Latest FAA 'Flight Plan' Needs More for GA, AOPA Says
Give credit to improved general aviation safety.
Stop ignoring the effect of security restrictions on efficient airspace use.
Change the rules to allow more Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS) approaches into general aviation airports.
And stop setting the stage for user fees.
Those are the bullet points of AOPA's comments on the latest draft of the FAA Flight Plan 2006-2010.
"While the FAA incorporated many of AOPA's previous recommendations in this update, there are still issues that must be addressed," said AOPA President Phil Boyer. "The FAA should never forget that GA is its 'customer' too — and the GA pilot is the only one who pays the bills out of his own pocket."
The Flight Plan is the FAA's strategic planning document, setting goals for the agency and measuring its progress in achieving them. Much to the FAA's credit, it has involved the flying community in the process.
"We thank the FAA for allowing AOPA the opportunity to share GA's perspective on the Flight Plan," said Boyer. "We believe GA will continue to grow, continue to fly securely, and continue to improve its safety record. With the AOPA-recommended additions and changes to the Flight Plan, we believe the FAA will have fully included GA in its mission."
AOPA wants the FAA to highlight the long-term GA safety improvements in its list of successes. In the past decade, there has been a 25-percent decrease in GA accidents.
The association also believes that the addition of GPS-WAAS instrument approaches to more GA airports would help improve safety. AOPA called for rule changes to allow that to happen, noting that current regulations, designed for air-carrier airports, prohibit precision instrument approaches into many GA airports. Requirements for full-length parallel taxiways and extensive clear zones, for example, are not necessary for safe instrument operations at non-air-carrier airports and are frequently impossible to implement at many GA airports.
"The Flight Plan must include the severe impact airspace security restrictions have on GA operations and the air traffic control system," AOPA said. While the FAA doesn't control security restrictions such as presidential temporary flight restrictions and the Washington, D.C., Air Defense Identification Zone, "the agency cannot continue ignoring their effects on the aviation system."
The agency must do a better job of disseminating airspace information, particularly security-related restrictions. That means improvements to the notam system. The FAA also must take the lead to make international navigation data available to users, since the Department of Defense is withdrawing its charts and databases.
The FAA must do everything possible to protect GA airports, as access to non-air-carrier airports will be essential to meet the demands of the projected expansion in GA activity.
Finally, there is the issue of the FAA "funding crisis."
"AOPA does not agree with the contention that the funding system is 'broken,'" said Boyer. While the Flight Plan doesn't directly state that the current system should be replaced with user fees, "it certainly lays the groundwork," Boyer said. "It is imperative that the FAA look at its costs and that it identify ways to reduce the funding needed to provide essential services."
NATIONAL ACTION
AOPA, State of Connecticut Urge Pilots to Take Initiative to Secure GA Airports
Each aviator, aircraft owner, and airport manager is responsible for airport security. That's what AOPA and the Connecticut Department of Emergency Management and Homeland Security have partnered to reinforce to the state's pilots and airport managers. But this message applies to all pilots all across the country.
In a letter mailed in September, AOPA President Phil Boyer and James Thomas from the Connecticut Department of Emergency Management and Homeland Security reminded Connecticut pilots, "It is up to all of us to monitor our surroundings and look for ways we can prevent negative events from happening. We each need to do our part to diminish the concerns that every small airplane and small airport could be a terrorist threat."
AOPA and the state endorsed two simple security procedures that will enhance airport security: securely lock your aircraft (asking others to do the same) and use AOPA's Airport Watch program ( www.aopa.org/airportwatch/). The Transportation Security Administration has established a toll-free number (866/GA-SECUR[E]) to report suspicious activity.
"During these extraordinary times, it's important that general aviation pilots like you take the initiative to show that pilots can, and will, foster security at our GA airports," concluded Boyer and Thomas.
AOPA Tackles U.S. Attorney's Mistaken Views on GA Security in Minnesota
AOPA is taking on the top federal prosecutor in Minnesota over airport security. U.S. Attorney Thomas B. Heffelfinger says security must be tightened at the Twin Cities' general aviation reliever airports to counter terrorists. The local press quoted him saying that someone could "kill 3,000 people" by flying a single-engine airplane into the roof of the Metrodome stadium.
"We respectfully believe that your quotes, if reported accurately, reflect significant misunderstanding about aviation security, and, in fact, are not consistent with the views and policies of the U.S. agencies responsible for ensuring the safety and security of the nation's GA airports," said AOPA President Phil Boyer in a letter to Heffelfinger. He reminded Heffelfinger that various government security agencies have concluded that GA is not a significant threat, and that voluntary programs such as AOPA's Airport Watch have proven effective.
Air Traffic Control Chief Sees GA Side of Things at AOPA Headquarters
It was a first for the head of the FAA's air traffic control organization — spending a good part of the day visiting AOPA's headquarters, speaking with AOPA President Phil Boyer, and seeing some of the new technology in light general aviation aircraft.
Russ Chew, chief operating officer of the Air Traffic Organization, flew a GPS-WAAS approach in a typical GA aircraft at Frederick Municipal Airport (AOPA headquarters) in August, and he was very impressed with the technology now making its way into GA aircraft. He experienced some of that technology at the controls of Boyer's Cessna 172.
Chew experienced an AOPA-supported technology — automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast (ADS-B) — on his flight with Boyer. With ADS-B, the aircraft transmits its GPS coordinates and motion vectors to ground receivers and to other aircraft. Every ADS-B-equipped aircraft can "see" every other equipped aircraft in the area, and air traffic control can see all equipped aircraft without the usual line-of-sight and false-return limitations of radar. Plus, updates are every second, compared to two or three sweeps of radar over several seconds to see an aircraft track. (See " ADS-B: The Future Is Now," page 86.)
But the system can do so much more. Not only will the GA pilot have traffic information in the cockpit, independent of ATC (Chew was quite impressed with the self-separation aspects at Frederick Municipal, a nontowered airport), but also the pilot will receive real-time weather information, including graphics. The pilot will be able to see Nexrad radar images in the cockpit to help him make decisions on the best route to take to avoid weather.
As the FAA considers the huge expense of replacing the aging radar infrastructure by 2015, ADS-B may assume a significant role in aircraft surveillance.
"Russ Chew has the heart of a pilot and the head of a businessman," said Boyer. "He understands and loves aviation at all levels, and he knows what it takes to run an organization like a business. But as someone who started in GA, and worked for a cost-constrained air carrier, Russ is sensitive to mandatory equipage for both the Air Transport category aircraft and the very cost-sensitive GA fleet. The technology will evolve, but you won't be forced to buy new equipment tomorrow."
REGIONAL ACTION
AOPA Efforts Keep North Carolina's Horace Williams Open Another Year
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill must continue to operate Horace Williams Airport for the public and the school's Area Health Education Center's (AHEC) Medical Air Operations for at least another year, thanks to language AOPA supported in the state's House budget bill. The language survived House-Senate deliberations to make it into the final budget that was signed into law.
During the next year, the Legislative Research Commission will study the effect that closing Horace Williams would have on the AHEC program. "AOPA couldn't have pulled this off without the support of the hundreds of members who contacted their state legislators, telling them to keep the airport open," said Roger Cohen, AOPA vice president of regional affairs. "The legislature has once again recognized the importance of the airport, and the study will offer AHEC doctors and pilots a chance, maybe a last chance, to preserve the airport."
But the university is still committed to closing Horace Williams, and AOPA members need to continue reinforcing the value of the airport to their legislators.
MEMBERSHIP ACTION
Secretary of Transportation Norman Mineta Featured Speaker at AOPA Expo
For the first time in AOPA Expo history, the secretary of transportation will be on hand live to speak and answer member questions. Secretary Norman Y. Mineta will be addressing AOPA members during one of Expo's general sessions.
Hear the unvarnished reality from this Washington, D.C., insider, the only Democrat in President Bush's cabinet, and the man with his finger on the pulse of all transportation issues. (Not to mention, he's also FAA Administrator Marion Blakey's boss.)
"Norman Mineta has been a knowledgeable and independent friend to aviation," said AOPA President Phil Boyer. "He has always given a fair hearing to the concerns of the nation's general aviation pilots."
Other general sessions include an update from AOPA headquarters with Boyer and a look into the future of GA. Industry leaders from the light-sport-aircraft, technically advanced aircraft, and very-light-jet industries will speak about how these aircraft are going to help build the future of GA.
Attendees will have the chance to ask questions at the end of each of these free sessions in the Tampa Convention Center.
It's not too late to register for AOPA Expo. Tickets will be available on site at the Tampa Convention Center beginning November 2. Expo runs from November 3 through 5. For more information, see AOPA Online ( www.aopa.org/expo/).
Find it Fast: AOPA Online is mMre User-Friendly
AOPA Online has more than 40,000 pages of information that contain nearly everything about general aviation, but sometimes that information is difficult to find.
Not anymore. AOPA Online has a new search engine that is much faster, like jumping from a Piper Cub to a Learjet. It's Google, and it is now as easy to find information on AOPA Online (www.aopa.org) as it is to Google information on the World Wide Web.
But the association didn't stop with a new search engine. AOPA reorganized and simplified its Pilot Information Center ( www.aopa.org/members/pic/). There are now seven information categories: aircraft ownership, planning a flight, becoming a pilot, advanced flight training, medical certification, international and Alaska flying, plus a library that includes the federal aviation regulations, the Aeronautical Information Manual, an STC (supplemental type certificate) database, and much more. The Pilot Information Center also sports a featured item, updated periodically, that highlights the most requested aviation topic of the moment.
AOPA also made it easier to talk to members across the United States with its revamped aviation forums ( www.aopa.org/members/messages/). These Web boards provide a great opportunity to share the wisdom gained from years of flying and to learn from others. Registration is free but only available to AOPA members.
Don't forget the AOPA Online Safety Center ( www.aopa.org/safetycenter/), which provides easy access to free interactive courses, Sporty's Safety Quizzes, an accident database, safety publications, and more.
Only the Best: AOPA Members Get Luxury at Discounted Price
How about driving off in a luxury car after a long flight? It has been a little-known secret, but AOPA members can rent luxury cars from the Hertz Prestige Collection at a discounted price. Choose from 20 models including Jaguar XJ8, Lincoln LS or Navigator, Land Rover LR3, Cadillac Escalade, or Hummer H2. This service is available at select locations and offers pickup and return from resorts within a 15-mile radius of the Prestige Collection location (excluding New York metro locations). Prestige Collection vehicles come equipped with Hertz NeverLost, and some with Sirius Satellite Radio. To reserve a car or for more information, visit the Web site ( www.hertz.com) or call 800/654-2250. Include the AOPA-Hertz discount code CDP# 10232 to receive the savings.
Renters: Make Sure You're Covered
"You're not covered!" Those are words that no pilot wants to hear after having an accident in a rented or borrowed aircraft, but those who do not have aircraft renters insurance could be faced with that scenario.
Even a small mishap could put a renter pilot in financial jeopardy. A nonowned policy can provide coverage when renters need it most, with coverage for up to $5,000 of the FBO's deductible, regardless of fault, and options for aircraft damage liability. In the event of a lawsuit, a nonowned policy will provide coverage for legal defense costs, regardless of the verdict.
Renters insurance from the AOPA Insurance Agency has coverage to fit any renter pilot's needs and budget, plus broad liability coverage with no family sublimits. For more information or to purchase a policy, visit the Web site ( www.aopaia.com) or call 800/622-2672.
AOPA AIR SAFETY FOUNDATION
Take a Look at Ceilings and Visibility with ASF
Weather — it often forces pilots to make a go/no-go decision; so, the AOPA Air Safety Foundation created "Weather Wise: Ceiling and Visibility," the first in a series of online weather courses partially funded by the National Weather Service, to bring a real-world perspective to the art and science of weather forecasting for pilots.
The interactive 20-minute course focuses on the relationship between temperature and dew point, and ceiling and visibility. It also teaches when and where fog is likely to form. In-flight video clips show what MVFR, VFR, and IFR conditions really look like to the pilot. Helpful tips point out the signs of changing weather conditions.
This is just the first in a series of online weather courses. Future weather topics include convective activity, turbulence, and air masses and fronts. The course is free and available to all pilots in the AOPA Online Safety Center ( www.aopa.org/safetycenter/).
Complete a Sporty's Safety Quiz, and You Could Win a Scanner
Certain things in the cosmos must have been aligned correctly for newly minted private pilot Don Belsky. On the day of his successful checkride, he got a surprise in the mail.
Belsky had always wanted to be a pilot. He took his first flight lesson while he was in his teens but put off the rest of the training to raise a family. Last year he decided to reinvigorate the dream.
A great way to prepare for a checkride, or enhance learning in general, is to take the quick and easy Sporty's Safety Quiz through the AOPA Online Safety Center ( www.aopa.org/safetycenter/). There have been nearly 85,000 completions of the free quiz, which is updated biweekly. Besides the obvious learning benefits, pilots also can win a Sporty's Air-Scan V Desktop Scanner through a drawing. As luck would have it, Belsky received a scanner on the day of his checkride.
"As I was opening your gift, my family was preparing a surprise celebration for me," Belsky said. "Thank you so much for making an already extraordinarily special day even more so."
Spread the Joy of Aviation with ASF Holiday Cards
It's that time of year. It's time to put on some Christmas music, get out the address book, and start sending warm season's greetings to friends and family. This year, why not send the AOPA Air Safety Foundation's aviation-theme holiday cards to share the love of aviation?
You can select from 29 card designs, ranging from elegant holiday scenes such as Winter's Guiding Light, which shows a biplane flying over a snow-covered coastal area, to colorful cartoons such as Santa's Preflight Check.
Boxes come with 25 cards and 26 envelopes, 25 return-address labels, and 25 decorative seals. With orders of three or more boxes, pilots can get a free personalized name imprint inside the card.
The price of the cards ranges from $23 to $27, and a portion of the proceeds goes to ASF to help support its efforts to improve general aviation safety.
To see the card designs or order online, visit the ASF Holiday Card Center ( www.holidaycardcenter.org/asf2). Orders also can be placed by calling 800/308-4285.
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
Florida. Melbourne: The threat to general aviation at Melbourne International Airport is squashed, at least for now. A proposal to start international commercial service at Melbourne International had caused a furor on the airport because the Melbourne Airport Authority (MAA) tried to shut GA out of the airport's future by proposing to close a much-needed crosswind runway, evict tenant F.I.T. Aviation Inc., and relegate GA tenants to the north side of the field. Airport Support Network volunteer Neal Chancellor and local pilots formed the Melbourne Area Pilots Association (MAPA) to educate the FAA, Florida Department of Transportation, and MAA of the importance of GA. Today, the proposed carrier is defunct, and the future of GA is again bright: Runway 5/23 is intact and F.I.T. has signed a new five-year lease, with the promise of a better location on the field.
Kentucky. Paducah: Barkley Regional Airport has received additional taxiways and a runway extension, but ASN volunteer Timothy Edmonds has expressed concern about how the airport improvement money was spent. Some T-hangars were torn down, but replacements haven't been built. The airport sponsor is out of money, and the replacement hangars are on hold indefinitely. Yet there was money for items not listed in the proposed plan, such as new security vehicles. AOPA is recommending contacting the airport manager or FAA Airport District Office to request a copy of the grant assurances. A Freedom of Information request will allow an investigation into how the money was spent.
Minnesota. Minneapolis: Airlake ASN volunteer Karen Workman is working with volunteers in Minneapolis to combat negative articles about GA airports in the area. Workman and volunteers from five of the Minneapolis-St. Paul relievers had a conference call with AOPA staff to discuss tactics on addressing the media, public, and elected officials. The volunteers will take the results of this meeting to pilots at their respective airports.
AOPA ASN VOLUNTEER UPDATE
Do You Know Your Airport's Rights?
The AOPA Airport Support Network staff handles many issues relating to grant assurance agreements. These are funds the FAA gives to local airport sponsors for projects in the airport's master plan, and they come with compliance obligations that the sponsors must uphold.
The breadth of information and applicability of grant obligations are not easily deciphered, but a local attorney who has experience with aviation-related issues and is familiar with state and county laws can help.
However, ASN volunteers and AOPA members should start with AOPA's Guide to FAA Airport Compliance ( www.aopa.org/asn/airport_compliance.pdf) to gain an understanding of the FAA's rules and procedures regarding compliance. The booklet explains the processes delineated by the FAA for handling compliance issues, and provides information to identify potential problems. (Compliance issues will be discussed in further detail next month.)
The ASN staff helps volunteers by reviewing alleged violations and addressing the discrepancies. The ASN staff also works with the volunteers to help educate sponsors on the possible violations by contacting airport management, elected officials, state aviation directors, and departments of transportation, as well as local FAA airport district offices.
To learn more about the ASN program 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: David Evans
A longtime threat to Buchanan Field in Concord, California, was taken off the table for good in August. The proposal, which included building 6,000 homes on the airport and moving the field elsewhere, was combated by local pilots, congressional aviation leaders, the FAA, and AOPA. Finally, the developer withdrew his plan.
For the past two years, Buchanan Field's AOPA Airport Support Network volunteer David Evans was one of the many people who worked to ensure that the airport was not closed. Evans kept AOPA up to date and provided detailed information on the development proposal and local politics. He worked closely with key local pilot and community groups including the Airport Coalition, the Friends of Buchanan Field, and the Mount Diablo Pilots Association as well as AOPA members in the area.
Thanks to the dedication and commitment of the many local pilots associations, as well as support from congressional leaders and testimony by AOPA, Buchanan Field will continue to be home to almost 600 aircraft and provide much-needed reliever support in the San Francisco area. ASN volunteers like Evans are integral parts of success stories like this. We applaud him and all the local pilots who lead the charge and truly make a difference.
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