Assistant Secretary for Homeland Security Kip Hawley toured AOPA's headquarters some 45 miles northwest of Washington, D.C.--just outside the Air Defense Identification Zone--and met with top AOPA staff in March.
"Secretary Hawley now has a much better picture of general aviation and what AOPA means to pilots," AOPA President Phil Boyer said. "And I think he now has an appreciation for how AOPA can help the TSA achieve reasonable security goals without additional regulations or harming GA."
Noting that many of the initial problems with the alien flight training rule might have been avoided by early consultation with AOPA, Boyer said, "If we know about the issue, we may very well have a better solution."
Hawley acknowledged some of GA pilots' concerns and offered that he is considering how the TSA might mitigate the impacts of presidential temporary flight restrictions (TFRs).
But while AOPA staff pressed him hard on the Washington ADIZ, he had little to say because he felt that the restrictions of the rulemaking process prohibited his comments.
Boyer demonstrated the many steps AOPA has taken to inform pilots about security issues and notify them about TFRs, including the literally millions of e-mail airspace alerts the association sends out each year, and the real-time graphical TFR depictions available to members through AOPA's free Real-Time Flight Planner.
AOPA Fly-In: A place where pilots are always learning
The annual AOPA Fly-In is filled with opportunities to learn: Student pilots can get hands-on experience by flying in, with their flight instructor or another pilot; attending numerous safety and educational seminars; and becoming familiar with the latest aircraft and products on the market. More than 40 aircraft and 100 product exhibits will be on display.
The AOPA Air Safety Foundation will be presenting numerous seminars that focus on emergency procedures, aeronautical decision making, and single-pilot instrument flying. Get a humorous take on hangar flying and handling in-flight emergencies with AOPA Flight Training Contributing Editor Rod Machado, and learn how to save a life in an aircraft accident with Dr. Ian Blair Fries, a member of the AOPA Board of Aviation Medical Advisors. AOPA President Phil Boyer will talk to members about the status of GA in the Mid-Atlantic region and explain what the association is doing to keep flying safe, fun, and affordable.
So save the date: The AOPA Fly-In and Open House takes place from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, June 3, in Frederick, Maryland. Admission is free. Vendors will be selling a variety of beverages, light snacks, and meals throughout the day. For fly-in procedures, driving directions, or a list of seminars and exhibitors, visit AOPA Online.
Understanding GPS capabilities for VFR operations
Does the training aircraft that you are flying have a global positioning system (GPS) receiver? Thinking about renting an aircraft that is equipped with one? The technology can seem intimidating at first, but the AOPA Air Safety Foundation's new GPS for VFR Operations online course can help you learn how to use GPS to make your next VFR flight safer, more efficient, and more enjoyable.
You'll get a broad picture of the GPS system, learn about the different types of GPS receivers, and discover "ASF's Top 10 Bonus Tips for Using GPS in VFR Operations." But you'll also learn how to avoid four "gotchas" that trip up many pilots.
The course is free for all pilots and is available online.
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