AOPA Lowers Cost of Flying by $5 Million; Latest Milestone for AOPA Advocacy
New Jersey student pilot Robbert van der Bijl, AOPA 3706945, became AOPA's "Five Million Dollar Man" in March when a $7.38 credit on his AOPA Visa statement included the five millionth dollar returned to members under the AOPA 5% FBO Rebate program, part of the association's advocacy for GA pilots.
Van der Bijl's status highlighted 60-plus years of AOPA efforts to keep personal flying in the United States possible. In most other countries of the world, personal flying has been priced or regulated nearly out of existence.
Not many members today know that it was their association that stopped a late-1940s' plan to bar private pilots from any airline-served airport; encouraged the use of the common traffic advisory frequency (and invented the term unicom) to help safety; fought to keep flight service station services; beat back many proposals over the years to squeeze more taxes and fees from GA pilots; and halted raids on the aviation trust fund.
In 1994, AOPA helped win reform of aviation product liability laws, bringing a nearly dead GA manufacturing industry back to life. Among hundreds of other legislative actions, AOPA has kept unrelenting pressure on elected officials to prevent the imposition of user fees, direct pilot charges that have been some of the last nails in the GA coffin in other countries. That battle continues.
Recent AOPA regulatory wins have included defeat of dozens of unnecessary FAA regulations, sidelining of an FAA plan for expensive photo ID pilot certificates, and defeat or modification of hundreds of unnecessary or questionable airworthiness directives (ADs).
It was AOPA that convinced the Federal Communications Commission to drop the requirement for expensive radio licenses for most pilots. AOPA pushed hard for many of the services pilots today take for granted, such as GPS navigation, DUAT weather briefings, and aeronautical chart improvements. The association fights for safe GA access to special-use airspace, the smallest necessary terminal airspace, and better-designed Class B areas, among many other things. In the past decade, AOPA has helped stem the loss of GA airports around the country.
Special "economic advocacy" programs include the AOPA 5% FBO Rebate program, launched in 1997 in cooperation with MBNA America Bank. The program returns a credit of 5 percent of every purchase (up to $5,000 in purchases each year) made with an AOPA Mastercard or Visa at any qualifying FBO in the United States. Any FBO that sells fuel or rents aircraft and is listed in AOPA's Airport Directory Online qualifies.
Other economic advocacy efforts that today help AOPA members beat the high cost of flying include:
- a 5-percent discount on any catalog merchandise from Sporty's Pilot Shop when purchased by an AOPA member with an AOPA Mastercard or Visa. In just the second quarter of this year, AOPA members saved more than $25,000 on aviation goods.
- a comprehensive automobile insurance policy with special aviation features. The average AOPA member replacing another auto insurance policy saves $318 a year in premium costs, as well as gaining aviation-related advantages.
- loans at very favorable interest rates for purchasing or improving an aircraft, and for flight training.
- legal services protection, pioneered by AOPA, offering private pilots thousands of dollars worth of legal representation for aviation-related matters — for $26 a year.
- a life insurance policy that offers some of the best term life rates in the country without aviation surcharges. (More than 50 years ago, AOPA engineered the first life insurance policy that did not penalize pilots.)
AOPA's Five Million Dollar Man, who immigrated to the United States for love but found that it also enabled him to realize his dream of flight, appreciates what U.S. pilots often take for granted. "The 5% FBO Rebate program is the main reason I joined AOPA, but having all the other resources — the magazines, Web information, toll-free Pilot Information Center, pilot-friendly insurance — is almost worth $5 million!" he said.
The largest and most influential aviation organization in the world, with more than 370,000 members, AOPA's aims remain the same as those announced in 1939: "To make your flying more useful, less expensive, safer, and more fun."
Love, Career…and Flying
Robbert van der Bijl, AOPA 3706945, AOPA's "Five Million Dollar Man," immigrated to the United States from his native Netherlands to be with Michelle Kagel, the American woman he loves.
The 27-year-old software engineer had always dreamed of learning to fly, but said, "Outside the U.S., learning to fly is just for the rich and famous."
Once here, he was astonished to learn that, in the United States, he could learn to fly.
By June 2001, van der Bijl had logged just over 20 hours at Millstone Valley Flight School on the Central Jersey Airport, many with CFI Karen Kaplan, whom he called "the best flight instructor I've ever seen." He was on a business trip, however, when an MBNA representative called to inform him he was AOPA's "Five Million Dollar Man."
Kagel took the call but was a little hazy on the details. When van der Bijl checked in that evening, she somewhat uncertainly told him, "It was the credit card company. Something about you and $5 million."
"I wish I had won $5 million," he laughed. "That would have really helped our honeymoon." The student pilot and his fiancé were wed on July 14 in New Jersey.
Van der Bijl credited AOPA's 5% FBO Rebate program with helping him afford to fly and opined, "I don't know why every pilot doesn't take advantage of it!"
Improved DUATS Briefings Promised
Pilots should expect even better DUATS briefings in the future, thanks to a new FAA "Concept of Operations" plan that incorporates numerous AOPA suggestions.
Enhancements will include interactive DUATS briefings, where the pilot and automated flight service station briefer can talk while viewing the same weather graphics on a computer screen.
The system will allow a pilot to plan flights off-line; connect to DUATS and download weather, textual flight information, and graphics; file flight plans; and then connect with an AFSS briefer for more information.
The new concept of operations promises that the FAA will continue to follow this model of improving service to pilots.
AOPA Compliments, Criticizes O'Hare Runway Plan
AOPA complimented Chicago city officials in July for an ambitious plan for six parallel runways at O'Hare International Airport, but criticized their apparent refusal to deal with related regional airspace and airport issues.
In a letter to Chicago Aviation Commissioner Thomas R. Walker, AOPA President Phil Boyer pointed out that the planned February closure of Meigs Field (above) would add most of its 46,000 annual flights to Midway Airport, and, to a lesser extent, Palwaukee and O'Hare airports. Despite that, city aviation department staffers have absolutely refused to allow any discussion of Meigs Field in meetings of the Chicago O'Hare Delay Task Force, of which AOPA is a member.
He also reminded Walker that AOPA had been invited to add its expertise to the task force, which is charged with exploring "management initiatives capable of reducing aircraft delay at O'Hare International and its surrounding airspace."
"AOPA stands ready to assist in seeking solutions to the delay and capacity problems plaguing the Chicago airspace infrastructure and offer our resources and expertise in assessing alternatives," Boyer concluded.
Government Agrees to Consult Public on Backcountry Airstrips
The Bush administration in July committed to an "open and public" process that will make it harder for agencies to close airstrips on federal land, an important step in protecting backcountry airstrips.
As a result, the departments of Interior and Agriculture have promised to work with Congress to develop a comprehensive approach to managing backcountry airstrips. AOPA has pushed for such a national policy for several years.
The agreement came in letters to Sen. Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), who has sponsored AOPA-backed legislation to protect backcountry airstrips. "There is a concern about this because these airstrips provide not only access to the backcountry for recreational use, but they are also critical [to]… our public lands and fighting forest fires," said Crapo.
Added Alaska Sen. Frank Murkowski, "When that engine quits, you have a problem…. I know [that] many of our friends from the East Coast and populated areas cannot quite appreciate why we need [backcountry airstrips], but we vitally need them."
The establishment of such a national policy is a long-sought goal of AOPA, but for the past eight years, the Clinton administration had told Congress that there was no need for such a policy. The new Bush administration commitment, however, will include periods of public notice, comment, and participation by the states.
While the agreement is an important first step, Crapo said he hopes that Congress ultimately will pass legislation that will permanently bind the agencies to follow the agreement.
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
Florida. Naples: The Naples Airport Authority voted unanimously for a $15,000 contribution to the next Naples Aviation Day event, scheduled for March 2002. AOPA ASN volunteer R. Scott Cameron helped organize this year's event, which attracted some 10,000 visitors.
Idaho. McCall: The public comment period on a housing development proposed near McCall Airport has been extended, thanks to efforts by AOPA ASN volunteer Scott Findley.
Illinois. Schaumburg: A voluntary noise abatement procedure at Schaumburg Regional Airport has been successful in reducing noise complaints from airport neighbors, reports AOPA ASN volunteer Robert Weinberg.
Mississippi. AOPA ASN volunteers are still needed for GA airports serving the Mississippi communities of Bay St. Louis, Clarksdale, Cleveland, Columbus, Greenwood, Hattiesburg/Laurel, Jackson, Madison, Meridian, Olive Branch, Oxford, Pascagoula, and Tupelo.
New Jersey. Hammonton: Pilot concerns over safety of aircraft parked at Hammonton Municipal Airport are being investigated by AOPA ASN volunteer Mary Lou Hagan. She reports that gates to the airport cannot be closed or locked and that the runway is often used by local residents as a drag strip.
New Hampshire. Haverhill: Public concern over erroneous reports of budget overruns at Dean Memorial Airport were quieted earlier this year when AOPA ASN volunteer Joel Godston arranged a meeting with two airport commissioners, the airport manager, and concerned local citizens to review the facts.
Ohio. Gallipolis: Local pilots have revived the Gallia Meigs Regional Airport Boosters Club, inactive for many years. AOPA ASN volunteer Christina M. Sheidler who helped reestablish the club, and also participated in a June airport open house to improve public perception of the airport. Wadsworth: Wadsworth city fathers in July voted 6 to 1 for a five-year airport management contract with Rick Hopkins, who has served as interim manager since last September. AOPA ASN volunteer David Houk also reports that the city council is applying for $150,000 in FAA funds to improve the airport.
Oregon. Aurora: AOPA ASN volunteer Harper Poling and other pilots at Aurora State Airport continue to fight for reasonable minimum standards for Oregon airports. Poling and FBO Bruce Bennett are also leading a drive against a city plan to annex land directly off the south end of the airport for possible residential development.
Texas. Killeen: AOPA ASN volunteer Artemus Brown is helping to form an airport advisory committee for Killeen Municipal Airport. Brown is also coordinating with the airport manager for needed new T-hangars.
Washington. Ellensburg: AOPA ASN volunteer John Dugan appeared at public hearings on a zoning ordinance that would help protect Bowers Field Airport. Seattle: AOPA ASN volunteer Jim Combs is participating in an official FAA noise study at Boeing Field/King County International Airport. He is watching for any indication of GA flight restrictions over West Seattle. The final report is expected this month. Vancouver: A campaign to convince the Port of Vancouver to purchase endangered Evergreen Field Airport has apparently failed. AOPA ASN volunteer Glenn Siemer reports that a developer has offered $16 million for the 56.8 acres of airport property, nearly 10 times the assessed value.
Wisconsin. Middleton: The Friends of Morey Airport support group, inspired by a PowerPoint presentation created by AOPA ASN volunteer Diane Ballweg, has started planning for much-needed hangars and a new terminal building.
Volunteer of the Month
AOPA Airport Support Network volunteer Thomas McGaw, 51, has been leading efforts to protect the Petaluma Municipal Airport in California from encroachment.
For more than two years, McGaw and other Petaluma-area pilots fought to keep a large sports complex from being built near the busy GA airport. An initiative now under way would allow Sonoma County to buy development rights to the property, keeping it as open space and giving the city funds to purchase an alternate site for the sports complex.
While working to keep the complex from being built, McGaw also served as chairman of the Petaluma Airport Commission, coordinating local pilots, city fathers, and the FAA to resolve problems that would arise if the complex is constructed. Among those: high-intensity sports lighting that could have interfered with nighttime approaches to the airport.
In addition, McGaw and other airport users have created a business model to justify building new hangars. It shows that the airport could continue to operate within its budget by generating new revenue and keeping current airport users.
MEMBERSHIP ACTION
AOPA Establishes New Alaska Region, Names George Regional Rep
Well-known Fairbanks resident Thomas H. George has been appointed the regional representative for AOPA's newly established Alaska region. He succeeds Ray Costello, who is retiring after 16 years representing AOPA in Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Montana, and Alaska.
George learned to fly in Alaska in 1977, and has more than 3,000 hours of Alaskan flying experience. He has received numerous awards, including the Alaska Airmen's Association "Sparkplug Award," a NASA Group Achievement Award, and an AOPA Presidential Citation.
AOPA has 13 regional representatives working on state and regional issues nationwide for the benefit of members. More than 4,000 of Alaska's 8,000 pilots are AOPA members.
Airworthiness Directives Now Free Online
Aircraft owners and mechanics now have the option of using a free new airworthiness directive (AD) database on the Web. As an FAA-approved information source with daily updates, it may be used in place of commercially available subscription AD databases.
AOPA and other members of the joint Industry/FAA Certification Committee had encouraged establishment of that database, although AOPA also suggested that a complete revamp of the FAA's Web site would make the AD information — as well as other information on aircraft, pilot, and medical certification — more accessible and understandable.
Direct access to the official AD database is available online.
AOPA AIR SAFETY FOUNDATION
New ASF Seminar Helps Pilots with Fuel Management
A new AOPA Air Safety Foundation seminar is bringing light to a dark corner of GA safety: fuel management. The interactive, two-hour ASF Fuel Awareness seminar debuted in New York in late June and will be presented across the country through the end of the year.
The seminar can also help pilots save money, with helpful hints on getting the most miles from each gallon of aviation fuel.
Fuel-related accidents occur at the rate of more than one per week. The new seminar uses case histories to point out that nearly all could have been prevented.
Most aircraft involved in fuel-related accidents crash with no fuel left in the tanks. "About the only good thing that can be said about fuel exhaustion accidents is that there is rarely a post-impact fire," dryly observed ASF Vice President of Operations John Steuernagle.
In other fuel-management accidents analyzed in the new seminar, pilots take off without a full understanding of an aircraft's fuel system. Auxiliary tanks, some with elaborate fuel cross-feed options, often contribute to fuel mismanagement problems that lead to unexpected engine stoppage.
Seminar participants also learn proper leaning techniques and receive a copy of ASF's Fuel Awareness Safety Advisor, a 12-page illustrated booklet that adds details and case histories of fuel-related accidents to the seminar information. The Safety Advisor is also available separately, at no cost, on the AOPA Web site ( www.aopa.org/asf/publications/sa16.pdf).
Funding for the free seminar is provided by the FAA's Aviation Safety Program and ASF, while the companion Safety Advisor is sponsored by Phillips 66 Aviation Fuels.
The schedule of all ASF seminars is available online ( www.aopa.org/asf/).
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