AOPA, Jeppesen Unveil Free Graphical Online Flight Planner
In one of the most significant improvements ever to its online services, AOPA announced at AOPA Expo 2003 that it has teamed with Jeppesen to give members an advanced graphics-based flight-planning tool with real-time graphical depictions of weather and temporary flight restrictions (TFRs) for free.
"AOPA's Real Time Flight Planner brings click-and-drag simplicity to flight planning," said AOPA President Phil Boyer. "It offers advanced features utilizing the latest technology, but is a free service available to our members.
"In today's security-driven flight environment, it's vital that pilots have the most up-to-date information available," continued Boyer. "Every time a member uses Real Time Flight Planner, it automatically downloads the latest TFR and navigation aid information. And with Jeppesen providing the aeronautical data and electronic charting, including real-time graphical TFRs, pilots can plan with confidence."
Members download a small application from AOPA Online ( www.aopa.org/flight_planner/) that interfaces with Real Time Flight Planner. Once they've done that, they may store a pilot profile, two aircraft profiles, and up to five flight plans online, meaning that they can then use any Internet-capable computer that has the application installed to access their information.
The flight planner can also access DUATS for the latest weather and can overlay weather radar graphics on the route of flight. And because it uses DUATS for both weather and notam information, a flight plan created using Real Time Flight Planner constitutes an official briefing.
A click on any airport symbol brings up basic details about the facility. Another click takes the member directly to the detailed listing in AOPA's Airport Directory online and its instrument approach procedures — available free to members for downloading.
"AOPA has been urging the FAA to provide its official TFR information in graphical format for a long time, so it could be used in programs like this," said Boyer. "Now that they're finally doing so, we're pleased to offer this dramatically improved flight-planning tool."
Administrator Blakey Unveils Joint ASF/FAA Proficiency Program
A new Wings proficiency program will debut soon, FAA Administrator Marion Blakey told pilots at AOPA Expo 2003 in Philadelphia.
The Pro-Wings program, developed by the AOPA Air Safety Foundation in partnership with the FAA, rewards pilots with a higher level of proficiency than the current Wings program and carries other benefits. The existing Wings program will remain available.
"Pro-Wings is meant for active, involved pilots who fly a significant number of hours each year," said ASF Executive Director Bruce Landsberg. "It will include all of the elements critical to flying safely — enough flight time to stay sharp, regular upgrading of aviation knowledge, and enough of a stretch to master new skills."
New with Pro-Wings is real-time online tracking of a pilot's progress through the program. Pilots may enter and update their own accomplishments on a password-protected ASF server. Other incentives for Pro-Wings participation are under discussion.
Pilots who don't fly often enough or who can't take part in Pro-Wings for other reasons can still use the traditional Wings program, also with the ASF real-time tracking system.
The ASF/FAA Pro-Wings program is expected to be available early in 2004.
NATIONAL ACTION
TSA Tells Congress GA Threat Was Overstated After Attacks
Adm. James Loy, head of the Transportation Security Administration, told the House Aviation subcommittee that "we're getting to the point" when the government will need to rethink many of the restrictions placed on aviation after the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.
Responding to a question posed by Rep. Robin Hayes (R-N.C.), a longtime AOPA member and strong voice for GA in Congress, Loy said that in the highly emotional period right after the attacks, some security officials suggested that the threat posed by general aviation was much greater than it actually is. He said his agency is working closely with the GA industry.
"We've been vindicated," said AOPA President Phil Boyer. "Adm. Loy has reinforced what we've said all along: General aviation is not the threat."
Loy told Hayes there were no plans to further modify or lift the Baltimore-Washington Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ), beyond the 60-day test of new procedures that began in November. For more information, see "FAA, Security Officials Approve Test of AOPA-Proposed ADIZ Relief" on AOPA Online ( www.aopa.org/whatsnew/newsitems/2003/03-4-044x.html). "As we move forward from here, it's important that Congress and the public remember all of the improvements the federal government has made to GA security," said Andy Cebula, AOPA senior vice president of government and technical affairs. "They've taken six very specific regulatory and policy actions to address security concerns about pilots, pilot certificates, and flight training. And at the same time, the GA industry on its own initiative has instituted programs, such as AOPA's Airport Watch, to further enhance security."
AOPA Honors GA Defenders at AOPA Expo 2003
AOPA paid tribute to seven people during ceremonies at AOPA Expo 2003 in Philadelphia for their efforts on behalf of general aviation.
The association named the winners of its Hartranft, Sharples, and Karant awards. The J.B. "Doc" Hartranft Award is presented annually to the political leader or leaders who make the year's greatest contribution to the advancement of general aviation. The Laurence P. Sharples Perpetual Award recognizes the year's greatest selfless commitment to general aviation by a private citizen. The Karant Awards honor the best of "fair, accurate, and insightful" reporting on general aviation in the general (nonaviation) media.
2003 AOPA Hartranft Award: Rep. Stephen Ehardt, Michigan State Legislature (R-83rd Dist.)
Rep. Stephen Ehardt almost single-handedly eliminated Michigan's onerous criminal background checks for all flight students.
Working closely with AOPA, Ehardt and his staff crafted and shepherded through the state legislature a bill that replaced the criminal background checks with common-sense flight school security requirements. The bill passed unanimously and was signed into law in July. To help flight schools comply with the new law, AOPA partnered with the state to distribute AOPA's Airport Watch kits.
"Rep. Ehardt recognized the importance of having a single national standard for pilot certification set at the federal level," said AOPA President Phil Boyer. "From that starting point, he found a way to address Michigan's legitimate security concerns while leaving certification in the FAA's hands."
Ehardt, AOPA 1359063, serves as cochair of the Michigan Aviation Caucus.
2003 Laurence P. Sharples Perpetual Award: Martin Christie, New Jersey AOPA Airport Support Network Volunteer
Thanks to Martin Christie's leadership, Central Jersey Regional Airport tenants need not worry about the airport being sold to developers.
Christie is the AOPA Airport Support Network volunteer for Central Jersey. He established a strong support group of pilots who promote the privately owned, public-use airport in the community and lobby on its behalf in the state legislature.
Through his efforts, pilots and residents rallied to support a plan for the State of New Jersey to buy the development rights at the private airport. Under the program, the state purchases development rights and the owners agree to use the land as an airport in perpetuity. The transaction was completed in March 2003.
2003 AOPA Karant Awards, Print: Larry K. Randa, The Business Ledger, Chicago
In a series of articles, Larry K. Randa told his readers about the tremendous value of a general aviation airport to a community. By looking at five GA airports that are thriving because of enthusiastic support from their local communities, Randa made clear that everyone — not just pilots — benefits from a strong GA airport.
Television, Short Feature: Mark Erskine, KING-TV, Seattle
Mark Erskine created a gripping dramatization of an accidental entry into clouds while flying near mountains. Through his storytelling ability, Erskine's Lost in the Clouds showed audience members that VFR pilots, who normally fly without talking to air traffic controllers, are highly skilled. Viewers also got an inside look at how pilots and air traffic controllers can work together to avert a tragedy.
Television, Program Length: Brad White and Belle Adler, White Paper Productions/Animal Planet, Bethesda, Maryland
In Operation Animal Shield, Brad White and Belle Adler followed aerobatic champion Patty Wagstaff and combat veteran Dale Snodgrass from the United States to Kenya to train wildlife rangers with the Kenya Wildlife Service. With spectacular aerial and ground photography, the program shows Wagstaff and Snodgrass training the rangers, who often come under fire from poachers, in potentially lifesaving aerobatic and evasive maneuvers.
Those who watched Operation Animal Shield saw a facet of general aviation that may never cross the nonflying public's mind. The rangers of the Kenya Wildlife Service use general aviation as a law-enforcement and animal-protection tool. The program also showcased the willingness of GA pilots such as Wagstaff and Snodgrass to use their flying skills for the benefit of others.
Radio: Kim Green, WPLN Radio, Nashville
Women in Aviation examined efforts to rectify one of the greatest imbalances in aviation — the small number of female pilots. Women make up only about 6 percent of U.S. pilots, and GA is the entry point into aviation careers. Green's report showcased the skill and confidence instilled by GA flight training, and the place and need for female pilots.
AOPA calls for greater GA presence on FAA advisory panel
When this year's appointees to an independent committee that guides and advises the FAA were named, AOPA was disappointed by the glaring omission of any representatives from general aviation — and immediately made that disappointment known to Transportation Secretary Norman Y. Mineta.
"Ninety-five percent of the U.S. civilian fleet, more than three-quarters of all flights in the United States, and two-thirds of all U.S. pilots are general aviation," said AOPA President Phil Boyer. "And yet not one of this year's six nominees to the FAA Management Advisory Council (MAC) represents GA pilots and aircraft owners — the majority of FAA's 'customers.'
"In fact, on the entire council, there is only one member — 5 percent of the council's make-up — with direct ties to GA. And while Ed Bolen of the General Aviation Manufacturers Association is a strong GA advocate, he represents aircraft builders, not pilots and owners."
In his letter to Mineta, Boyer wrote, "Without a doubt, general aviation can contribute greatly to the Management Advisory Council. My request to you is that future appointments include individuals who are from the general aviation community."
Boyer's letter concluded, "In a year celebrating the first century of powered flight as we look to the next, it is important that every segment of the aviation community be involved in planning for the future."
REGIONAL ACTION
The Waco Experience — Flying with a Face Full of Prop Wash
Rick Newnum of Kernersville, North Carolina, is the latest AOPA member to feel the rush of wind in his face in an open-cockpit aircraft. Newnum recently collected his prize as one of the monthly winners in AOPA's Centennial of Flight Sweepstakes ( www.aopa.org/sweeps/) — a trip to Sedona, Arizona, and a half-day flight in a Waco biplane.
"My wife and I were excited about this trip," Newnum said. "Not only would I get to fly the Waco, but also it would be a homecoming of sorts. I grew up in Phoenix and graduated from ERAU [Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University]."
The monthly winners in AOPA's two-year Centennial of Flight Sweepstakes each get a trip to Sedona to fly in a Waco biplane similar to the sweepstakes aircraft with Red Rock Biplane Tours.
The grand prize is a 1940 Waco UPF-7 biplane, beautifully restored by Rare Aircraft ( www.rareaircraft.com), of Owatonna, Minnesota, and worth approximately $250,000. It will be awarded early in 2004. For more details on the Waco, see " 10 Reasons You'll Keep the Waco," page 68).
Anyone who joins or renews membership in AOPA during the sweepstakes period is automatically entered in the drawing. Complete rules and eligibility requirements are available on AOPA Online ( www.aopa.org/sweeps/rules.html).
AOPA Provides Airport Watch Kits as Michigan Implements New Airport Security Rules
AOPA has teamed with the Michigan Bureau of Aeronautics to distribute AOPA's Airport Watch kits to every flight school in the state. New rules that replace the state's criminal background check for all flight students require flight school managers to establish security procedures.
AOPA worked closely with the sponsor of the new law, Rep. Stephen Ehardt (R-83rd Dist.), to craft and pass the legislation.
"Many of the steps that flight schools are required to take mirror Airport Watch," said AOPA President Phil Boyer. "After AOPA pushed so hard to have the background check repealed, it only makes sense for us to provide the tools to implement the new rules."
The Airport Watch kit includes the signs required by the new law and posters to raise pilot awareness, as well as a training video and brochures to teach pilots the kinds of situations to be alert for.
MEMBERSHIP ACTION
AOPA Member Products Improves Personal Insurance Coverage
AOPA has begun offering members an even greater level of Aviation Accidental Death & Dismemberment insurance coverage. Members may get up to $150,000 in protection without filling out any health forms or passing medical exams.
"Increasing the maximum level of coverage from $125,000 to $150,000 offers our members more options," said Karen Gebhart, AOPA's senior vice president of products and services. "They can now upgrade an existing policy, or see if a new AOPA Aviation AD&D policy is a good fit for their personal portfolio."
AOPA Aviation AD&D was one of the first AOPA Member Products offered. The insurance program was created because getting affordable coverage for GA pilots is not easy, and many insurance policies specifically exclude pilots — especially VFR pilots or pilots who fly fewer than 100 hours per year. AOPA Aviation AD&D insurance is underwritten by Minnesota Life.
All AOPA members, including student pilots, are eligible for this protection, whether they fly IFR or VFR.
For more information, or to add or increase coverage, call 800/USA-AOPA (800/872-2672) or visit the Web site ( www.aopa.org/aviationadd/).
AOPA AIR SAFETY FOUNDATION
New Safety Seminar on Maneuvering Flight Makes Official Debut at AOPA Expo
"Maneuvering Flight — Hazardous to Your Health?" is the title of the AOPA Air Safety Foundation's newest live seminar. ASF officially took the wraps off the seminar at AOPA Expo 2003. It deals largely with the hazards of low-level maneuvering flight, including normal traffic pattern operations.
"Pilots will come away with great insights on ways to avoid maneuvering flight accidents," said ASF Vice President of Safety Education Kevin Murphy. "But more than that, they'll learn about the mostly mysterious parts of the flight envelope in which everyone operates during every flight."
Maneuvering flight has been the leading cause of fatal accidents for general aviation pilots in recent years. The dramatic two-hour free seminar attacks popular myths and misconceptions about maneuvering flight, including aerobatics, aerial work, formation flying, and such dangerous and illegal activities as buzzing.
The full schedule for "Maneuvering Flight" and all the other ASF live seminars is available online ( www.aopa.org/asf/seminars/).
Online Help for Pilots in the Most \Challenging Environment — Single-Pilot IFR
Flying alone or as the sole pilot in instrument meteorological conditions is one of the most challenging types of flying a pilot can do. It requires a tremendous amount of organization and forethought.
For pilots who fly under those conditions, the AOPA Air Safety Foundation has just introduced Single-Pilot IFR ( www.aopa.org/asf/online_courses/single_pilot_ifr/), a free online course designed to help pilots come to grips with the often rapid-fire decisions involved in flying in the soup.
" Single-Pilot IFR focuses on decision making, organization, and cockpit resource management," said ASF Executive Director Bruce Landsberg. "Staying 'ahead of the plane' is even more critical when you can't see."
The new interactive program uses true-or-false, multiple-choice, and other question formats in an entertaining atmosphere to effectively teach a serious topic.
Single-Pilot IFR was made possible by the generous donations of Mike Lazar and Lessing Stern.
Take Stock in Aviation; Give Stock to Aviation
Every December Americans donate more to charity than at any other time of the year.
GA pilots can make a huge difference in aviation safety through tax-deductible gifts of cash or appreciated stock to support the educational research and pilot safety programs of the AOPA Air Safety Foundation.
With the upturn in the stock market, your securities may provide you the opportunity to make a larger gift, obtain a tax deduction based on the current market value, and avoid or minimize your capital gains.
Gifts of stock can be easily handled broker-to-broker. For information, please contact Harvey Cohen, ASF senior vice president, at 301/695-2078 or by e-mail at [email protected] or online ( www.asf.org) and click the You Can Help! button. The AOPA Air Safety Foundation recommends that you consult your own financial professional for specific advice.
AOPA AIRPORT SUPPORT NETWORK
Volunteer of the Month: Donnie Todd
Walt Kelly's cartoon character Pogo once said, "We have met the enemy and he is us."
St. Clair County Airport in Pell City, Alabama, was suffering from internal squabbles between pilots and skydivers until ASN volunteer Donnie Todd stepped in. Pilots said the skydivers were creating a safety hazard because their drop zone was not clearly defined and the skydivers were landing anywhere on the airport grounds, including the taxiway and runway.
Todd organized a workshop, bringing together not only the pilots and skydivers, but also the airport authority and the local flight standards district office. The parties drew up a set of rules that everyone could live by. Further research by the airport authority found that the rules at other airports with jump operations went further, so the authority developed a more detailed set of rules and regulations.
"AOPA staff provided the technical resources to facilitate the process," said Todd. "The result is a safer airport, a peaceful, cooperative relationship among users, and a larger pool of users to help protect the airport."
THE 'ENEMY' WITHIN
By Mark Lowdermilk, AOPA ASN program manager
You just never know where your next fight is going to come from. So members are often surprised when it comes from another group of airport users. Over the summer, we saw several airports involved in disputes between "little airplane" pilots, heavy-iron drivers, glider pilots, skydivers, helicopter operators, and, last but not least, ultralight fliers.
While members may have concerns about mixing these various operations, the FAA has said that they are all aeronautical activities and entitled to use the airspace and airports safely. Therein lies the problem: Who determines what is safe?
The answer: The supervising flight standards district office is responsible for making the determination. As Donnie Todd's example shows, we are much better off developing a solution that everyone can live with before the situation gets out of hand.
Fighting among ourselves does little to help and plays right into the hands of outsiders who do not understand or share our love of aviation and would like to see airports closed. Airport boards often do not have the knowledge to deal with these issues and depend on the users for fair and reasonable guidance. One thing they do understand, though, is if the groups can't resolve their issues, the board can and will. We just may not like what they come up with.
Your Airport Support Network volunteer is there to be your airport's champion. He or she has the full support of AOPA's technical staff and access to our experience and technical resources to get your airport flying on the right course. If your airport has a volunteer, find out who it is and offer your help and support. If your airport does not have a volunteer, nominate someone. Or better yet, nominate yourself. You'll not only help your local airport, but also you'll help protect general aviation nationwide. Just visit AOPA Online ( www.aopa.org/asn/) to learn more.
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
Colorado. Colorado Springs: The Colorado Springs City Council heeded the advice of the Airport Advisory Commission (AAC) and denied a zoning change that would have allowed a housing development near the runway. City of Colorado Springs Municipal Airport ASN volunteer Stephen D. Ducoff says input from AOPA as well as arguments about flight path issues, noise, and the mission of Peterson AFB, which is co-located at the airport, convinced the council members.
Massachusetts. Fitchburg: David Reinhart, the ASN volunteer for Fitchburg Municipal Airport, and the Fitchburg Pilots Association are trying to stop or at least reduce the frequent use of airport grounds for nonaviation events. A recent three-day Latin American festival expected to draw 50,000 people attracted only 8,000. Reinhart and the pilots association contend that throwing the grounds open to the general public while replacing fencing, installing card key gates, and instituting a badge system for pilots and airport tenants is an inconsistent policy.
North Carolina. Winston Salem: ASN volunteer Andy Dale told the Forsyth County Airport Commission at a recent meeting that the commission needs to start planning now for repairs to Smith Reynolds Airport's Runway 4/22. The airport deputy director had previously told commissioners the runway was not repairable, but Dale said closing the runway was not a viable option because of its importance to flight training and other operations. Several other pilots and airport businesses supported Dale's comments.
Wisconsin. Superior: Richard I. Bong Airport held a grand reopening ceremony following extensive renovations of its ramp areas. According to ASN volunteer Don Carlson, the renovations mean heavier aircraft will be able to safely taxi and park. The public was invited out to the airport for the ceremony, and owners were encouraged to pull their aircraft out of the hangars for static display.
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