AOPA Spells Out the Facts on FAA Funding
After gathering the facts and crunching the numbers — using nothing less than the Bush administration's estimates — AOPA has launched its effort to spread the facts about the FAA's funding "crisis" and combat the fiction that is being propagated by the FAA and the airlines.
AOPA President Phil Boyer started the push in April in San Diego with the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE), a professional organization for airport executives that represents management ranging from small general aviation airports to large commercial airports. More than 500 executives heard Boyer's address during AAAE's annual conference.
"AOPA and AAAE are working together on a number of issues," Boyer told the enthusiastic, appreciative crowd, citing the two organizations' efforts against the Bush administration's budget cut of almost $1 billion from the Airport Improvement Program. But he also pointed out that there is a larger threat:
"Looming on the horizon for aviation is the threat of user fees," being fueled by the expiration of the current funding mechanism of excise taxes for the FAA budget, Boyer said.
"What is the problem we are trying to solve?" That is the fundamental question in the FAA funding issue, Boyer told the group.
Each party to this debate has a separate answer. The FAA wants to reduce congressional control; the Bush administration wants to cut funding; the airlines want control; the airline passengers want good service; and Congress just wants to make it through the year. So who's really trying to figure out what's best for the pilots who use the National Airspace System?
That's where AOPA comes in — with the facts.
- There is no funding shortfall. Contrary to those who say the system is going broke, by AOPA's most conservative view, and using White House budget office estimates, the aviation trust fund could have a $4.2 billion surplus by 2011. And by AOPA's most liberal estimates, the surplus could reach $9.3 billion by that time.
As for the airlines' claim that the aviation trust fund would shrink because ticket prices are declining...that's fiction as well.
Boyer showed the airport executives articles from BostonHerald.com, CNN.com, and USA Today that show ticket prices are up. In fact, CNN.com cited the Air Transport Association (ATA) — the AOPA of the airline industry — on the issue in an April 12 article, "The ATA says prices are up more than 10 percent year-over-year."
Aviation finance expert Daryl Jenkins even says they are up: "Today's economic climate is allowing airlines to raise fares, which means — especially when passengers are flying — that revenue from the existing ticket tax will increase. During the last 12 calendar months, there [were] more than 30 attempts by the airlines to raise fares, and at least 17 were 'successful.'"
- The airlines would do a lousy job of running the ATC system. The airlines say they have a solution to this "funding crisis" — all Congress has to do is listen to them.
According to the ATA, "Congress must determine and impose a specific schedule of mandatory user charges — directly and proportionately linking the system costs...."
"The airline industry has proven in recent years they can't run their own businesses — so why are they telling Congress what it must do?" Boyer asked. "Congress must remain as the board of directors."
- U.S. ATC system is one of a kind. FAA Administrator Marion Blakey, in an attempt to sell a changed funding pattern, has been stating that the United States is one of only a couple of dozen countries in the world that does not charge for the actual cost of ATC services. But, as Boyer pointed out, that's a good thing.
"It's the safest, most efficient in the world, and the national economy benefits from our leadership in aviation," Boyer said. "Look at the facts: In 2005, the United States had nine times more departures than [the] United Kingdom and four times more airports than Brazil. And general aviation is a large part of the U.S. aviation industry. In 2004, 68 percent of all aircraft in the country were GA."
The U.S. ATC system — created specifically for the airlines — also is the world leader when it comes to cost effectiveness. In 2005, the United States had the lowest cost per IFR operation — only $171.93. Compare that to Germany, a country that is the size of Montana: $396.31; and the Netherlands, which is twice the size of New Jersey: $553.85.
ATC Modernization Would Reduce Costs
Boyer pointed out that we also must look at ways to reduce costs of operating the air traffic system, prior to calling on Congress to change the funding system.
Projects that are already under way, like the modernization of flight service stations and the elimination of unnecessary or redundant navigation aids, are perfect examples of cutting costs and modernizing the ATC system at the same time.
Improvements in technology also can reduce costs. An effort already is in progress to replace today's costly radar system with an automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast (ADS-B) system that provides more reliable, complete coverage for pilots and air traffic controllers.
"There is a lot of misinformation going around," Boyer said. "But the facts speak for themselves: There will be a trust fund surplus by 2011; modernization is an enabler for reducing ATC system costs; airline ticket prices are rising; and the current ATC system is the safest, most efficient system in the world.
"Let's keep Congress serving as the board of directors and keep our National Airspace System the leader of the pack."
Aging GA Aircraft Not a Safety Issue, AOPA Reiterates
AOPA wants to make it perfectly clear to the FAA: Older general aviation aircraft are still safe. Life limits or other mandatory regulations aren't needed.
"One troubling theory expressed at [the aging aircraft] meeting is the notion that the aging GA fleet poses an increasing threat to aviation safety. This is simply not true," AOPA told FAA Associate Administrator for Aviation Safety Nicholas Sabatini.
"A review by the AOPA Air Safety Foundation shows that the problem of mechanical or maintenance failure due to age is actually declining," said Andy Cebula, AOPA executive vice president of government affairs.
Cebula credited efforts by the FAA and AOPA to educate pilots and owners on maintenance issues for the "39-percent reduction in the number of mechanically related accidents over the past 20 years, despite an increase in the average age of the general aviation fleet."
AOPA called on the FAA to develop "maintenance friendly" policies, such as allowing the use of "acceptable" data as "approved" data for airplane major alterations and for vintage-airplane material and part substitutions. That is critical for "orphan" aircraft for which there is no longer a manufacturer to develop specific "approved" data for repairs and alterations.
NATIONAL ACTION
Canada Proves an AOPA User-Fee Objection
User fees for some ultimately mean user fees for everyone. That's one reason why AOPA opposes aviation user fees in the U.S.
Canada has proven the point.
When the private corporation Nav Canada bought the country's air traffic control system in 1996, it assured GA that its only fee would be a fixed annual fee.
Now Nav Canada has implemented daily use charges for general aviation aircraft at seven Canadian airports.
"The age of pay as you go is upon us, indeed a very slippery slope that has played out elsewhere in the world," said Kevin Psutka, president and chief executive officer of the Canadian Owners and Pilots Association. "COPA considers this a devastating precedent that will most likely be expanded over time to capture more airports and/or services."
And COPA expects that the airlines, which had pushed for this GA user-fee increase, will be asking for more — just as U.S. airlines are currently pushing for user fees on some segments of general aviation.
"We can't let the camel get his nose under the tent here in the United States," said AOPA President Phil Boyer. "This is the perfect example of why any FAA proposal for fee for service would ultimately be bad news for general aviation. User fees would inevitably trickle down to the pilots of light GA aircraft."
New Medical Certification Strategy to Reduce Backlog
The FAA's Aerospace Medical Certification Division is trying a new approach to substantially reduce the medical certification backlog — an approach AOPA has been advocating for years to help members get their special issuances more quickly. But the agency needs pilots' help to make that happen.
FAA Federal Air Surgeon Frederick E. Tilton has agreed with AOPA that members should ask their aviation medical examiner (AME) to call their regional flight surgeon if they have a question about a medical condition.
"Previously, when AMEs had any doubt about a medical condition, they were told to defer the application," said Gary Crump, AOPA director of medical certification. "Now they are being encouraged to check with their regional flight surgeon for possible approval over the telephone to issue the certificate. This could increase the number of pilots who can leave their AME's office with their medical certificate in hand."
REGIONAL
New Terminal Building Leads Revitalization of Florida's Albert Whitted Airport
AOPA and local pilots fought. The people spoke. The politicians listened. GA won!
In St. Petersburg, Florida, on April 21, AOPA President Phil Boyer, Albert Whitted AOPA Airport Support Network volunteer Jack Tunstill, and a collection of local officials, including Mayor Rick Baker, broke ground for a new $4 million general aviation terminal building overlooking the airport and the waterfront.
Three years ago, Mayor Baker wanted to close the airport.
What changed his mind? Local airport advocates, Tunstill, AOPA, and the voters.
In 2003, a long battle to close the airport culminated in a referendum vote. AOPA and local airport supporters waged a massive public relations campaign to educate the voters about the value of their local general aviation airport.
The voters listened — and understood.
By a three-to-one margin, St. Petersburg citizens voted that Albert Whitted Airport should be part of the city forever. The mayor and anti-airport politicians quickly reversed course and committed to making Albert Whitted a world-class general aviation facility and a community focal point.
"Sometimes the fight to save an airport can seem overwhelming," said Boyer. "Albert Whitted proves that the determined efforts of local pilots and airport supporters, backed up by strong national efforts of AOPA, can make a difference."
AOPA Regional Reps Learn Strategies to Protect GA at State, Local Levels
AOPA regional representatives gathered at AOPA headquarters in Frederick, Maryland, in April for their semiannual, two-day refresher on how to effectively lobby at the state and local levels and protect general aviation airports.
"The regional representatives help us respond to our members' number-one concern: saving their airport," said AOPA President Phil Boyer. "Our goal is to make sure they are up to speed on GA issues and are equipped with the necessary skills to help us protect your freedom to fly."For nearly two decades, AOPA has deployed a network of experienced regional representatives to extend the association's reach into the state and local public policy environment across the United States. The team of 13 men and women is led by AOPA Vice President of Regional Affairs Greg Pecoraro.
MEMBERSHIP
Moving Up: How That New Aircraft May Impact Your Aircraft Insurance
Are you interested in buying a new, more complex aircraft? Before you do, there are a few things you should know that may help with your aircraft insurance.
Talk to a broker who specializes in general aviation aircraft before you go shopping. An experienced broker will be able to give you advice about minimum pilot qualifications underwriters will require, common checkout requirements, and estimated annual insurance costs for various types of aircraft. While you may have the monetary resources to move up in aircraft, without proper ratings, flight time, and training, you may find insurance is cost-prohibitive or even impossible to obtain.
Develop a "transition plan" for the underwriter. A transition plan may include a combination of additional ratings, dual flight instruction, solo time, and even simulator time. Having a transition plan beforehand shows that you're invested in making a safe, logical transition and that you don't want to get in over your head.
Be prepared to pay higher aircraft insurance premiums until you have completed training and built some time in the new aircraft. To minimize the length of time your policy is surcharged, accept reasonable changes by the underwriter to your transition plan; make sure you forward documentation of your flight training as you complete it; if recurrent training is needed, do it when required — avoid asking for extensions of deadlines.
Choose an insurance agency you know and trust. Take control of your aircraft insurance cost today and call the AOPA Insurance Agency (800/622-2672) to get a free no-obligation quote.
AOPA Expo to Feature Parade of Planes
It's not often that airplanes taxi down the road. But it's a regular event when AOPA Expo goes to Palm Springs, California. AOPA will be heading back there this year, from November 9 through 11.
But get there early. The parade of planes takes place Wednesday, November 8. More than 80 aircraft will taxi from Palm Springs International Airport to the Palm Springs Convention Center at about 10 a.m. The aircraft will stay on display around the convention center to make it easy for members to take in general sessions, more than 500 exhibits, and brand-new educational seminars, as well as take a peek at the latest GA aircraft from light sport aircraft to very light jets.
Bring a guest. Palm Springs has something to offer everyone, and AOPA's party at the Palm Springs Air Museum on Friday night, November 10, is sure to be a hit. To register for Expo, visit AOPA Online.
Avis Offers AOPA Members a Free Time-Saving Service
AOPA members are eligible for participation in the Avis Preferred Service Program — a free service designed to make your car rental experience quick and easy.
With Avis Preferred, your information will be kept on file so you can skip the lines and go straight to your car. Preferred membership includes low-mileage cars, a free copy of The Wall Street Journal at major airport locations, directions, and weather reports. Combine this service with your AOPA member discounts, and renting a car with Avis is a stress-free experience.
Visit the Web site or call 800/698-5685 and mention your AOPA discount number A451330 to reserve a car with Avis today.
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.
Action in the States
Arizona. Phoenix: During an AOPA Airport Support Network volunteer meeting in the Phoenix area in April, AOPA Western Regional Representative Stacy Howard advised volunteers of user meetings being offered by the FAA as part of the Phoenix Class B airspace redesign. At the airspace meetings in May, Howard introduced the "general aviation" alternative proposal, which provides a more straightforward airspace design, enables controllers to maintain adequate separation among commercial and GA aircraft, and addresses noise and environmental concerns. ASN volunteers play a major role in ensuring that local users are active participants in this process so that the best design can be developed.
Pennsylvania. Bradford: The Bradford Chamber of Commerce recently dubbed Bradford Regional Airport the "Large Business of the Year." Bradford Airport Support Network volunteer Ray E. Lewis says that the Bradford Airport Authority, the airport sponsor, has taken great strides to make the airport a viable part of the community's economic development. Although new commercial airline service is expected to begin this summer or early fall, the airport continues to support its general aviation roots by constructing new T-hangars and offering visitors and tenants a full-service restaurant on the field.
Alaska. Fairbanks: Just more than one year after Fairbanks International Airport Support Network volunteer Ron Dearborn and his fellow airport supporters formed the airport's General Aviation Association, the group has successfully completed its initial goals to engage airport and FAA officials on operational issues. Working with the airport's chief of police and fire department, Dearborn and the group's members have implemented the airport's specially tailored Airport Watch program, which provides extra emphasis on human factors for providing a safe and secure airport environment. This emphasis has been carried to the monthly security meetings for all airport users and employees, and to the training sessions for flight instructors, to help ensure the Airport Watch program's value in the airport's mixed airline and general aviation environment.
AOPA ASN Volunteer Update
With the summer flying season in full swing across the country, finding a weekend airshow, pancake breakfast, fly-in, or open house is easy — visit AOPA's online calendar to see what's happening in your region or anywhere nationwide.
Each week, AOPA highlights regional events posted on this calendar in AOPA ePilot. AOPA relies on members and particularly ASN volunteers to help keep the calendar current and filled with aviation events as a means of promoting local airports. What better way to demonstrate your airport's value to the community than to showcase it with a fly-in, an open house, or a pancake breakfast? All of these events generate revenue on and off the field by bringing visitors to your airport and community.
If your airport is hosting an event, be sure to post it on AOPA's calendar. If you need help planning activities at your airport, the ASN Web site offers several free resources, including The Complete Guide to Holding an Airport Open House and The Guide to Obtaining Community Support for Your Local Airport.
For more information on supporting your community airport, visit the ASN Web site and check to see if your airport has an ASN volunteer.
AOPA AIR SAFETY FOUNDATION
What You Don't Know Could Hurt You: Get the Facts From ASF
Before you take off into the wild blue yonder, make sure there isn't any unexpected obstacle, like a temporary flight restrictions (TFRs), that could turn your relaxing cross-country flight into a nightmare at 5,000 feet.
The AOPA Air Safety Foundation's Know Before You Go online course can help you navigate safely and legally through today's ever-shifting airspace environment. But also it provides an easy review of normal, everyday airspace issues.
"As pilots in command, it's ultimately our responsibility to know where we're allowed to fly," said ASF Executive Director Bruce Landsberg. "But between cryptically worded notams and short-notice changes, it can be hard for pilots to stay one step ahead. Know Before You Go is designed to give pilots that extra step."
Learn how to interpret notams (no, they aren't written in a foreign language) and how to safely operate in and around TFRs and Air Defense Identification Zones. The course provides guidance on avoiding interception by jet fighters and what to do in the event of an intercept. You can even print an "intercept memory card" to keep in your flight bag in case the worst happens. Special information about flight restricted zones (FRZs), such as the one formerly around New York City and currently surrounding Washington, D.C., is included in the course — just in case FRZs are placed around other major cities because of a terror threat.
Know Before You Go also offers useful flight-planning tips for every type of airspace across the country, including how to document flight planning to defend yourself in the event of an enforcement action.
The 60-minute fast-paced course is approved for FAA Wings safety program credit. The free course is available online, so you can take it at your convenience.
Safe Operations at Towered and Nontowered Airports
Summertime is the peak season for airport traffic. Whether you operate at a towered or nontowered field, or both, it's time to brush up on how to safely operate in those environments. The AOPA Air Safety Foundation offers free Safety Advisors on each type of airport.
ASF's Operations at Nontowered Airports Safety Advisor provides suggestions on how to handle traffic pattern entry and communications, instrument approaches when VFR traffic is in the pattern, and operations when aircraft of varying sizes and speeds are in the pattern. The Operations at Towered Airports Safety Advisor gives you tips on how to communicate with air traffic control, how to avoid runway incursions, and more. Plus, the Safety Advisor includes a detailed walk-through of a typical flight to a towered airport.
These and more than 20 other Safety Advisors on topics including weather, regulations, physiology, proficiency, and technology are available online.
Put Your Knowledge to the Test with Sporty's Safety Quizzes
Test your knowledge of runway safety, night operations, medical certification, thunderstorms, fuel awareness, and more with Sporty's Safety Quizzes on the AOPA Air Safety Foundation's Web site. Choose from more than 40 quizzes that provide a quick and easy way to expand your aviation safety knowledge.
Each 10-question quiz can be graded and scored instantly online. A detailed explanation will appear by the correct answer for each question and may include links to other ASF educational materials for more information.
A new quiz is posted biweekly, and a link to previous quizzes is located at the bottom of each quiz. Those who complete a quiz automatically are entered for a chance to win a Sporty's Air-Scan V Aviation Radio/Scanner.
Seminar-In-A-Box Program Perfect for Airport Events
Fly-ins, cookouts, and barbecues at airports during the summer draw a captive audience of pilots perfect for an AOPA Air Safety Foundation Seminar-in-a-Box presentation. Choose from among 14 programs on topics ranging from GPS for VFR operations to takeoffs and landings, weather, and spatial disorientation.
The seminar costs $24.95 to cover shipping and handling and comes complete with a presenter's guide; a video, CD, or DVD; safety pamphlets; and handout materials.
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