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Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association
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Frederick, MD 21701
Tel: 800/USA-AOPA or
301/695-2000
Copyright � 2002 AOPA. | GA News
| AOPA PUSHES FOR SIMPLE SECURITY SOLUTION
AOPA yesterday petitioned the FAA to change the rules to allow for a simple, inexpensive pilot photo identification system that could be put into place almost immediately. AOPA said that the FAA should simply require that pilots carry a valid, government-issued photo ID along with their pilot certificates when in command of an aircraft. That photo ID could be a driver’s license, passport, state ID card, or government agency photo ID card approved by the FAA administrator. "Since September 11, the need for a picture identification for pilots has been an important element in many security discussions," said AOPA President Phil Boyer. "The FAA could satisfy that security concern with a simple stroke of the pen and with minimal cost to taxpayers." Boyer said that there has been a growing cry from Congress, national security officials, and the public for picture identification of pilots. "With this proposal, FAA could address that with no lengthy implementation process, no enormous FAA investment, and no financial or time costs to pilots." Last December, AOPA recommended a photo pilot ID as part of a comprehensive set of general aviation security measures. "This may be too simple for the government, but it sure makes good sense," Boyer said. "And make no mistake. Sooner rather than later, the government is going to require photo IDs for pilots. We're giving them a solution pilots can live with." For more information see AOPA Online.
FLIGHT SERVICE STATIONS REMAIN CLOSED TO VISITORS
Don't expect to receive a face-to-face preflight weather briefing or file a flight plan in person at a flight service station anytime soon. An FAA security directive issued immediately after September 11, and still in effect more than five months later, prohibits visitors at air traffic facilities, including all 61 FSSs. "The visitor prohibition at en route centers, approach facilities, and towers should not apply to FSSs," said Melissa Bailey, AOPA vice president of air traffic services. "We've asked the FAA to remove the lock-out, and we are hopeful that after the Olympics the agency will open the doors of FSSs again." See AOPA Online.
EAGLE AIRCRAFT CONSOLIDATES MANUFACTURING
 The Malaysian-owned Eagle Aircraft company is consolidating its manufacturing operations in Malaysia by closing an Australian assembly facility. In a letter to employees, Australian managers said the need for consolidation was based on a shrinking market, noting that the worldwide economic environment has had a severe impact on the aviation industry. Prior to the consolidation—expected to be completed by mid-summer—the aircraft subassemblies were manufactured in Malaysia by the parent company, Composite Technologies Research Malaysia, and sent to Australia for assembly. The company assembled 30 to 40 Eagle 150B aircraft a year in Australia, but expects to increase production to 50 or 60 aircraft per year once operations are under way in Malaysia. The two-place trainer utilizes a unique three-wing design, with the tail providing 10 percent of the aircraft's lift. An Australian and an American engineer designed it jointly. See the AOPA Pilot article.
LAKELAND CONTENDS FOR AERIAL OLYMPICS
Aerobatics boosters are working hard to bring the 2003 World Aerobatic Competition to Lakeland, Florida. Four countries are vying for the honor of hosting the 24-nation Olympics-style biennial aviation event. America's International Aerobatic Club has prepared a proposal for the Lakeland site that is expected to be approved at the group's March 2-3 board meeting. The U.S. Aerobatic Foundation is also lobbying to bring the competition to the United States in celebration of the 100th anniversary of powered flight. Lakeland officials have been contacted about enlarging the present aerobatic box over the Lakeland airport for the 10-day event by possibly closing a runway or closing two buildings that lie under the airspace. Other sites seeking the event are in the Ukraine, Italy, and Spain. An aerobatics competition governing body in Switzerland will select the winning site in May. The world championships were last conducted in the United States in 1996. See the story from AOPA Pilot.
UNISON REDUCES SPARK PLUG PRICES
Unison Industries has announced a global price cut for its line of Autolite Aviation Spark Plugs. The new list price is $25.80 per plug in the United States. "Unison fully supports the general aviation industry, and we are doing our part to help GA return to the business of flying by offering the best value in aviation spark plugs," said Jim Melvin, Unison's director of marketing and general aviation sales. See the Web site.
For daily news updates, see AOPA Online.
| Airspace Update
| AOPA CHALLENGES SEATTLE TFRs
AOPA is asking the FAA to remove four temporary flight restriction areas (TFRs) in the Puget Sound region of Washington state. In a letter to the FAA, AOPA said that the TFRs hamper VFR arrivals and departures at five area airports and seaplane bases, affect three Victor airways and an ILS approach, and disrupt VFR transient traffic through the Seattle area. "TFRs have become a convenient and all-too-common response that subject pilots to longer flight times, reduced access, and increased risk of enforcement action," AOPA said. "The FAA should carefully balance true security needs against the needs of all law-abiding pilots." See the letter.
FAA DEVELOPS GRAPHICAL TFRs, BUT ONLY FOR BRIEFERS
Ever since September 11, security-related temporary flight restrictions (TFRs) have been popping up all over the country. You're not alone if you've found the FAA's TFR notams confusing. Frequent changes have also made it difficult for the system to keep pace. Following AOPA's lead, the FAA started developing graphical TFR products. While this represents a big step forward as far as interpreting the information, the FAA only plans to make the products available to flight service stations. In a letter to the FAA, AOPA has asked that the depictions be accessible to pilots and that AOPA be included in the FAA work group tasked with developing them. AOPA President Phil Boyer pointed out that while it's important for briefers to have the graphics, it's critically important for pilots to have the information as well to maintain safety and efficiency of the system. See AOPA Online.
LANCER MOA OPENS IN WESTERN TEXAS
Pilots operating in western Texas are advised that effective yesterday (February 21), the new Lancer military operations area (MOA) is open to operations by the U.S. 7th Bomber Wing. AOPA and local pilot groups worked closely with FAA and Department of Defense officials to ensure equitable access to the airspace, including additional radar and communications coverage. This new MOA replaces the existing Roby, Reese 4, and Reese 5 MOAs, and will be published on the Dallas-Fort Worth Sectional Aeronautical chart during the normal printing cycle date of April 18, 2002. The Lancer MOA envelops airspace from 6,200 feet msl up to (but not including) Flight Level 180; Fort Worth Center is the controlling agency. The normal times of use will be 9 a.m. to midnight (local) Monday through Friday, with other times published by notam. See the graphic.
| Inside AOPA
| AOPA'S BOYER BECOMES BE A PILOT CHAIRMAN
AOPA President Phil Boyer has been named the new chairman of the general aviation industry's Be A Pilot program. More than 1,600 flight schools participate in the program that features a $49 certificate for the all-important introductory flying lesson. "AOPA was instrumental in founding the Be A Pilot project in 1996. It's an honor to be named chairman of a successful effort that continues to work to build the pilot population during a period that has seen troubled times for general aviation," Boyer said. He succeeds Sporty's Chairman Hal Shevers.
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| On Capitol Hill
| HEARING TO TAKE PLACE ON GA RELIEF BILL
A federal bill that would provide relief for general aviation businesses that were hurt economically as a result of the September 11 terrorist attacks is expected to receive a hearing by the full House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee by the end of the month, AOPA Legislative Affairs has learned. Called the General Aviation Reparations Act of 2001 (H.R. 3347), the bill overwhelmingly passed the House Aviation subcommittee last December. It would provide $2.5 billion in direct grants and $5 billion in guaranteed loans to the damaged GA businesses. Negotiations are under way to craft language that will not dampen the strong support the bill has received by members from both parties. AOPA is working closely with supporters of the legislation to obtain passage.
| Airport Support Network
| SIGN UP TO SAVE YOUR AIRPORT
AOPA started the Airport Support Network (ASN) to provide a coordinated effort to reduce antiairport sentiment. ASN volunteers keep AOPA headquarters abreast of political and public opinion developments that may affect their airports. They attend public meetings dealing with airport matters and report to AOPA on the proceedings. ASN volunteers help promote local airport activities to enhance the airport's public image. They also act as the AOPA liaison with local pilot associations, user groups, airport advisory commissions, and airport management officials. Does this sound like something your airport has? If not, your airport needs an ASN volunteer. Below are just a few airports in your area where an ASN volunteer could make a difference.
To nominate a volunteer—which can be yourself—see AOPA�Online.
| Quiz Me!
| Here's a question asked by an AOPA member last week of our AOPA technical specialists. Test your knowledge.
Question: I just read a recent article in AOPA Pilot magazine about flying over the Grand Canyon in which special flight rules are mentioned. Where do I get more information on these special flight rules?
Answer: The special flight rules mentioned in the article are found in a Special Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR). The particular regulation regarding the Grand Canyon is SFAR 50-2 to Part 91 "Special Flight Rules in the Vicinity of the Grand Canyon National Park, AZ." It is located at the beginning of 14 CFR Part 91. In addition, the special flight rules area is depicted on the Grand Canyon Sectional Aeronautical Chart. The SFAR is available on 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].
| Picture Perfect
| Jump to the AOPA Online Gallery to see the featured airplane of the day. Click on the link for details on how to capture wallpaper for your work area. See AOPA Online.
| What's New At AOPA Online
| Everything you ever wanted to know about fire, smoke, and fire extinguishers can be found in one hot spot on AOPA Online.
| ePilot Calendar
| Check your weekend weather on AOPA Online.
WEEKEND FLYING DESTINATIONS
Titusville, Florida. A warbird airshow takes place March 8 through 10 at Space Coast Regional Airport (TIX). Call 321/268-1941.
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 Birmingham, Alabama; Phoenix; and Ontario, California, March 2 and 3. Clinics are scheduled in Philadelphia and Lubbock, Texas, March 9 through 10. 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 Schools will take place in Phoenix on March 3 and Philadelphia on March 10. For more Pinch-Hitter courses, see AOPA Online.
ASF SAFETY SEMINARS
AOPA Air Safety Foundation Safety Seminars are scheduled in Whitehall, Ohio, and Philadelphia, March 4. Seminars are scheduled in Miamisburg, Ohio, and New Cumberland, Pennsylvania, March 5. See AOPA Online.
For comments on calendar items or to make submissions, contact [email protected].
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