New Mexico Scientist Wins AOPA 2001 Membership Sweepstakes Bonanza
A scientist from Los Alamos, New Mexico, has won the 2001 AOPA Membership Sweepstakes Beechcraft Bonanza. The sleek 1966 V35 model had been transformed over the past year into the highest-technology aircraft ever awarded by AOPA.
AOPA President Phil Boyer surprised 50-year-old Norman Elliott (AOPA 796525) and his wife Joyce with the news, which was delivered via a telephone call during what Elliott believed was the taping of a television interview on an aspect of his work at Los Alamos National Laboratories (LANL).
Elliott and his wife, both LANL employees in the Polymers and Coatings Group of the Materials Science Technology Division, were caught on videotape whooping with joy and embracing as Boyer delivered the news.
Joyce Elliott, who told Boyer she flies "all the time" with the winner in their current aircraft, a Mooney 201, did a double-take when told of the award. "A Bonanza?" she asked. "An airplane Bonanza?"
Elliott, who holds commercial pilot and CFI certificates, is both instrument and multiengine rated, and has been a member of AOPA since 1982. He has about 1,500 hours.
The 2002-2003 AOPA Membership Sweepstakes will feature a completely refurbished UPF-7 Waco three-seat biplane.
AOPA defending your right to fly
GA Security Issues Forced by Florida Crash; FAA Adopts Many AOPA Suggestions
Additional security measures for flight schools nationwide were recommended January 9 by the FAA, just four days after a 15-year-old student pilot in Florida stole a 2000-model Cessna 172 and flew it into a tall Tampa office building.
Several of the recommendations had been developed by AOPA and other general aviation groups and submitted to the FAA nearly a month earlier (see " AOPA, Others Advance Plan for GA Security," this page).
The Tampa crash fanned flames of public fear and indignation about a perceived lack of security at smaller airports. AOPA President Phil Boyer appeared on several television news programs immediately following the crash, pointing out for those not familiar with general aviation that while security is needed, measures appropriate for large airline airports are not needed — and would not work — at small GA airports. "One size does not fit all," he told viewers. Other AOPA officials appeared on talk shows and answered hundreds of media queries (see " Active AOPA Defense Followed Crash," p. 18).
Although the FAA recommendations issued in January are limited to training environments and are voluntary, many flight schools nationwide reported implementing the security controls immediately. Other AOPA-suggested security precautions are still under consideration by the FAA and security officials.
Among the FAA's recommendations to flight schools:
- Positively identify a student or renter pilot before allowing access to an aircraft.
- Control aircraft ignition keys so that the student can't start the aircraft until the instructor is ready for the flight to begin.
- Have flight instructors supervise students closely, regardless of age, with special surveillance for presolo students.
- Consider requiring a medical certificate prior to beginning flight training, since a mental condition could be disqualifying.
- Place signs at airports warning against tampering with or unauthorized use of aircraft, and providing phone numbers for reporting suspicious activity.
- Train employees to be on the lookout for suspicious activity around the airport.
"Nonpilots often don't understand that general aviation is a very close-knit community," Boyer said. "Suspicious activities or persons who seem out of place in such a small community immediately raise warning flags, and that's one of the best forms of security an airport can have."
AOPA, Others Advance Plan for GA Security
A plan to enhance general aviation security was submitted December 12 to the new Transportation Security Administration by three GA organizations, including AOPA.
Although some of the suggestions are still under consideration, in early January the FAA adopted portions as recommendations to improve security at flight schools.
The plan was developed with the help of internationally recognized security and terrorism expert Adm. Cathal Flynn, the former FAA associate administrator for civil aviation security.
Highlights of the plan are:
New, difficult-to-counterfeit pilot certificates with a photograph of the pilot. First-time applicants would need a government-issued photo ID to prove their country of citizenship before obtaining a U.S. pilot certificate.
Review of all existing and new pilot certificates to ensure that no pilot is on any terrorist "watch list."
Appropriate steps by aircraft owners to prevent the theft of their aircraft.
Identity verification of aircraft renters and purchasers.
Pilot verification of passenger identities and assurance that passengers know what's in their baggage.
Ongoing pilot lookouts for suspicious activity on or near an airport. Airports should post signs warning against tampering with aircraft or unauthorized use of aircraft, and include phone numbers for reporting suspicious activity.
A complete copy of the plan is available on the AOPA Web site ( www.aopa.org/whatsnew/newsitems/2001/ 011212_security_recommendations_v31.html).
Active AOPA Defense Followed Crash
Shortly after 15-year-old Charles Bishop crashed a stolen Cessna 172 into a Tampa, Florida, bank building on January 5, AOPA was defending general aviation on dozens of television and radio news and talk shows, and being quoted in newspapers from coast to coast.
"This was not a breach of security, this was an abuse of trust," AOPA President Phil Boyer told Americans. "An apparently troubled young man who had legitimate access to an aircraft abused the trust of his flight instructor and stole the airplane with tragic results."
Boyer appeared on multiple shows on CNN in the hours following the crash, including The Point. He also appeared on The News with Brian Williams on MSNBC, The NewsHour with Jim Lehrer on PBS, and the Sam Donaldson — Live in America radio show.
AOPA Vice President of Communications Warren Morningstar was interviewed on ABC's World News Tonight, while Keith Mordoff, senior vice president of communications, appeared on numerous nationally syndicated radio programs. Both officials — and other members of the AOPA communications staff — also provided accurate information on GA to hundreds of print journalists in the hours and days following the crash.
Raleigh-Durham Class B not Needed, AOPA Says
AOPA told the FAA in January that Raleigh-Durham International Airport in North Carolina is no longer busy enough to qualify for Class B airspace.
"In light of the shutdown of Midway Airlines in September and the general decline in air travel due to the economic recession, traffic counts at RDU have decreased dramatically, and it is unlikely that the airport will continue to meet the criteria necessary to establish Class B airspace," said Heidi J. Williams, AOPA associate director of air traffic services, in formal comments submitted January 2.
At informal airspace meetings held in early December, as well as in formal comments, AOPA joined local pilots in recommending that the FAA conduct a complete reevaluation of need for the airspace reclassification.
AOPA Rebukes Restrictions at Florida Airports
AOPA in December challenged newly imposed restrictions on touch-and-go landings at GA airports in Fort Pierce and Vero Beach, Florida.
"It's unbelievable to think that local entities will take it upon themselves to become air traffic controllers, a domain reserved for the federal government," said Bill Dunn, AOPA vice president of regional affairs.
AOPA told the St. Lucie Board of Commissioners and the City of Vero Beach that they must clearly justify recent limitations on touch-and-go landings at their airports because such constraints are likely a violation of federal aviation regulations.
Both airports — each a home for large and busy flight schools — had blocked all touch and goes on Sundays and federal holidays, limiting them to 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays.
AOPA Helps GA Tax Relief in Massachusetts; Reports Wins in Other States
AOPA's two-year crusade for aviation-tax relief in Massachusetts will be realized this month when aircraft and aircraft parts sold in the state will become exempt from a 5-percent sales and use tax.
An amendment to the state's just-approved 2002 budget carried the precise intent of H.B.3207, which eliminated the tax.
"Pilots will see the results in their wallets. A tax reduction is indeed a rare win for GA," said Andy Cebula, AOPA senior vice president of government and technical affairs.
Cebula noted that Massachusetts is now in line with neighbors Delaware, New Hampshire, and Connecticut, which provide aviation tax relief at different levels.
Nationwide, AOPA reviewed more than 300 state legislative issues last year and was active in several noteworthy actions. Among the wins: a new law in Texas calling for a state-owned airport in the Austin area; an additional $3 million for Colorado airport projects; and thwarting attempts to eliminate the Wyoming Aeronautics Commission.
Karant Journalism Entries Due April 16
Entries for AOPA's 2002 Max Karant Awards for Excellence in Aviation Coverage are due by Tuesday, April 16.
The $1,000 awards are presented annually in the categories of print, television/cable news or short feature, television/cable program length, and radio. They are designed to encourage fair, accurate, and insightful reporting of general aviation in the general (nonaviation trade) media.
"These awards help highlight the important role GA plays in our economy and our daily lives," said Warren Morningstar, AOPA vice president of communications. "AOPA members who saw print or broadcast reports in 2001 that met the contest criteria should encourage the journalist to enter the contest."
Works published or broadcast for public consumption from January 1 through December 31, 2001, are eligible. Participants may submit up to three entries. Previous cash award winners are ineligible. The contest is judged by the Karant Awards Committee composed of media professionals with aviation expertise.
Complete rules are included on entry forms available on AOPA's Web site ( www.aopa.org/special/karant/) or through Patricia L. Rishel, AOPA Communications, 421 Aviation Way, Frederick, Maryland 21701 (301/695-2157). There is no entry fee.
The Karant Awards will be presented to winners in person during AOPA Expo 2002 in Palm Springs, California, October 24 to 26.
The awards memorialize the former newsman and founder/editor of AOPA Pilot magazine, Max Karant.
MEMBERSHIP ACTION
AOPA Membership Guide on CD-ROM Includes Airport Directory
AOPA's membership guide is now available on CD-ROM, with full information on all AOPA services and publications. Links provide direct access to key AOPA Web pages, forms, and important phone numbers.
In addition, the entire AOPA's Airport Directory is on the disk, and can be reviewed on screen, downloaded to a PDA, and printed in a handy "kneeboard" format.
The new AOPA Membership Guide on CD-ROM is now part of every AOPA membership renewal kit.
The CD requires a PC-compatible system with at least a 200-MHz Pentium (or similar) processor, 32 MB of ram, Windows 95 or higher, an 8X or better CD-ROM drive, 20 MB of hard-disk space, and video/audio components.
AOPA Guide on Buying Aircraft Available
An all-new AOPA guide to buying aircraft offers step-by-step advice on the purchasing process, with tips for making the transaction less stressful.
Aircraft Ownership, An AOPA Guide on Buying an Aircraft is free to AOPA members on the AOPA Web site and is also available in hard copy.
The new AOPA guide uses an 11-item checklist to help pilots move from prepurchase research to the fun of flying a personal aircraft. Links to pertinent Web pages add additional information.
It is available as a PDF document online ( www.aopa.org/info/certified/aircraft_buying_guide.pdf) or in hard copy by calling AOPA.
New 'Limit of Liability' Option Available
A new "limit of liability" optional coverage for aircraft renters insurance is now available from the AOPA Insurance Agency . The option lowers the cost of protection against claims for damage to nonowned aircraft, including loss of use.
The new option, with an annual premium of $125 and a liability limit of $5,000 for damage to nonowned aircraft, more closely matches average deductibles of fixed-base operator policies that otherwise protect the aircraft. The lowest nonowned aircraft damage liability limit previously available was $10,000.
The new optional limit is available to aircraft renters who purchase bodily injury and property damage insurance, from the AOPA Insurance Agency with overall limits ranging from $250,000 to $1 million and sublimits of $25,000 to $100,000 per passenger.
Ferguson, Pfeifer Named AOPA Regional Representatives
Two longtime government advocates for general aviation were tapped in December to be AOPA regional representatives for members in the western United States.
Mike Ferguson, a commercial pilot with instrument and multiengine ratings, will represent the more than 20,000 AOPA members in Oregon, Washington, Idaho, and Montana. He recently retired as the administrator of the Montana Aeronautics Division. Ferguson replaces Ray Costello, who had held the AOPA regional representative position since the mid-1980s.
John L. Pfeifer, former manager of the FAA's San Francisco Airports District Office and 2001 winner of AOPA's Crotti Award for exceptional service to California GA, was named AOPA regional representative for the 46,334 AOPA members in that state. He succeeds Jack Kemmerly, who earlier this year accepted a position as director of the AOPA regional representative program.
The 13 AOPA regional representatives concentrate on state and local aviation issues for the benefit of AOPA members.
AOPA AIRPORT SUPPORT NETWORK
Volunteer of the Month: Susan McAllister
A plan to replace Steamboat Springs/Bob Adams Field airport in Colorado with a racetrack and affordable housing was thwarted in December by Susan McAllister, AOPA's Airport Support Network volunteer of the month.
The October proposal by developers would have closed the popular airport, which serves the heavily resort-oriented economy of Steamboat Springs with nearly 11,000 takeoffs or landings a year.
McAllister, an AOPA ASN volunteer since mid-2001, co-owner of Steamboat Soaring Adventures (see " Soaring in Paradise," p. 86), and president of the local aviators group, used several AOPA resources to help quickly organize an airport support group. (The complete list of resources is in " AOPA Action," January Pilot). Pilots, along with air ambulance operator Mountain Flight Service, joined with business owners, physicians, and public safety officials to help educate the community on the value of the airport.
"Most people just aren't aware of how this airport serves our town," said McAllister. "We continue to work to get the word out."
In December, some 40 of the supporters attended a Steamboat Springs City Council meeting where the project was discussed. Both pilots and business owners spoke of the economic value of the airport, while local medical doctors reminded city councilors of the need for air ambulance service in the relatively isolated northwest Colorado community. No members of the public spoke in opposition to the airport, and city councilors voted unanimously to continue operation of the airport.
"We know how valuable airports are, but often city officials don't," said Mark Lowdermilk, AOPA ASN program manager. "Volunteers like Susan are the key to preserving GA airports nationwide."
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
Alaska. Anchorage: AOPA ASN volunteer Brent Cole is working to preserve GA parking at Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport, after officials announced plans to appropriate the parking area for salt and sand storage. Complicating the issue is the fact that alternate tiedown facilities at adjacent Lake Hood Strip and Seaplane Base are not expected to be available until late next year. Juneau: AOPA ASN volunteer Jeannie Johnson has been elected to represent the city and borough of Juneau in the City Assembly. Johnson has represented GA on the Juneau International Airport Board of Directors since 1997 and will remain active in airport issues.
Iowa. Cedar Rapids: Eastern Iowa Airport will be the official host for Fly Iowa 2003, the planned statewide fly-in and aviation fair celebrating the centennial of powered flight. AOPA ASN volunteer Jack Else won that designation with a November presentation to the Iowa Aviation Promotion Group. Des Moines: Plans for a badly needed parallel runway at Des Moines International Airport were preserved after well-reasoned arguments by several pilots at an airport board meeting in December. Airport officials had recommended delaying construction of the new 5,500-foot runway, which would serve primarily GA aircraft. AOPA ASN volunteer Chris Andrews coordinated the show of support.
Kentucky. Louisville: A survey of 100 users of Bowman Field by AOPA ASN volunteer David Parrish revealed a widespread desire for lower hangar rental fees, studies for installation of an ILS, and representation at Louisville Regional Airport Authority meetings. Parrish carried the results to a November 13 meeting with airport management.
New Jersey. Teterboro: ATC officials at Teterboro Airport are working with AOPA ASN volunteer Stephen Riethof and airport users on a proposal to change the existing Class D airspace to Class C, or even incorporate the area into the overlying New York Class B airspace. AOPA's Air Traffic Services department is tracking the proposal.
Oklahoma. Goldsby: AOPA ASN volunteer Amy Padgett-McCue, who represents David Jay Perry Airport, will be secretary and newsletter editor for the Oklahoma Pilots Association this year. She has been on the association's board of directors for two years.
Tennessee. Chattanooga: AOPA ASN volunteer Don Henson is working with Chattanooga/Hamilton County Airport President Mark VanLoh to build more hangars at Lovell Field Airport.
Texas. Addison: A reduction in the planned height of two residential high-rise buildings to be built just southeast of Addison Airport will negate any effect on approaches at the airport, reports AOPA ASN volunteer Keith Craigo. In addition, pressure from the Addison Business Aviation Association, coordinated by Craigo, led the developer to grant an aviation easement guaranteeing that prospective residents of the buildings would be notified of their proximity to the airport.
West Virginia. Lewisburg: AOPA ASN volunteer Michael Sheridan presented the AOPA Air Safety Foundation's Seminar-In-A-Box on "Weather, ATC, and You" in November to about 35 pilots based at Greenbrier Valley Airport and other nearby airports. Sheridan used the program as part of a campaign to help build a sense of community for pilots based in the area.
Wisconsin. Middleton: AOPA ASN volunteer Diane Ballweg is teaching an aviation class at Edgewood High School. Students are taking introductory flights at both Morey Airport near Middleton and Dane County Regional-Truax Field in Madison.
AOPA AIR SAFETY FOUNDATION
ASF Wraps Up Record-Setting 2001, Starts Focused 2002 Outreach
More than 94,000 pilots in all corners of the United States viewed AOPA Air Safety Foundation programs in 2001, a new all-time record.
About 59,000 of those successfully completed roughly 750 seminars, clinics, courses, and online classes offered throughout the year, while another 35,000 new pilots and freshly instrument-rated pilots received special Project V safety videos during the year. Better yet, preliminary FAA and NTSB statistics indicate the number of GA accidents continued to decline in 2001, with the possibility of another new all-time low in GA accidents when final statistics are published.
Seminars: Live and Boxed
"Collision Avoidance" was the best attended of the classic ASF live safety seminars in 2001, followed by "GPS for VFR" and "Fuel Awareness." The 2002 slate will offer about 175 of the live seminars, with the new "Spatial Disorientation" offered in the first half of the year and "Single-Pilot IFR" in the second half.
Bruce Landsberg, ASF executive director, said the 2002 live seminars would be concentrated in more urban areas, reaching the largest number of pilots possible.
An estimated 11,250 pilots in rural areas benefited in 2001 from some 400 Seminar-In-A-Box kits, a dramatic rise from the 250 kits shipped in 2000. "GPS for VFR" was the most popular of the series, followed by "Airspace Refresher" and "Never Again." The Seminar-In-A-Box presentations for local pilot groups will continue to be available in 2002.
Information on ASF seminars is available online ( www.aopa.org/asf/seminars/).
Flight Instructor Refresher Clinics
The highly acclaimed live ASF Flight Instructor Refresher Clinics (FIRCs) remained as popular as ever in 2001, helping some 6,650 flight instructors remain current.
But the number of the traditional live FIRCs is expected to decrease slightly this year, as ASF's new Web-based CFI Renewal Online course gains popularity. First offered in June 2001, the graphically rich, interactive online course allows an instructor to complete the curriculum at his or her own pace, in the convenience of an office or home. In its first six months, the joint venture of ASF and Jeppesen Sanderson Inc. signed up more than 1,100 instructors.
A revitalized Pinch-Hitter® program for nonpilot spouses, held in conjunction with some FIRCs and at AOPA Expo last year, graduated 530 flying companions. The program has been gaining popularity rapidly since its reintroduction in 1998.
Full information and schedules for both FIRCs and Pinch-Hitter courses are available online ( www.aopa.org/asf/firc/).
Online Safety Courses
Three new ASF Web-based safety courses introduced in 2001 are now online:
Skyspotter has already taught more than 2,200 pilots how to formulate and deliver a high-quality pilot report (pirep). The course is cosponsored by the FAA and the National Weather Service.
Runway Safety Program is designed to reduce runway incursions. Those completing the three-module interactive course earn a certificate that satisfies the ground school requirement for the FAA "Wings" proficiency program.
Operation Airspace 2002 was originally presented as "Operation Airspace" in live ASF seminars. The free program reviews temporary ?light restrictions, the critical importance of notams in flight planning, and how to react if intercepted by patrolling fighter jets.
All three online ASF courses are available from the ASF Web site ( www.aopa.org/asf/).
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