FAA Funding Questions Concern AOPA
With some predicting that the FAA will run out of money by 2007 and others predicting a surplus in the aviation trust fund through 2010, there's more than a little concern about how to handle FAA funding in the future. That's one reason user fees have become a hot topic.
Although the user-fee threat has been around for years, current talk of a "funding crisis" plus skyrocketing costs have turned up the heat on the debate. AOPA has risen to the challenge using its Washington, D.C.-based legislative affairs staff to explain to relevant legislators the importance of bringing the FAA's costs under control while insisting that user fees are not a viable solution.
"Our message to Congress is simple: AOPA members, your constituents, are strongly opposed to a user-fee-funded general aviation system," said AOPA President Phil Boyer. "It is also important that the aviation community work with the FAA to identify areas for cost savings and design the air traffic control system for the future."
During recent months Boyer and key AOPA staff members have testified before Congress and met with members and staff of the House and Senate aviation subcommittees to educate them about AOPA's position.
What exactly is that position?
First, excise taxes on aviation fuel are the appropriate way for GA to help pay for the aviation system. User fees are not. Imposing such fees might discourage pilots from using lifesaving ATC and weather briefing services. The current excise taxes on aviation fuel are efficient to collect, directly relate to operating the aircraft, and are transparent to pilots.
Second, because the air transportation system is vital to the U.S. economy, general tax revenues should provide for at least 25 percent of the FAA's operating costs.
Third, the aviation community should help the FAA to find ways to cut its costs and support reasonable measures to do so, just as AOPA has done in supporting efforts to reduce the cost of providing flight service station services and eliminating redundant NDB approaches. AOPA also has offered to help the FAA to find other ways to reduce its costs by generating alternatives to existing systems.
Fourth, the FAA and the aviation community should develop the design and determine the cost for modernizing the ATC system.
"We understand that there's no magic bullet that will take user fees off the table and that is why we are committed to maintain this fight as long as the threat exists," Boyer said. "But we also know that innovative thinking can bring FAA costs under control and ensure that all pilots have access to vital safety services for many years to come."
NATIONAL ACTION
Fifteenth Annual AOPA Fly-In a Rousing Success
More than 5,000 pilots, future pilots, and their families and friends turned out for AOPA's fifteenth annual Fly-In and Open House on June 4.
What started out as a gray morning turned into a beautiful afternoon, and pilots of some 250 airplanes took advantage of the conditions and a temporary control tower to land at Frederick Municipal Airport in Maryland for the event. Thousands of others arrived by car. Their enthusiasm for AOPA and general aviation was contagious.
"This is the best organization in the world; it keeps us flying," said Lisa Kondrick. "We're proud of [AOPA President] Phil Boyer. He's done a great job for GA, especially after 9/11. Nobody likes us little guys anymore, but AOPA fights for us."
Security measures and operational changes that grew out of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, were top-of-mind for many pilots at the event. An informal discussion with Boyer centered on the nearby Washington, D.C., Air Defense Identification Zone.
Seminars on topics ranging from single-pilot IFR to keeping down the costs of flying and insurance attracted some 3,000 participants. Nearly 250 prospective pilots had the chance to talk to a flight instructor and learn more about how to get started learning to fly.
Nearly 100 exhibitors provided one-stop shopping for everything from flight bags to aircraft interiors. An expansive aircraft display featured Adam Aircraft, Cessna Aircraft, Cirrus Design, Diamond Aircraft, EADS Socata, Lancair Company, Mooney Airplane Company, Tiger Aircraft, and more.
Join us next year — Saturday, June 3, 2006 — for another chance to visit AOPA headquarters and see the latest and greatest that GA has to offer.
New AOPA Board of Trustees Chairman Elected
William C. Trimble III was elected chairman of the AOPA board of trustees May 14 during the association's annual meeting at historic Wings Field outside of Philadelphia. (AOPA was founded in 1939 at Wings Field. The airport celebrated its seventy-fifth anniversary in May.)
Trimble is a senior executive at a money management firm. He resides in the Washington, D.C., area and is an active pilot, flying his single-engine aircraft to locations throughout the eastern United States, Canada, and the Caribbean. Trimble succeeds Paul C. Heintz, who has led the board since 2002.
"All AOPA members owe a real debt of gratitude to the trustees," said AOPA President Phil Boyer. "The trustees serve without compensation, generously donating their time and expertise to ensure the future of the association and the continuation of our unique freedom of flight."
AOPA Wins Prestigious Award for Work on Safe Flight 21
RTCA Inc., a federal advisory committee that develops consensus-based recommendations used by the FAA, awarded AOPA its highest honor for the association's work on Safe Flight 21, a government/industry initiative to modernize the National Airspace System (NAS). AOPA Senior Director of Advanced Technology Randy Kenagy accepted the award on behalf of AOPA in May at the RTCA Forum and Annual Awards Luncheon in Washington, D.C.
"This award recognizes the great work Randy does on behalf of AOPA members to make sure that ATC modernization discussions include general aviation," explained Andy Cebula, AOPA senior vice president of government and technical affairs. "Often, he is the lone GA voice presenting the practical realities of smaller aircraft cockpits, including piston aircraft flown in IFR conditions, and the needs of VFR pilots."
Kenagy has worked with the FAA on its Safe Flight 21 program and a sister program in Alaska called Capstone. The programs strive to bring affordable technologies like automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast (ADS-B) to GA. ADS-B uses GPS technology to send the aircraft's real-time position once every second to other ADS-B-equipped aircraft.
Associated ground stations entered developmental service along the East Coast in April, and they are transmitting free weather data to aircraft equipped with ADS-B and a multifunction display.
Other Safe Flight 21 team members honored with AOPA include the FAA, Alaska Region's Capstone Program, and MITRE/Center for Advanced Aviation Systems Development.
REGIONAL ACTION
Boyer Celebrates with North Carolina Community That 'Gets It'
A supportive community. Sound zoning laws. Informed government leaders. Planned airport expansion. These are some of the benefits of the solid airport-community relationship at Monroe Regional Airport in Monroe, North Carolina.
AOPA President Phil Boyer, Vice President of Regional Affairs Roger Cohen, and Mid-Atlantic Regional Representative Chris Hudson met with about 40 state, local, and airport officials in Monroe to learn about the current improvements and planned expansion of the airport.
"A successful growing airport like this starts with the people," Boyer said. "Your airport manager, who has an incredible grasp of aviation even though he's not a pilot, your elected leaders, and your outstanding Airport Support Network volunteer Tom Schick all work together to make this airport a model for other communities."
The city currently is installing a security fence and medium-intensity approach lights with runway alignment indicator lights. The city also plans to start selling fuel at the airport in October (in an effort to provide more competitive fuel prices) and to continue promoting airport expansion to lengthen and strengthen the runway and build new hangars.
MEMBERSHIP ACTION
AOPA Group Term Life Insurance Benefits Older Pilots
The AOPA Group Term Life Insurance program, offered by Minnesota Life, recently extended the termination age to 80 years and increased the maximum coverage amount to $1 million. This supports AOPA's ongoing efforts to ensure aging pilots can continue to receive needed life insurance.
The previous termination age was 70, but the limit is now increased 10 years to reflect the general longevity of the population. This new benefit will be applied automatically to members who have group insurance certificates issued through the program. In addition to the termination age, Minnesota Life increased the group insurance coverage amount from $500,000 to $1 million. Current insureds may apply to increase coverage to amounts more than $500,000.
The AOPA Group Term Life Insurance program is designed for active pilots with a current medical certificate. The program covers most types of flying — with no aviation surcharge. For more information about the AOPA Group Term Life Insurance program, visit the Web site ( www.aopa.org/termlife/) or call 888/879-2672.
Protect Your Aircraft During Hurricane Season
The National Weather Service has predicted an "above normal" hurricane season this year, with three to five major hurricanes. Aircraft owners should make sure their aircraft are protected.
AOPA's Pilot Information Center offers a hurricane subject report ( www.aopa.org/members/files/topics/hurricanes.html) to help pilots get ready. The most important thing aircraft owners should do is find out whether their aircraft insurance policy includes hurricane protection coverage.
"Hurricane protection coverage can help offset some of the cost of relocating your aircraft," said Greg Sterling, executive vice president and general manager of the AOPA Insurance Agency. "Read your aircraft's insurance policy to make sure you follow all of the necessary requirements to receive reimbursement."
For example, members insured by AIG Aviation who have aircraft physical damage coverage and who relocate their aircraft to another airport that is at least 100 nautical miles away from a "hurricane watch or warning" area can be reimbursed for 50 percent of the reasonable costs, up to $500. (The pilot must meet policy requirements.)
The best measure to protect an aircraft is to relocate it outside the area expected to be hit by the hurricane. If flying it out is not an option, read how to properly secure it in AOPA's subject report.
AOPA Revamps Aircraft Display for Expo
AOPA is beefing up its aircraft display for Expo 2005 at Peter O. Knight Airport and Tampa Convention Center in Tampa. For the first time ever in the aircraft display area, pilots can enjoy interactive hands-on seminars and product demonstrations (see " Having Fun in the Florida Sun," page 97).
Attendees also can take demo flights with various exhibitors. The demo flight area will not be open to the public, so those who want a flight must reserve a slot in advance with the aircraft company. Visit AOPA's Expo page ( www.aopa.org/expo/) and click Aircraft Displays for more information about companies that are offering flights.
AOPA Expo 2005 features 70 aircraft on display at the airport, three full days of educational seminars, more than 525 exhibitor booths, and many other activities. Learn about the state of GA with AOPA President Phil Boyer and other industry experts during free daily pilot briefings.
Don't miss AOPA Expo, from November 3 through 5, in Tampa. Register in advance to receive discounts from 10 to 30 percent.
AOPA Picks James D. Deimler to Oversee Aging Pilot Study
AOPA has selected James D. Deimler to oversee its Aging Pilot Study. Deimler, who was the program manager for the FAA's Age 60 Rule Study, has co-authored several research reports for the FAA's Civil Aerospace Medical Institute and is an AOPA member, pilot, and graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy.
"Using knowledge gained during the FAA Age 60 Rule Study, James will provide guidance to AOPA on those aspects of aging and performance that are relevant to general aviation pilots," said AOPA President Phil Boyer. "His expertise will also be valuable in preparing the study design, analyzing data, and producing the final report."
AOPA's Aging Pilot Study is a three-pronged effort, which will utilize the extensive research resources of the association and the AOPA Air Safety Foundation as well as Deimler's expertise. The findings are expected to reveal what kinds of accidents older pilots are having, what causes them, and what actually happens to pilots' skills as they age. Today, some insurance companies are adding escalating surcharges for pilots over 60.
AOPA AIR SAFETY FOUNDATION
Discover Your Aviation Safety IQ in AOPA's Online Safety Center
During the summer flying season, adventurous cross-country flights and vacation destinations might soar to the top of most pilots' minds, but safety always should be the first priority. That's why thousands of pilots visit the AOPA Online Safety Center ( www.aopa.org/safetycenter/), using the resources there to become safer, more knowledgeable aviators.
The AOPA Online Safety Center, which is free and open to all pilots, features free interactive online courses, more than 25 safety quizzes that can be graded instantly, a searchable accident database, a safety hot spot topic, and more. It is a pilot's main resource, hosting a plethora of information on almost every aviation safety subject from airspace to weather.
The short, multiple-choice quizzes, sponsored by Sporty's Pilot Shop, can help to point out any weak areas that might need polishing. To reward pilots who test their aviation safety IQ with the quizzes, the AOPA Air Safety Foundation conducts a biweekly drawing for a Sporty's Air-Scan V aviation radio. Those who complete the online quizzes are entered in the drawing.
Many of the free interactive online courses in the AOPA Online Safety Center satisfy the safety seminar portion of the FAA's Wings program. Topics include instrument flying, special-use airspace, air traffic control (ATC) communication, and runway safety.
One of the best ways to increase safety is to learn from other pilots' mistakes. The AOPA Online Safety Center contains an accident database with preliminary, factual, and final reports of accidents that go back to 1983. It features only those accidents involving fixed-wing aircraft that weigh 12,500 pounds or less.
Cross-Country Flying: Focus on the Final Stretch
Pilot workload changes with each phase of flight. Two of the most demanding phases of flight — descent and landing — occur when the pilot is usually the most fatigued. The AOPA Air Safety Foundation created the "Last Five Miles" safety seminar to provide pilots with techniques to make that final stretch safe and enjoyable.
During the seminar, pilots will learn three reasons why they should descend early (and one instance in which that would be a mistake), when a straight-in approach can be safe and legal, how to safely handle traffic pattern conflicts, and more. The free seminar runs from August 2005 until January 2006. Visit the AOPA Online Safety Center ( www.aopa.org/asf/seminars/seminar.cfm) for a complete schedule.
Order a Seminar-In-A-Box and Receive a Free DVD
An airport is the perfect environment to present one of the AOPA Air Safety Foundation Seminar-in-a-Box programs. Topics available include airspace, collision avoidance, fuel awareness, special-use airspace, spatial disorientation, and more.
Those who order a Seminar-in-a-Box will receive a free Lost and Crossed DVD while supplies last. The hourlong DVD explores ways to use all available tools to avoid getting lost and provides helpful tips on how to handle crosswinds and gusty conditions.
These all-in-one kits are designed to help local pilots conduct their own safety seminars. They can be used at monthly safety and membership meetings or as a tool for organizations to expand their contacts with area pilots. To order a kit, visit the AOPA Online Safety Center ( www.aopa.org/asf/seminars/sib.html) or call 800/638-3101, ext. 2184.
AOPA AIRPORT SUPPORT NETWORK
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
Pennsylvania. Pottstown: As the FAA and state governments mull over the possibility of shrinking budgets and ways to increase revenue, Pottstown Limerick's Airport Support Network (ASN) volunteer Randall Dotterer took the opportunity to voice his concerns to a member of the House aviation subcommittee — his local congressman, Rep. Jim Gerlach. The ASN volunteer offered encouragement and support to Gerlach as major airlines lobby the subcommittee and other members of Congress to levy fees on general aviation users.
Georgia. Wrens: When a section of farmland located 300 feet from Wren Memorial Airport's property line was sold to a developer who began constructing trailer homes on the plot, ASN volunteer John C. Magnan contacted the Wrens city administrator to alert the city to the potential issues that may arise. The administrator requested Magnan's assistance to help obtain samples of city ordinances for noise and environmental laws for review. Magnan contacted the ASN staff, who led him to AOPA's land-use guide ( www.aopa.org/asn/land_use/) and the FAA's Web site where he found a wealth of information.
Massachusetts. Falmouth: ASN volunteer David Jablon contacted AOPA when one of Cape Cod's biggest developers proposed to build a subdivision at the departure end of Falmouth Airpark's Runway 25. Jablon and fellow pilots worked with a local attorney and AOPA to gather information against the proposal to present before the local planning board. AOPA provided information about runway protection zones and FAA and Massachusetts Aeronautics Commission guidelines for compatible land use and safety zones. After four sessions, including one in which Jablon presented the information provided by AOPA to the Town of Falmouth Planning Board, the developer pulled the so-called "definitive plan" off the table.
AOPA ASN Volunteer Update
Who's in Control
Saving an airport is an overwhelming feat, and few people do it alone. Our Airport Support Network (ASN) volunteers often say, "Please recognize my fellow pilots because I could not have done this without them."
Pilots often display a level of dedication to and unity behind a common goal that is unmatched by any other group of enthusiasts. How many other groups of enthusiasts or professional associations have as many dedicated members as AOPA?
More than 1,700 member volunteers serve in the ASN, and many have a cadre of supporters from AOPA's 404,000 members who help to protect and preserve general aviation at their airports. ASN volunteers work locally with these members and act as a liaison with the ASN staff so we can provide support from a national level as needed. But success is a by-product of local activism, and that is why AOPA's track record is unquestionably enviable. Simply put: Pilots above all else are passionate, dedicated, and unified under the common goal of protecting GA. Whether you are an ASN volunteer or an AOPA member, thank you for making AOPA the world's largest and most influential GA association.
To learn more about ASN and/or find out if your airport has a volunteer, visit our Web site ( www.aopa.org/asn/) or call 301/695-2200.
Volunteer of the Month: Emory Geiger
Gwinnett County, Georgia's Gwinnett County-Briscoe Field hosts more than 107,000 aircraft operations each year — that equates to about 300 per day. Briscoe Field is located just 30 miles northeast of Atlanta's overstressed Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport and serves as an integral reliever airport.
Why would county commissioners consider allowing more than 1,000 homes to be built directly under the busy airport's flight path and near land slated for development of a much-needed second runway?
That's the question Emory Geiger, the AOPA Airport Support Network volunteer at Briscoe Field, posed to commissioners. Geiger learned of the development through his appointed position on the Gwinnett County Airport Commission, which he earned in January 2005. Geiger, local airport supporters, and AOPA Southeast Regional Representative Bob Minter quickly sprang into action, leading a well-supported informational campaign to educate county commissioners and the community about the economic value of the airport, federal funding issues, and common-sense safety.
Geiger and dedicated airport advocates also mounted an extensive e-mail and letter-writing campaign, visited citizens door to door, and gathered en masse wearing red shirts at county hearings, in an effort to protect the airport's future.
They succeeded: The commission voted 5-0 against the rezoning proposal that would have allowed residential encroachment. County Commissioner Kevin Kenerly, whose district encompasses Briscoe Field, noted, "[The airport] is the most important economic engine in this county...we don't need to endanger that."
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