As originally drafted, the rule would have required virtually every pilot to prove his or her nationality for virtually every kind of training, from primary flight instruction to a single recurrent training flight, with the flight instructor required to retain a copy of the proof of citizenship for five years.
"We went to TSA and said, 'You know security. We know aviation. Why don't we work together and find a way to satisfy security concerns while creating the least burden possible on pilots?'" said AOPA President Phil Boyer. "David Stone, the head of TSA, agreed, and the result is a better -- but still less than perfect -- rule."
TSA now says only pilots receiving initial flight training or training for instrument or multiengine ratings are required to validate their citizenship, and flight instructors can make a logbook endorsement noting the validation, rather than retaining a copy of the passport or birth certificate.
AOPA also worked to make the rule easier for flight instructors, convincing TSA officials that registering with the regional Flight Standards District Office by telephone would work just as well as the original requirement that CFIs appear at the FSDO in person.
AOPA establishes relief fund to aid tsunami victims
With scenes of devastation from the Southeast Asian tsunamis unlike anything anyone is likely to see again in a lifetime -- and recovery efforts that are likely to take months, if not years -- AOPA has established a $25,000 tsunami relief matching fund to aid a general aviation-based nonprofit relief organization.
Air Serv International is a Virginia-based international aid organization that uses GA aircraft to provide air support to both government and private relief efforts in some of the harshest locations in the world.
"After consulting with numerous agencies, we determined that financial support is the best way we and our members can help," said AOPA President Phil Boyer. "Air Serv is on the list of approved charities for USA Freedom Corps, the group headed by former presidents Bush and Clinton. Their use of GA aircraft is in keeping with AOPA's overall mission."
AOPA will match members' donations to Air Serv up to an aggregate total of $25,000. Donations can be made either through Air Serv's Web site, or by check directly to Air Serv. The mailing address is available on the Web site. Simply write your AOPA membership number on the memo line so that AOPA can match the donation. Please do not send checks to AOPA.
AOPA's 2005 Sweepstakes plane an easy step up
The grand prize in AOPA's 2005 Commander Countdown Sweepstakes is one that student and low-time private pilots can easily aspire to fly.
"The 1972 Commander 112A has a reputation as a docile airplane," said Woody Cahall, AOPA's vice president of aviation services. "It doesn't have any 'gotchas,' so it's an easy airplane for pilots transitioning into complex aircraft. Plus, it's got one of the widest cabins of any light GA aircraft."
The sweepstakes airplane was in good shape to start with, but it will undergo an amazing transformation. The biggest change will be an all-glass FlightLogic cockpit system from Chelton. It will also sport one of GA's most reliable engines turning a new three-blade propeller, plus a luxurious new interior.
Pilots will get their first chance to see the grand prize aircraft at this year's Sun 'n Fun EAA Fly-In, April 12 to 18 in Lakeland, Florida, by which time it should have the Chelton equipment and its new paint scheme. Once again, the association will host an AOPA Day, this year on April 15.
Anyone who joins or renews membership in AOPA during 2005 is automatically entered in the Commander Countdown Sweepstakes. Complete rules, eligibility requirements, and alternate methods of entry are available online. You can track the restoration project throughout the year.
Online resources: a great addition to your training
The AOPA Air Safety Foundation has one mission: to turn all pilots into safer pilots. And ASF has the online resources that can do just that. ASF has downloadable runway safety flash cards that can help you to master the difference between a runway sign and a taxiway sign. The online course Runway Safety can help you to prepare for flights to towered airports, as can the downloadable Operations at Towered Airports Safety Advisor. Say Intentions, another online ASF course, explains what kind of help air traffic controllers can provide and how to ask for it. All ASF online courses are available to all pilots. Visit AOPA Online and click on "Online Courses" or "Publications."
Related Articles
