer checked and found that the airport could restrict — but not prohibit — student operations under the agreement that preserved this historic airport. With guidance from AOPA, Sommer discussed the situation with the airport manager, who agreed to notam and facilities directory changes reflecting allowable student operations.
Massachusetts. Bedford: AOPA has asked the FAA to investigate the nighttime surcharge at Hanscom Field. The surcharge (claimed to be a noise-reduction measure) discriminates, says AOPA, because it is based on aircraft weight instead of sound levels. AOPA believes that Massport must eliminate the surcharge, then conduct an FAR Part 150 noise study to reestablish any such measure. Newburyport: AOPA has added its voice to those asking the Society for the Preservation of New England Antiquities (SPNEA) not to close coastal Plum Island Airport, north of Boston. The airport was part of an estate bequest to SPNEA, which fears liability or accident damage to the seventeenth-century farm on the site. Plum Island is the only remaining airport near the Interstate 95 corridor between Beverly in Boston's northern suburbs and coastal New Hampshire airports.
Mississippi. Bay St. Louis: A 6,000-foot runway for a new residential airport named Mint Julep is getting the go-ahead thanks to work by ASN volunteer Mario Feola. When developers started work, a small but vocal group objected to possible noise and danger. The Hancock County Board member representing an area surrounding the nearby Diamondhead residential airport asked Feola to present a case to the board. The result? A 5-0 vote in favor of Mint Julep Airport. FAA has also given its approval; the airport is now open.
Missouri. AOPA is supporting H.B.2018 (the Missouri Airport Protection Act) that would protect airports and airspace from obstructions. AOPA opposes S.B.1061 that would exempt airlines from sales tax on jet fuel, resulting in $2 million less per year for state aviation funding.
South Dakota. A state law granting the Aeronautics Commission authority to deny permits for tall towers is being challenged as unconstitutional. Tall-tower proponents allege that such authority violates federal preemption over airspace. AOPA Regional Representative Bill Hamilton is in contact with state officials.
Washington. Puyallup: AOPA ASN volunteer Victor Young was instrumental in preventing construction of a commercial building just outside the Runway 16 protection zone at Pierce County-Thun Field. After a planned runway extension, the building would be inside the zone. Young alerted county officials, who ignored the problem. He then alerted the FAA and made sure that county proposals followed FAA guidelines. Ultimately, the FAA nixed the idea before it was submitted; the building will be built elsewhere.
Wisconsin. AOPA opposes S.B.411 and A.B.801,which would reduce aviation funding by exempting certain airlines from property taxes.
Wyoming. AOPA opposed H.B.12, an attempt to use certain federal funds for ground transportation instead of aviation, which died in committee. Meanwhile, AOPA-supported H.B.19, creating a permanent funding process for grants and loans for aviation purposes, was signed into law.
Dyer receives AOPA Crottie Award for California aviation advocacy
Longtime state aeronautics official Richard G. Dyer has received AOPA's 1999 Crotti Award for California aviation advocacy. AOPA President Phil Boyer presented the honor during his AOPA Pilot Town Meeting in Concord, California, in March.
Dyer is an acknowledged leader in aircraft/airport noise and environmental issues. He helped to develop California's first-in-the-nation airport noise regulations in 1970 and has managed their application since. He actively helps California's airport land use commissions to develop appropriate land use plans for every public-use airport in the state. A former U.S. Air Force fighter pilot, Dyer remains active in general aviation.
California is such a large part of U.S. general aviation that trends there — particularly noise and urbanization issues — often set the national pace. Accordingly, AOPA offers special recognition every year to the person who best personifies the defense and advancement of general aviation in the Golden State.
AOPA honors New England aviation leader
On the other coast, Sherman W. "Whip" Saltmarsh has received an AOPA Presidential Citation for his dedication to increased aviation funding in Massachusetts. Saltmarsh, chairman of the Massachusetts Aeronautics Commission since 1991, has helped to increase aviation funding in the state, including $124 million for airport improvements. A former state legislator and member of the Joint Committee on Transportation, Saltmarsh has championed aviation in the legislature, in schools, and among the general public. AOPA President Phil Boyer made the surprise presentation at his AOPA Pilot Town Meeting in New Bedford, Massachusetts, in March.
AOPA Member deposit accounts hit all-time high
AOPA members' participation in the MBNA Deposit Program hit an all-time high of $300 million in deposits earlier this year, with more than 8,000 accounts active. The AOPA Certified program offers CD interest rates that have consistently ranked among the top one percent nationwide. Interest rates for money market deposit accounts (for balances as low as $2,500) outperformed 81 percent of all taxable money funds in 1999. The same attractive interest rates are available for Roth and traditional Individual Retirement Accounts. Deposits are FDIC-insured up to $100,000 per depositor. For more information or to apply, call 800/900-6653.
Eggers named VP of IAOPA's European Region
Valdemar "Val" Eggers has been named vice president of the European Region for the International Council of Aircraft Owner and Pilot Associations (IAOPA). Eggers, a Royal Danish Air Force veteran and general aviation pilot, was appointed Denmark's director general of civil aviation in 1977. He has since worked closely with Eurocontrol, Europe's air traffic management service, to develop a strategic plan for future European air traffic management.
Today, many regulatory initiatives from Europe find their way to the United States, or at least to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), where IAOPA is the voice of general aviation. The IAOPA's European Region, therefore, serves as "point guard" on new international regulatory concepts. The new IAOPA vice president will work closely with IAOPA Secretary General John Sheehan to coordinate action on international issues and to help European AOPAs better serve their memberships.
Annual AOPA fly-in is Saturday, June 3
More than 100 exhibitors and static display aircraft are scheduled for the once-a-year Saturday open house at AOPA's Frederick, Maryland, on-airport headquarters. Planned is an expanded roster of pilot seminars, plus the hilarious musings of aviation humorist and educator Rod Machado. AOPA's work-in-progress "Millennium Mooney" sweepstakes airplane will be on display, as will offerings from major aircraft manufacturers. Door prizes include a Garmin GPS III Pilot and framed aircraft photography by AOPA Pilot's Mike Fizer. Attendees can interact with AOPA staff during guided headquarters tours. Family members will enjoy a "Cockpit Companion" seminar, plus lots of food and fun from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. An FAA control tower will be in operation June 3, and special FAA air traffic procedures will be in effect. The VFR route to Frederick Municipal Airport again follows Interstate 70, but this year it starts farther east on I-70 at prominent white-colored oil tanks south of Westminster VOR at EMI 207/8.9 nm. All fly-in pilots should obtain and carry full arrival procedures. See AOPA Online ( www.aopa.org/special/fly-in/) or call 888/462-3976 for a copy.
AOPA Air Safety Foundation
ExxonMobil Establishes New Scholarships Through ASF
ExxonMobil has established two new $2,000 scholarships for the 2000-2001 academic year for aviation majors studying at an academic institution. Two additional $2,000 scholarships will be offered to students in an accredited A&P program. For applications and further information, visit the Web site ( www.aopa.org/asf/about/scholarship/). Scholarship winners will be notified on or about August 31, 2000.
Koch Corporation Establishes Kentucky Scholarship
Koch Corporation President Steve Koch, AOPA 1144334, has established the new $1,500 Koch Corporation scholarship for the next five years to assist Kentucky residents pursuing an academic course in aviation. The first award is scheduled for late summer 2000. Visit the Web site ( www.aopa.org/asf/about/scholarship/) for details.
eBay Gan? Check out the ASF Online Silent Auction
The AOPA Air Safety Foundation's Year 2000 silent auction enters its fourth month in June with exciting new items available for bid. Among them: a vacation home for a week on beautiful Martha's Vineyard and tickets to the MBNA.com 400 Winston Cup Nascar event on September 24. Also new are two round-trip tickets on Continental Airlines, two discount coupons for TWA, headsets, an Auguste Reymond aviator watch, and Carolina Panthers football tickets. Items may be viewed and bids made on AOPA Online.
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