Virginia Pilot Wins AOPA 1999 Sweepstakes and the 'Aero SUV' 206
A working pilot based in Virginia's Tidewater Country along the Chesapeake Bay is the winner of AOPA's 1999 "Aero SUV" Sweepstakes and the grand-prize Cessna 206 restored as the ultimate sport utility vehicle.
Carl Rice, 41, of rural Reedville, some 90 miles east of Richmond, received the one-of-a-kind airplane from AOPA President Phil Boyer at a surprise event on Sunday, February 6, at quaint Hummel Airfield (see " One Happy Camper," p. 49).
The winner works as a fish-spotter pilot for Omega Protein Inc., a Reedville fishery. Flying a 1980 Cessna 172RG Cutlass as far as 25 miles offshore, he directs the company's fleet to schools of menhaden, an industrial species harvested for its oil.
AOPA's rough-and-ready custom 206 is just the right airplane for the 2,500-foot grass strip in Reedville used by the fish spotters, just one block from Rice's waterfront home.
Rice, joined by his wife, Lori, daughter Heather, and son Cory, was also presented with $1,000 worth of camping gear for their airborne outdoor adventure vehicle.
This year's AOPA sweepstakes will award a uniquely upgraded 1987 Mooney 201 renewed as AOPA's Year 2000 "Millennium Mooney."
'Aging' GA Aircraft Safe, AOPA Tells FAA
Older general aviation aircraft are still safe, AOPA told the FAA at a meeting in Kansas City, Missouri, in January. AOPA's admonition came as the FAA pondered additional regulation to ensure airworthiness of older aircraft.
Dennis Roberts, AOPA vice president of government and technical affairs, insisted that any new FAA initiatives for older aircraft be "data driven" and not just "solutions looking for problems."
There are no current data to show that older aircraft are at greater risk for mechanical failure, and Roberts pointed out that inadequate maintenance is usually the root cause of such accidents. Another meeting participant cited the AOPA Air Safety Foundation's Propeller Safety Safety Advisor, which notes that the "root cause of mechanically induced accidents is almost always neglect."
AOPA is working for improved communication and owner education, better maintenance practices, and simplification of aircraft certification standards to keep older aircraft airworthy.
Mode C Veil Exemption Withdrawn; AOPA Wins Compliance Time
Quick action by AOPA has saved pilots from becoming entangled in the Mode C veil surrounding all Class B airspace.
On January 13, with no advance notice, the FAA withdrew the "Mode C Veil Exemption" (SFAR No. 62), which permitted aircraft without altitude-encoding transponders to operate out of some 300 specified satellite airports located within the 30-nm "veil" surrounding a Class B airspace primary airport. Aircraft without electrical systems are not subject to the transponder requirement.
AOPA immediately contacted senior FAA officials, who conceded that the agency had acted without coordinating with pilots. At press time, the FAA had verbally agreed to give the pilot community until mid-April to either comply with FAR 91.215 (requiring all aircraft equipped with electrical systems to have Mode C transponders when operating within a Mode C veil) or obtain a "blanket" waiver for individual aircraft.
Stanby Vacuum Cure May be Worse than the Diesease, AOPA Tells FAA
An airworthiness directive on the Precise Flight SVS III standby vacuum system may cause more safety problems than it solves, according to an AOPA petition to rescind the AD.
"AD 99-24-10 requires an annual 'test' that could cost more than the price of a new unit," said Dennis Roberts, AOPA vice president of government and technical affairs. "That could have an unfortunate safety impact, and part of this expensive AD doesn't even concern airworthiness."
The SVS III taps into the engine intake manifold to provide an emergency source of power for vacuum-driven gyro instruments (usually the heading and attitude indicators) if the engine-driven vacuum pump fails. The AD calls for both an annual inspection of the SVS III system and a flight check at six different altitudes. Compliance could cost as much as $540 for a system with a list price of $429.
"Even worse, the flight-check part of this AD isn't meant to identify an airworthiness problem; it's to train the pilot," said Roberts. "That's an inappropriate use of an AD."
In an e-mail to an aircraft owners group, a Precise Flight engineer acknowledged that the annual flight check was designed for recurrent pilot training. According to this engineer, the impetus for the AD was a report of a pilot who departed VFR, had a primary vacuum failure, but continued his climb into IFR conditions using the Precise Flight Standby System.
"That's an operational issue, not an airworthiness concern," said AOPA's Roberts. "Operating procedures should be addressed in the aircraft flight manual or pilots operating handbook and by educational materials for the pilot community."
Roberts also noted that the AD doesn't, in fact, mandate pilot training because it does not require the affected pilot or aircraft owner to personally participate in the flight check.
AOPA asked the FAA to rescind the AD 99-24-10 final rule and reissue a proposed AD for public comment. A copy of AOPA's regulatory brief is available on AOPA Online ( www.aopa.org/whatsnew/regulatory/regprecise.html).
Twin Cessna Ad Incorporates AOPA-Recommended Revisions
A controversial airworthiness directive on turbocharged twin-engine Cessnas (AD 2000-01-16), issued in late January to address problems on poorly maintained exhaust systems, incorporates most of the revisions advocated by AOPA.
"We've gone from an 'emergency' AD that would have cost owners tens of thousands of dollars, grounded hundreds of airplanes, and ruined many small businesses to a solid regulation that will keep these airplanes safe and that most owners should find more affordable," said AOPA President Phil Boyer. "This demonstrates what can happen when the FAA takes advantage of the knowledge and expertise available in the GA community."
The AD was originally to have been issued last June as an emergency direct final rule without opportunity for public comment. AOPA and the Cessna Pilots Association quickly intervened, successfully arguing that there was nothing compelling immediate action, especially since the proposed AD had been under consideration within the FAA for three years. The FAA withdrew the direct final rule and asked AOPA to solicit comments from affected aircraft owners. Among other things, AOPA conducted an unprecedented mailing of some 6,000 "Action Alerts" to owners of Cessna 300- and 400-series turbocharged twins, whether they were AOPA members or not.
"We're pleased that the FAA has substantially reduced the impact of this AD on aircraft owners, but disappointed that the FAA was unable to determine the economic impact of aircraft downtime on small businesses while aircraft are out of service for AD compliance," said Boyer.
In an unusual move, the FAA is continuing to take comments on the AD through April 14. AOPA will submit additional comments and urges members to do likewise, concentrating on alternative compliance methods and economic impact of the AD. Submit comments in triplicate to the FAA, Central Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, Attn: Rules Docket No. 97-CE-67-AD, 901 East Locust Street, Room 506, Kansas City, Missouri 64106. Members may e-mail an electronic copy of their comments to AOPA at [email protected]
A copy of the AD, compliance schedule, a preliminary AD compliance comparison, and AOPA's regulatory brief are available on AOPA Online ( www.aopa.org/whatsnew/regulatory/regtwincessna.html).
AOPA Pilot Town Meetings Exceed 200 in 1990s
AOPA ended the 1990s with its 207th Pilot Town Meeting (PTM) of the decade, bringing to nearly 40,000 the number of pilots who have attended these special presentations and question and answer sessions with AOPA President Phil Boyer.
In 1999 alone, some 27 PTMs were presented to nearly 6,000 aviators in fast-paced briefings on national, regional, and local issues that affect their flying. The format combines computer graphics interspersed with video clips in Boyer's distinctive, attention-getting presentation style. An average of more than 200 pilots attend each Pilot Town Meeting.
Another 28 AOPA PTMs are planned for 2000 in cities from Burlington, Vermont, to San Bernardino, California. The schedule for upcoming Pilot Town Meetings is available on AOPA Online ( http://www.aopa.org/prez/ptm.cfm) or monthly in AOPA Pilot magazine.
In all, Boyer has appeared before aviation audiences totaling more than 86,000 at some 378 locations nationwide since 1992.
2000 AOPA Pilot Town Meetings
Schedule subject to change
January: Jacksonville, Florida; Orlando, Florida; Montgomery, Alabama
February: Salt Lake City
March: San Jose and Concord, California; New Bedford, Massachusetts; Burlington, Vermont; and mid-Hudson River Valley, New York
May: Oxnard, Costa Mesa, and San Bernardino, California
June: Indianapolis, Chicago, Milwaukee, and Minneapolis-St. Paul
August: Lansing, Michigan; Des Moines; and Omaha
September: Houston; Atlanta; and Charlotte, North Carolina
October: Daytona Beach, Florida; Baltimore; and Pittsburgh
November: Las Vegas; Phoenix; and Prescott, Arizona
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 Online.
Arizona. Chandler: AOPA Regional Representative Stacy Howard and ASN volunteer Doug Combs are working with Chandler Municipal Airport Manager Greg Chenowith and the city's planning and zoning commission to avoid development stipulations that could impede aviation-related development in the airpark. Phoenix: House Bill 2461, introduced by state representative and AOPA member Wes Marsh, would restore all of the revenue from the state's flight property tax to the state aviation fund and help homebuyers determine their proximity to an airport.
Colorado. Denver: Colorado H.B.1069 has been introduced by Rep. Matt Smith. The AOPA-encouraged bill would help fund weather observation devices in mountainous areas where weather changes quickly.
Delaware: Airports still in need of AOPA Airport Support Network volunteers include Henderson Aviation (0N6) in Felton and New Castle County Airport (ILG) in Wilmington.
Florida. Dunnellon: The Marion County Board of Commissioners is weighing the fate of Dunnellon Airport. Options include continuing airport operation with county employees, privatizing field operations, or closing the airport. AOPA is studying the issue.
Illinois. Lake in the Hills: A $10 million plan to improve the Lake in the Hills Airport is in the works. The plan includes purchase of additional land and avigation easements to avoid displaced thresholds due to obstructions.
Indiana. LaPorte: AOPA ASN volunteer Rich Dugger reports plans to install a remote telephone dial-up system accessible by aircraft radio. The system, which costs less than $1,000, will allow pilots to obtain IFR clearances more easily.
Iowa. Des Moines: New Iowa Department of Transportation Director Mark Wandro has announced plans to reestablish a state aviation office. Unlike most state DOT directors, Wandro's background includes management of a GA airport.
Maryland. Odenton: The former Tipton Army Airfield, open for civilian use since late 1999, is being surveyed for a runway lighting system. AOPA ASN volunteer John Pilkins is monitoring improvements.
Massachusetts. AOPA members in the Bay State are urged to write elected officials in support of the Aircraft Tax Bill (H.B.4837), which provides tax relief for purchasers of aircraft and parts.
Mississippi. Jackson: AOPA is opposing H.B.302, which would require every county to adopt ordinances to regulate minimum flight altitudes.
Missouri. Springfield: AOPA is working with the Missouri State Aviation Council for legislation to protect airspace around airports.
New Hampshire: AOPA is supporting H.B.1563, which would establish the Wolfeboro Airport Authority and help to preserve the Lakes Region Seaplane Base and Airport. Members are urged to contact elected officials in support of this bill.
New Jersey. Mount Holly: AOPA ASN volunteer Vernon Hill Jr. has helped to organize a "Friends of the Airport" group for South Jersey Regional Airport. A press packet countering antiairport scare tactics is now under development. Trenton: AOPA is opposing A.B.1434, which would require airport environmental studies using flawed methodology.
New York. Albany: A.B.2260 would also require airport environmental studies using flawed methodology. AOPA is opposing this bill.
Rhode Island. Westerly: AOPA ASN volunteer Sandra Niles reports that obstructions at Westerly State Airport have displaced the Runway 32 threshold by 700 feet. AOPA is working with the FAA and Rhode Island Airport Corporation to acquire land or avigation easements to regain the runway's full length.
South Dakota. Pierre: A new state airport system plan is now under consideration. The plan will help development based on demographics and needs.
Texas. Austin: AOPA Vice President of Regional Affairs Bill Dunn cited the need for GA facilities at Bergstrom International Airport in a keynote speech to the Aviation Association of Central Texas late last year. The city has been granted $2 million by the FAA to provide GA facilities at Bergstrom International. Georgetown: An antiairport group called "Take Back Our Skies" is demanding closure of the Georgetown Airport. AOPA is opposing the group. Pflugerville: Site selection and feasibility studies are under way for a new GA airport. The planned airport will help Austin-area pilots compensate for the loss of Robert Mueller and Austin Executive airports.
Utah. Salt Lake City: AOPA is questioning the need for additional "no fly" zones around Salt Lake City during the 2002 Olympics. The proposal prompted a special December meeting of Salt Lake City-area airspace users.
Real-Time Special-Use Airspace Notification Testing Slated
Ever gone far out of your way to avoid a military operations area (MOA) simply because you couldn't determine if it was really in use or not? If so, this may interest you.
A 90-day test providing pilots with real-time special-use airspace (SUA) information is expected to start in early spring at Florida's Palatka MOAs and restricted areas in Central Florida, and at the Brownwood and Westover MOAs near Fort Worth, Texas.
"Many pilots don't realize that restricted area or MOA status information given to them by an FSS briefer is based on a schedule drawn up months — or sometimes years — prior and bears little relation to reality," said AOPA Director of Airspace Melissa Bailey. "GA pilots may waste enormous amounts of time and fuel needlessly avoiding areas that aren't really in use."
The tests are sponsored by a national FAA working group on airspace redesign that includes an AOPA representative, the U.S. Navy, and the FAA. AOPA has pushed for real-time SUA information for several years.
In the tests, flight service stations serving the areas will get daily updates on military activity in the areas. FAA radar facilities will coordinate with the military on actual times of use. In Florida, reports on the effectiveness of the procedures will include those from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, a heavy user of Central Florida airspace.
"The military needs airspace for training, but there's no reason GA pilots shouldn't use it when the military isn't," declared Bailey. "We're sure these tests will show the benefits of military-civilian cooperation."
New AOPA-Endorsed Title Insurance Adds Benefits
A new aircraft title insurance policy available through the AOPA Service Corporation's Aircraft Title and Escrow Service offers protection against title actions, even after an aircraft is sold.
The all-new Eagle Protection Aircraft Title Policy, underwritten by First American Title & Trust Company, offers protection for some unexpected occurrences, such as ownership disputes, document forgery, and fraud. Aircraft lenders receive additional protection from invalidity or unenforceability of their mortgage and priority of their mortgage. The Eagle policy offers this protection both during the time you own the aircraft and after it is sold.
Other potential areas of loss are also covered. As with any insurance contract, there are exceptions, exclusions, and conditions to coverage. For more information or to obtain a premium quote, call AOPA Title and Escrow Service at 800/711-0087 (international callers may dial 405/682-2511), or visit AOPA Online ( www.aopa.org/info/certified/tne/).
AOPA FBO Rebate Program, Other Benefits Extended
AOPA has extended its unique FBO Rebate Program well into the new century, signing an agreement with MBNA America Bank in late December. The accord also extends other AOPA member benefits and discounts from MBNA.
The AOPA FBO Rebate Program returns a 3-percent rebate on purchases made with an AOPA Visa or Mastercard at any FBO that sells fuel or rents aircraft. Qualified locations include those listed with a 3% icon in AOPA's Airport Directory or AOPA's Airport Directory Online. To date, the program has returned more than $2.5 million to AOPA members.
"While some were fretting over Y2K, AOPA and MBNA were charting a new course to benefit AOPA members in the future," said AOPA President Phil Boyer. "MBNA treats AOPA members like AOPA members, not just bank customers."
Also extended was AOPA's Aircraft Financing Program, which offers the lowest interest rates and longest repayment terms of all major aircraft financing lenders. Longer repayment terms — up to 20 years — mean lower monthly payments. The AOPA program features no application or prequalification fees. Down payments are as low as 10 percent. Loans above $20,000 also include payment of the aircraft owner's $39 annual AOPA dues for the life of the loan.
AOPA members also can take advantage of special MBNA money market accounts and certificates of deposit, where members have some $300 million on deposit. Besides offering top interest rates, members' savings with MBNA return a royalty to AOPA to help fund programs for the defense and advancement of general aviation.
AOPA Regional Reps Boost Future Air and Space Museum Annex
AOPA's 12 regional representatives joined forces late last year to make a personal contribution to the future Dulles Annex of the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum (NASM).
The AOPA representatives — who monitor state and regional GA issues across the nation — contributed $1,200 in memory of Vice Adm. Donald D. Engen, former NASM director. Engen, who had been the FAA administrator in the 1980s, then executive director of the AOPA Air Safety Foundation until the early 1990s, was killed last summer in a glider accident while soaring over the Sierra Nevada.
The new museum annex will be located at Washington Dulles International Airport in suburban Virginia, about 30 miles from downtown Washington, D.C.
AOPA Air Safety Foundation
1999 ASF Seminars Reach Nearly 45,000 Pilots
Live safety seminars presented in all 50 U.S. states and Puerto Rico in 1999 reached nearly 33,000 pilots, while ASF's innovative "Seminar in a Box" program served another 11,500 pilots unable to attend scheduled seminars.
At the same time, preliminary figures for the GA accident rate indicate that 1999 will at least equal, and perhaps improve, on 1998's historic low GA accident rates.
"In this golden anniversary year of ASF, it's gratifying to see numbers like these," declared ASF Executive Director Bruce Landsberg. "We're proud that ASF's innovative programs have helped by targeting high-risk areas, such as weather decision making and low-level maneuvering flight."
The AOPA Air Safety Foundation was chartered in 1950 to help reduce the GA accident rate through research and pilot education. ASF's safety seminars, Safety Advisor booklets, and other outreach efforts are available to all pilots without cost. The majority of ASF funding comes from individual pilots' tax-deductible donations.
Safety seminars scheduled for 2000 include:
More Never Again, the sequel to one of ASF's most popular seminars, will run through July. True pilot tales of close calls are taken straight from the pages of AOPA Pilot magazine and provide powerful lessons. Topics covered include how pilots cope with weather challenges; improving pilot performance and decision making; strategies and options for both VFR and IFR flights; and how IFR training can make VFR flight easier.
GPS VFR Operations, scheduled for seminars from June through December, brings real-life advice on the joys and tribulations of GPS technology as used in general aviation flying. Cautionary tales include the story of a careless pilot who entered one wrong letter in his destination airport identifier and nearly ran out of fuel trying to reach the erroneous destination 2,000 miles away. Ways to use GPS navigation most efficiently are presented.
Collision Avoidance, a brand-new ASF seminar, will premiere nationwide in October. Building on the aviation truism that just one midair collision can ruin your whole day, the seminar identifies the phases of flight with the highest risk for midair collisions and provides practical tips to make each flight as safe as possible.
Information and schedules for all ASF safety seminars can be found in this section of AOPA Pilot each month or on AOPA Online ( www.aopa.org/asf/).
Florida Pilot Wins ASF Transceiver Prize
Ronald E. Boswell of Callan, Florida, is 1999's fourth quarter winner of a Sporty's Pilot Shop handheld transceiver after attending an AOPA Air Safety Foundation "Operations at Towered Airports" seminar in Jacksonville.
The JD-200 transceiver is donated each quarter by Sporty's for an ASF safety seminar participant picked at random.
Boswell has been flying since 1967 and is an A&P with IA privileges. He owns a 1951 Beech Bonanza.
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