AOPA Breaks Down FAA 'Silos' to Get Action for Members
Medical certificates. GPS databases. Instrument approaches. Pilot certificates. Practical test standards.
The strategy on these issues may be decided in Washington, but much of the nitty-gritty is worked out in offices in the FAA's Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center in Oklahoma City.
An AOPA team led by President Phil Boyer flew into Will Rogers World Airport in August to facilitate progress on many issues important to AOPA members.
"Two things impressed me there," said Boyer. "Many of the FAA employees and managers in Oklahoma City are AOPA members and have their hearts in general aviation.
"And the FAA has really gone digital. In a few short years, they've leapt from paper to bits and bytes, and that means good things for GA pilots."
But the FAA, like just about any large organization, sometimes gets trapped in organizational silos, with one office not communicating well with another.
"I think part of what we did in Oklahoma City was to break through some of those silos," said Boyer, "and help some people see things with a GA focus."
Precision Approaches to GA Airports
AOPA has been pushing for more satellite-based precision instrument approaches to GA airports. These WAAS (Wide Area Augmentation System) GPS LPV approaches fly just like an ILS but cost about $50,000 to implement, as opposed to the $1.3 million to install and certify a traditional ILS, not to mention the continuing costs to maintain and flight check the system.
But current FAA airport design standards require a full ILS infrastructure — wide runways, parallel taxiways, large clear zones, and approach lights — to get the full benefits of an LPV approach to a smaller GA airport. That means many GA airports that could use LPV approaches can't get them because they can't afford the infrastructure.
"Our smaller, slower aircraft don't need the kind of margins that the airliners do," said Melissa Rudinger, AOPA vice president of regulatory and certification policy. "One size really doesn't fit all."
And the FAA folks who design the approaches in Oklahoma City agree. "It's the airport standards holding us up," they told the AOPA group.
So AOPA also met with the FAA's airport standards folks, and talked a little GA reality. "I think they'd been too focused on big airports for too long," said Boyer, "but I think we may now see some changes in the future."
Instrument Training and Proficiency
How about some changes to the instrument practical test standards (PTS) and instrument currency requirements?
Even though the FAA is phasing out nondirectional beacons (NDBs), instrument students can still be required to demonstrate the ability to fly the obsolete approaches during their checkride.
And even though a WAAS GPS LPV approach is flown similarly to an ILS, it doesn't "count" as a precision approach for either training or instrument currency.
"That doesn't make sense, particularly since we are transitioning our navigation system to satellite and will eventually eliminate most of the ground-based navaids," explained Andy Cebula, AOPA's executive vice president of government affairs. And so the AOPA team pushed for changes in both the PTS and currency requirements with the people in Oklahoma City who can do something about it.
GPS Databases
As more GA pilots turn to GPS for their primary navigation source, it becomes all the more critical that they have access to a low-cost GPS waypoint database.
"Private companies shouldn't be the sole source of the essential waypoint data that allow flying approach procedures, particularly since the core data are public," said Randy Kenagy, AOPA senior director of advanced technology.
Now that the FAA is "digital," the agency could supply a basic, low-cost database to GPS users, the AOPA team learned in Oklahoma City. Doing so would allow private companies to enhance the data with more features (such as frequencies and airport diagrams) that many pilots would find more useful than the government's basic information.
"AOPA's challenge now is to convince GPS manufacturers to design their boxes to accept alternate database updates," said Kenagy.
Medical Issues
Oklahoma City is also home to the FAA's Civil Aerospace Medical Institute, and medical issues — particularly the loss of a medical certificate — are a huge concern for AOPA members.
Eliminating a medical certificate for private pilots is still a long way off, but AOPA renewed its push for the FAA to apply the same medical standards to pilots exercising recreational pilot privileges as it now grants to sport pilots.
The team again raised the issue of the medical Catch 22 for sport pilots — a pilot who has been denied a medical by the FAA can't fly as a sport pilot, but another pilot with the same medical condition who has not applied for a medical certificate can fly.
The FAA's medical staff acknowledged the inconsistency but reiterated what Federal Air Surgeon Fred Tilton has said: The Catch 22 was implemented by regulation and will have to be changed by regulation. That will take a long time.
The manager of the Civil Aerospace Medical Institute's Aerospace Medical Certification Division, Dr. Warren Silberman, demonstrated the FAA's new MedXPress online medical application form for the AOPA team.
AOPA expressed concern about some of the functionality of the form and also urged the FAA to integrate AOPA's TurboMedical form.
Pilot Certificates
Ever since the anti-drug enforcement efforts of the 1980s, the FAA has been charged with creating pilot certificates that are more secure. In 2004, Congress again directed the agency to move toward issuing counterfeit-resistant certificates with the pilot's photo or other "unique identifier that the administrator considers necessary."
While in Oklahoma City, the AOPA team saw the prototype system to make these counterfeit-resistant certificates. "It goes well beyond the intent of Congress and could significantly increase the cost and hassle of getting and renewing a certificate," said Boyer. "We won't let that happen."
AOPA argued that the current regulations, which require a pilot to carry a government-issued photo ID along with the pilot certificate, meet the security goals of Congress.
NATIONAL ACTION
'Lock Up, Look Out' with AOPA's Airport Watch
The message is clear: "Lock up — look out" to protect America's general aviation airports.
More than 600,000 pilots and thousands of others in the general aviation industry received AOPA's updated Airport Watch materials in August. Now, every airport should have its front-line defense — its pilots and tenants — ready to fend off investigative reporters looking for a negative story or others seeking to harm GA.
AOPA and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) sent a letter, a brochure, and an Airport Watch decal to every pilot. Airport managers, state aviation directors, select state legislators, AOPA Airport Support Network volunteers, and many FAA offices received a training DVD about Airport Watch.
"Airport Watch works. We know it. The TSA knows it," said AOPA President Phil Boyer. "Now we've completely updated the program, incorporating all we've learned since it started nearly four years ago."
AOPA urges pilots and airport managers alike to share the information and materials with everyone at their airport.
"Airport Watch is a simple, cost-effective program that works at all airports," said Boyer. "If eternal vigilance is the price of freedom, then we're taking this opportunity to remind pilots to protect their freedom to fly by keeping a watchful eye on their local airports."
Airport Watch was modeled after the successful neighborhood watch program and calls on airport users to be the eyes and ears needed to keep their airport secure. The program also encourages pilots to lock their airplanes and hangars after each use and to ask others to do the same.
Extended-Time Medical Certificates on the Horizon
FAA Administrator Marion Blakey promised pilots longer-running medicals during her annual speech at EAA AirVenture in July.
Blakey said the agency has started rulemaking to extend the duration of third class medicals for pilots under age 40 from three to five years.
AOPA had first petitioned for extended duration in 1979 and had met with the federal air surgeon early last year to encourage the FAA again for longer duration medical certificates.
First class medicals would be extended to one year, but third class medicals for older pilots would still have to be renewed every two years. Second class medicals would continue to be valid for one year.
Blakey Promises GA-Friendly FAA Funding
No GA user fees? AOPA isn't buying it.
During EAA AirVenture in July, FAA Administrator Marion Blakey carefully parsed her words about user fees for the general aviation audience.
She acknowledged that all National Airspace System user groups — AOPA, EAA, GAMA, and NBAA — support system modernization. "Supporting it is the easy part. Paying for it is another matter," Blakey said.
She again called for a change in the way money is raised for the FAA, one that would tie the agency's revenue to its costs.
But, "This new funding system does not have to entail broad user fees for general aviation," said Blakey. "While it is important that each group pay its fair share of the costs, let me be crystal clear: We do not want to create a funding system that stifles the GA community."
Blakey conceded several of AOPA's points on the funding issue — a continued general fund contribution and continued congressional oversight of the FAA.
"There should be a healthy general fund contribution to recognize the value that the aviation system brings to the general public, even those who don't fly," Blakey said.
"Congress will continue to play a significant oversight role" under any financing structure, Blakey promised. "We want to work with the GA community and your representatives in Congress to reform the financing system in a way that facilitates modernization and allows GA to continue to thrive."
"While we appreciate the administrator's promises, the data prove that the current funding system is not broken," said AOPA President Phil Boyer. "The current funding mechanism has created and paid for the safest and most efficient aviation system in the world, and it will continue to do so.
"We have the taxes in place to pay for rational, well-planned system modernization. And frankly, the only user fee promise worth anything is a promise of no user fees for anyone. Period."
MEMBERSHIP ACTION
Blakey to be Featured Speaker at Expo
Want some answers on the FAA's funding crisis and need for a new funding mechanism? Then plan to attend AOPA Expo 2006 in Palm Springs, California. FAA Administrator Marion Blakey will be speaking Friday morning, November 10, during a general session, and that will be AOPA members' chance to ask the administrator about user fees.
During Expo's other free general sessions, industry experts will discuss the future of GA, including developing new technology and increasing the pilot population, and AOPA staff members will discuss the association's advocacy initiatives and member service plans for the upcoming year.
But Expo isn't all about business. The popular Parade of Planes will kick things off Wednesday, November 8, as about 80 aircraft make their way from the airport to the Palm Springs Convention Center, where they will remain on display.
"We're happy to return to Palm Springs after a successful show there in 2002," said AOPA President Phil Boyer. "One of the highlights of the Palm Springs venue is the unique Parade of Planes from the airport to the convention center."
Or sit back for a viewing of One Six Right — The Romance of Flying on Thursday night, November 9, after the welcome reception. One Six Right is a documentary that celebrates general aviation through the story of Van Nuys Airport in California.
Remember, more than 500 exhibits will be on display and 74 hours of educational seminars will be offered. Plan your schedule now to fit as much in three days as possible. AOPA Expo runs November 9 through 11. For more information, visit AOPA Online.
Can You Influence the Cost of Your Aircraft Insurance?
Make yourself the kind of pilot underwriters want to insure by demonstrating a commitment to recurrent training and safety every year. Insurance companies want to insure pilots whom they feel are less likely to have an accident. Since a well-trained pilot is less likely to have an accident, pilots who obtain regular recurrent training are more likely to get the best rate. Many underwriters also have additional discounts for advanced certificates and ratings. The FAA's Wings program and the AOPA Air Safety Foundation's safety courses are a great way to get started on recurrent training.
It will also help if you stay current, fly regularly, and keep your pilot's logbook accurate and up-to-date. Nearly every underwriter structures rate discounts around total flight experience and make and model time, but did you know that many also look closely at the recency of your flight time as well? An experienced, current pilot presents the best possible risk to the insurance companies. So be a frequent flyer.
Partner with a strong aviation insurance brokerage that specializes in owner-flown aircraft. Selecting the right brokerage for your insurance needs is important. While the economic value of a Learjet or Gulfstream may be greater to some brokers, at AOPA we know the needs of the Cessna Skyhawk or Beechcraft Bonanza owner are just as important and may even require even greater expertise. The AOPA Insurance Agency focuses on light aircraft. For more information about the agency, call 888/462-2672.
AOPA AIR SAFETY FOUNDATION
GPS for IFR Operations
For pilots who are ready to break in their IFR-certified GPS receivers, the AOPA Air Safety Foundation has developed a new online course, GPS for IFR Operations . The course is an introduction to using GPS in the IFR system and prepares pilots for more in-depth, receiver-specific courses. The online course covers GPS receivers and IFR certification; common terms and receiver functions; flight planning; and en route, terminal, and approach procedures.
The program will also explain the Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS), WAAS approaches, and differences between WAAS and non-WAAS receivers. It gives an overview of the new RNAV routes around terminal airspace and explains the new minimums listed on RNAV approach plates.
This free, interactive online course uses multimedia, animation, and video technologies and offers a personalized certificate upon successful course completion, which can be used to satisfy the safety seminar requirement for the FAA's Wings program.
The foundation also offers a free, printable GPS Technology Safety Advisor , which explains how GPS works and how to fly GPS instrument approaches.
Need to Brush Up on Single-Pilot IFR Operations?
Or want to learn more about making IFR flights in a single-pilot cockpit? Check out Single-Pilot IFR , the AOPA Air Safety Foundation's free online course designed to help pilots learn how to fly in IFR conditions successfully and intelligently without a copilot. The course is about 60 minutes long and qualifies for the seminar portion of the FAA's Wings program.
Also, check out the Single-Pilot IFR DVD, which focuses on cockpit resource management for the instrument-rated pilot. The 30-minute program addresses ways a single pilot flying IFR can effectively handle increased workload while lowering stress levels. The DVD sells for $19.95. To order, see the AOPA Air Safety Foundation Store.
ASF Seeks Spring Intern
Looking for a way to combine your passion for safety and aviation? An internship with the AOPA Air Safety Foundation could be the perfect fit.
"When it comes to both aviation technical knowledge and professional growth, you can't get this kind of education in a classroom," said ASF's 2006 summer intern, Alec Tash. Tash, who is a flight instructor, graduated from Purdue University before starting his internship.
The intern will help develop safety education materials, including online courses, live safety seminars, and print publications, alongside aviation safety experts.
The intern will receive hourly pay plus a generous stipend to assist with moving, housing, or flying expenses. The deadline for applications is Friday, October 27. See AOPA Online for information.
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
Texas. Fort Worth: Fort Worth Spinks Airport Support Network Volunteer René Rey is using AOPA's Organizing Your Airport Group to form a new airport support group to open the lines of communication between the airport tenants, users, supporters, and management. He used a recent luncheon sponsored by the Fort Worth Department of Aviation to meet with the city's aviation director, the airport manager, and airport supporters to talk about the airport's future, specifically the need for an airport support group. Rey quickly learned of the previous association's contentious relationship with the airport management. But he is gathering support — an airport user stepped up to offer his Internet service provider to create a bulletin board, and city staff offered an airport tenant list to develop a new working group.
Ohio. Cambridge: Carl A. LaRue, the Airport Support Network (ASN) volunteer at Cambridge Municipal Airport, has been integral in engineering a land swap that, on the surface, seemed detrimental to the airport. When the ASN staff contacted LaRue about a listing in the Federal Register (see "Property Release," below) announcing the potential release of Cambridge Municipal airport property, LaRue asked AOPA to support this move.
LaRue and fellow airport supporters were able to convince an automobile dealership owner to give the airport land he owned in the clear zone in exchange for property on the other side of a swamp that was useless to the airport. With this property release and behind-the-scenes exchange, LaRue and Cambridge supporters were able to protect their airport through activism and a rather creative solution.
Property release
Each day, AOPA staff members review the Federal Register, a daily publication issued by the Office of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration, for issues that may affect general aviation. The Federal Register publishes rules, proposed rules, notices of federal agencies and organizations, and more.
The ASN staff is particularly interested in the FAA's weekly reports that recap requests for the release of airport property. In some cases, release of property can be part of a better deal overall, as evidenced in the story above about Cambridge Municipal Airport, but AOPA always double-checks to make sure any release of property would not be detrimental.
AOPA sends announcements to ASN volunteers at airports affected by these proposed releases. We ask volunteers to provide written comments directly to the FAA and to ensure airport supporters are involved in the process. AOPA typically does not comment on property releases because local users carry more weight on these decisions.
The property release at Cambridge Municipal is an example of why AOPA needs ASN volunteers and airport support groups to watch over their local airport. Only those with local knowledge can tell the FAA whether airport property release would be negative.
To learn more about the ASN program, visit the Web site or call 301/695-2200.
Volunteer of the Month: Howard Kave
Although Orange County Airport (MGJ) in Montgomery, New York, is a vibrant, well-managed airport, Airport Support Network Volunteer Howard Kave has taken several proactive steps to ensure it stays that way.
Kave has involved the town supervisor in various airport and aviation-related matters and recently presented her with a copy of One Six Right, a documentary about Van Nuys Airport in California.
Kave also offers aviation education courses for the media. When invited, he visits local media outlets to train journalists how to report on aviation matters. Kave uses AOPA's Guide to Talking to Reporters , a free online course, and AOPA's ABC's of Aviation, which defines hundreds of aviation terms. Many of the journalists Kave has worked with have appreciated help understanding technical aviation issues and terminology. (To learn how you can help educate the media about aviation-related issues, contact AOPA's Media Relations department at 301/695-2162.)
Kave's efforts have been well received in both political and media circles. He believes that airports, like movies, need good directors and public relations to be successful. Orange County has both. However, Kave also understands that the good times could turn around quickly with a change in local leadership, so his plan is to promote the airport to as many people as possible to keep it as strong as it is today.
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