AOPA Tops 408,000 Members
AOPA has reached another milestone — 408,000 members! AOPA President Phil Boyer made the announcement to more than 500 members during the launch of AOPA Day at Sun 'n Fun Fly-In in Lakeland, Florida.
"Members are always telling me, 'AOPA is the best,' but really, it's you — the members — who make this organization so strong," Boyer told the crowd. "We have more than two-thirds of the entire pilot population in the United States, and that's why we are so effective on Capitol Hill."
More than 3,700 members celebrated the record and AOPA Day on April 7. Many just wanted to say thanks. "You're doing a great job," one member told Boyer.
"We work hard," Boyer replied, "so you can focus on having fun and staying safe in the air."
NATIONAL ACTION
Senate Commerce Committee Skeptical of FAA's Funding Presentation
Congress is casting a jaundiced eye on the FAA's budget and funding proposals. And the scrutiny has only just begun.
"This subcommittee is very concerned about some of the programmatic cuts proposed in this budget," said Sen. Conrad Burns (R-Mont.) in March during the first of multiple hearings on the FAA's 2007 budget and future funding needs. Burns is chairman of the Senate aviation subcommittee of the Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee.
Burns in particular objected to "massive cuts" in the Airport Improvement Program (AIP). "I find it very shortsighted to cut rural airport funding at a time when aviation is seeing record numbers of passengers and projected traffic numbers," he told FAA Administrator Marion Blakey.
"To compound that, the AIP proposal is nearly $1 billion below the level this committee authorized for the program. This committee has consistently tried to provide infrastructure funding only to see it carved up in the budget proposal," Burns said.
Sen. Ted Stevens (R-Alaska) also was irate at the funding cut for small airports.
"These airports are the villages' only access to the outside world," said Stevens. Reminding the FAA administrator that some of the airports had received runway lights out of previous AIP budgets, he said, "It's dark half of the year there!"
And FAA claims about needing a new "funding stream" also were viewed with skepticism.
Sen. Mark Pryor (D-Ark.) pushed Blakey on what the Next Generation Air Transportation System (NGATS) will cost. That's the FAA's plan to modernize the air traffic control and navigation systems. But Blakey couldn't answer Pryor, saying there were still too many variables to arrive at an approximate cost.
"You have no idea what the next generation system will cost," Pryor said, "so I think it would be hard to say if the revenue stream you have today would be adequate to cover that."
Sen. Frank Lautenberg (D-N.J.) got very specific, asking, "Will the administration propose a new user fee for any segment of the general aviation community, including business aviation?"
Blakey said that although she would love to answer the question, she couldn't because the new funding proposal was still under review. She said that it would "balance" the competing concerns of general aviation and the airlines: "At this point, our concern is that we are able to tie the costs of the system to the revenue and come up with a stable, cost-based system that is more equitable than the current system."
Aging Aircraft? Not a GA Problem
The FAA claims that "aging general aviation aircraft impose an increasing threat to safety." But that belief doesn't align with the facts.
The data, in fact, show that for GA aircraft weighing 12,500 pounds or less, the problem of mechanical or maintenance failure caused by age is actually declining. That data, distilled from 20 years of AOPA Air Safety Foundation accident records, were the cornerstone of AOPA's presentation at "Aging GA Aircraft" public meetings in March. AOPA called for education, rather than more regulation.
"Don't apply airline standards to general aviation," said Luis Gutierrez, AOPA director of regulatory and certification policy. "We need affordable solutions, not heavy handed regulations that would force owners to retire their light GA aircraft."
AOPA's review of the accident data conclusively demonstrated that the number of accidents caused by mechanical or maintenance failure has declined since 1983, while the average age of the fleet has gotten older. The number of structural failures has remained fairly constant.
"If age in and of itself were a safety problem, you would expect the number of accidents to increase as the fleet ages," said Gutierrez.
Accidents caused by structural failure account for less than one-third of 1 percent (0.3 percent) of all GA accidents. And when those accidents are closely examined, many were caused by maintenance failures or aircraft abuse.
"We can find practically no evidence that well-maintained GA aircraft flown within their operational envelopes are failing unexpectedly, regardless of age," said Gutierrez.
AOPA argued that aging-aircraft safety can be maintained through owner and pilot education rather than regulation. "Each new level of regulation brings unintended consequences and often limits the affordable and safe use of the aircraft," Gutierrez said.
AOPA also said that the FAA shouldn't accept without question manufacturers' data. The agency should also review operational data and field service history, and check with the users, before issuing nonemergency airworthiness directives.
"Zero risk is an unattainable goal that can only result in the grounding of thousands of serviceable, safe aircraft," said Gutierrez. "Give the owners information; let them make an informed decision.
"Safety is absolutely the most important thing, but absolute safety can only be achieved by regulating our aircraft out of the sky."
AOPA Alerts Congress to UAV Threat to GA Operations
Government and private industry want to expand the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in domestic airspace. Although the FAA has been considering the issue for more than 15 years, the agency has yet to find a way to protect civilian aircraft from UAV midairs except to restrict airspace or require manned chase planes.
That's an unacceptable situation, AOPA told the House aviation subcommittee of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee in March.
"We request the subcommittee press the FAA for expeditious action on UAV regulations," AOPA Executive Vice President of Government Affairs Andy Cebula told the committee. "Neither accidents between UAVs and manned aircraft nor the implementation of flight restrictions is acceptable."
Cebula told the members of Congress that AOPA members overwhelmingly favored certifying UAVs to the same safety requirements — including the ability to safely detect and avoid other aircraft — as those of manned aircraft.
"Pilots do not support airspace restrictions such as TFRs to allow UAVs to operate, according to our survey," Cebula said. "It's shared, public airspace, and everything flying in it should be able to do so without threatening the safety of general aviation pilots."
Pilots told AOPA they are concerned about UAVs' inability to detect and avoid other aircraft, and their inability to respond immediately to air traffic control instructions.
They also were worried that UAVs have yet to be tested to the same standards as manned aircraft, and that they have yet to demonstrate that they can operate safely in shared airspace.
"The pressure for expanded use of UAVs will continue," Cebula said. "The time for the FAA to act is now."
AOPA Members in Congress a Huge Asset on UAV Issue
AOPA members in Congress were key to pushing the issue on unmanned aerial vehicles (see " AOPA Alerts Congress to UAV Threat to GA Operations," this page). "We have many friends in Congress who understand GA issues and go to bat for general aviation," said Andy Cebula, AOPA executive vice president of government affairs. "But those elected representatives who are also pilots and AOPA members bring a special passion with them, and it shows every time an aviation issue is before them."
"TFRs are not a workable long-term solution," AOPA member Rep. Leonard Boswell (D-Iowa) warned the FAA during the House aviation subcommittee's UAV hearing.
Rep. Robin Hayes (R-N.C.) also expressed his concerns about the impact UAVs could have on general aviation. He became aware of the need for a long-term solution after a local sheriff department announced its intent to use a UAV for law enforcement activities.
As a pilot and AOPA member, Hayes realized the hazard this posed and intervened to find a better solution.
Rep. Sam Graves (R-Mo.), an enthusiastic Piper J-3 Cub pilot, said that as a GA pilot he was particularly concerned about TFRs, and that he wanted to make sure there wouldn't be more.
The FAA's associate administrator for aviation safety, Nick Sabatini, admitted that the FAA "had not anticipated this kind of growth so early," when Chairman John Mica (R-Fla.) asked if the FAA needed more resources to address the requests to operate UAVs in support of defense and homeland security activities.
But as industry representatives pointed out, the future is now, and the FAA must accelerate its process of regulating UAV operations. The critical question, as asked by Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-Texas) in her opening statement, is, "What are the FAA's plans for ensuring safety?"
Sabatini explained the process the FAA is currently using for both government and commercial requests. He stated that the FAA works with the applicant to develop conditions and limitations for UAV operations to ensure they do not jeopardize the safety of other aviation operations. But as has happened along the southern border, safety has been established at the expense of pushing general aviation out of the airspace with temporary flight restrictions.
Sabatini stated that the FAA hopes to have an outline of requirements by the end of 2006 and be ready to begin rulemaking by the end of 2007.
MEMBERSHIP ACTION
AOPA's Fly-In and Open House is Here
Don't miss the opportunity to talk to AOPA President Phil Boyer about general aviation issues. He'll be discussing issues such as the Washington, D.C., Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) with members during AOPA's Fly-In and Open House on Saturday, June 3, at the association's headquarters at Frederick Municipal Airport in Frederick, Maryland.
For those who fly near the ADIZ, you'll want to make sure you attend two seminars in particular: "What Every Pilot Should Know About FAA Enforcement" by AOPA General Counsel John Yodice and "Operations Within the ADIZ" by the FAA.
When you're not busy getting the inside scoop on AOPA's efforts to protect your right to fly, there will be more than 100 exhibitors and 40 aircraft on display to grab your attention.
Plus aviation humorist Rod Machado will be presenting two entertaining seminars, and the AOPA Air Safety Foundation will be hosting five hours of safety seminars on topics ranging from decision making to emergency procedures.
You also can try your hand at flying the Win a Six aircraft on Microsoft's Flight Simulator, renew your membership, take a tour of AOPA headquarters, and meet the dedicated staff that works to keep flying safe, fun, and affordable for you.
And if you are interested in buying any AOPA gear, Sporty's Pilot Shop will be on hand to help you get outfitted.
For fly-in or drive-in directions and a list of events, visit AOPA Online.
AOPA Auto Insurance Now Offers a Unique Benefit
AOPA members who are AOPA Auto Insurance carriers are now eligible for a new benefit. AOPA Member Products Partner American International Group Inc. (AIG) has announced an improvement to existing and new AIG auto insurance policies: a free three-way security program. The AIG Security Advantage is now being offered at no cost to policyholders. This program offers 24-hour roadside assistance, identity theft restoration service, and emergency travel and medical assistance. Now, along with exclusive general aviation enhancements and great auto insurance rates, AOPA Auto Insurance will feature a program that provides cost-free security and peace of mind.
This is the only auto insurance created with pilots in mind. A waiver of up to $250 of the deductible for a loss to a covered vehicle that is parked at an FBO; a transportation expense reimbursement of up to $900 if an aircraft malfunctions and leaves the pilot stranded away from home; free services such as tire change, gas delivery, and towing; an identity theft restoration kit; and other services are now included. No other auto insurance was created for AOPA pilots or is trusted with the AOPA name. Not an AOPA Auto Insurance carrier? Call today for a free quote, and you could save on your next premium as well as take advantage of exclusive benefits.
Contact 877/659-2446, extension 4572, or visit the Web site.
AOPA AIR SAFETY FOUNDATION
Using GPS for VFR Operations
As more and more aircraft, including those at your local FBO, become equipped with GPS units, it might be time to learn how to use that box.
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. Even experienced GPS users will find useful nuggets of information in the course.
The interactive one-hour course will give you a broad picture of the GPS system, sort through the different types of GPS receivers, and list "ASF's Top 10 Bonus Tips for Using GPS in VFR Operations." But it also will cover how to avoid four gotchas that trip up many pilots.
GPS for VFR Operations allows a registered user to exit the course at any time, save the work, and pick up at a later time. The course can be used for FAA Wings program credit, and it is free for all pilots and is available online.
ASF Publishes Thunderstorms and ATC Safety Advisor
Current or forecast weather conditions often play a significant role in your go/no-go decision. But many accidents are still caused by pilots flying into poor weather conditions: Nearly 25 percent of general aviation's fatal weather accidents during 2004 were a result of pilots flying into convective activity — even though they were in contact with air traffic control, according to the AOPA Air Safety Foundation's 2005 Joseph T. Nall Report.
The new Thunderstorms and ATC Safety Advisor is part of ASF's ongoing effort to educate pilots and lower that statistic.
"Pilots need a better understanding of the weather-avoidance services available from ATC," said AOPA Air Safety Foundation Executive Director Bruce Landsberg, "particularly when operating around thunderstorms that can literally tear airplanes to pieces."
The Safety Advisor provides tips on working with ATC, discusses recent changes in ATC weather radar reporting terminology, and details how to maximize your chances of survival in an inadvertent thunderstorm encounter. The free advisor can be downloaded and serves as a companion to ASF's new online course on thunderstorm avoidance.
ASF Offers At-Home Classroom with Weather Wise DVD
Are you weather wise? Now you can learn some practical tips for flying in weather from the comfort of your living room recliner. The AOPA Air Safety Foundation's interactive Weather Wise: Practical Tips and Tactical Tricks DVD allows you to see how you can apply those tips in real-world situations. The course sets up a "flight" in which you make the decisions that determine the outcome of the flight. The DVD costs $19.95 and can be ordered online.
Single-Pilot IFR Checkup
Ever been distracted by radio communication or your instrument scan and forgotten something on your checklist during a single-pilot IFR flight? The AOPA Air Safety Foundation's recently rewritten Single-Pilot IFR Safety Advisor provides tips on how to develop task management skills and reduce your workload. After all, approaching decision height with a windshield full of gray is no time to take on a new task or try to understand how your new cockpit automation works. The Safety Advisor can be downloaded online.
Runway Safety Resources
Every pilot dreads getting the call from air traffic control: "Advise when ready to copy this phone number." Yes, that means you've likely made a serious mistake, drawing unwanted FAA attention.
The AOPA Air Safety Foundation offers numerous resources on runway safety to help keep you from receiving that dreaded call from ATC. The ASF Runway Safety online course uses real-life situations to point out operations with high potential for runway incursions. It is divided into three parts: an arrival at Long Beach/Daugherty Field in California, a departure from Pittsburgh International Airport, and a quiz. The course, along with flashcards of airport signage, is available online.
After taking the course and studying the flashcards, test your knowledge with a Sporty's Safety Quiz on runway safety.
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
Indiana. Fort Wayne: Ken Russell, the AOPA Airport Support Network (ASN) volunteer at Smith Field, gave a presentation to local pilots on AOPA's Airport Watch program and overall general aviation security initiatives. ASN staff provided Russell with presentation slides and talking points on the Airport Watch program, security checklist links, and Airport Watch brochures and videos. This spring, all ASN volunteers received AOPA's brand-new Airport Watch DVD, which features the new "lock up and look out" initiative.
Michigan. New Hudson: Oakland Southwest Airport ASN volunteer Eric Marshall helped organize the New Hudson Pilots Association (NHPA) to stimulate activity at the airport and because rumors over the airport's proposed runway and taxiway improvements caused concern among airport users. Marshall and his fellow NHPA members were able to squash the inaccurate rumors by speaking directly with the county's airport supervisor. They also have developed an airport users' e-mail address list to disseminate facts and news, with the goal of developing a more cohesive and proactive airport community. Now the group, along with the help of Oakland Flight Services, the local FBO, is hosting monthly meetings and planning flying activities.
AOPA ASN Volunteer Update
Hangar Development Guide Offered
AOPA has debuted the AOPA Airport Support Network's newest publication, the Aircraft Hangar Development Guide , which breaks down into five steps the basic processes for planning and executing a successful hangar project at your airport.
First, the guide walks you through assessing your airport's current situation — from how well it operates to determining the needs and environment for hangar development on your field. Engaging interested and affected parties also is a primary consideration during this phase.
Second, the guide offers options for you to consider regarding what would be the most appropriate development based on your needs and the airport environment. This includes baselines for analyzing a project's strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats as well as possible financial impacts.
The first two steps help you define your goal; the third step is getting there. The guide outlines seven key principles of project management geared toward hangar development, but it also provides tips for keeping the team on track as you build stakeholder support and frame the project and plan.
The last two steps of the guide focus on project execution and project evaluation. Usually, when a hangar development project commences, most people focus on the execution phase. However, as noted in the Aircraft Hangar Development Guide, "Bypassing the first three planning steps usually leads to frustration and project failure." Reviewed in this section are design element considerations, funding, contract bidding, breaking ground, and ultimately tenant move-in day.
Once the project is complete, AOPA recommends a project evaluation to compare how accurate your initial estimates were to the reality of the completed project (this includes tenant satisfaction and other relative data).
The Aircraft Hangar Development Guide can be downloaded from the ASN Web site or by contacting AOPA at 800/USA-AOPA. To learn more about the ASN program and/or find out if your airport has a volunteer, visit our Web page or call 301/695-2200.
Volunteer of the Month: Bruce Angell
After serving on the City of Arlington's Planning Commission for the past two years, the AOPA Airport Support Network (ASN) volunteer at Arlington Municipal Airport in Washington state, Bruce Angell, achieved two milestones this spring. He was appointed chairman of the Planning Commission in March. And he and his fellow planning commissioners presented their airport-protection district ordinance to the City Council, which unanimously approved it.
The plan was developed to prevent incompatible land use and zoning around the airport and further improves upon the recommended guidelines published in Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) Aviation Division's Land-Use Compatibility Guidelines and California's Airport Land-Use Planning Handbook, which are among the best in the nation.
The airport-protection district ordinance for Arlington Municipal prohibits any zoning other than light industrial and commercial in the most critical areas around the airport.
Angell and WSDOT hope Arlington's plan will motivate other municipalities in the state to recognize the value of their airports and take similar steps to protect them.
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