The requirement applies to pilots holding any FAA pilot certificate, from student through airline transport pilot. Pre-solo students who have not yet obtained a student pilot certificate are not affected, but AOPA recommends they carry appropriate ID nonetheless.
"Since the September 11 attacks, the need for pilots to carry a picture ID has continued to surface in security discussions," said AOPA President Phil Boyer. "This positive measure will enhance security throughout the general aviation community."
FAA Administrator Marion C. Blakey announced the new rule during the opening general session of AOPA Expo 2002 in Palm Springs, California, in October. "I can tell you that Phil and I have discussed the issues of burning importance to general aviation," she said. "We're making the most of your advice." The photo ID rule, she said, is one example.
"General aviation pilots have always been willing to help in the national security effort," said Boyer. "This is a simple step that hurts no one and helps everyone."
Record Turnout For AOPA Expo 2002 Proves GA Still Thriving
A record crowd of just over 11,700 people gathered in Palm Springs, California, in late October for AOPA Expo 2002. "This record turnout could not have come at a better time," said AOPA President Phil Boyer. "It really made an impression on [new FAA] Administrator Blakey and others who regulate the airspace we fly in and the airports we use."
FAA Administrator Marion Blakey opened Expo 2002 with a speech to a standing-room-only crowd at the first general session, followed by a tour of the exhibition hall and static aircraft display. "I saw firsthand how critical general aviation is to the American future," she said afterward, "and I've come to appreciate its importance for one more reason - the basic American freedom to fly is essential to the American character."
Blakey also told the assembled pilots that a new joint FAA/Jeppesen project to provide graphical depictions of temporary flight restrictions would be available to preflight briefers in early 2003, and directly to pilots sometime after that. "You deserve a good picture," she said. "I am here to tell you that you're about to get it."
At the second general session, four GA industry leaders offered an upbeat assessment of the industry. Be A Pilot President Drew Steketee said not only are student starts up compared to last year, despite a weakened economy, they're also at a level that the FAA had predicted would not be reached until 2012.
Vendors, from the small niche marketers to the major airframe manufacturers, said that AOPA Expo was one of the best shows of the year for them, and it has become one of the premier exhibitions for meeting customers face to face.
AOPA, FAA Tell Federal Judge Michigan's Criminal Background Checks For Pilots Are Unconstitutional
In late October, AOPA told a federal judge that pilots and flight schools in Michigan needed immediate relief from a state law requiring criminal background checks for anyone seeking flight training.
Lawyers for AOPA told U.S. District Court Judge Denise Page Hood that the Michigan law is illegal because it violates Article VI, clause 2 (the "supremacy" clause) of the U.S. Constitution, and Michigan authorities should not be allowed to enforce the law until its constitutionality is determined.
At AOPA's request, the FAA also weighed in. The agency filed an opinion letter in federal court in mid-October, concurring that state laws requiring student pilot background checks "would likely intrude into an area that Congress has preempted."
A copy of the FAA's opinion may be downloaded from AOPA Online ( www.aopa.org/whatsnew/newsitems/2002/021017letter.pdf ).
A ruling on the motion had not been issued at press time.
ASF Seminar Looks At Takeoffs, Landings
The AOPA Air Safety Foundation unveiled a dynamic new safety seminar during AOPA Expo 2002, showcasing the two most dangerous phases of any flight. It's called "Ups and Downs of Takeoffs and Landings."
During the seminar, participants can "rate" landings captured on videotape at a large fly-in. Immediately after each landing, the program host and the attendees provide ratings and discuss ways to improve the landing.
Topics featured in the new seminar include takeoffs and landings from short and soft fields, as well as in crosswinds; climbout performance; night operations; the truth about pilot's operating handbook performance specifications; and how density altitude can sap aircraft performance.
The seminar will be offered around the country. For more information on dates, see the ASF Web site ( www.aopa.org/asf/schedules/seminar.cfm ).
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