Advertisers Got news? Contact ePilot. Having difficulty using this service? Visit the ePilot Frequently Asked Questions now at AOPA Online or write to [email protected]. Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association 421 Aviation Way Frederick, MD 21701 Tel: 800/USA-AOPA or 301/695-2000 Copyright � 2001 AOPA. | Restoring GA | FAA AIRSPACE PLAN REMAINS STALLED Even though the federal government returns to work today following Thanksgiving, AOPA doubts that security officials will act on a plan to remove the remaining restrictions on operations in enhanced Class B airspace and to reopen closed airports. "If there is no breakthrough soon, I pledge to take this to the highest government officials," said AOPA President Phil Boyer. "The FAA has a solid, viable plan for reopening the airports and airspace, developed in consultation with AOPA and other aviation groups. That plan has been pending for more than a week now." Department of Transportation and national security officials have yet to give final approval. "Perhaps there is a perception among these officials that, since most flying has been restored, there is no urgency to resolving these remaining matters," Boyer added. "We want to impress upon our country's leadership that, for pilots in the Boston, New York City, and Washington, D.C. areas, for the business owners at the closed airports, and for specialty operators in all enhanced Class B airspace, this is a critical issue that must be solved now." SECURITY LAW CONTAINS NO GA MANDATE President Bush signed into law Monday aviation security legislation that contains no security mandate for general aviation. AOPA Legislative Affairs worked extensively with the House-Senate aviation security conferees and their aides to modify Sen. Herb Kohl's amendment that would have mandated security restrictions on all GA aircraft. Instead, the bill requires a study on GA security and requires aliens or other individuals specified by the transportation secretary to undergo a background check before receiving training for aircraft with a maximum certified takeoff weight of 12,500 pounds or more. For a summary, see AOPA Online. ...AND THERE IS RELIEF FOR OPERATORS IN ECB The aviation security legislation allows operators of aircraft affected by the enhanced Class B (ECB) airspace restrictions imposed after September 11 to seek relief from the transportation secretary. Relief will automatically be granted 30 days after the request unless an official "notice" is published in the Federal Register before the thirtieth day, restoring restrictions and explaining the reasoning. (The original House bill specified 10 days. That was changed to 30 days in conference committee as legislators reconciled differences between the House and Senate bills.) Unfortunately, this provision does not apply to temporary flight restriction (TFR) areas, including New York City; Washington, D.C.; and Boston--separate efforts are under way for these areas. "While the FAA is working diligently to remove the restrictions, we are pleased Congress responded by establishing this process for public accountability," said AOPA President Phil Boyer. WHO IS ELIGIBLE? Affected operations such as airborne news reporting, banner towing, airborne traffic spotting, VFR instruction in aircraft heavier than certain weights, blimp/airship operations, and Part 91 sightseeing will all benefit by submitting requests to the federal government immediately. Requests should explain the type of operation, the reason the relief is needed, and the length of time it is needed (including indefinitely). Contact: Secretary Norman Y. Mineta, Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20590. CHICAGO ASKS FOR VFR RESTRICTIONS TO 'CALM FEARS' The City of Chicago is again trying to restrict VFR flight to "calm citizen fears." But AOPA is pushing for a more reasoned, rational approach. At the request of the city, AOPA, the FAA regional administrator, and air traffic representatives recently met with Tom Walker, city aviation commissioner. Walker explained that, while no credible threat exists, citizens have contacted his office to express fears about aircraft overflights. He stressed that the city did not want to unnecessarily restrict GA, but at the same time he feels an obligation to address public perceptions and concerns. The city requested that the FAA establish mandatory VFR corridors that route aircraft away from city assets. Instead AOPA representatives recommended a public outreach and education campaign to provide insight into aircraft operations. This effort would stress that these aircraft are operating safely, legally, and under constant surveillance by air traffic control. AOPA will meet with officials again next week. See AOPA Online. MEIGS TO STAY OPEN DURING CONVENTION AOPA has learned that its efforts to reverse a request to close Chicago's Meigs Field during an upcoming convention have been successful. Thanks to comments from AOPA members, the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) realized that the convention site, McCormick Place, was not in any danger from aircraft. The mayor's office subsequently decided to keep the lakefront airport open. "Once again, a strong and unified national AOPA membership has made the difference between public policy based on logic and evidence and one based on irrational fear. AOPA commends RSNA for its openness to the views of its pilot members and for reaching an enlightened decision," said AOPA President Phil Boyer. AIRPORT TURNS BACK CLOCK ON PRICES Don't you wish you could pay 1970s prices for fuel? What about flight training for about half price? You can–just head to Coffey County Airport in Burlington, Kansas. The airport board of directors recently approved a plan to restore public trust in aviation by getting people to fly again. From December 1 through January 4, the airport will be selling 100LL fuel for $1.59 and jet fuel for $1.48 a gallon. The board also approved a 50-hour flight training program in a Piper Cherokee 140 for a limited number of students at a cost of $2,515. Call 620/364-5346. For the latest on the air traffic situation, see AOPA Online.
| GA News | TIGER WINS CERTIFICATION At long last, Tiger Aircraft LLC received FAA certification on the new AG-5B Tiger last week. The four-place airplane is an updated version of the AG-5B Tiger produced by American General from 1990-1993. The engine, a 180-hp Lycoming O-360-AK4, is the same as in the earlier version of the Tiger. Price for the Tiger with a standard avionics package, including dual Garmin GNS 430s, Garmin GTX 327 transponder, Garmin GMA 340 audio panel, and two-axis S-Tec autopilot, is $219,500.The airplane will cruise at 143 knots, with a maximum gross weight of 2,400 and a useful load of 900 pounds. Tiger Aircraft LLC is based in Martinsburg, West Virginia. Tiger Aircraft LLC is based in Martinsburg, West Virginia. See the Web site. PIAGGIO SELECTS GOODRICH AVIONICS Piaggio Aero Industrie has selected Goodrich products as standard options for the P180 Avanti aircraft. The SkyWatch HP Traffic Advisory System and the Stormscope model WX-1000E weather mapping system are now available. Eventually Piaggio will also offer its customers the option of installing Goodrich's LandMark Terrain Awareness and Warning Systems (TAWS). SUPERIOR AIR PARTS MOVES HEADQUARTERS Superior Air Parts Inc. announced earlier this month that it signed a 10-year lease for a new headquarters in Coppell, Texas. The 115,000-square-foot facility is located one mile north of Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport. The new building will house Superior's engineering, outsourcing procurement; quality, sales, marketing, and finance functions; and executive management. FAA CERTIFIES AWOS T-STORM SENSOR The FAA has certified the Model 6500 Thunderstorm sensor for Qualimetrics Inc.'s automated weather observation system (AWOS). The sensor will detect electrical discharges associated with thunderstorms within a 200-nm radius of the sensor location. The company plans to add freezing rain and runway surface sensors in the near future. Qualimetrics is one of the world's largest manufacturers of weather sensors and weather systems. For daily news updates, see AOPA Online. | Squawk Sheet | FAA ISSUES AD FOR RAYTHEON AIRPLANES The FAA on Wednesday issued final rule AD 2001-23-10 that applies to certain Raytheon Aircraft Company model 33, T-34, 35, 36, 55, 56, 58, and 95 aircraft. Effective December 13, it requires the inspection of the left-hand and right-hand flap flex shaft assemblies to determine the manufacture date. Flap flex shaft assemblies that were manufactured from January 2000 through April 2001 have to be replaced. The AD is intended to prevent an asymmetric flap condition. Although the AD is a final rule, the FAA will accept comments until January 12, 2002. ...TWO FOR HARTZELL PROPS The FAA on Monday issued AD 2001-23-08 that amends a previous AD for some Hartzell propellers. Effective December 24, the new AD requires initial and repetitive eddy current inspections of the propeller hub fillet radius for cracks and requires that certain hubs be removed from service. The AD allows, however, the installation of an improved prop hub as terminating action for the inspections. The AD is applicable to Hartzell HC- and 2Y propellers that are found on Piper PA-32 aircraft with Lycoming 540 engines rated at 300 hp or more. The props have also been installed on aerobatic and agricultural aircraft. The AD was prompted by cracked prop hubs that can cause blade separation. On Tuesday the FAA issued a proposed AD for the Hartzell HC- and Y model compact series, constant-speed, or feathering props. This AD, which would supersede a previous one, would require initial blade inspections, with no repetitive inspections; and reworking all Y-shank blades. AOPA is currently reviewing the proposed AD. Comments are due by January 22. To download the full text, see AOPA Online. ...AND THREE FOR SOCATA AIRCRAFT Also on Monday, the FAA issued three ADs regarding Socata aircraft. The first one, 2001-23-04, requires the repetitive inspection of the lower rudder hinge fittings for cracks on TB 9, 10, 20, 21, and 200 aircraft and, if necessary, repairs. The FAA was concerned about the possibility that the lower rudder could detach from the control linkage. A second AD, 2001-23-05, involves the same aircraft and requires owners to modify the seats that have solid metal seat pans. The AD is effective January 4 and is intended to keep the front seats from inadvertently unlocking. And finally, AD 2001-23-06 requires TBM 700 owners to have their aircraft inspected for defective fuel tank air valves. The AD is intended to prevent in-flight damage to the wing skins caused by abnormal venting conditions of the wing fuel tank.
| Inside AOPA | AOPA PROTECTS FLYING CLUBS, PARTNERSHIPS In comments to the FAA on its proposal that would create a new subpart under Part 91 for fractional ownership, AOPA emphasized the need for protecting traditional multiple ownership programs such as flying clubs and partnerships. The FAA's proposed rule would create a new standard and requirement for fractional ownership of aircraft that is based on the standards used for regulating Part 135 commercial on-demand air charter operations. AOPA recommended to the FAA that the rule clearly delineate between a fractional ownership program that uses professional flight crews with some of the newly created multiple ownership programs that do not. AOPA also asked that any security mandates for on-demand charter operators be applied to fractional ownership programs and not traditional Part 91 operators, said Andrew V. Cebula, AOPA senior vice president of government and technical affairs. FSS UPGRADES PHONE SYSTEM FOR PILOTS Thanks to a recent upgrade in the telephone system used by flight service stations, individual toll-free numbers are now available for each facility. AOPA has long supported this effort so that pilots can use cellular phones far from home to contact the nearest flight service station without automatically being directed to what is normally their "home" facility. Pilots will also be able to easily call for local notams at destinations outside of their home station's briefing area. Of course, the old standby 800/WX-BRIEF remains available for all flight service inquiries. The FAA, however, wants pilots to use the WX-BRIEF number whenever possible to provide for the normal distribution of calls during peak hours, helping to reduce wait times. For a full listing of the numbers, see AOPA Online. Changing your mailing or e-mail addresses? Click here to update. | Airport Support Network | VOLUNTEER OF THE WEEK–STEVE BETZLER AOPA Airport Support Network volunteer Steve Betzler of Waukesha County Airport (UES) in Wisconsin has formed the Waukesha Airport Community, Corporate, and Kids Organization (WACCKO). This cross-functional group will foster political, media, corporate, and local support for the airport while marketing the airport to new business. Initial objectives include building a permanent youth aviation activity center on the field and analyzing the economic impact of the airport on the city and county. Several key members of the community have joined the group to help make the ideas become a reality. To learn more about the Airport Support Network, visit AOPA Online.
| AOPA Air Safety Foundation News | DON'T MISS A GREAT TIME TO GIVE TO ASF Since the holiday season is now under way, you might be thinking about how to combine your love of aviation while at the same time reducing your tax obligations. By giving to the AOPA Air Safety Foundation you will help vital programs that improve the safety of general aviation. Contact Art Keefe, ASF vice president of gift planning, for full details and ways to contribute. Call 301/695-2027 or e-mail .
| Quiz Me! | Here’s a question asked by an AOPA member last week of our AOPA technical specialists. Test your knowledge. Question: I am trying to find the difference between an AFM (Airplane Flight Manual) and a POH (Pilot's Operating Handbook). From what I understand, a POH contains "similar" information to the AFM but of a more general nature. What is similar, what is different? Answer: Basically, the information they contain is the same. Any aircraft manufactured under Section 14 CFR Part 23 must be furnished with an AFM according to 14 CFR 23.1581(a). The AFM is a manual that is issued by the manufacturer, containing the information required by 14 CFR 23.1583-23.1589, and must be on board the aircraft at all times under 14 CFR 91.9. It must be updated and revised as required. The POH is similar to the AFM, yet it includes more general information about the aircraft. The POH can only substitute for the AFM if the AFM is included in the POH in different and readily identifiable sections while containing the information required by 23 CFR. For the actual requirements for the AFM, see AOPA Online. Got a technical question for AOPA specialists? Call 800/872-2672 or e-mail to [email protected]. Send comments on our Quiz Me! questions to [email protected].
| AOPA Sweepstakes Bonanza Update | The AOPA Sweepstakes Bonanza is back in Texas and Associate Editor Steve Ells is back in California. See our latest project update on AOPA Online.
| Picture Perfect | Did you know you can create a personal e-card using the images from the AOPA Online Gallery? Send one to a friend today. See AOPA Online.
| ePilot Calendar | Check your weekend weather on AOPA Online. WEEKEND FLYING DESTINATIONS Scottsdale, Arizona. The Business Aircraft and Jet Preview takes place at Scottsdale Airport (SDL) December 4. Call 480/948-2400 for event information. Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Challenge Air Event takes place December 8 at Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport (FXE). Call 214/351-3353 for event information. For more airport details, see AOPA's Airport Directory Online . For more events, see Aviation Calendar of Events ASF FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR REFRESHER CLINICS (All clinics start at 7:30 a.m.) The next AOPA Air Safety Foundation Flight Instructor Refresher Clinics are in Denver and Lincoln, Nebraska, December 8 and 9. For the Flight Instructor Refresher Clinic schedule, see AOPA Online. ASF PINCH-HITTER GROUND-SCHOOL COURSES (Pinch-Hitter courses start at 9:30 a.m.) The next Pinch-Hitter� Ground School will take place December 16 in Orlando, Florida. For more Pinch-Hitter courses, see AOPA Online. For comments on calendar items or to make submissions, contact Julie S. Walker at [email protected].
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