Approach Charts Now Online From AOPA; Other Features Added to Aiport Directory
AOPA members can now view and download, free of charge, all current government-published instrument approach procedures.
Some 9,400 current FAA National Aeronautical Charting Office (formerly NOS) instrument approach procedures and all U.S. change notices are available on AOPA Online ( www.aopa.org/members/airports/).
"This year, entering a new millennium, AOPA is using the tools of the twenty-first century to give members more information and flexibility," said AOPA President Phil Boyer.
The charts are linked to AOPA's Airport Directory Online listings. Pilots need only "point and click" on the related airport entry to download the instrument charts in PDF format for the airports they need.
The online procedures aren't intended to be a replacement for an IFR chart subscription, but for use in trips slightly outside a pilot's usual region of operation, student training, and proficiency flights.
Other enhancements to AOPA's Airport Directory Online include:
- A kneeboard-size print option for airport data, providing a quick overview of the most critical airport data, listed in the order a pilot needs.
- Airport and FBO comments online, allowing AOPA members to post comments about an airport or FBO directly to its listing in AOPA's Airport Directory Online.
- AOPA's Handbook for Pilots Online, including sections on aircraft performance and operations, airspace and air traffic control, meteorology and weather services, and emergency procedures and survival. The handbook also provides quick links to the most up-to-date Federal Aviation Regulations and the Aeronautical Information Manual.
AOPA's Airport Directory Online is available in the members-only section of AOPA Online ( www.aopa.org/members/airports/).
AOPA Expresses Optimism Over Mineta Appointment
The U.S. Senate on January 24 confirmed Norman Y. Mineta as secretary of transportation.
"Norman Mineta has been a knowledgeable and independent friend to aviation," said AOPA President Phil Boyer. "He has always given a fair hearing to the concerns of the nation's general aviation pilots."
Mineta built a reputation as both a transportation expert and a consensus-builder during his 21 years in the U.S. House of Representatives, representing California's San Jose area. He was a leading GA advocate in Congress and supported taking the aviation trust fund "off budget," allowing aviation taxes to be spent on aviation.
As a former congressman, he also focused attention on key aviation issues such as product liability, airport and airspace access, and aviation safety. In 1987, Mineta received AOPA's Hartranft Award, honoring his contributions to the advancement of GA.
In 1997, Mineta chaired the National Civil Aviation Review Commission (NCARC). "AOPA still disputes the NCARC's conclusions," said Boyer. "However, Chairman Mineta did oppose user fees on GA."
Two of Mineta's sons are GA pilots.
GA Advocate Shuster Retires from Congress
Rep. Bud Shuster (R-Pa.), principal author of legislation unlocking the aviation trust fund, retired from Congress at the end of January.
"I [have] reached the pinnacle of my congressional career," said the former chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. "Like my boyhood baseball idol, Lou Gehrig, I consider myself the luckiest man on the face of the Earth to have realized my dream of becoming a U.S. congressman." He also cited health concerns.
Shuster will be remembered for his AIR-21 legislation, which guarantees that taxes collected for improvement of the aviation system will be used for their intended purpose. He received AOPA's Hartranft Award in 1999 for those efforts.
AOPA Asks for Changes in Proposed Rule That Could Hurt GA Airports
AOPA is asking for changes to proposed airport certification rules that could harm many smaller GA airports.
The proposed changes to FAR Part 139 would affect some 50 GA airports across the United States, requiring dedicated aircraft rescue and firefighting equipment and crews, a "qualified wildlife damage management biologist," and security fencing and other controls to prevent public access to aircraft.
The proposed changes would apply to all airports with scheduled airline service using aircraft with 10 or more seats. Currently only airports served by aircraft with 30 seats or more need to be certificated.
"Airport certification costs are usually passed on to all users, including GA," said Dennis Roberts, AOPA vice president and executive director of government and technical affairs. "But some services don't directly benefit GA. And some, like airport security, actually impede GA operations."
AOPA offered the FAA ideas on how to provide services required by airport certification at a lower cost.
A groundbreaking for new general aviation T-hangars in January brought a ray of hope for beleaguered Austin, Texas-area GA pilots. The Austin area has lost two GA airports in the past year, and the city's long-promised "equal or better" facilities for GA at the former Bergstrom Air Force Base had appeared to be at a dead end until the hangar groundbreaking. Austin Director of Aviation Chuck Griffith cited AOPA as a prime motivator for the new hangar construction.
FAA Inaugurates 'Radar-Like' Services in Alaska
The FAA rang in the New Year in Bethel, Alaska, by vectoring aircraft onto the ILS, even though Bethel doesn't have radar service. The service marked the first operational use of Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) technology, part of the Capstone program. AOPA is a partner in Capstone.
Capstone-equipped aircraft broadcast their GPS-derived position, speed, and altitude to a ground receiver, which is then displayed on the ARTCC controllers' screen, just like a radar target. The data is also displayed in Capstone-equipped aircraft. AOPA is providing three aircraft for tests of the system around AOPA's home base of Frederick, Maryland.
The new technology is expected to provide traffic, terrain, and weather information for GA pilots.
AOPA Guide to Holding an Airport Open House Available
A new AOPA "how-to" booklet explains how to hold an open house that showcases a GA airport, demonstrating its benefit to the local community.
The comprehensive 22-page The Complete Guide to Holding an Airport Open House provides step-by-step guidance on everything from establishing objectives to the writing of post-event thank-you notes.
"Showing the community why their airport makes a positive difference to them is what this is all about," AOPA Vice President of Regional Affairs Bill Dunn said. "This new guidebook is a toolbox pilots can use to help make their open house a success."
The guidebook suggests that organizers start laying the groundwork at least a year in advance — even for relatively modest events. Included are easy-to-follow month-by-month planning timelines, highlighted "tips" summarizing key planning points, and a detailed planning checklist compiled by a professional airport open house and airshow management company.
Printed copies of AOPA's The Complete Guide to Holding an Airport Open House are available to organized pilot and airport groups by calling 301/695-2201. The guide is also available in PDF format on AOPA Online ( www.aopa.org/asn/open_house.pdf).
Maryland's Essex Skypark Saved — Gor now
Baltimore County officials have assured AOPA that Essex Skypark will remain as an airport for at least three years.
The popular GA field in Maryland was included in the county's January 4 purchase of 637 acres near Baltimore, and local pilots had feared that the airport would be closed. But in a letter to AOPA, county officials promised an open mind about the field's future.
"It is our intention for the next three years that the Skypark, its manager, and tenants be maintained with the same privileges and rights they currently have," wrote Wallace S. Lippincott Jr., director of the Baltimore County Department of Environmental Protection and Resource Management. "Maintaining the Skypark in its current state beyond the three-year tenancy we are offering is very much an option we wish to discuss."
AOPA Airport Support Network volunteer Doug Case has been rallying local pilots to build support for the airport. Nationwide, public-use GA airports are lost at a rate of more than two per month.
AOPA members generally satisfied with AFSS services; specific services get lower marks
The majority of almost 800 AOPA members surveyed about their experiences with automated flight service stations said they were generally satisfied with AFSS performance, but gave lower marks to specific services such as flight plan "fast file" and the TIBS prerecorded telephone briefing service. A surprising 21 percent of instrument-rated AOPA members reported at least one flight plan lost in the past year.
The survey covered AFSS products and services, customer satisfaction, professionalism, courtesy, and timeliness.
The survey findings will be used to help determine AOPA policy as the FAA undertakes AFSS modernization.
"AOPA wants to ensure that the FAA understands how pilots use the system and how they might improve services for GA pilots," said Dennis Roberts, AOPA vice president and executive director of government and technical affairs.
AOPA charters new board charters New Board of Aviation Medical Advisors
A new AOPA Board of Aviation Medical Advisors includes some of the most distinguished names in aviation medicine.
Besides providing expert advice, medical board members will assist AOPA on precedent-setting aviation medicine issues. Members on the new board include:
- Dr. Owen Brodie, psychiatrist and past president of the Flying Physicians Association.
- Dr. Bruce Chien, an aviation medical examiner in Peoria, Illinois, who specializes in pain management.
- Dr. H.R. Conwell, chief flight surgeon for Continental Airlines and former naval aviator.
- Dr. Audie Davis, former manager of the FAA Aeromedical Certification Division.
- Dr. Ian Fries, senior aviation medical examiner, former U.S. Air Force flight surgeon, author, and lecturer.
- Dr. Stanley Mohler, vice chairman and director of the Aerospace Medicine Residency Program at Wright State (Ohio) University, and former chief of the FAA Civil Aeromedical Institute.
- Dr. Ramon Pabalon, emergency medicine, active GA pilot, and aircraft owner.
- Dr. Ian Perry, active GA pilot who practices aviation medicine in Europe.
- Dr. Gordon Ritter, a senior aviation medical examiner in Prescott, Arizona.
- Dr. Stacy Vereen, senior aviation medical examiner and president of the Civil Aviation Medical Association.
- Kathleen Yodice, AOPA counsel and former litigation and policy counsel for the FAA.
Advocacy on medical certification is just one of AOPA's initiatives to reduce the regulatory burden and cost of flying for all GA pilots.
AOPA donates for Seaplane Pilot Association video
AOPA has donated $33,717 to the Seaplane Pilots Association. The grant helps fund SPA's new video, Flying America's Waterways, which will be used to educate the public and government officials about seaplane operations. The video will answer questions about seaplane safety, noise, environmental impact, compatibility with boats and waterside residential development, and the economic benefits of seaplane operations.
Free 'AOPA.NET' e-mail Service Now Available
A free, Web-based "AOPA.net" e-mail service is available through the "Members Only" section of AOPA Online.
"AOPA members can access their e-mail — and other AOPA.net services — anytime from any computer connected to the Internet," said Seth Golbey, AOPA vice president of Internet services. "And the best part is that you'll show your support for GA and for AOPA with your AOPA e-mail address on every message that you send."
AOPA members will be able to choose their own preferred e-mail name, which will end in "@aopa.net."
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: Robert Tefft
Robert Tefft
Robert Tefft, AOPA Airport Support Network volunteer at San Luis Obispo County-McChesney Field, California, has been working to minimize the chances of encroachment at the airport. As a member of the technical advisory committee and a newly appointed member of the airport land use commission, Tefft has been actively involved with changes to the airport land use plan. In addition, he continues to educate the pilot community, local homeowners, and surrounding businesses on airport-related issues.
AOPA ASN Volunteer Action in the States
Alabama. Huntsville: The new runway for North Huntsville Executive Airport is expected to open in the spring. AOPA ASN volunteer Albert Whitus reports that all airport authority appointees who are pilots are AOPA members and "deserve a medal" for aggressively improving the former private airstrip.
Alaska. Fairbanks: Planned expansion at Fairbanks International Airport includes relocation of an existing skiplane area to make way for a longer GA runway. AOPA ASN volunteer Al Near reports pilots are concerned that airport constraints would limit access to the proposed runways. Airport officials are working with local users for a solution.
Arizona. Payson: AOPA ASN volunteer Robert Henley is working with Payson city fathers on alternatives to a proposed sale of Payson Airport land for a manufacturing business.
Colorado. Gunnison: AOPA has challenged a night landing curfew at Gunnison County Airport. Among other things, the airport is requiring pilots to appear in person at the airport manager's office to sign a waiver for night operations. The airport is also charging a $30 fee for any night GA takeoff or landing. AOPA ASN volunteer Frederick Peck reports that the FAA met with county officials after AOPA's complaint was filed. Salida: AOPA ASN volunteer Bill Reeves reports that county officials recognize the need for avigation easements around Harriet Alexander Field. Reeves served for six years on the Chaffee County Airport Advisory Board.
Florida. Naples: A larger-than-expected crowd of 15,000 enthusiastic citizens participated in a November Aviation Day at Naples Municipal Airport. AOPA ASN volunteer R. Scott Cameron helped organize the event. Pensacola: AOPA ASN volunteer Dale Holbert is working with local pilots to establish an air theme park on the Pensacola Regional Airport, allowing local residents to watch aircraft and listen to radio transmissions. Plans for the Pensacola facility call for miniature runways, taxiways, and displays of aircraft information, as well as sheltered seating and a play area for children.
Kansas. ASN volunteers are still needed for airports serving these communities: Augusta, Coffeyville, Dodge City, El Dorado, Emporia, Great Bend, Johnson, Junction City, McPherson, Newton, Syracuse, Ulysses, and Wichita.
Michigan. Lapeer: Mayfield Township trustees, appointees, and their families enjoyed a fall outing sponsored by the Mayfield Township Airport Board at the Dupont-Lapeer Airport. The get-together was designed to help foster understanding of the value of GA airports, and included airplane rides for participants. AOPA ASN volunteer Patrick Brown helped organize the event.
Missouri. Lee's Summit: A developer is suing the City of Lee's Summit for the second time over rejected final site plans for a three-story apartment complex next to Lee's Summit Municipal Airport. City fathers had originally approved those plans, then rescinded their approval after AOPA ASN volunteer Gary Fox pointed out the incompatible land use. Residential encroachment is a leading cause of airport restrictions and closures.
New Jersey. Teterboro: A group of officials from 13 communities surrounding Teterboro Airport have added "residue" from aircraft to their longstanding complaints about noise. AOPA ASN volunteer Stephen Riethof also reports that Hackensack Mayor Jack Zisa enclosed preprinted postcards in all tax bills, asking citizens to sign and return the postage-paid cards as "petitions" to control nighttime traffic at Teterboro Airport. Some 3,000 of the cards have reportedly been returned. The nearby Borough of Rutherford has mailed out similar petitions.
New York. Saratoga Springs: AOPA ASN volunteer Richard Corliss worked with management of the Saratoga County Airport for an "Airport Information Day" to allow local residents to see airport facilities, ask questions, and better understand the value of GA airports.
Ohio. Wadsworth: City fathers renewed an agreement with Wadsworth Aviation, quashing rumors of the imminent demise of Wadsworth Airport. AOPA ASN volunteer David Houk Jr. reports that Mayor Caesar A. Carrino and city councilors are continuing an evaluation of airport operations.
Oregon. Bend: AOPA ASN volunteer Dale Evans is president-elect of the Oregon Pilots Association. Evans is working with Bend city officials, pilots, and neighbors of Bend Municipal Airport for acceptable noise-abatement procedures.
Rhode Island. Pawtucket: AOPA ASN volunteer Stuart Gitlow of North Central State Airport was appointed to the North Central Airport Citizens Committee. Westerly: Local pilots protested airport management plans to demolish a hangar that provides affordable shelter for nine GA aircraft and could house an aviation business. AOPA ASN volunteer Sandra Niles reports that the airport management had spent some $30,000 just last year for a new roof and new heating oil tank.
Tennessee. Surgoinsville: AOPA ASN volunteer Robert J. Evans met with members of the Hawkins County Airport Commission, the county executive, and mayors of both Surgoinsville and nearby Rogersville to build support for Hawkins County Airport. A runway extension is one of the improvements needed.
Texas. Galveston: A planned Moody Foundation convention center could endanger Scholes Field. A garden development built by the same group on 270 acres of airport property eight years ago closed an east-west runway. AOPA ASN volunteer George Gould also reports that Scholes Field was nominated as one of the 100 most important airports in the United States.
Virginia. Roanoke: Roanoke Regional-Woodrum Field is undergoing extensive renovation of runways and taxiways and will soon feature a new control tower. But the most exciting news reported by AOPA ASN volunteer Matthew Broughton is that city fathers have reduced the property tax on aircraft based there from $3.45 per hundred dollars of valuation to $1.06 per hundred. Saluda: A years-long court battle over trees obstructing the north end of Hummel Field has ended with a victory for the airport, reports AOPA ASN volunteer Larry Hardwicke. The trees are scheduled to be cut by the end of February, eliminating the displaced threshold on Runway 18.
Washington. Vancouver: Developer plans for low-income housing on Evergreen Field could endanger the airport. AOPA ASN volunteer Glenn Siemer reports that the Port of Vancouver is investigating the possibility of purchasing the privately owned airport.
AOPA AIR Safety Foundation
Fresh Giving Campaigns Launched
A record 76,000-plus pilots and flight instructors received safety information from the AOPA Air Safety Foundation in 2000, its fiftieth anniversary year. And fresh giving campaigns during the year helped raise $1,472,000, boosting safety program development and distribution.
ASF safety seminars in 2000 drew 33,161 pilots, while ASF Flight Instructor Refresher Clinics helped 7,538 CFIs refresh their aviation knowledge. Almost 6,000 pilots took advantage of ASF's "Seminar in a Box," and attendance at the ASF Pinch-Hitter ® Ground School for flying companions tripled.
But the most innovative ASF safety outreach during 2000 was Project V ( for video), which by mid-January had delivered one of two original ASF safety videos to some 30,000 new private pilots and newly rated instrument pilots across the country.
Corporate giving campaigns helped create innovative programs, including a series of new aircraft-specific Safety Reviews funded by USAIG. Reviews of the Cessna 172, Cessna 182, and the Piper PA–28 series were distributed free to all registered owners of those types.
A major new ASF seminar on avoiding midair collisions debuted at AOPA Expo 2000 in October, just as FAA statistics were starting to show a rise in GA midair collisions. And airport taxi diagrams were added to ASF's Web site during the year, helping pilots avoid runway incursions.
"Some organizations slow down when they hit 50," declared ASF Executive Director Bruce Landsberg. "The AOPA Air Safety Foundation is speeding up, reaching more pilots with more information than ever before. Safe pilots, safe skies."
ASF was chartered in 1950 to improve general aviation safety through education and research. It includes the world's largest nongovernmental GA accident database, used to help develop on-target safety education for GA pilots.
2001 Silent Auction Features Unique Gifts
Items available for bid on the 2001 Online Silent Auction include a "Fighter Pilot for a Day" experience and dozens of other unique aviation-related gifts.
ASF's Silent Auction on the Web allows pilots and others to bid on valuable merchandise and services donated by individuals and companies interested in promoting GA safety. Last year, the Silent Auction raised about $50,000 for ASF's national aviation safety seminar program.
"Pilots, their friends, and spouses will find many items on the Silent Auction that are unique," said ASF Executive Director Bruce Landsberg. "And new items are added each month."
The Fighter Pilot for a Day course by Air Combat USA includes a ground school on tactical dogfighting maneuvers, followed by a mission in a sleek SIAI-Marchetti SF.260, an Italian-built military trainer.
Other items donated so far include:
- A three-day instrument/multiengine pilot refresher course at FlightSafety International;
- An air-to-air photo shoot of the winning bidder's aircraft by a staff photographer of AOPA Pilot magazine;
- An opportunity to have the aircraft parking ramp in front of AOPA and ASF named in honor of the winner; and
- An autographed Doonesbury book titled Duke 2000: Whatever it Takes.
The auction started on February 1 and will run until November 30 on the Web.
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