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Copyright � 2002 AOPA. | Protecting GA
| FAA SENDS WARNING LETTER TO PILOTS
With the recent, highly publicized airspace violations near the White House and Camp David fresh in the public's memory, the FAA is sending a strongly worded letter to pilots, reminding them of the obligation to avoid temporary flight restriction (TFR) areas. "Proper flight planning is crucial for every flight, and pilots must familiarize themselves with all notams and TFRs along their route of flight," says the FAA letter. AOPA had received anecdotal evidence from members about briefers who did not have or failed to relay the newest or most accurate information. When given a chance to preview the letter, AOPA suggested language stressing the role of flight service briefers in making pilots aware of restrictions. The letter includes the Internet addresses of several sites that provide additional unofficial information on notams and TFRs, including AOPA Online. See AOPA�Online.
...AND STARTS POSTING GRAPHICAL TFRs ON WEB SITE
The FAA has taken a step in the right direction for pilots. Recognizing the value of showing, as well as telling, pilots where they may not fly, the FAA is now posting graphical depictions of three of some 35 national security-related temporary flight restriction (TFR) notams on its Web site. "We've been pushing for this for more than two years. With the post-9/11 TFRs, this is even more critical," said Andy Cebula, AOPA senior vice president of government and technical affairs. "We're happy to see that the FAA finally buys in to the concept. Now they need to make graphical depictions of all TFRs readily available to pilots and flight service station briefers." See the Web site.
PILOTS URGED TO REMAIN VIGILANT
Although the holiday weekend passed uneventfully, security officials are advising Americans to remain vigilant for activities that could lead to terrorist attacks. AOPA first reported the government's concerns on July 3, following conversations with the Transportation Security Administration. Last Friday, the government made public the concern that terrorists might turn to GA aircraft. While this is not a new concern, AOPA members can serve an important role by remaining alert for suspicious activities at an airport or in flight. Individuals observing anything suspicious should report it to an FBI field office or local law enforcement officials. For flight schools, flying clubs, and others renting aircraft, the FAA has a series of suggestions that are useful for aircraft security. "Every pilot is part of a larger aviation community, and we need to protect our airports like we watch our own homes and neighborhoods," said Phil Boyer, AOPA president. "We ask all our members to help the government to make sure our airports are safe."
CONGRESS TELLS TSA NOT TO SACRIFICE TRANSPORTATION
While talk in Congress continues on President Bush's plan to create a Department of Homeland Security, one congressman in a hearing Tuesday emphasized concerns that are key to general aviation. Rep. Bobby Scott (D-Va.) directly asked Transportation Security Administration (TSA) chief John Magaw to describe how TSA's original mission, to ensure safe and efficient transportation systems, would not be lost if it is moved under the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Homeland Security Director Tom Ridge replied that many agencies with many missions will be incorporated into Homeland Security, and that no part of the mission will be sacrificed in the move or synthesis into DHS. "We are continuing to work with Congress on the transfer of TSA–it's critical that the agency doesn't lose sight of the need for general aviation and an efficient aviation system while addressing national security," said AOPA President Phil Boyer. "We cannot let our transportation system become a casualty in this war."
| | GA�News | HONDA-POWERED JET TAKES OFF
A Cessna Citation CJ1 recently made test flights with a Honda jet engine mounted to the aircraft. Currently Honda engineers are at work in a leased hangar at Atlantic Aero in Greensboro, North Carolina, where the Honda engine has replaced one of the two Williams-Rolls Royce FJ44-1A engines on the business jet. The Honda engine is believed to produce 2,200 pounds of thrust, based on Honda statements made years ago, compared to the 1,900 pounds provided by each of the CJ1's present engines. Since 1986, Honda has conducted research in the United States on a business jet and its engines. The goal is a four- to five-passenger, entry-level, twin-engine, all-composite jet. Honda has formed a partnership with Atlantic Aero for the development of the engines and aircraft.
TWO AIRCRAFT CRASH IN CALIFORNIA CANYON
A formation flight that went tragically wrong resulted in the crash of two aircraft, killing six people, on June 30 when three aircraft flying in trail entered a box canyon in California's Los Padres National Forest. Two V-tail Beech BE35 Bonanzas were unable to outclimb a canyon wall and crashed below the 6,000-foot ridgeline 27 nm northwest of Camarillo, California, killing three people aboard each aircraft. The third airplane was able to climb to safety. A group of eight pilots left Van Nuys Airport Sunday morning en route to Oceano County Airport near Pismo Beach for lunch. Remaining aircraft flying higher in formation were able to climb away from the canyon.
DEAL TO BUY 1,000 ECLIPSE JETS SPOOLS DOWN
Nimbus Group Inc.'s plan to buy 1,000 jets from Eclipse Aviation for an air taxi business is now off. Nimbus was unable to come up with the needed $5.86 million deposit for the first 70 aircraft by the June 30 contract deadline. Nimbus also announced that two of its board members, Miguel Cauvi and Charles Horner, resigned because of other personal commitments. Eclipse is scheduled to roll out its first Eclipse 500 light jet this weekend.
ROBINSON ANNOUNCES NEW HELICOPTER
 Robinson Helicopter Company announced that it is accepting orders for its new R44 Raven II. The helicopter has more power, a higher gross weight, a 28-volt electrical system, and better high-altitude performance. Robinson expects to receive the FAA type certificate in late August or early September. The base price of $335,000 is $28,000 higher than that of the current R44 Raven. See the Web site.
For daily news updates, see AOPA Online.
| Inside AOPA
| {SPEC1}
AOPA�SUPPORTS�FAA's TRAFFIC, WEATHER�LINK
Imagine one day in the near future looking at a multifunction display (MFD) in your cockpit and seeing virtually the same traffic information as air traffic control. Oh, and by the way, your MFD also shows you the latest weather, both text and graphical. That is the promise that ADS-B–automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast–holds for general aviation, and it is one very large step closer to reality now that the FAA has decided what systems will be used for "linking" the information to aircraft. The FAA expects to have part of the ground infrastructure in place within four years. ADS-B is to be in widespread use among air carriers within a decade. Currently, there are no plans to make ADS-B equipment mandatory for GA aircraft. "AOPA has been a strong advocate for ADS-B and was actively involved in testing the system through Project Capstone in Alaska," said Randy Kenagy, AOPA director of advanced technology. "While it may not be right for every pilot, we are excited about the promise this system, and others like it being offered by non-governmental providers, holds for pilots." See AOPA�Online.
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| On Capitol Hill
| MEIGS BILL ON THE MOVE
AOPA learned from Congressional leaders yesterday that the House intends to bring the bill that would save Chicago's Meigs Field, the National Aviation Capacity Expansion Act (H.R. 3479), to the floor for a vote next week. In an important step for passage, the Bush administration has indicated its support. Over on the Senate side, Majority Leader Tom Daschle (D-S.D.) has pledged that he will use all of his options and those of the Senate to pass the legislation this year. "We are optimistic about this bill being considered by Congress and sent to the president," said AOPA President Phil Boyer.
| Airport Support Network
| VOLUNTEER OF THE WEEK–LIONEL SCHUMAN
AOPA Airport Support Network volunteer Lionel Schuman has recruited prominent members of the Punta Gorda, Florida, community who are interested in aviation and the Charlotte County Airport (PGD) to serve on a new committee that he created. Called the Executive Director's Community Resource Advisory Committee, the group presently consists of 10 members, including the vice mayor of the City Council, a radio and TV personality, an engineer, a former airline executive, a control tower operator, a former city councilman, an avionics CEO, and others. Their first meeting went well and the group will continue to meet on a needed basis. This is a positive asset to the airport and general aviation community.
To learn more about the Airport Support Network, visit AOPA�Online.
| AOPA�Air Safety Foundation News
| ASF UPDATES SAFETY ADVISOR
There are two kinds of airports: Those with operating control towers and those without. The AOPA Air Safety Foundation's Operations at Towered Airports Safety Advisor has been updated. Download your copy from AOPA Online.
| Quiz Me!
| Here's a question asked by an AOPA member last week of our AOPA technical specialists. Test your knowledge.
Question: Where can I find the weight-bearing capacity for runways?
Answer: Runway data can be found in the Airport/Facility Directory (A/FD). Each directory contains a legend in the front of the book. The legend explains the categories and assigns a code to each. The individual airport listings in the book provide the appropriate category, by code and weight capacity, for each runway.
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
| | 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.
| What's New At AOPA�Online
| See how the general aviation industry faired after the September 11 terrorist attacks in the first quarter 2002 AOPA General Aviation Trends Report. It's available on AOPA Online.
| Weekend Weather
| See the current weather on AOPA�Online, provided by Meteorlogix.
| ePilot Calendar
| WEEKEND FLYING DESTINATIONS
Dayton, Ohio. The Vectren Dayton Air Show takes place July 20 and 21 at Dayton International Airport (DAY). U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, Venom/MiG-17 "Iron Curtain" Dogfight, more. See the Web site.
Waupaca, Wisconsin. The Cessna Owner Organization Annual Gathering takes place July 20 through 22 at Waupaca Municipal Airport (PCZ). Contact Kurt Harrington, 888/692-3776, ext. 118, or visit the Web site.
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 scheduled in Pittsburgh, and Seattle, July 20 and 21. Clinics are also scheduled in San Diego, Jacksonville, Florida, and Baltimore, July 27 and 28. 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 Jacksonville, Florida, and San Diego on July 28. For more Pinch-Hitter courses, see AOPA Online.
ASF SAFETY SEMINARS
AOPA Air Safety Foundation Safety Seminars are scheduled in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, July 24 through 27. The topics vary. For the complete schedule, see AOPA�Online.
To make submissions to the calendar, visit AOPA Online. For comments on calendar items, e-mail [email protected].
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