AOPA Expo Celebrates Return of GA
Pilots Push Airport Preservation, GA Restoration
At AOPA Expo 2001 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, in November, nearly 10,000 pilots and their friends and families celebrated the return of general aviation to "normal" — or as near to normal as possible following the September 11 terrorist attacks.
This year's AOPA Expo also emphasized the need to preserve airports and educate government officials and the public. Of the six major awards presented at this year's Expo, four were for saving or promoting GA airports.
"This is exactly what GA needed right now," said one spectator watching 73 aircraft in the AOPA Parade of Planes taxiing through Fort Lauderdale streets.
"Two months ago, we wondered if we should even have held a convention," said AOPA President Phil Boyer. "Obviously, it was the right thing to do. But let's not forget the pilots still stranded in the temporary flight restriction areas around Boston, New York, and Washington. There is still much work to do."
Airport Preservation
Saving GA airports was the topic of an hourlong Expo general session on Friday, November 9. Hosted by Boyer, AOPA Senior Vice President of Government and Technical Affairs Andy .ebula, and AOPA Vice Presi-dent of Regional Affairs Bill Dunn, the fast-paced session graphically portrayed the decline in GA airports over the past 30 years, outlined new challenges facing pilots, and explained how residential encroachment is often the beginning of the end.
Dunn explained AOPA's remarkably successful Airport Support Network (ASN) program, now with nearly 1,100 volunteers nationwide who use valuable AOPA resources to protect GA airports (see " AOPA Help for Saving Airports," p. 18). Cebula addressed new access problems for GA airports brought about by security concerns.
The show featured short video clips of the now-closed Baltimore Airpark and the soon-to-open Stafford County Regional Airport in Northern Virginia, along with observations by ASN volunteers and Virginia Department of Aviation Director Ken Wiegand. FAA AcÉing Associate Administrator of Airports Woodie Woodward, in a special segment, praised the cooperative efforts between the FAA and AOPA that have decreased the rate of GA airport loss in recent years.
Restoring GA Everywhere
Throughout Expo, Boyer repeatedly vowed every effort to restore GA flying to its pre-September 11 status.
FAA Administrator Jane Garvey also reported to AOPA members at Expo, using a two-way satellite link. She assured AOPA members that "you are not the problem," and she detailed how AOPA and the FAA had worked together to ease GA restrictions after September 11.
During the session, Boyer announced a surprise AOPA Presidential Citation to FAA Associate Administrator of Air Traffic Services Steven J. Brown, who was instrumental in regaining flight privileges for general aviation pilots. Brown is a former senior vice president of the AOPA Government and Technical Affairs Division.
Pilots at Expo also heard about the new voluntary AOPA member-supported GA Restoration Fund, to finance education of elected officials and the public on the value of general aviation. For more on AOPA Expo, see " A New Start for GA."
The 2002 AOPA Expo is set for Palm Springs, California, from October 24 through 26.
GA Restoration Fund Builds Quickly
More than $318,000 has been collected throughout November for the GA Restoration Fund, an AOPA effort to educate the public and government officials about the value of GA.
The fund will buy print, radio, and television ads, as well as help build a public relations and a grass-roots campaign promoting GA.
"Following the September 11 attacks, much misinformation caused many Americans and high-level government officials to needlessly fear and restrict general aviation," said Boyer. "As a result, GA faces a major backlash that not only threatens the freedom of flight, but also is harmful to our national economy. Educating Americans about general aviation is a top priority."
The GA Restoration Fund has a goal of collecting $1 million. AOPA members received a pledge card in the mail in November. Contributions may also be made through a secure server on AOPA Online .
AOPA Help for Saving Airports
For AOPA members concerned about the future of their local airport, dozens of "airport support" materials are available. Many are on the AOPA Web site. Those in hard copy are available by calling 800/USA-AOPA (800/872-2672).
Obtaining Community Support for Your Local Airport, a comprehensive how-to manual filled with facts, figures, and ideas. Available to AOPA members on the Web site ( www.aopa.org/asn/communitysupport/).
Protecting Your Local Airport, a colorful brochure with an explanation of AOPA's Airport Support Network and examples of how ASN volunteers have protected local airports. Available online ( www.aopa.org/asn/localairports.pdf).
The AOPA Airport Support Program and the AOPA Airport Support Network, a full explanation of vital AOPA programs already in place for supporting local airports. Available online ( www.aopa.org/asn/airport_support.html).
Airport Open House: The Complete Guide to Holding an Airport Open House, helps in planning and publicizing community support events for GA airports. Available online ( www.aopa.org/asn/open_house.pdf).
It's Your Airport, a brochure for pilots and the general public that presents clear, well-reasoned arguments for protecting GA airports. Available online ( www.aopa.org/asn/its_your_airport.pdf).
AOPA's Public Relations Plan for Airports, helps in the developing and implementing an effective public relations plan for local airports. Available to AOPA members online ( www.aopa.org/asn/airportpr/).
Organizing Your Airport Group, step-by-step guidance and advice on effective ways to build public support for your airport. Available to AOPA members online ( www.aopa.org/asn/airportgroup/).
AOPA's Guide to Airport Noise and Compatible Land Use, a primer for pilots whose airports may be facing resistance from airport neighbors. Available to AOPA members online ( www.aopa.org/members/files/guides/land_use/).
Minimum Standards for Commercial Aeronautical Activities, a succinct review of FAA regulations regarding treatment of businesses operating on a GA airport. Available online ( www.aopa.org/asn/minimum_standards.pdf).
What is General Aviation? is a richly illustrated brochure clearing up misconceptions about GA. Available online ( www.aopa.org/info/what_ga.pdf).
Fly-A-Reporter, Fly-A-Leader, and other Fly-A- series brochures outlining ways to show important community leaders the value of their local airport. All are available online ( www.aopa.org/info/fly-a-leader2.pdf); ( www.aopa.org/info/fly-a-reporter2.pdf); ( www.aopa.org/info/fly-a-controller2.pdf); ( www.aopa.org/info/fly-a-friend2.pdf).
Contacting Your Elected Representatives: A Citizen's Guide, is a how-to guide for pilots at airports already experiencing a threat. Available online ( www.aopa.org/whatsnew/citguide.html).
AOPA Guide to Writing a Letter to the Editor, describes the dos and don'ts for effective communication with the local media. Available in hard copy from AOPA.
AOPA's How to Have a Successful Media Event, including facts about GA, ideas for involving reporters, and strategies for successful events promoting your local GA airport. Available in hard copy from AOPA.
AOPA Communications Resources for You, a comprehensive overview of AOPA publications and other resources available to help the public understand the value of general aviation. Available online ( www.aopa.org/info/comres4u.html).
Local Airports: Access to America, a 24-minute videotape that explains why GA airports are invaluable to local communities. (Available to ASN volunteers or organized airport support groups.)
Flying Friendly, a 20-minute videotape that urges pilots to be more considerate of people on the ground near airports. Among other things, it contains easy, proven tips for reducing airplane noise on takeoff and landing. (Available to ASN volunteers or organized airport support groups.)
AOPA Expo 2001 awards
In addition to three Max Karant journalism awards presented at AOPA Expo 2001 in November (see " AOPA Action: GA Vitality, Aviation Journal, The Flying Circus Reports Capture Prizes in 2001 AOPA Max Karant Journalism Awards," November 2001 Pilot), one honoree was surprised with a special Karant Lifetime Journalism Excellence award and fighters for GA airports won the coveted AOPA Sharples and Hartranft awards.
Veteran Newsman Wins Karant Lifetime Journalism Award
Longtime aviation journalist Dave Sclair, retired publisher of the national General Aviation News, won AOPA's 2001 Max Karant Award for Lifetime Journalism Excellence.
Sclair's flying and aviation-publishing legacy spans four decades, from the early 1960s to the new millennium, and includes publishing a national aviation newspaper and Web site.
AOPA surprised Sclair with the honor. His award reads, in part, "By innovative acquisition, merging, and growth, you have created an invaluable source of information and opinion for pilots and others involved in general aviation."
Sclair's wife, Mary Lou, was his arm-in-arm copublisher from 1970 through 2000. As they built the business, son Ben and daughter Robyn became involved and are now copublishers of General Aviation News, a publication of the family's Flyer Media Inc., based in Lakewood, Washington.
2001 Sharples Award Given to New England Airport Protector
Massachusetts pilot Robert G. "Bob" Walton was presented with this year's AOPA Laurence P. Sharples Perpetual Award for helping to save the historic Plum Island, Massachusetts, airport. The Sharples award recognizes the year's greatest, selfless commitment to general aviation by a private citizen.
As the AOPA Airport Support Network volunteer for Plum Island Airport, Walton brought together pilots, local businesses, and the community when the airport was threatened with closure.
The facility did close in November 2000 while the campaign to save the historic airport was under way. But after redoubling his lobbying efforts and helping to form the airport support group Plum Island Community Airfield Inc., Walton succeeded in reopening the airport with a new five-year lease.
Texas House Speaker Named Hartranft Award Winner
Speaker of the Texas House of Representatives James E. "Pete" Laney received the 2001 AOPA Hartranft Award for his heroic efforts to preserve general aviation in central Texas.
The prestigious award, named for the association's first president, is given annually to the political leader who makes the year's greatest contribution to the advancement of general aviation. Laney is the twenty-fourth recipient.
A longtime AOPA member, Laney helped engineer legislation requiring establishment of "a state airport in Central Texas that is open to the general public." He took the action after the 1999 closure of both Mueller Airport and Austin Executive Airport stranded more than 600 GA aircraft and left the Austin area without a GA airport.
The bill passed in May 2001 and was signed into law by Gov. Rick Perry the following month.
AOPA Petitions FAA to Reduce Medical Delays
AOPA has asked the FAA for two policy changes to reduce delays in issuing special issuance medical certificates.
The first would make special issuance certificates (often called waivers) valid for the same duration as the corresponding medical certificate, helping those pilots with waivers maintain their FAA medical certification for a longer period while reducing the FAA's workload.
The second would allow pilots to give periodic medical report updates from their family physicians directly to the FAA-designated aviation medical examiner, if the waiver is based upon periodic medical reports. That medical examiner would be authorized to approve continuance of the waiver if no adverse medical change has arisen, AOPA said.
"This would not be a rule change," said AOPA Director of Regulatory and Certification Policy Lance Nuckolls. "It would be a policy change that should help reduce or eliminate unnecessary grounding of pilots who have certain medical conditions."
AOPA has long maintained a medical department offering free assistance for members on FAA medical certification issues.
AOPA Insurance Agency Asks Premium Credit for Grounded GA Aircraft
The head of the AOPA Insurance Agency asked five major aviation insurance companies in early October to grant a premium credit to aircraft owners and aviation businesses grounded inside enhanced Class B airspace.
AOPA Insurance Agency Executive Vice President Greg Sterling asked for a one-time credit of 10 percent of the current annual premium. This would grant a small "lay-up" credit to aircraft owners in recognition of the reduced risk to the insurance company during the time the aircraft is grounded.
AOPA ePilot redesigned; now delivered weekly to more than 200,000A newly redesigned AOPA ePilot e-mail newsletter now serves a record 200,000-plus subscribers.
The new design was unveiled at AOPA Expo 2001 in November. The cleaner presentation incorporates many of the suggestions made by AOPA members over the years.
" AOPA ePilot has been the fastest way to bring vital news to AOPA members," said Michael P. Collins, vice president of diversified products. "This redesign makes it even more user-friendly."
In addition to the new look, new technology allows greater ePilot personalization, with news affecting specific regions of the country going just to pilots in those areas. Following the September terrorist attacks, AOPA used that new feature to quickly notify pilots of airspace changes in their areas.
AOPA ePilot is available to all members free of charge. To subscribe, visit AOPA Online ( www.aopa.org/members/files/pilot/epilot/).
AOPA AIRPORT SUPPORT NETWORK
Volunteer of the month
January's AOPA ASN volunteer of the month, Victor Young, is distinguishing himself in the battle to prevent the development of a new Wal-Mart superstore that would interfere with planned improvements to Pierce County-Thun Field in Puyallup, Washington.
"Vic Young is a model of what an AOPA Airport Support Network volunteer ought to be," said AOPA Vice President of Regional Affairs Bill Dunn.
The Wal-Mart — part of a planned shopping center called Meridian Village — is just 1,600 feet north of the airport's Runway 16 and would halt extension and widening of that runway, as well as encroach on the planned runway protection zone and an obstruction-free approach slope for an instrument approach.
Developers of Meridian Village had based their plans on the existing airport configuration rather than the newly drafted Airport Layout Plan that contained the airport improvements.
Among other efforts, Young coalesced pilot support for the airport and organized a petition drive. Numerous letters critical of the new Wal-Mart have appeared in local newspapers, and a November editorial in The Tacoma News Tribune criticized the planned development and blamed weak local zoning ordinances for creating the problem.
"This battle is not over," declared Dunn in naming Young as AOPA ASN Volunteer of the Month for January. "But whatever the outcome, Vic Young deserves thanks from every pilot who lands at Pierce County-Thun Field."
The AOPA ASN program now has nearly 1,100 volunteers protecting as many general aviation airports across the country.
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
Alabama. Wetumpka: Environmental fines followed by slow fuel sales after September 11 forced primary FBO Pro Aero at Wetumpka Municipal Airport to end fuel sales in October. ASN volunteer David W. Abbott contacted the mayor and several city council members, successfully urging the city to purchase the FBO.
Arizona. Goodyear: ASN volunteer Roger Ellis is working to help Goodyear city officials understand the value of Phoenix Goodyear Airport. Among other things, Ellis recently provided Goodyear Director of Economic Development Brian Dalke with AOPA's Guide to Airport Noise and Compatible Land Use. Mesa: At the urging of AOPA ASN volunteer Bryan Hubbard, the city's cable TV company aired AOPA's Flying Friendly video 43 times from late summer through fall on its community access channel.
California. Fallbrook: AOPA ASN volunteer Richard Steere procured applicable state and local land use and zoning regulations after he learned that single-family homes were planned just off the approach end of Runway 18 at Fallbrook Community Airpark.
Colorado. Grand Junction: Information gathered by AOPA ASN volunteer Thomas LaCroix about a planned racecar track near Walker Field allowed AOPA to remind Mesa County commissioners of state and county requirements regarding incompatible land use near airports.
Kentucky. Louisville: The need for better communication at Bowman Field led ASN volunteer David Parrish to send introductory letters to pilots, hangar occupants, FBOs, and flight schools, creating a more organized pilot presence at the airport.
Massachusetts. Lawrence: An Aviation Day hosted by the Lawrence Airport Education Foundation in North Andover, Massachusetts, raised more than $9,000 in donations for charities supporting survivors and families of the September 11 attacks. ASN volunteer Anthony Marmiani also reported that he is participating in development of an airport security plan.
North Carolina. Beaufort: A local cable news channel contacted ASN volunteer John Knapp for comments about flight restrictions at Michael J. Smith Field after September 11. Knapp steered the reporter to Seagrave Aviation Manager Ryan Seagrave.
Pennsylvania. Reading: ASN volunteer Jack Cutler and his wife, Diana, used their own uncowled Piper Cherokee 180 in September to help Mid-Atlantic Air Museum visitors understand light airplanes, and found that most visitors were unaware of flight restrictions imposed on GA as a result of the September 11 attacks. He played AOPA's Local Airports: Access to America video and handed out AOPA brochures explaining the importance of GA and local airports. Cutler also distributed brochures at a public meeting on a new runway for Reading Regional Airport.
Tennessee. Greeneville: ASN volunteer James Brooks has been meeting with the Greeneville-Greene County Partnership regarding the economic importance of the Greeneville-Greene County Municipal Airport. He is stressing the importance of a 5-percent local contribution to a $6.5 million airport improvement project.
Texas. Midlothian/Waxahachie: AOPA's Local Airports: Access to America video played continuously during the annual Fall Festival held at Mid-Way Airport, .hich serves the cities of Mid-lothian and Waxahachie. ASN volunteer Ray Brindle, members of the airport board, and the airport manager staffed an airport-information booth at the festival.
MEMBERSHIP ACTION
Groundbreaking $5 Million Aviation Liability Coverage Now Available
Aviation liability coverage of as much as $5 million is now being offered to AOPA members through the AOPA Insurance Agency . The coverage is available as part of the AOPA Automobile Insurance Program, underwritten by member companies of the American International Group (AIG).
The optional $5 million aviation liability coverage is one of the highest-limit aviation liability policies for GA pilots, and is available to holders of the AOPA Insurance Agency Automobile Insurance Program policy. It allows aircraft owners to meet higher insurance requirements now being imposed at many airports.
"Many AOPA members need these higher limits, but recent turmoil in the aviation insurance industry has reduced availability," said Greg Sterling, executive vice president of the AOPA Insurance Agency.
More information on the AIG Personal Auto policy and the availability of AIG liability protection of as much as $5 million is available from the AOPA Insurance Agency by calling 800/622-2672.
AOPA AIR SAFETY FOUNDATION
Spatial Disorientation Safety Advisor Now Available
The ASF Safety Advisor titled Spatial Disorientation, Confusion That Kills is now available.
The 12-page booklet was developed to accompany a new two-hour ASF live safety seminar on spatial disorientation. It is packed with information to help pilots determine "which end is up" in an aircraft.
"The deaths of John F. Kennedy Jr. and Missouri Gov. Mel Carnahan, plus the crash of a Bonanza in downtown Newark, New Jersey, were very high-profile accidents that prompted the foundation to publish the advisor and produce a seminar to raise awareness of the problem," said ASF Executive Director Bruce Landsberg.
An average of 27 spatial disorientation accidents a year have occurred in the past decade, with vacuum pump failure only a minor contributing factor.
The booklet includes a look at the physiology of spatial disorientation and vertigo-producing illusions, including false horizons and lighting confusion.
The new Safety Advisor features prepunched three-ring binder holes for easy storage and reference, and is also available on ASF's Web site ( www.aopa.org/asf/publications/).
A schedule for ASF Spatial Disorientation seminars is available on the Web site ( www.aopa.org/asf/seminars/seminar.cfm).
ASF Sends Collision Avoidance Booklets to All Illinois Pilots
In October, every pilot in Illinois was mailed the AOPA Air Safety Foundation Safety Advisor booklet Collision Avoidance: Strategies and Tactics.
The mailing of nearly 20,000 copies was made possible by a grant in memory of Bob Collins, a Chicago radio personality who died in a midair collision near Waukegan, Illinois, last year. Personal and business friends of Collins provided the grant.
The 16-page ASF booklet, part of a full ASF safety seminar developed in 2000 with funding from the Air Transport Association, the U.S. Department of Defense, and Ryan International Corporation, stresses effective techniques for collision avoidance.
Among other things, the booklet suggests ways to improve scanning skills, cleaning the windshield, asking passengers to watch for airplanes, using lights, communicating, and installing appropriate avionics.
The AOPA Air Safety Foundation was established in 1950 to conduct safety research and pilot education for general aviation pilots. Today, it is by far the largest such GA safety organization in the world, providing live safety seminars, Safety Advisor booklets, Internet-based education programs, and other GA safety programs for thousands of pilots every month.
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