What AOPA is Doing to Keep You Flying
America's Aviation Crisis: A 'Watershed Moment' for General Aviation
AOPA efforts to restore general aviation flying started just hours after the September 11 terrorist attacks and on many fronts.
"Through this entire tragic crisis, AOPA staff members worked very long days and many nights to help members return to flying," said AOPA President Phil Boyer. "I certainly hope members are proud of the work done by their association in this watershed moment for general aviation."
Aviation System Restored?
Just two days after terrorist attacks led the FAA to ground all U.S. civil aviation, limited airline service was resumed. Not long after, Bush administration officials announced, "The U.S. aviation system has been restored."
"No, it hasn't!" AOPA quickly told officials, pointing out that airliners make up only 8 percent of the nation's civil aircraft fleet. Taking note of that, Department of Transportation Secretary Norman Mineta announced shortly after 9 a.m. the next day that all normal airspace operations would resume at 11 a.m. Eastern time.
Unfortunately, national security officials reversed that decision at 10:57 a.m., and military F-16 fighters met several GA pilots who had taken off believing themselves legal. AOPA, which had been in continuous contact with FAA headquarters since the crisis began, immediately extracted a "no enforcement actions" promise from the head of the FAA's flight standards division.
Member Real-World Input Crucial
From the first day, Boyer was on the phone often with both Secretary Mineta and FAA Administrator Jane Garvey, providing them with up-to-the-minute facts and insights to help educate National Security Council officials about GA's value. Other AOPA staff members worked directly with top ATC officials and with legislative leaders.
Especially valuable was input from thousands of AOPA members affected by the ban on GA flying.
"That input added a human face to the facts we presented to decision makers," said Boyer. "It helped them quantify the real-world impact of their decisions."
Restoration: Slow and Uneven
As the immediate threat receded and national security decision makers gained greater understanding of GA, restrictions were lifted by notam, but slowly and unevenly.
Early on, AOPA Vice President of Air Traffic Services Melissa Bailey was stationed at FAA headquarters to ensure that notams were clear and considered all possible circumstances.
As restrictions were lifted, more than 41,000 GA aircraft .emained grounded at 282 air-ports in enhanced Class B areas — aircraft that account for some 21 million annual operations. Boyer testified before Congress on the plight of pilots and owners of those aircraft, and the AOPA Web site, which had kept members and the public updated during the crisis, trumpeted the call to "free the GA 41,000."
AOPA also pointed out the economic devastation suffered by small GA businesses as a result of the restrictions and helped engineer legislation to provide Small Business Administration grants and deferred-repayment loans for .hose businesses. The measure was introduced October 3 by Rep. Bill Shuster (R-Penn.).
Courting Public Opinion
As the media started to look for fresh angles, AOPA pointed reporters to GA business owners torn between patriotism and bankruptcy. The resulting stories helped put a human face on GA's plight.
AOPA provided the GA side of the story to media outlets ranging from small newspapers to USA Today, The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, The New York Times, the Los Angeles Times, and all major television networks. In one 24-hour period, Communications Senior Vice President Keith Mordoff and Communications Vice President Warren Morningstar provided more than 100 media interviews. In between conferences with top administration officials, Boyer did an in-depth USA Today interview about the importance of GA.
Volunteer Contributions
New and expanded restricted and prohibited areas popped up all over the country, but the FAA's text-only notices of those were difficult to visualize. Working with a staff graphic artist, AOPA Air Safety Foundation staff plotted the new areas on aeronautical charts, displaying the results immediately on the AOPA Web site to help pilots stay away from the areas. In addition, ASF staff members helped translate complex notams.
AOPA Airport Support Network volunteers across the country, who help protect local airports, became one of the few reliable information resources for local pilots as flying resumed. By Sunday, September 23, AOPA Vice President of Regional Affairs Bill Dunn had sent and responded to more than 4,400 e-mails, keeping ASN volunteers up to date.
AOPA: Standing Tall
Surveying the results of the massive effort put forth by AOPA staffers as the crisis unfolded, Boyer was optimistic. "There's no doubt that the events of September 11 will reshape GA. There will be heightened security and other changes. There may even be misguided talk of revoking basic freedoms.
"But rest assured, your association will continue to stand up tall and proud for your right to fly, and we'll continue to work with both government and industry to make sure only restrictions absolutely necessary for national security are imposed."
NATIONAL ACTION
New AOPA Study Shows GA Customer Service Lags, New Piper Commended for Efforts
AOPA members say customer service in GA sales and maintenance does not meet their expectations, despite improvement programs.
"The men and women who can afford to buy new GA aircraft are not your father's customers," AOPA President Phil Boyer told The New Piper dealers gathered in Florida for a meeting. "Upscale auto dealers caught on several years ago. For those GA dealers and shops who haven't, it's time to wake up and smell the cappuccino."
Boyer's message was based on an August poll of 274 AOPA members who had recently bought both a new car and a new aircraft. The members reported an overall automobile customer service experience rating of 8.01 on a 10-point scale, while their aircraft customer service experience rated just 6.72. The New Piper dealers, who recently launched an ambitious program to improve customer service, earned a 7.66. Boyer reported the survey results at the Piper gathering in part because of that new program.
FAA Approves AOPA Online Special-Use Airspace Data
The FAA has given final approval to the special-use airspace data now available on AOPA's Web site ( www.aopa.org/members/airports/sua.cfm). The online system provides near-real-time information on military flight activity in military operations areas, restricted areas, and other special-use airspace (SUA). Data is updated every six minutes.
Although AOPA urges GA pilots to avoid SUA that is in use, such airspace is often reported as "active" by AFSS (automated flight service station) briefers even though no military activity is actually taking place.
While the new AOPA service is a large step forward for GA pilots, the timeliness of the data depends on how quickly the military and the FAA controlling agencies input the information.
Not all controlling agencies are currently providing SUA schedule data, but the FAA said those agencies have been notified and that the FAA will ensure that the data is being provided.
REGIONAL ACTION
AOPA ASN Volunteers Top 1,000; Airport Support to Open Expo
AOPA's Airport Support Network (ASN) volunteer corps grew to more than 1,000 in August, an important milestone. An ASN volunteer is an AOPA member who has been officially designated to support and defend a particular GA airport.
An exciting, hourlong multimedia presentation on AOPA efforts to save airports and the ASN program will highlight the first general session at this year's annual AOPA convention, Expo 2001,
in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, from November 8 through 10.
AOPA Gets Tough Over Proposed $50,000 Landing Fee
AOPA got tough in September with the town of Islip, New York, following the town's latest antiaviation move — a proposed $50,000 nighttime landing fee at Long Island MacArthur Airport. AOPA has asked the FAA to investigate the town's operation of the airport.
"Islip has tried to bend the law on several occasions," said Bill Dunn, AOPA vice president of regional affairs. "We've tried to work with them. They've ignored us. Now let's see if they can ignore the FAA which controls some of their airport funding."
MEMBERSHIP ACTION
AOPA Flight Explorer Now Available; Allows Real-Time Tracking
AOPA Flight Explorer Personal Edition software, which allows members to track virtually all airline and many GA flights using ATC services, was introduced on October 15 (see " Pilot Products: AOPA Flight Explorer Personal Edition," page 163).
"This new service offers AOPA members real-time situational awareness of air traffic nationwide," said AOPA President Phil Boyer. "It's a new level of awareness, another way to stay on top of the air traffic situation."
The new service allows AOPA members up to 10 hours per month of real-time tracking for just $8.95, with additional hours available for purchase. It displays position, speed, altitude, and other information for all airline flights and most GA flights operating under instrument flight rules or using VFR traffic advisory service.
AOPA members may "test drive" the new AOPA Flight Explorer Personal Edition service online ( www.aopa.org/info/fe1/).
AOPA Aviation AD&D Premium Rates Lowered
Premium rates for additional AOPA Aviation Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) insurance were lowered on October 1, allowing higher levels of protection at lower cost.
AOPA Aviation AD&D coverage pays for death or injuries resulting from aviation accidents while a member is acting as a pilot, required flight crewmember, or riding as a passenger.
Many members do not realize that insurance provided by employers or regular term life policies doesn't always cover them as pilots. AOPA Aviation AD&D fills that gap in coverage.
Supplemental AOPA Aviation AD&D policies, underwritten by Minnesota Life Insurance Company, are guaranteed available to current AOPA members regardless of age or physical condition. Members can elect additional coverage up to $125,000 during the first 90 days of each membership year. For more information, visit the Web site ( www.aopa.org/info/aviationadd8/) or call 800/USA-AOPA (872-2672).
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 1997, 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/ ).
Action in the States
Arizona. Sedona: Testimony by AOPA ASN volunteer David Swartwout in August helped convince board members of the Verde Valley Transportation Planning Organization not to close Sedona and Cottonwood airports. Board members also voted not to pursue construction of a regional airport at this time.
Connecticut. Danbury: Based on information gathered by AOPA ASN volunteer Benjamin Clark, AOPA is opposing construction of a condominium complex about one-quarter mile west of Runway 8/26 at Danbury Municipal Airport.
Florida. St. Petersburg: The future of embattled Albert Whitted Municipal Airport was the subject of a report aired by a St. Petersburg CBS television affiliate in late July. AOPA ASN volunteer Jack Tunstill was featured in the report and outlined the economic benefits of the airport.
Maine. Rockland: New overnight parking fees are now in effect at Knox County Regional Airport, and imposition of landing fees is under discussion. AOPA ASN volunteer Edward Sleeper is rallying local pilots for a letter-writing campaign to Knox County commissioners protesting the proposed landing fees.
Michigan. Detroit/Grosse Ile: Pilots and passengers using Grosse Ile Municipal Airport may soon see some unusual animals grazing on a portion of airport property. AOPA ASN volunteer Gary Soloway reports a proposal for grazing rights by a small herd of alpacas, a llama-like animal that is reportedly not bothered by aircraft noise. Local pilots support the idea, citing potential for good publicity at the airport as well as needed revenue.
Minnesota. Minneapolis: AOPA ASN volunteer Mitchell Anderson rallied local pilots for a September 19 public hearing on improvements at Flying Cloud Airport. Eight airport supporters testified at the three-hour meeting. An antiairport group known as Zero Expansion, as well as some members of the city council, oppose the improvements.
New York. Akron: AOPA ASN volunteer Robert Miller coordinated an article on the first solo flight of a 16-year-old student pilot at Akron Airport. The upbeat article helped show the value of the airport to local residents, some of whom are vocal critics of planned airport improvements. Batavia: Officials preparing for a town meeting on the proposed extension of Runway 10/28 at Genesee County Airport described information provided by AOPA ASN volunteer Karen Reeb as "very helpful." Some county residents are concerned that the runway extension would lead to increased aircraft activity and noise.
North Carolina. Chapel Hill: The 38-year-old, 250-member Chapel Hill Flying Club relocated its fleet of 12 single-engine aircraft to nearby Sanford-Lee County Regional Airport in August, after University of North Carolina officials refused to renew the club's lease at Chapel Hill's Horace Williams Airport. Gastonia: Based on information gathered by AOPA ASN volunteer Beverly Witt, AOPA is opposing sale of 20 acres of Gastonia Municipal Airport for a sports complex. The proposed complex would be directly under the downwind leg for Runway 21.
Oregon. Newberg: State officials are now recommending that a new roadway that would have bisected Sportsman Airpark be routed around the airport. AOPA ASN volunteer Jerry Dale has been working with the Oregon Department of Aviation and the local highway department for the rerouting.
Tennessee. Mountain City: The Johnson County Commissioners had many favorable comments on a presenta-tion by AOPA ASN volunteer Denny Moore on the value of the Johnson County Airport. About 25 commissioners and 75 local residents attended the presentation.
Utah. Delta: AOPA ASN volunteer Steve Lester is working to continue operations at Delta Municipal Airport after the local FBO closed its doors. Lester also reports that city councilors have agreed to install a self-serve credit card fueling station.
Washington. Auburn: The final draft of a new master plan and minimum standards rules for Auburn Municipal Airport is a major improvement over the original documents, reports AOPA ASN volunteer John Gallo. Gallo had provided each member of the airport advisory board with AOPA's "Minimum Standards for Commercial Aeronautical Activities." Puyallup: AOPA ASN volunteer Victor Young has rallied local pilots in the fight to keep a Wal-Mart store from being built just 1,100 feet north of Runway 16 at Pierce County-Thun Field. The proposed building would interfere with airport improvements outlined in the newly adopted airport master plan. Among other things, airport users have sent a 144-signature petition to developers of the property, and AOPA weighed in with a letter outlining concerns.
AOPA AIR SAFETY FOUNDATION
AOPA, ASF Appalled by Inaccurate Vacuum Pump Story
An August 30 ABC Primetime.television news mag-azine story on GA vacuum pump failures provided viewers with a sensationalized, biased, and inaccurate story.
"It's maddening," said AOPA President Phil Boyer. "They misled their audience." ABC producers were offered, but declined, an on-camera interview with the top authorities on GA safety: AOPA and the AOPA Air Safety Foundation.
Before the story aired, AOPA explained to the Primetime story producer that instrument-rated pilots are trained to handle a vacuum pump failure, explained "partial panel" flying, and pointed out that instrument pilots routinely prove their proficiency flying partial panel as part of an instrument proficiency check.
AOPA also told ABC that 90 percent of GA flights are flown in visual conditions, where pump failure is not an issue at all. (AOPA and ASF do encourage the use of backup vacuum systems, or an independently powered secondary attitude indicator, in aircraft routinely flown IFR, but do not support any regulations that would require such systems for the vast majority of GA pilots who aren't flying in difficult weather conditions.)
"The fact is, vacuum failures represent a very small part of the total accident picture," said Bruce Landsberg, ASF executive director. "Over the last 10 years, there have been 20 pump failures identified by the NTSB. That means, on average, only one accident out of a thousand is because of pump failure."
ASF Silent Auction Offers Training, Recurrency; Ends November 30
A seven-day, all-inclusive instrument pilot training course donated by General Aviation Training and Testing Service and worth up to $7,500 is one of the top items now open for bid in the ASF Silent Auction. This year's auction ends on November 30.
Other high-value items in the ASF Silent Auction include complete three-day courses for a commercial pilot certificate, IFR refresher, or tailwheel transition; a full multiengine IFR recurrency course; in-flight photos of the winner's aircraft taken by an AOPA Pilot magazine staff photographer; and more.
"ASF's Silent Auction offers many one-of-a-kind aviation items, the sort of valuable gifts you just won't find in stores anywhere," said ASF Executive Director Bruce Landsberg.
Now in its sixth year, ASF's Silent Auction offers a variety of goods and services, most aviation-related, donated by individuals and companies interested in promoting aviation safety. Last year, free ASF safety seminars reached some 39,000 pilots.
Aviation-Theme ASF Holiday Cards Brighten Season, Support Safety
Nine bright new designs and two favorites from earlier years have been added to this year's selection of AOPA Air Safety Foundation aviation-theme holiday greeting cards. The cards allow GA pilots to share their love of flying while supporting ASF safety programs.
"With all the traveling that goes on over the holidays, what could be more important than supporting flying safety?" asked ASF Executive Director Bruce Landsberg.
Featured this year are five special edition cards, with the original aviation artwork highlighted by embossed gold foil borders. A total of 16 original designs are available.
Cards are packed 25 to a box, at prices ranging from $22 to $28. All are printed on high-quality recycled paper with vegetable-based inks. Inside greetings appear in red ink, with a free name imprint for orders of any three or more boxes of holiday cards.
In addition, ASF includes two free gifts with every order: a sheet of decorative holiday seals to give cards a festive holiday touch and a set of return address labels to save pilots time.
GA vitality, Aviation Journal, The Flying Circus Reports Capture Prizes in 2001 AOPA Max Karant Journalism Awards
Journalists from Massachusetts, Michigan, and Virginia were first-place winners in this year's AOPA Max Karant Awards for Excellence in Aviation Journalism.
The annual AOPA awards, each with an honorarium of $1,000, recognize excellence in nontrade journalism on general aviation subjects. They will be presented at AOPA Expo, to be held November 8 through 10 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
Print category winner Andi Esposito of The Worcester Telegram & Gazette, Worcester, Massachusetts, won top honors by reporting on "The 'Other' Airport." Her in-depth report on GA and regional airline activity at the Worcester Regional Airport opened the eyes of many area residents, who routinely thought only of nearby Boston Logan International Airport when considering airports.
Honorable mentions in the print category were garnered by Brad Knickerbocker of Ashland, Oregon, writing in the Christian Science Monitor, and J.P. Bender of The South Florida Business Journal, Hollywood, Florida.
Video producer Frank Benesh of Farmington Hills, Michigan, earned a special video Karant award for his monthly TV series, Aviation Journal, which airs weekly on Time Warner Cable in four cities in southeast Michigan. The series, about diverse GA topics, consistently presents a well-rounded view of GA, with emphasis on personal flying and smaller airports.
Freelance reporter and producer James C. Rea of Arlington, Virginia, won the Karant radio category for The Flying Circus, which aired on Washington, D.C.'s National Public Radio affiliate WAMU. Rea's report went beyond the superficial "what is a flying circus" and probed the psyches of participants and spectators, effectively portraying the excitement and romance of GA flying.
Honorable mentions in the radio category were won by Richard Murphy Werry of WXPK in Denver and Jill Roberts of WZCS in Fort Pierce, Florida.
Karant awards memorialize former newsman and first editor of AOPA Pilot magazine Max Karant. He died in February 1997.
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