AOPA Expo 2000 Will Be Timely, Topical GA Extravaganza
AOPA breaks the mold this election year for AOPA Expo 2000 in Long Beach, California, from October 20 through 22. Sunday's closing banquet, only a week before the national election, will feature The Capitol Steps, the hilarious Washington comedy troupe of ex-Capitol Hill staffers dispensing good-natured bipartisan barbs aimed at every political persuasion. Sponsored by Audi, it's a chance to take aviation and politics a little less seriously, and a rare opportunity to see this renowned show outside of Washington, D.C.
AOPA Expo 2000 general sessions start at 9 a.m. on Friday, October 20, celebrating the fiftieth anniversary of the AOPA Air Safety Foundation and reviewing where GA safety stands today. Saturday morning, October 21, will feature FAA Administrator Jane Garvey; on Sunday morning, it will be the Team AOPA report to the membership.
Of course, there are three days of wall-to-wall exhibits, new aircraft from the manufacturers, 90 exciting seminars, 40 product demonstrations, and much more. A schedule of planned seminars is on page 22 of this issue. Make your plans now to attend by calling 888/GO2-EXPO (888/462-3976), or check the Web site ( www.aopa.org/expo/).
AOPA Rebuts 'USA Today' Editorial on Night VFR
One year after the John F. Kennedy Jr. tragedy off the coast of Massachusetts, AOPA was given the opportunity by USA Today to rebut the newspaper's call for new regulations on night VFR flight. USA Today's editorial, with an opposing view by AOPA President Phil Boyer, appeared in the July 14 through 16 weekend edition.
Boyer pointed out that additional night and instrument training requirements were imposed several years ago and that the overall U.S. nighttime accident rate is better than that of "day VFR" (perhaps because relatively more experienced pilots are flying nighttime flights). USA Today cited somewhat more extensive training requirements in the United Kingdom and elsewhere as models for new U.S. regulations. AOPA countered that overall general aviation accident rates in those countries are substantially higher than those in the United States.
"Clearly, what we need is better weather information to keep VFR pilots out of bad conditions," wrote Boyer. "Long-delayed computer upgrades for FAA pilot briefing and weather communications, including new in-cockpit technology, will help."
The final NTSB report on the Kennedy accident may be found on the Web ( www.ntsb.gov/aviation/nyc/99a178.htm). A complete review and analysis of the accident is the subject of " Safety Pilot Landmark Accidents: Vineyard Spiral" by AOPA Air Safety Foundation Executive Director Bruce Landsberg.
FAA Funding Bill Moves Forward
The House of Representatives and the Senate have approved separate pieces of legislation for aviation funding in fiscal year 2001. A House/Senate conference committee is expected to iron out differences between the bills.
Both versions fund FAA modernization and airport improvements at levels required by AIR-21, the historic legislation passed last April that also unlocked the Airport and Airway Trust Fund. Funded programs important to GA pilots include flight service station modernization and continued operation of the loran system.
Additional funding provisions in the Senate bill include $2.65 billion for FAA facilities and equipment, $183.3 million for FAA research and development, and $3.2 billion for the Airport Improvement Program. Neither bill includes aviation user fees.
Updates on FAA funding are available on AOPA Online ( www.aopa.org).
The Commercial Insurance Crisis: AOPA Explores Gact, Solutions
A special consultant hired by AOPA to find possible solutions for the commercial insurance crisis (affecting flight schools, independent flight instructors, and small FBOs) has already found companies that may provide instruction and rental insurance under some conditions through aircraft insurance brokers. Those companies are listed on AOPA Online ( www.aopa.org/whatsnew/newsitems/2000/00-3-004.html).
The initial report by insurance expert Ray Olsen showed that companies offering insurance for flight schools and FBOs had not collected enough in premiums in recent years to offset losses. It was the sudden withdrawal this spring of two companies — Avemco and the Great American Insurance Company — that blew the long-festering problem into a major crisis.
"The remaining companies established new underwriting guidelines to try to stem their losses," said Olsen, "and everyone raised their rates."
Meanwhile, AOPA has tasked Olsen to look for other "outside the box" possibilities to make commercial aviation insurance more available and affordable. Among possible steps are an insurance pool and a "summit meeting" of insurers.
AOPA staff also conducted discussions in the United Kingdom with agents for Lloyds of London but found European reinsurers even less willing to take on new, higher risks because of large recent claims.
"Sadly, I don't think there is a 'silver bullet' solution to the commercial insurance problem," said AOPA President Phil Boyer. "But AOPA is taking this up as a cause, and we'll leave no stone unturned looking for ways to make the situation better."
Improved Airworthiness Directive Coordination Process Under Way
FAA handling of proposed airworthiness directives will now include input from owners and operators with firsthand type-specific experience at the beginning of the AD process, a change that AOPA calls "revolutionary."
Representatives of 18 aircraft type clubs and owner organizations, AOPA, EAA, and the FAA met at AOPA headquarters in July to provide input on the new process.
"The best knowledge on how to keep these aircraft flying safely resides with those who keep them flying," said Dennis Roberts, AOPA vice president and executive director of government and technical affairs.
AOPA will give the FAA an initial "report card" on the new procedures during the AOPA Expo 2000 convention in October and discuss with the FAA any changes needed.
Beechcraft Fuel Selector Placard Ad Withdrawn Following AOPA Petition
The FAA has rescinded AD 99-05-13, which would have required a warning placard on the fuel tank selector of nearly every piston-engine Beech (now Raytheon) aircraft ever built. The placard would have warned pilots that fuel might not get to the engine if the fuel selector lever was not in its detent.
"Upon reflection, the FAA agreed with us that placards should be limited to emergency, not operational, information," said Dennis Roberts, AOPA vice president and executive director of government and technical affairs. "If you create a placard for every possible pilot error, critical emergency information becomes lost in the muddle."
The AD resulted from reports of engine stoppage after several pilots incorrectly positioned the fuel selector.
AOPA's Pilot Town Meeting Goes to Capitol Hill
More than 20 U.S. senators, congressmen, and staff attended a special congressional Pilot Town Meeting held by AOPA President Phil Boyer on Capitol Hill in July. Attendees included Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Ted Stevens (R-Alaska) and House national parks and public lands subcommittee Chairman Jim Hansen (R-Utah).
At the special PTM, Boyer demonstrated a UPS Aviation Technologies MX20 multifunction display set up to simulate in-cockpit display of weather, terrain, and traffic.
Boyer conducts some 30 Pilot Town Meetings each year across the nation, bringing pilots up to date on issues facing GA.
AOPA Wins Concessions in New SFO Class B
The FAA has published its final rule reconfiguring San Francisco Class B airspace. The new airspace will become effective September 7 with the publication of new sectional and terminal area charts.
Thanks to the input from AOPA and local pilots, the FAA did not expand the inner five-mile ring to the south, preserving noise-abatement procedures developed for San Carlos Airport by local pilots. The FAA also agreed to a Class B "cutout" over the Sausalito VOR and Mount Tamalpais, allowing more airspace for VFR aircraft and sailplanes. An eastern boundary was aligned with Interstate 580.
The top of the Class B airspace was raised from 8,000 to 10,000 feet. AOPA had asked that portions of the Class B remain at 8,000 feet to allow north-south VFR traffic to operate more easily over the top. The FAA refused, but promised that pilots would be able to get a clearance to transit the SFO Class B area. The full text of the final FAA rule is available on AOPA Online ( www.aopa.org/whatsnew/newsitems/2000/97awa1.txt).
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, or to become an ASN volunteer, visit AOPA Online ( www.aopa.org/asn/). More ASN volunteers are needed.
Arizona. Phoenix:AOPA is pushing forgreater access to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Class B airspace as a representative on the Phoenix Airspace Users Working Group. Scottsdale: AOPA is working with local pilots to create a new runway incursion safety program for airports in Scottsdale, Phoenix, and Chandler.
Colorado. Lone Tree: AOPA ASN volunteerBob Doubek reports that citizens may get to vote on annexing a large tract of land just south of Runway 35R at Denver's Centennial Airport. If the tract is annexed, AOPA will work to keep encroachment from the area. Granby: AOPA ASN volunteer Penny Hamilton reports that Bob Braaf, a Friends of the Granby Airport board member, has finished training to help maintain the airport's automated weather observation system (AWOS).
Connecticut. Danielson: Research by localpilots at Danielson Airport shows that grass runways are safer and more efficient for glider and taildragger operations. Danielson Airport management had recently banned grass-strip operations.
Indiana. Fort Wayne: AOPA ASN volunteer Ken Russell reports that Smith Field could be in danger of closing. Russell is working with local pilots in preparing suggestions to make the airport more attractive.
Kentucky. Bowling Green: The sole FBO at Bowling Green-Warren County Regional Airport has implemented ramp fees, despite a March 4 resolution by the airport board asking for a delay until the board could consider those fees. AOPA ASN volunteer David Stalker is following the issue.
Massachusetts. A bill to help the Massachusetts Aeronautics Commission clear obstructions near public-use airports will be reintroduced in the next legislative session.
Michigan. AOPA continues its support for two bills devoting to the Aeronautics Fund a portion of sales tax on the sale of certain aircraft and parts.
Missouri. St. Louis: AOPA ASN volunteer Christopher Erkmann has been working with Spirit of St. Louis Airport officials and antiairport activists on possible modifications to a voluntary noise-abatement procedure at the airport. Also, nearly 100 people expressed interest in supporting their local airport after Erkmann showed the AOPA Flying Friendly video at an FAA safety seminar.
New Hampshire. Keene: A cease-and-desist order issued by the town of Swanzey against a helicopter flight school at the Keene-operated Dillant-Hopkins Airport has been withdrawn after FAA intervention. The airport is actually located within the boundaries of Swanzey, which wanted helicopter training at the airport stopped. In requesting FAA intervention, AOPA cited federal law giving the FAA exclusive authority to manage the operation of aircraft in navigable airspace.
Pennsylvania. Bradford: AOPA ASN volunteer Ray Lewis made a presentation to the Bradford Regional Airport Authority on improving the public's view of the airport. Airport criticism is coming principally from the antiairport Taxpayers Coalition Group.
South Carolina. AOPA and civic groups worked together to help pass a state budget bill that will leverage federal funds for airport improvements.
Utah. Ogden City: An airport support group for the Ogden-Hinckley Airport, formed by local pilots with help from AOPA ASN volunteer Randall Udy, will concentrate on enhancing the airport's value to Northern Utah.
Wyoming. AOPA is working with the Wyoming Airport Operators Association to keep the Wyoming Aeronautics Commission alive. State officials have proposed moving its functions to the state highway commission.
New Water Landing Directory is 'Seaplane Friendly'
The just-issued sixth edition of the Seaplane Pilot Association's Water Landing Directory includes completely updated information on the hundreds of water landing locations in all 50 states and adds a new seaplane-friendly waterproof plastic binding.
"The old metal binding scratched seaplane paint and tended to rust in a water environment," said SPA Executive Director Mike Volk. "It's one of those small details that landplane pilots wouldn't worry about, but SPA members appreciate."
In recognition of the fast-changing nature of flight information, SPA has also added a directory update service to its Web site ( www.seaplanes.org/library/wld/wld-supplement.htm).
The 2000 Water Landing Directory is available to SPA members for $19 and to nonmembers for $38, both plus shipping. Orders may be placed by calling SPA toll-free at 888/SPA-8923 (888/772-8923); by mail to Seaplane Pilots Association, 421 Aviation Way, Frederick, Maryland 21701; or through the SPA Web site ( www.seaplanes.org).
AOPA Staffs 'You Can Fly' Display at Smithsonian
AOPA staffers helped communicate the joy of flying to thousands of visitors at the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum (NASM) in Washington, D.C., on July 8 and 9.
NASM spokeswoman Jane Pisano said that 20,000 people crowd NASM on such summer weekends, and most have at least some interest in aviation. AOPA participated in the information effort with representatives of the Be A Pilot industry-wide learn-to-fly program and the Civil Air Patrol.
AOPA offered visitors its learn-to-fly brochure Share Your Gift of Flight and materials from AOPA's America's Pilots Participating in Local Education (APPLE) program. Participation in the annual NASM-sponsored event is part of AOPA's ongoing effort to acquaint the nonflying public with general aviation. For information on how you can do your part through aviation education efforts, contact Mary Guthrie at 301/695-2154 or by e-mail ( [email protected]).
Legal Services Plan Expands Benefits
Legal counsel on aircraft purchase/sale matters and U.S. Customs enforcement issues have been added to the AOPA Legal Services Plan at no additional cost.
Since its inception in 1983, the AOPA Legal Services Plan has provided legal representation and counsel for pilots involved in FAA enforcement matters, aircraft accidents, drug and alcohol testing issues, and federal tax matters. Other coverages added through the years include help with FAA medical certificate matters as well as aircraft rental and leaseback agreements.
The AOPA Legal Services Plan costs $26 a year for those exercising private pilot privileges, $52 for those using commercial pilot privileges, and $99 a year for pilots using airline transport pilot privileges. For more information, call 800/USA-AOPA (800/872-2672) or visit AOPA Online ( www.aopa.org/info/certified/lsp/).
Decorated Pilot, Veteran Airport Manager Named Florida Regional Representative
Longtime airport manager and decorated Air Force veteran Nelson Rhodes has been appointed the new AOPA regional representative for Florida.
Since 1989, Rhodes has been airport director for the Boca Raton Airport Authority in southern Florida. In 1996, his leadership won the airport Florida's "GA Airport of the Year" honors. Previously, he was director of aviation for Waco, Texas.
Rhodes is a 5,000-hour commercial pilot with single-engine land and sea, instrument, and multiengine ratings. His 20-year Air Force service earned him many honors, including the Air Medal with five Oak Leaf clusters.
AOPA has 12 regional representatives working on state and regional issues nationwide.
AOPA Members' FBO Rebates Exceed $3 Million
In less than three years, AOPA members have received rebates of more than $3 million on their aviation purchases at FBOs under AOPA's FBO Rebate Program.
Since the program began in 1997, MBNA America Bank has issued nearly 113,000 credit rebates on monthly credit card statements to AOPA members who used an AOPA Mastercard or Visa for purchases at qualifying FBOs. Any FBO that sells fuel or rents aircraft and is listed with the 3% icon in AOPA's Airport Directory qualifies.
For AOPA members claiming the rebates, the average rebate in just one month nearly equals the annual $39 cost of AOPA membership.
The program is funded by MBNA America Bank and not by AOPA, AOPA member dues, or the FBOs. It returns to the participant 3 percent of the cost of eligible purchases. AOPA members need only to highlight claimed purchases on their monthly statements and submit them by mail or fax to a special address or fax number at MBNA.
Details on the program are available on AOPA Online ( www.aopa.org/info/certified/creditcards.html#fbo) or in the current AOPA's Airport Directory.
AOPA Air Safety Foundation
GA Safety Improvement Continues in 2000
The AOPA Air Safety Foundation said preliminary statistics released by the NTSB show that the improving GA safety trend continued through the first half of 2000.
"The number of GA accidents decreased 8 percent compared to the same period last year," said Bruce Landsberg, ASF executive director, "and the number of fatal accidents declined almost 10 percent."
There were 140 fatal accidents through the end of June compared to 155 fatal accidents during the first half of 1999. Moreover, there were 71 fewer accidents of all types during the period, 805 this year vs. 876 last year.
Personal flying accidents were down almost 9 percent and business accidents were down almost 20 percent. Instructional accidents were down more than 4 percent, 129 so far this year compared to 135 last year; however, the number of fatal instructional accidents more than doubled, from nine to 19.
There have been nine midair collisions so far this year (compared to eight last year), but the number of fatal midair collisions has increased from two to six, a trend Landsberg called "troubling," while noting that midair collisions constitute less than 1 percent of all accidents. ASF is developing a new safety seminar on midair collision avoidance, scheduled to debut in October.
ASF's free continuing pilot education seminars alone reached more than 33,000 pilots nationwide in 1999. Additionally, ASF sent more than 30,000 safety videos to new private and instrument-rated pilots. The foundation is funded largely by tax-deductible contributions from individual pilots.
ASF's Aviation-Theme Holiday Cards Brighten the Season
ASF's Year 2000 collection of 20 aviation-theme holiday greeting cards is now available.
The cards feature aircraft ranging from a Piper J-3 Cub on skis to a de Havilland Twin Otter, shown against beautiful seasonal backgrounds. New this year is a design featuring a helicopter.
All cards are printed on high-quality recycled paper with vegetable-based inks.
"What better way to enjoy the season than to help improve GA's safety record?" asked ASF Executive Director Bruce Landsberg. "These original designs express your sentiment to friends and family, make a statement about your passion for flying, and help support a cause you care about."
Royalties go to support ASF's nationally recognized free safety seminars, which are open to all pilots. More than 250 safety seminars were conducted nationwide last year.
To order, download an order form from the ASF section of the AOPA Web site ( www.aopa.org/asf/) or call 800/308-4285. The last day to order in time for the holidays is Friday, December 8.
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