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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
| JETCRUZER SUSPENDED TO CONCENTRATE ON MOONEY
Advanced Aerodynamics & Structures, Inc. (AASI), the new owner of Mooney Aircraft Co., has suspended development of the Jetcruzer 500 single-engine turboprop and will concentrate on getting Mooney operating, says Dale Ruhmel, vice president of operations. AASI has changed its name to Mooney Aerospace Group, and plans to look at other acquisitions in addition to Mooney. Mooney Aerospace Chairman and CEO Roy Norris visited Raytheon Aircraft recently to discuss acquisition of the piston aircraft line there, according to a Raytheon Aircraft official. Negotiations concerning the acquisition of Century Aerospace, a firm developing a six-seat twin-engine business jet, are continuing.
HOUSE MEMBERS ASK AOPA HELP TO SAVE GA RELIEF BILL
Congressional leaders are asking AOPA for help with the general aviation relief bill. Leaders of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee wrote AOPA President Phil Boyer this week, recognizing the critical role AOPA has played so far in the General Aviation Reparations Act of 2002 (H.R. 3347). But the House leadership has agreed to a Bush administration request to prevent a vote on the measure. "I am deeply concerned with the situation we find ourselves in. If there is not some willingness among congressional leaders and the White House to get this bill moving, I believe any chance to provide relief for general aviation businesses could be doomed," Boyer said. The letter, signed by Chairman Don Young (R-Alaska), Jim Oberstar (D-Minn.), John Mica (R-Fla.) and Bill Lipinksi (D-Ill.), said GA is the "forgotten victim" of the terrorist attacks on the United States. AOPA outlined a proposed bill on September 13 to help small GA businesses (flight schools, independent FBOs, etc.) affected by the September 11 airspace shutdown. It would have cost the government $450 million. Since then, both the scope and the cost have expanded; the version pending before the House totals $5.5 billion.
WHAT DOES A BIPLANE HAVE IN COMMON WITH A JET FIGHTE  R?
The canopy, as soon as Classic Waco Aircraft Corporation of Battle Creek, Michigan, completes the design process. The company is developing a bubble canopy for the rear cockpit of its Waco YMF-5, last of the Waco barnstormers, so that owners in the frozen North can enjoy their aircraft during winter months. The canopy, which resembles that of an F-16 Fighting Falcon, still has to be certified. The company has built five or six airplanes a year since it was founded, and just delivered its 100th new Waco YMF-5. This one has equipment never dreamed of by the barnstormers: The rear cockpit has a Garmin 530 display while the front cockpit, which seats two, has a Bendix/King moving map. The new owner is taking training in the aircraft and will take it home to Cleveland soon.
NEW PIPER STREAMLINES PRODUCTION METHODS
Flashing lights now mark New Piper Aircraft production in the company's Vero Beach, Florida, factory. Part of a new production process spearheaded by John Gallo, vice president of operations, blue lights mean a process--such as painting or an interior installation--is completed. Workers who complete a task turn on a blue light and head off to help their coworkers. Red lights signal low parts inventory levels on the production line and initiate restocking. The communication method is part of a plan to modernize general aviation manufacturing methods that have changed little in 40 years. Gallo said the process of converting the entire plant to what is dubbed the "Factory of the Future" will be completed next year.
AOPA OPPOSES MANDATORY CESSNA RUDDER AD
In response to an Airworthiness Concern Sheet (ACS) issued by the FAA, AOPA has recommended against mandatory airworthiness action on rudder gust locks installed on certain Cessna 402, 414, and 421 airplanes. The ACS highlighted an incident in which an operator experienced a rudder jam resulting from deformation of the rudder gust lock mechanism. The type club, Twin Cessna Flyer, the Cessna Pilots Association, and AOPA responded to the ACS stating that they had received no reports of rudder jamming resulting from damaged rudder gust locks on Cessna 400 series airplanes, pointing out that inspection and release of the rudder gust lock is spelled out in Cessna's published preflight inspection procedures. "A pilot's failure to conduct a thorough preflight inspection is an operational issue rather than an airworthiness concern," said Melissa Bailey, AOPA vice president of regulatory policy. "A Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin reminding pilots to inspect and release rudder gust locks during preflight is the most appropriate means to mitigate this concern."
For daily news updates, see AOPA Online.
| Inside AOPA
| AOPA CONCERNED BY POSSIBLE BURBANK NIGHTTIME BAN
The Burbank (California) Airport Authority might use an FAA noise study to enact an overnight curfew at Burbank-Glendale-Pasadena Airport (BUR), a tactic that raises serious concerns for AOPA. The proposal is contained in an ongoing FAA Part 161 study, which is typically used to implement noise procedures for older jet aircraft or large airliners. However, the Burbank proposal would close the airport to all operations between the hours of 10 p.m. and 7 a.m. This is the first time this process has been used to attempt a curfew affecting all aircraft. Even though this is only a draft, it raises questions about whether this is appropriate use of the FAA process. AOPA encourages members who use BUR to offer their comments on the financial impact of this proposal on their operations. See the Web site.
AOPA TO HAVE INPUT ON ENGINE, PROPELLER AD ISSUES
The FAA has told AOPA that it will now include engine and propeller issues in the Airworthiness Concern Process (ACP). The ACP is a cooperative effort between the aviation industry and the FAA to allow industry input into the development of airworthiness issues before, or even in lieu of, a proposed or final AD. The ACP has been used to address airframe issues for two years. "This agreement will result in a substantial increase in AOPA's and other interested parties' participation in the AD process," said Lance Nuckolls, AOPA director of air traffic, regulatory, and certification policy. As the GA fleet continues to age and manufacturer support continues to dwindle, increased industry participation in the development of airworthiness actions is necessary to ensure the continued operational viability of the GA piston fleet.
COLORADO LEGISLATURE HONORS AOPA
Legislators in Colorado's Senate and House of Representatives honored AOPA President Phil Boyer for the organization's efforts after the September 11 attacks to keep U.S. skies open. Boyer said the job is not yet done. "Even now, eight months after the attacks, there are those who see general aviation as an unregulated wildcard that poses a national security risk. We at AOPA will continue to speak out and to educate the public at large. Individual pilots can also help by 'flying friendly,' and by speaking up when they hear misinformed statements about general aviation."
LEARN ABOUT SPATIAL DISORIENTATION AT THE AOPA FLY-IN
This year at AOPA's twelfth annual Fly-In, not only can you learn about spatial disorientation, you can experience it. The AOPA Air Safety Foundation will host a seminar on the dangers of spatial disorientation, how to recognize it, and how to deal with it. ASF and the FAA have just completed a study on spatial disorientation. You can hear the results of the study during the seminar, which is open to all pilots, not just AOPA members. The event is at the Frederick (Maryland) Municipal Airport on Saturday, June 1. For more, see AOPA Online. Changing your mailing or e-mail addresses? Click here to update.
| | On Capitol Hill | CHICAGO AIRPORT BILLS PROGRESS
The AOPA-supported Senate and House bills (S. 2039/H.R. 3479), that will preserve Chicago's flagship GA airport Meigs Field for another 25 years, expand O'Hare International, and expedite the creation of a new airport at Peotone, continue to gain momentum in the Senate. Fifty-seven senators signed onto a letter being circulated in the Senate requesting floor consideration of S. 2039. AOPA continues to press for passage of the legislation approved last month by the Senate Commerce Committee.
TRANSPORTATION BILL ON SLOW BOAT
The Transportation appropriations bill for fiscal year 2003 is likely to be one of the last appropriations bills passed this year, AOPA Legislative Affairs has learned from a senior House Appropriations staff member. The main issue of contention is the Transportation Security Administration's (TSA) budget request; House and Senate members feel they need further justification for the $4.8 billion requested in 2003. At a recent House Transportation Appropriations subcommittee hearing on the TSA budget request, Chairman Harold Rogers (R-Ky.) said the subcommittee needed specifics and will not be patient with TSA much longer.
| Airport Support Network
| VOLUNTEER OF THE WEEK-- KEITH TAYLOR
Airport Support Network volunteer Keith Taylor notified AOPA on April 30 that the University of North Carolina is going to close its Horace Williams Airport (IGX). The privately owned, public-use airport is not protected by use of federal grants. Tenant leases are due to expire at the end of June and the owners will be advised to seek accommodations elsewhere. University Chancellor James Moeser wants to close the airport because it requires major safety-related improvements and is more valuable if developed into the university property. Moeser is relocating the airplanes serving the North Carolina Area Health Education Centers Program to Raleigh-Durham International Airport. AOPA sent a letter to Moeser on May 1 expressing the need for the airport and seeking an opportunity to discuss the matter in person.
To learn more about the Airport Support Network, visit AOPA Online
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AOPA�Air Safety Foundation News
| TRINIDAD AUCTION REACHES $306,000
Bidding to benefit the AOPA Air Safety Foundation on a donated new Socata Trinidad GT Spirit of Liberty through the Air Safety Foundation's Online Silent Auction have reached $306,000. The paint scheme includes American and French flags that wraps to the tail. The plane is fully equipped with state-of-the art avionics. There is still plenty of time to place a bid: the auction closes August 31. The airplane will be on display June 1 at the AOPA Fly-In in Frederick, Maryland. To view this item, please visit the Web site.
| Quiz Me!
| Here's a question asked by an AOPA member last week of our AOPA technical specialists. Test your knowledge.
Question: I've lost my medical certificate. How do I get a duplicate copy?
Answer: To obtain a duplicate medical certificate, you may contact the FAA at 800/350-5286; pick selection 5, then selection 4, then selection 1 on the telephone menu. The message will instruct you to send your signed request for a duplicate medical certificate, along with a check for $2, to the Federal Aviation Administration, Attention: AMZ-320, Post Office Box 25770, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73125-4915. Processing time for a duplicate medical is at least 30 days. If you need a medical certificate sooner than that, contact the medical specialists at the AOPA Pilot Information Center at 800/872-2672 for assistance.
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.
| AOPA Sweepstakes Waco Update
| A QUIET TIME FOR THE WACO, READY FOR A MOVE
Since our Centennial of Flight Sweepstakes Waco UPF-7 was disassembled following pre-cover assembly, the project has entered a quiet period. For one thing, the Rare Aircraft company is moving its workshop, and our Waco, from Faribault, Minnesota, to Owatonna Degner Regional Airport, the company's headquarters located a few miles away. While that is happening over the next month or two, Rare Aircraft owner Roy Redman is drawing up schematics for the avionics that will be installed in our aircraft. Back in the shop, a landing gear jack strut that goes from the lower wing to one of the landing gear was found to be dented and worn, and is being rebuilt. All's quiet until these behind-the-scenes tasks are accomplished. Look for the airplane to debut at AOPA Expo in October. For more on the project, see AOPA Online.
| Weekend Weather
| See the current weather on AOPA�Online, provided by Meteorlogix.
| ePilot Calendar
| WEEKEND FLYING DESTINATIONS
Glenville, New York. The Empire State Aviation Museum Airshow takes place May 25 and 26 at Schenectady County Airport (SCH). Expected performers include the Blue Angles, Iron Eagles, Nikolay Timofeev, and a Canadian F-18 demonstration. Visit the Web site for more information.
Columbia, Missouri. Salute to Veterans Airshow takes place May 25 through 27 at Columbia Regional Airport (COU). Featuring Canadian Snowbirds, U.S. Army Golden Knights, A-10 Thunderbolt, and B-2 flyover. Visit the Web site for more information.
Frederick, Maryland. The AOPA Annual Fly-in and Open House takes place June 1 at AOPA Headquarters on Frederick Municipal Airport (FDK). Mark your calendar for June 1 and plan to join AOPA for this annual event! Visit your organization's headquarters and meet the staff dedicated to serving the general aviation industry. For more information, call 888/462-3976 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 Phoenix, and San Jose, California, June 1 and 2. Clinics are scheduled in Columbus, Ohio, and Austin, Texas, June 8 and 9. 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 School will take place in San Jose, California, on June 2. For more Pinch-Hitter courses, see AOPA Online.
ASF SAFETY SEMINARS
AOPA Air Safety Foundation Safety Seminars are scheduled in Catonsville (Baltimore), Maryland, May 28, and Frederick, Maryland, June 1. Topics vary. For complete information, 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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