Airlines Agree with AOPA: ATC Privatization Bad Idea
The nation's major airlines have agreed with AOPA that "privatizing" the air traffic control system is a bad idea. The Air Transport Association (ATA, the "airlines' AOPA" representing 22 U.S. airlines) took issue in March with the Reason Public Policy Institutes (RPPI) report, "How to Commercialize Air Traffic Control."
That report proposed pulling ATC out of the FAA and funding it with user fees. In an attempt to garner support, RPPI claimed that major airlines agreed with its conclusions.
But after a March 1 board meeting, ATA issued a strongly worded statement denying airline support. "Whoever is claiming that the major airlines support ATC privatization clearly has not spoken with the airlines' chief executive officers," said ATA President Carol Hallett. "There are many tasks that need to be implemented to modernize the government's ATC system…. Privatization is not on the list."
AOPA was the first to point out the flaws in RPPI's privatization theories, publicly blasting previous versions of the proposal as "full of unrealistic assumptions and suspicious data."
And AOPA has consistently argued that the AIR-21 legislation, enacted last year, provides sufficient funding to modernize the ATC system, and other AOPA-supported reforms have given the FAA the tools to operate in a more businesslike manner. "Let's give these significant reforms a chance to work," AOPA President Phil Boyer said.
Secretary of Transportation Norm Mineta agreed, saying, "I don't think we have to go any further than we are right now." Mineta also said that he opposes efforts to convert ATC to a private corporation.
But while the airlines' association opposes privatization, several of the major airlines still prefer a user-fee-funded system, and they may continue to use their considerable resources to lobby for it (see "Washington Games," following).
Washington Games
Not Necessarily the End of the User Gee Debate
The Air Transportation Association's opposition to ATC privatization is good news, but it doesn't necessarily signal the end of the user fee debate.
RPPI claims that its user fee plan really isn't "privatization" because it calls for a not-for-profit ATC corporation—Reason calls it commercialization or corporatization. While that seems like a silly Washington word game, it may provide the cover for user fee supporters to still claim they oppose privatization.
The Bush administration's budget blueprint asked Congress to "examine the success that various nations, such as Canada, have experienced with individual air traffic control systems owned and operated by private companies." The RPPI proposal is modeled after Canada's user fee system.
While the current thrust on Capitol Hill is geared toward implementing the AIR-21 management reforms, building more runways, and improving airline customer service, the debate could turn quickly. Jack Schenendorf, former chief of staff to the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, noted that if the airlines have another bad summer, the issue of privatizing ATC might be revisited.
AOPA Leads Initiative to Focus on More Runways
AOPA is leading the effort to get the public and politicians to focus on runway capacity as the solution for air travel delays.
AOPA President Phil Boyer's March editorial (see " President's Position: It's More Runways, Stupid!" March Pilot) was sent to key members of Congress, government officials, and publishers and editorial writers of the nation's major newspapers.
It's a message that is hitting home.
FAA Administrator Jane Garvey wrote Boyer, "Just finished reading your editorial. It's terrific! I'm going to work this into my speeches. You nailed it!"
The chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure aviation subcommittee, John L. Mica (R-Fla.), told Boyer he agrees with the editorial.
And Transportation Secretary Norm Mineta said runways are "one of the surest ways to add capacity," adding that he wants an expedited environmental review process to speed new runway construction.
While general aviation is not part of the airline delay problem (GA accounts for less than 5 percent of the traffic at the most delay-plagued airports), some proposed "solutions"—like GA bans at major airports, peak-hour pricing, or user fees for air traffic control—would hurt general aviation. That's why it's important for the public to understand the real problem and the real solution.
AOPA Meets with New Congressional Leadership
AOPA President Phil Boyer met at the beginning of the 107th Congress with the new leaders of the congressional committees important to aviation. These leaders included Rep. John L. Mica (R-Fla.), chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure aviation subcommittee; Rep. Hal Rogers (R-Ky.), chairman of the House Appropriations transportation subcommittee, Sen. Patty Murray (D-Wash.), ranking minority member of the Senate Appropriations transportation subcommittee; Sen. Ernest "Fritz" Hollings (D-S.C.), ranking minority member of the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee; and Sen. Max Baucus (D-Mont.), ranking minority member on the Senate Finance Committee.
In the meetings, Boyer stressed the importance of fully funding AIR-21, making it easier to build new runways, and the need for close congressional oversight of the FAA to ensure that the management reforms granted the agency by Congress are utilized.
New Reports Reduce Medical Delays
Three new AOPA reports designed to help reduce medical certification delays were added in February to the medical certification library on AOPA Online ( www.aopa.org/members/resources/medical.html).
Medical Certification Tips to Know Before You Go suggests choosing an aviation medical examiner who will be the pilot's advocate. In many cases, an activist AME can get on the phone to the FAA and win authorization to issue a medical certificate on the spot, rather than deferring it to FAA medical offices in Oklahoma City.
For pilots flying with a "special issuance authorization" medical certificate, Status Reports: What Are They? explains exactly what information the doctor needs to provide to the FAA so that the pilot can continue flying.
The third new report, Special Issuance Authorization Letter of Interpretation, provides a "plain language" explanation of the FAA's standard authorization letter and what it really means to the pilot.
"The most important point is that if you even think you may have a problem with your medical, contact AOPA long before your examination," said Gary Crump, AOPA director of medical certification. "Reporting anything new on your medical application without advance preparation can cause problems."
AOPA Fly-In
June 2 Event to Offer Record 100 Plus Exhibits, More of Machado
More than 100 exhibitors and display aircraft are confirmed for AOPA's eleventh annual Fly-In and Open House to be held from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, June 2, on the Frederick, Maryland, Municipal Airport. A temporary FAA control tower will be in operation from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
This year's fly-in will offer more than a dozen educational and safety seminars, many qualifying as ground instruction required for the FAA's Wings safety program. Among the seminars will be AOPA Air Safety Foundation sessions on "Single Pilot IFR," "GPS for VFR Operations," and "Collision Avoidance." ASF will also offer the Pinch-Hitter® ground school for flying companions. Other seminars will feature a panel of AOPA Legal Services Plan attorneys, encouraging participants to "Ask the Lawyers;" sage advice from AOPA Director of Medical Certification Gary Crump on "Protecting Your Medical Certificate;" and two rollicking presentations by noted aviation educator and humorist Rod Machado.
Steaming hot breakfasts will be available starting at 7:30 a.m., with several vendors offering a wide selection of foods throughout the day. Door prizes for registered participants will include a Garmin 295 GPS handheld navigation receiver.
Last year, more than 700 aircraft flew in for the annual event, some from as far away as Quebec, Georgia, Arizona, and even California, and an estimated 6,500 attendees turned out for what has become the biggest one-day fly-in event on the East Coast.
Additional information is available on AOPA Online ( www.aopa.org/special/fly-in/).
End of an era
Aviation Community Mourns Amelia Reid
Amelia Reid, California's "First Lady of Aviation," died March 3 after suffering a stroke January 16. The 77-year-old Reid trained airshow pilot Sean D. Tucker and more than 4,000 others in basic "stick and rudder" flying and aerobatics.
In 1996, she received AOPA's Sharples Award for her rugged defense of San Jose's Reid-Hillview Airport and a lifetime of devotion to the preservation and advancement of GA.
"Amelia gave our world of aviation so much with a flair and enthusiasm that was uniquely hers," said AOPA President Phil Boyer. "Her love of flying and dedication to primary flight instruction encouraged so many pilots."
AOPA Members Eligible for 5-Percent Sporty's Discount
The cost of flying for AOPA members has been reduced, with a 5-percent discount on any item purchased from Sporty's Pilot Shop with an AOPA Visa or MasterCard and your valid AOPA membership number.
The Sporty's discount is an additional benefit that complements the MBNA 5-percent rebate available to AOPA members using the AOPA Visa or MasterCard for any purchases up to $5,000 at a qualifying FBO.
"AOPA is always striving to help pilots reduce the cost of flying," said AOPA President Phil Boyer. "Now AOPA members can save money on training materials, essential pilot supplies, and the AOPA Insignia Collection."
The 5-percent Sporty's discount will be honored for any catalog or in-store purchase, and will be given at the time of purchase. In addition, every purchase from the AOPA Insignia Collection and every purchase made on an AOPA credit card return a royalty to AOPA for programs such as the Airport Support Network.
AOPA Working with FAA to Improve Field Approval Process
AOPA is working with the FAA's Field Approval Process Improvement Team to simplify FAA field approval of major aircraft alterations that do not require a supplemental type certificate (STC).
AOPA got involved after members reported increasing difficulty in getting local FAA inspectors to approve alterations such as complex avionics installations, or even something as simple as installation of a new GPS receiver.
AOPA is pushing for a nationwide standard defining what changes can be made using the field approval process, and a change in procedures to give local FAA inspectors less discretion to reject installations previously approved by other inspectors.
Aircraft Title Insurance Adds Tax Lien Coverage
Aircraft purchasers who obtain aircraft title insurance through the AOPA Service Corporation's Title and Escrow Service are now being offered protection up to $50,000 against federal tax liens not appearing in FAA aircraft registry records. Such liens are not required to be filed with the FAA.
The new protection is offered by policy underwriter First American Transportation Title Insurance Company.
Other policy limits and exclusions apply. For more information or to obtain a premium quote, call AOPA Title and Escrow at 800/711-0087, or visit AOPA Online ( www.aopa.org/info/certified/tne/).
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/).
Volunteers of the Month
AOPA ASN volunteers from four GA airports in the Washington, D.C., suburb of Prince Georges County, Maryland, joined forces earlier this year to rally pilots after a county-sponsored land use study mentioned the possible closure of two airports.
The four ASN volunteers—Lee Sommer of College Park Airport, Martha Ainsworth of Freeway Airport, David Wartofsky of Potomac Airfield, and Caroline D. Gabel of Washington Executive Airport/Hyde Field—encouraged area pilots to testify at public hearings on the plan, which included an option for closing two popular landing fields Freeway Airport and Potomac Airfield.
Noise and safety concerns are increasingly plaguing GA airports, particularly in high-growth areas, as new residential developments spring up ever closer to the airports. Wartofsky has been working to minimize the threat to Potomac Airfield since at least 1992, and Ainsworth just last year coordinated an analysis of potential accident zones and noise measurements that could affect a large housing development planned just off the departure end of Runway 36 at Freeway Airport.
The cooperative organizing efforts of the four ASN volunteers resulted in strong GA representation at public meetings. Pilot input helped to revise the proposed regulations to minimize the threat to airports in the county.
Action in the States
Iowa. Des Moines: AOPA ASN volunteer Chris Andrews has been at the forefront of the fight to maintain adequate GA access to the Des Moines International airport. Although the closure of Runway 13R/31L is imminent, Andrews and local pilots are working toward construction of a new GA runway prior to 2005. Webster City: A fly-in breakfast and airshow set for May 20 is expected to help boost public appreciation of the Webster City Municipal Airport. AOPA ASN volunteer Jeremy Heilskov is helping to coordinate the event.
Indiana. Warsaw: AOPA ASN volunteer Thomas A. Dunn is promoting the value of Warsaw Municipal Airport at breakfast meetings of local civic and business groups.
Louisiana. AOPA ASN volunteers are still needed for airports serving the communities of Baton Rouge, Gonzales, Hammond, Houma, Lafayette, Lake Charles, New Iberia, Opelousas, Patterson, Ruston, Shreveport, and Sulphur.
Massachusetts. Norwood: AOPA ASN volunteer Joseph Barca reports that efforts by the Norwood Memorial Airport Commission and local pilots to improve relationships with residential neighbors have succeeded so well that the 20-year-old antiairport group Stop Norwood Airport Growth (SNAG) has disbanded. Barca also reports that resurfacing of Runway 17/35 is planned.
Minnesota. Sandstone: Efforts to save the Sandstone Municipal Airport have apparently failed. AOPA ASN volunteer Larry Helwig reports the city council vote to close the field on April 1 came shortly after an election in which antiairport candidates replaced two proairport members.
New Jersey. Old Bridge: An airport open house at the Old Bridge Airport is planned for early June. AOPA ASN volunteer Donald A. Weber is using AOPA's new Complete Guide to Holding an Airport Open House to create the affair. Also, AOPA is contributing copies of AOPA Flight Training magazine for the event.
New York. Schenectady: AOPA ASN volunteers Jeff Ronner of Schenectady County Airport, Bernie Schmelz of Albany International Airport, and Chandler Atkins of the Glens Falls Airport provided firsthand information on airport support activities for pilots attending a February meeting of the Glens Falls Pilots Association.
Ohio. Columbus: AOPA ASN volunteer Alan Harding is using AOPA's new Complete Guide to Holding an Airport Open House for an Airport Awareness Day at the Ohio State University Airport on June 9. Harding also helped coordinate a public debate on airport noise and safety issues for the North West Civic Association. Lancaster: A proposal for a park just off the approach end of Runway 28 at Fairfield County Airport is on hold, thanks to efforts of AOPA ASN volunteer Jeff Gerken.
Pennsylvania. Reading: AOPA ASN volunteer Jack Cutler is working with a state representative and townships surrounding Reading Regional Airport for legislation to inform prospective home purchasers in Pennsylvania of nearby airports. AOPA has long advocated such measures as an effective means to minimize threats to airports.
Rhode Island. Pawtucket: Airport neighbor concerns over noise led to a meeting in February between the North Central Airport Neighborhood Association, the Rhode Island Airport Commission, the Rhode Island Pilots Association, FBO Hawthorne Aviation, and AOPA ASN volunteer Stuart Gitlow. Among other things, pilots offered to work with neighbors to develop the best possible noise-abatement procedure.
Washington. Renton: City fathers in early February placed a six-month moratorium on new leases or subleases at Renton Municipal Airport to allow time for development of an airport business plan. AOPA ASN volunteer David Kotker reports that such a plan should help bring consistency to aviation policy decisions. Vancouver: AOPA ASN volunteer Glenn Siemer is using the AOPA Local Airports: Access to America video to show government officials and newspaper reporters the value of privately owned Evergreen Field Airport. In addition, Siemer is asking pilots to express support for the purchase of the airport by the Port of Vancouver. Letters should be addressed to Arch Miller, Port of Vancouver, 3103 Northwest Lower River Road, Vancouver, Washington 98666.
Air Safety Foundation
NTSB Reports Low GA Accident Rates; ASF's 2000 Nall Report Provides Depth, Detail
Figures released in March by the NTSB show continued improvement in general aviation safety.
For 2000, both the accident rate (5.96 accidents per 100,000 hours flown) and the fatal accident rate (1.11 per 100,000 hours) represented all-time lows. There were 1,835 GA accidents, the fewest since recordkeeping began in 1938, even though the number of flights and flight hours increased. Of those accidents, 341 involved fatalities, the lowest number since 1945.
While the NTSB statistics provide a quick snapshot, the AOPA Air Safety Foundation 2000 Nall Report, also released in March, provides some details and an overview of why—despite the record-setting low accident rate—GA accidents continue to occur.
Among other things, the Nall Report found a marked decrease in the number of weather-judgment accidents, from 65 in 1998 to just 36 in 1999. "While we won't call it a trend yet, the hope is that pilots are heeding the message that continuing VFR flight into instrument weather conditions is not a life-prolonging activity," observed ASF Executive Director Bruce Landsberg.
Of the four main types of flying categorized in the 2000 report, flight for personal reasons accounted for 45 percent of all GA flights but tallied 68 percent of all accidents. Business flight (aircraft flown by owners and renters for business purposes) accounted for almost 16 percent of flight activity but only slightly more than 8 percent of fatal accidents.
Flight instruction also had a very good year in 1999, with almost 18 percent of flying hours but only about 5 percent of the fatal accidents. Even agricultural application—often considered inherently risky—accounted for only 2.8 percent of fatal accidents during 1999, despite logging 5.6 percent of total flying hours.
As in years past, the majority of accident causes involved an element of human factors or pilot judgment. Landsberg noted that for the past five years, ASF has invested in a massive education campaign addressing decision-making and focusing on weather decision-making.
The 32-page Nall Report honors former NTSB member Joseph T. Nall, a general aviation pilot, flight instructor, and ground school operator. Nall was killed in an air crash in Venezuela during an NTSB inspection there in 1989.
For a free copy, write to Nall Report, AOPA Air Safety Foundation, 421 Aviation Way, Frederick, Maryland 21701 or visit AOPA Online ( www.aopa.org/asf/publications/00nall.pdf).
ASF Safety Advisor for Volunteer Pilots
A surge of interest in charitable aviation organizations such as AirLifeLine and Angel Flight (both part of the Air Care Alliance) has prompted the AOPA Air Safety Foundation to publish a new Safety Advisor for pilots who volunteer transportation to noncritically ill people who live far from their treatment centers.
Volunteer Pilots—Recommendations for Enhanced Safety contains suggestions for personal minimums that will contribute to the safety of such flights, including guidelines for pilot experience, VFR and IFR minimums, and pilot duty time.
The new ASF Safety Advisor is available free in PDF format on AOPA Online ( www.aopa.org/asf/publications/volunteer.pdf), or single copies in booklet form by written request to ASF, 421 Aviation Way, Frederick, Maryland, 21701, or by calling 800/USA-AOPA (800/872-2672).
ASF, MBNA America Bank Partner for Safety
MBNA America Bank presented a $25,000 check to ASF Executive Director Bruce Landsberg on March 6, supporting ASF's Partnering with Corporate America program. The gift will help ASF continue its free safety seminars available to all pilots, and support Project V (for video), ASF's innovative program that sends safety videotapes to new private and instrument-rated pilots.
"MBNA America Bank sincerely believes in the value of general aviation, and this gift shows its dedication to the cause of GA safety," said Robert J. Milanchus, ASF vice president of development. "MBNA is a leader in ASF's campaign to secure corporate support for ASF safety programs."
The gift places MBNA America Bank at the "Gold Level" of corporate sponsorship of ASF aviation safety programs.
New ASF Safety Advisor Complements Runway Incursion Online course, Collision Seminars
A new ASF Safety Advisor booklet is now available, adding handy printed information to supplement the popular new ASF Runway Incursion course online ( www.aopa.org/asf/online_courses/runway_safety/).
The 16-page Collision Avoidance: Strategies and Tactics is lavishly illustrated with dramatic photographs and graphics. It includes concise information on the physiology of vision, points out when and where most midair collisions occur, and suggests techniques and resources useful in avoiding such accidents.
The new Safety Advisor also adds written information for ASF's Collision Avoidance seminar, introduced in October to help counter a small upward trend in midair collisions. That seminar has reached some 7,000 pilots so far.
Single copies of the new Collision Avoidance: Strategies and Tactics Safety Advisor are available in booklet form by calling 800/USA-AOPA (800/872-2672) or by writing "Collision Avoidance," AOPA Air Safety Foundation, 421 Aviation Way, Frederick, Maryland 21701. The booklet is also available in PDF format on AOPA Online ( www.aopa.org/asf/publications/sa15.pdf).
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