Fighting the 'Pilot Insecurity' Rules
AOPA has taken the fight against the "pilot insecurity" rules directly to Congress. Those rules were put into effect January 24 without prior public notice or comment. They direct the FAA to revoke the airman certificate of anyone that the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) determines is a threat to transportation or national security. But the process provides no independent review. A pilot can only appeal the threat determination back to the TSA, and the TSA, because of national security concerns, doesn't have to reveal the information implicating the pilot. The TSA has not made public the criteria used for determining if a pilot is a threat.
AOPA is attacking the rules on multiple fronts, with its primary focus on Congress. The TSA took the authority to issue the rules from the Aviation and Transportation Security Act of 2001. But the association believes that the TSA went beyond the intent of Congress.
In February, AOPA President Phil Boyer and senior AOPA staff began a round of visits on Capitol Hill, calling on some of the most influential members of Congress, including Senate aviation subcommittee chairman Trent Lott (R-Miss.) and House Transportation and Infrastructure ranking member James Oberstar (D-Minn.), as well as freshman members of Congress (and AOPA members) Michael Burgess (R-Texas) and Chris Chocola (R-Ind.).
"Our goal is to sensitize members of Congress to the issue," said Boyer. "And everyone we've talked to so far agrees. While they share our concern for security, they also think these rules violate due process, and that a pilot should have an avenue of appeal to an independent party, not the TSA."
One of the strongest reactions came from the powerful chairman of the House Transportation Committee, Don Young (R-Alaska). When Boyer explained the rule, Rep. Young said his staff was receiving "tons" of mail from Alaska pilots. Rep. Young indicated he would take legislative measures to change the rule, and he followed his meeting with Boyer with a call and a letter to TSA chief Adm. James Loy.
After AOPA had discussed the "pilot insecurity" rule with his staff, Sen. Conrad Burns (R-Mont.) raised the issue with FAA Administrator Marion Blakey during a Commerce Committee hearing. He said the TSA rule turns that agency into the "accuser, judge, jury, and court of appeals for pilots," and he added, "This looks like an impossible situation if you can't face your accuser. This flies in the face of the American judicial system."
But AOPA isn't limiting its efforts to members of Congress. The association also raised concerns over the rules with the chief legal officers of the FAA and the TSA, and with top-level administrators at the FAA, the TSA, and other security agencies.
"We have every indication from our own general counsel and other legal discussions that these rules will not withstand scrutiny in the courts," said Andy Cebula, AOPA senior vice president of government and technical affairs. "AOPA will pursue every available option to get the rules changed."
Tools of the Trade
When AOPA works to influence government policy or legislation, it has some powerful tools at its disposal. First, there is the power of membership. Knowing that there are nearly 400,000 members standing behind the AOPA representative makes a powerful impression on regulators and legislators.
AOPA also has the resources to marshal the facts, figures, and law to make compelling arguments — resources no other general aviation organization can match.
Recently, the TSA on rather short notice asked what would be the impact of a 55-nm restricted area around Washington, D.C. While some other organizations offered personal observations or a few anecdotal stories, AOPA arrived with an extensively researched PowerPoint presentation that laid the facts on the line.
"I think the government was startled to learn that within 55 nautical miles of Washington, D.C., there are some 270 landing facilities including 33 public-use airports that are home to 95 businesses employing more than 800 people," said AOPA President Phil Boyer. "Those businesses contribute some $158 million a year to the economy, with a total economic impact of more than $453 million. Flight training alone accounts for over $12 million, and repair and maintenance adds another $11 million.
"And here's the kicker: If the government were to restrict GA operations in this area, the government would lose $186,300 per day in tax revenue."
That made an impression.
Waco Sweepstakes Flights Enjoy Warm, Sunny Skies
Shawn McClosky escaped one of the coldest and snowiest winters in years around Front Royal, Virginia, to be captivated by the open cockpit of a Waco biplane in Long Beach, California. He made two flights in early February at Mike and Kendle Hanson's Biplane Rides on Long Beach/Daugherty Field Airport.
McClosky was a monthly winner in the 2002-2003 AOPA Centennial of Flight Sweepstakes. Monthly winners experience a flight in a 1987 Waco, which approximates the totally restored grand-prize Waco that will go to a lucky winner in early 2004. The sweepstakes prize plane is a restored 1940 Waco three-seater UPF-7.
"I remember when AOPA called and told me I had won the Waco flight experience. I was asked if I would accept the prize. My reply was, 'Is this a trick question? Of course I will!' It was one of the smartest decisions of my life," McClosky said.
NATIONAL ACTION
Meteorlogix to Provide Weather-Briefing System for Wright Brothers Memorial Pilot Facility
AOPA has teamed with Meteorlogix to provide a weather briefing system at the new 900-square-foot pilot facility nearing completion at First Flight Airport near the Wright Brothers National Memorial in Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina. The facility will feature MxVision AviationSentry, the only aviation weather system with storm tracking and lightning detection.
AOPA donated the pilot facility on behalf of its members in honor of the 100th anniversary of the Wright brothers' first powered flight. It will be the only new structure to remain at the park after the centennial of flight celebrations. Meteorlogix has agreed to a multiyear arrangement as the official weather services provider of AOPA and the First Flight facility.
"This agreement ensures that pilots flying into First Flight Airport throughout 2003 and beyond will be assured of the best-quality weather information using Meteorlogix equipment like that found at the finest FBOs and flight departments across the country," said AOPA President Phil Boyer.
New Airport Watch Video Available
A new training video supporting AOPA's Airport Watch program is now available for pilot and airport groups. The video also can be viewed on the Web in streaming video ( www.aopa.org/airportwatch/).
The program shows pilots what to watch for and report at their airports. AOPA President Phil Boyer introduces several scenarios depicting suspicious activity and advises pilots on how to respond. The program was produced in cooperation with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), and federal and local law enforcement agencies provided technical advice.
AOPA's Airport Watch program is a proactive effort by general aviation pilots to enhance airport security. It's modeled after neighborhood watch programs. AOPA has funded and produced all of the program materials, including a brochure mailed to all pilots, airport warning signs, posters, and aircraft and automobile decals.
At AOPA's request, the TSA has set up an easy-to-remember nationwide toll-free hotline at 866/GA-SECUR[E] (866/427-3287), for pilots and others to report possible terrorist activity. The hotline rings into the National Response Center, where trained operators are available to relay threat reports to the appropriate local authorities.
AOPA Working to Protect State Aviation Funds
Resolving ominous budget deficits was the first item of business for many state legislatures in 2003, which created big problems for aviation. AOPA's Government and Technical Affairs Division and regional representatives rose to the challenge, working to ensure funding for essential state aviation programs.
Minnesota legislators proposed moving $15 million from the state's airport fund to the general fund. In a letter to Minnesota House of Representatives Speaker Steve Sviggum (R-Dist. 28B), AOPA's Senior Vice President of Government and Technical Affairs Andy Cebula explained, "Money paid into this fund by aircraft owners and operators was anticipated to be used for aviation development; any transfer of money from this fund now or in the future could jeopardize important state programs." AOPA members in Minnesota were asked to contact their state legislators to oppose this proposal.
AOPA is keeping a close eye on states such as Arizona, Virginia, California, and Florida, just to name a few, because they are involved in heated budget battles where significant cuts in aviation funding are possible.
State aviation funding is a major source of money for airport repair and maintenance. Colorado funding has helped develop more AWOS reporting stations throughout the mountainous regions of the state where precise weather information is crucial.
Without state funding, local communities nationwide may be forced to come up with more money on their own just to take advantage of federal grants for airport improvements. The federal government generally covers 90 percent of the costs for eligible projects.
'AOPA's Airport Directory 2003-2004' Mailed, Available from Sporty's
AOPA members started receiving individual copies of AOPA's Airport Directory 2003-2004 earlier this year. It is general aviation's most comprehensive airport directory, providing detailed information on more than 5,200 public-use airports, 2,000 private-use airports, 5,300 FBOs, and some 50,000 listings for on-airport and near-airport services.
The 680-page directory, published every two years, was mailed in late January to all current AOPA members who requested a copy and to all members enrolled in the association's automatic annual renewal program.
The data is the most up to date available at the time of publication; however, airport data is updated every business day, and those updates are immediately available to all members on AOPA's Airport Directory online ( www.aopa.org/members/airports/). Making the information even more accessible, members may download AOPA's Airport eDirectory to Windows-compatible personal computers and their Palm OS-based personal digital assistants.
One copy of AOPA's Airport Directory 2003-2004 is free to AOPA members who select this benefit. Members may purchase additional copies of the directory for $24.95 from Sporty's Pilot Shop; the nonmember price is $34.95. Members who use their AOPA credit card can receive a 5-percent discount on purchases from Sporty's. Call 800/543-8633 to order.
AOPA AIR SAFETY FOUNDATION
New AOPA Brochure Encourages Pilots to 'Take 'Em Flying!'
AOPA's newest publication titled Take 'em Flying! encourages pilots to share their love of flying by providing a firsthand flying experience to people unfamiliar with general aviation.
Take 'em Flying! offers suggestions about who to invite for an orientation flight, how to contact potential guests, what to talk about, and how to conduct the flight. It points out the importance of remembering the purpose of the flight through every phase: to demonstrate the joy of flying and the safety and utility of general aviation aircraft.
Take 'em Flying! is available free by telephone (800/872-2672), e-mail ( [email protected]), or via AOPA Online ( www.aopa.org/info/comres4u.html).
ASF's Operation Airspace Online Course Updated to Include ADIZ and Other Security-Related Restrictions
The popular Operation Airspace online course from the AOPA Air Safety Foundation was updated in February with new information on temporary flight restrictions (TFRs) and other security-related airspace imposed at various locations throughout the United States, including the new Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) around Washington, D.C.
The free online ASF course, created in 2001 in Microsoft PowerPoint and ported to HTML, is available online ( www.aopa.org/asf/online_courses/). It takes most pilots from 10 to 15 minutes to complete. A special section of the course offers guidance for GA pilots living in or visiting the Mid-Atlantic area where the new ADIZ around the nation's capital city is posing unique challenges.
Links in the program allow pilots to instantly pull up flight-planning information, the latest regulatory information from AOPA's home page, and official FAA intercept procedures.
"Now more than ever, GA pilots absolutely must observe flight restrictions," said ASF Executive Director Bruce Landsberg, "and knowing how the restrictions work is a good first step.
"While you may disagree with the implementation, ignoring the restrictions makes lifting them more difficult and may place your aircraft in jeopardy."
The newly revised program also will be included in ASF's Seminar-in-a-Box on airspace, allowing smaller pilot groups in more rural parts of the country to refresh their airspace knowledge.
'Ups and Downs,' Other ASF Seminars Set Attendance Record
Pilot attendance at AOPA Air Safety Foundation safety seminars nearly doubled in January, compared with attendance one year earlier.
Almost 5,400 pilots in 17 cities attended ASF's new premier live safety seminar "Ups and Downs of Takeoffs and Landings" in January. Another 3,150 participated in ASF Seminar-in-a-Box workshops on a variety of aviation safety topics.
A total of 8,872 pilots ranging from students to airline transport pilots took advantage of ASF courses and seminars in January 2003 compared to 4,759 in January 2002.
Many of those attending the fast-paced "Ups and Downs of Takeoffs and Landings" seminar said they were convinced to attend after watching a video clip on the ASF Web site. The clip shows what could be charitably described as "memorable" landings caught by an undercover videographer at a large East Coast fly-in last year. The free clip may be seen on the Web site ( www.aopa.org/asf/seminars/).
A full schedule of the "Ups and Downs of Takeoffs and Landings" seminar sites is available on this page.
The AOPA Air Safety Foundation was chartered in 1950 to provide research and education to make GA flying easier and safer.
AOPA AIRPORT SUPPORT NETWORK
Volunteer of the Month: Jack Tunstill
The battle rages on for Albert Whitted Airport in St. Petersburg, Florida, spearheaded by survey results compiled by AOPA ASN volunteer Jack Tunstill (see " AOPA Action," July 2002 Pilot). Even after receiving two letters from the FAA clearly stating that the agency would not allow the city to close Albert Whitted Airport, the city is still pursuing that agenda and has recently proposed closing Runway 6/24, extending Runway 18/36, and developing the property west of 18/36 for mixed use (such as a park or small businesses).
Tunstill's recent survey found that 71 percent of the respondents indicated that they used Runway 6/24 and only 29 percent indicated that they used Runway 18/36. Because an airport control tower is in operation from 7 a.m. until 9 p.m., the runway assignment is usually made by controllers taking into account prevailing winds and other flight operations. Tunstill reported that 95 percent of survey respondents indicated the tower made the runway assignment with 94 percent of assignments aligned with the prevailing wind.
Local users of Albert Whitted Airport are very concerned about losing Runway 6/24, Tunstill said. "Fully 80 percent of the airport users surveyed indicated that they had concerns with crosswind operations under the mayor's proposed plan. Fifty percent of survey respondents said that their use of the airport would be affected, and 14 percent would be unable to use the airport due to aircraft performance limitations," he said.
Tunstill and Ruth Varn, chairwoman of the Albert Whitted Airport Advisory Committee, backed by a large representation of pilots, presented these findings to the City Council in late January. Approximately 140 pilots spoke in support of keeping Albert Whitted in its current configuration. Even though the council voted unanimously to keep the airport open, it did not agree to keep the current configuration.
REVIEW AIRPORT RULES AND REGULATIONS
By Mark Lowdermilk, AOPA ASN program manager
Summer is right around the corner. For some of you, this month may be the first time you have been to the airport since last fall. Whether you're a tenant or a user, you may find some changes waiting for you.
Most airports have formal rules and regulations for tenants and users. These rules may include items such as operating a business, accessing the ramp and hangar areas by foot or vehicle, hours of operation, and a variety of other things. Sometimes rules are codified as city or county ordinances and carry civil penalties for infractions. Your Airport Support Network volunteer should be aware of your airport's rules. He or she will be happy to tell you about any airport rule changes as you start this year's flying season.
Contact your ASN volunteer and offer to go to the next airport board meeting with him or her. Learn what is being planned for the airport and how you, the general aviation pilot, fit in that plan. You say you don't have an ASN volunteer for your airport? Nominate someone or become one yourself. It's easy and fun, and your efforts will help protect you and the other GA pilots at your airport. Just visit www.aopa.org/asn/ to learn more. Do it today!
Public-use airports in the United States are closing at the rate of about one every two weeks. The AOPA Airport Support Network 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
Texas. Rockwall: ASN volunteer Peter Boronkay met with city officials from Rockwall and Fate regarding development near Rockwall Municipal Airport. New homes east of the airport are adjacent to eastern boundaries of the traffic pattern. Fate's city manager said developers are informing homebuyers about the airport, even hoping that it can be a selling point to those interested in GA. A prominent airport sign might be placed on the road leading to the development to help fully inform potential homebuyers. Arlington: ASN volunteer Fred Stadler and local pilots are working to help Arlington Municipal Airport expand appropriately to meet the needs of the community. Stadler formed an airport safety committee four years ago that this year continues pressure for construction and staffing of a control tower (slated for late 2004) and hopes to revive interest in installation of a precision instrument approach. Previous committee accomplishments include realignment of an instrument approach to avoid traffic conflicts and changing the CTAF to a less congested frequency.
Idaho. Orofino: ASN volunteer Mary A. Corrington-Petet has been appointed to the Orofino Municipal Airport Layout Plan Committee. The group has been charged with making recommendations for airport improvements under acquired and sought-after federal grants. Petet is also getting an official survey of the airport reviewed to ensure accuracy of lot boundary lines within the airport.
Connecticut. Statford: ASN volunteer David Faile Jr. reports that the City of Bridgeport, which owns Sikorsky Memorial Airport, has announced an agreement with a Native American tribe that includes the airport as a casino location. Faile is waiting for the FAA to weigh in on the matter. He is also watching plans to move a roadway adjacent to Sikorsky to add a runway safety area to Runway 6/24. This comes after nine fatalities at the airport. Recently a corporate aircraft slid off a runway and damaged a blast fence. The FAA has initiated condemnation proceedings for the roadway and construction of a replacement roadway.
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