AOPA Action

FAA Proposes De Facto ADIZ Expansion

AOPA and the FAA agree on this: Most of the Washington, D.C., Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) incursions have been unintentional, and training is the solution to the problem.

"But AOPA and the FAA diverge when it comes to how to implement that training," said Andy Cebula, AOPA executive vice president of government affairs.

"The FAA wants a de facto expansion of the ADIZ. That could very well lead to more enforcement actions against pilots who have not actually violated the ADIZ."

How? The FAA is proposing to require mandatory training for any pilot flying VFR within 100 nautical miles of the DCA VOR. That effectively expands the ADIZ to engulf 117 airports.

For example, a pilot flying from northeast Philadelphia to Cape May, New Jersey, would have to have ADIZ training, even though he would be 60 nm outside the ADIZ at the closest point.

"Would a pilot in any case reasonably expect that he would have to be concerned about the ADIZ?" asked Cebula. "And the FAA is not planning on marking the 'training ring' on any charts. It's a 'gotcha' waiting to happen."

There's another gotcha for IFR pilots. Pilots flying near the ADIZ on an IFR flight plan would not be required to have the ADIZ training. But consider someone flying IFR from Wilmington, Delaware, to Lancaster, Pennsylvania. The weather is good, so the pilot cancels IFR 10 nm out to expedite his arrival.

Gotcha! You're now VFR and must have the ADIZ training, even though you're 43 nm outside the ADIZ.

The FAA is proposing the training requirement to reduce the number of "unauthorized" flights into the Washington, D.C., ADIZ. However, the majority of ADIZ violations are purely technical, most stemming from a pilot changing a transponder code a bit early or late.

"AOPA still believes that the ADIZ, as presently configured, is an unnecessary burden on law-abiding general aviation pilots whose relatively slow-moving, small aircraft do not represent a significant threat to Washington, D.C.," said Cebula.

"That said, training to improve pilot awareness of ADIZ operations is clearly the preferable action. AOPA supports training, but we can't support the FAA's proposed implementation of the training requirement."

NATIONAL ACTION

AOPA Fires User-Fee Salvo

AOPA fired another salvo against user fees, this time in Alaska. In a July field hearing before the Senate Commerce Committee meeting in Anchorage, AOPA Alaska Regional Representative Tom George said, "Many of us in Alaska are questioning why Washington would totally change the effective mechanism that currently funds the safest, most efficient system in the world. Without Congress acting as the FAA's board of directors, Alaska's needs are likely to be shortchanged."

AOPA has maintained that changing the current FAA funding system to a user-fee system as proposed by the airlines and the Bush administration would harm general aviation pilots and the general public.

"Everyone benefits from the aviation system, whether or not they actually fly," George reminded the Commerce Committee, which currently is the responsible Senate committee for legislation determining how much the FAA may spend and in what areas.

Because everyone benefits from aviation, it's only appropriate that all taxpayers share in some of the FAA's expenses. "Everyday deliveries of goods and services, medical services and supplies, mail delivery, and other everyday needs are all dependent on a viable air transportation system," said George.

AOPA Gaining Global Influence

When other countries want to improve their general aviation industry, where do they turn for help? To the leading general aviation association in the country that has the best GA industry.

That's why 21 Chinese delegates visited AOPA headquarters at the end of June. They participated in activities aimed at expanding their knowledge of GA operations. The group, from Air Traffic Services in China, met with AOPA staff members to discuss GA issues and learn about the GA industry in the United States.

"This was a tremendous opportunity for AOPA to assist in the future expansion of GA in China," said AOPA President Phil Boyer. "The delegates experienced firsthand the benefits and challenges of GA in this country and learned about AOPA's role in international general aviation through IAOPA."

With China now looking into expanding civil aviation operations, AOPA staff members spoke to the group about issues of importance to GA in this country. Among the topics were user fees, access to airspace and airports, access to weather and other vital information, security requirements, and new technologies.

It was a highlight of the day for each member of the delegation to participate in an introductory flight flown by AOPA staff.

"They were particularly interested in Frederick Municipal Airport being a nontowered airport, the local airspace, the GPS equipment on board, and the fact that no flight plan or air traffic control services were needed for their local flights," said Boyer.

Keep the Approaches, AOPA Tells FAA

The FAA wants to eliminate some 129 approaches it considers redundant or underused, "but at one airport, that would leave all of the based pilots without any way to make an instrument approach," said Andy Cebula, AOPA executive vice president of government affairs. "Our members need some of these instrument approaches. Don't cancel them yet."

The FAA's proposal would have left only a GPS approach to Sheldon Municipal Airport in Iowa, but none of the based aircraft is GPS equipped, members told AOPA.

AOPA went to bat for members at 35 other airports as well, where the approach cancellations would make things worse for pilots.

One issue that the FAA seemed not to consider was that its proposal would eliminate some of these airports as IFR alternates. Current FAA policy prohibits pilots from listing an airport as an IFR alternate if it has only GPS instrument approaches, unless the pilot's aircraft is equipped with the Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS).

"With only 3,000 aircraft equipped with WAAS, the remaining 50,000 aircraft equipped with certified non-WAAS GPS would be forced to select other airports that have a non-GPS approach as an alternate," Cebula said. "A change in FAA policy could alleviate this impact on GPS users."

The loss of some approaches also could affect safety. AOPA pointed out that members had identified some of the approaches slated for cancellation as needed for training, because there were no other nearby alternatives suitable for giving pilots the experience they need to meet the requirements for an instrument checkride.

Boyer Heads Aviation Technology Group

AOPA will have an even stronger voice in the shape of aviation's future. In May, AOPA President Phil Boyer was elected chairman of the RTCA policy board — the technical organization that sets standards for aircraft and avionics and advises the FAA on communications, navigation, surveillance, and air traffic management (CNS/ATM) system issues.

"RTCA has expanded its traditional role from developing technical standards to helping the FAA set its course for modernizing the air traffic control system," said Boyer. "AOPA's strong position within RTCA ensures that general aviation is considered as modernization decisions are made and that pilots receive new benefits at a reasonable cost from CNS/ATM advancements."

RTCA developed the standards to expand GPS from military use into GA cockpits. Later the organization helped birth the Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS) for GPS, which gives pilots ILS-like precision guidance to thousands of GA runways.

The widespread adoption of ILS for civilian aviation was a product of RTCA. Even unicom was formalized by RTCA. But it's not just electronics. Right now, for example, AOPA is chairing an RTCA special committee to develop standards for unmanned aerial vehicle certification so that the drones can fit into the National Airspace System without threatening or restricting GA operations.

RTCA (formerly known as the Radio Technical Commission for Aeronautics) was organized in 1935, and AOPA has been a member for almost as long. Now there are about 335 government, industry, and academic organizations holding membership. RTCA is chartered by the FAA as a federal advisory committee.

REGIONAL ACTION

Uncharted MOAs?

Pilots flying in southeastern Indiana beware: Two uncharted military operations areas (MOAs) became effective August 3. The good news is that they likely won't be used until they are charted at the end of December, and the FAA is going to make sure pilots are aware of the airspace before it is used.

"AOPA pushed the FAA to properly notify pilots about the special-use airspace and to address the safety issues associated with slow general aviation aircraft and fast, heavy military aircraft sharing the same airspace," said Heidi Williams, AOPA director of air traffic services. "The Indiana Air National Guard and the FAA currently are working on an agreement that will allow the Guard to use the airspace, but it likely won't be finalized until the airspace is depicted on aeronautical charts."

The two MOAs lie to the west of Cincinnati's Class B airspace and will be located mostly within the area bordered by Franklin Flying Field, Salem Municipal, Madison Municipal, and Greensburg-Decatur County airports. The altitudes range from 500 feet agl up to Flight Level 180, but the majority of the MOA sectors will be above 4,000 feet msl.

Those who live in the southeastern Indiana area or will be transiting that area should check the FAA's Class II notams publication for a graphical depiction of the MOAs along with the boundaries of the airspace expressed in latitude and longitude.

The FAA also will be sending a notice to all the airports and local fixed-base operations in the area, detailing the airspace.

MEMBERSHIP ACTION

AOPA Expo: GA Shopping Destination

A new headset, refurbished aircraft interior, speed modifications, or even a brand-new airplane — AOPA members won't have to wait until their next birthday to get the aviation products on their wish list. It will all be available in the exhibit hall at AOPA Expo in Palm Springs, California, from November 9 through 11.

Exhibit categories include aircraft manufacturing, avionics, education and training, engines, propellers, equipment, parts, headsets, flight gear, maintenance, modifications, refurbishing, weather services, software applications, finance and insurance services, and much more.

AOPA members also can learn about the products on display by interacting with industry experts during daily product demonstrations.

For those in the market for a brand-new aircraft, this year's aircraft display will be located conveniently at the Palm Springs Convention Center outside of the exhibit hall.

To register or for more information, visit AOPA Online .

AOPA Online Offers News Updates Around the Clock

RSS feeds are now streaming from AOPA's Web site. That means AOPA members can be the first to see general aviation news and everything else new posted online.

What is RSS? Think of it as a headline service beaming into a desktop computer or Internet browser. Users simply choose what they want to see (there are thousands of RSS feeds out there, including AOPA's). Each of these symbols — , , or — means the Web site is RSS enabled.

AOPA is currently offering two feeds. AOPA News provides a headline and summary of every news story posted on the AOPA home page and AOPA members home page. What's New @ AOPA Online provides all the news, plus everything else new or updated.

For simple instructions on how to take advantage of the AOPA RSS feeds, visit AOPA Online.

Belvoir Offers Discounts on Aviation Publications

AOPA offers member-exclusive discounts to Belvoir Aviation Group newsletter and magazine subscriptions including The Aviation Consumer, Aviation Safety, IFR Refresher, and Kitplanes.

When you subscribe to IFR Refresher, you will receive a free copy of On the Approach, a manual designed to sharpen your decision-making skills.

For information about subscription discounts on other Belvoir Aviation Group publications, visit AOPA Online.

AOPA AIR SAFETY FOUNDATION

Emergency Procedures Seminar Now Live

Ever been in an "up here, wishing you were down there" situation? The AOPA Air Safety Foundation's newest live safety seminar, Emergency Procedures, takes a real-world look at how to keep the aircraft under control in the air and land safely.

The seminar covers a wide range of emergencies, from engine failure to topics a bit more off the beaten path: If you needed to make the choice, would it be better to land in trees or water?

The seminar also discusses survival techniques and how to maximize chances of being located quickly after a forced landing. To find out when the seminar will be in your area, visit the Air Safety Foundation's Web site.

Alone in the Soup: Make it Safe

Flying single-pilot IFR can be a juggling act. The pilot has to fly the airplane, talk to air traffic control, and navigate among numerous other duties. Although some pilots avoid flying single-pilot IFR, it can be safe.

The AOPA Air Safety Foundation's Single-Pilot IFR online course provides tips for making it as safe as possible. A sterile cockpit, cockpit resource management, and assigning duties to nonpilot passengers are a few of the strategies discussed in detail in the free 60-minute course.

The course is available to all pilots and qualifies for the seminar portion of the FAA Wings program.

Make a List; Check it Twice

It's that time of year again. Have you thought about what kind of holiday cards you would like to send this winter?

Why not spread holiday cheer and promote general aviation safety at the same time? The AOPA Air Safety Foundation is selling holiday cards again this year, and part of the proceeds will be used to develop safety materials.

Cards range from cartoon drawings of Santa to peaceful snow scenes — but every card has a GA airplane featured. Choose among 27 different cards. Prices range from $24 to $27 per 25-count box. For more information, visit the foundation's Web site.

Internship Opportunity with Air Safety Foundation

The AOPA Air Safety Foundation is seeking applicants for a full-time spring internship. The intern will assist in developing upcoming safety-education materials, including online courses, live safety seminars, and print publications. The intern will gain valuable experience and 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 more information.

A Mission You Can Handle — Navigating Today's Special-Use Airspace

Your mission, should you decide to accept it, is to safely negotiate today's special-use airspace. Military operations offer some unique challenges for general aviation pilots, especially when it comes to lights-out training, with military aircraft flying without exterior lighting in military operations areas (MOAs) across the country. The more you know about special-use airspace, the better you'll be prepared to avoid an unwelcome intercept or a midair collision.

The AOPA Air Safety Foundation offers an interactive online course, Mission: Possible — Navigating Today's Special Use Airspace , which covers alert, warning, restricted, and prohibited areas, as well as MOAs and military training routes (MTRs). Users may customize the course by adding additional topics, such as temporary national security, controlled firing, and parachute-jump areas.

Check out the Lights-Out Safety Advisor for more information about military lights-out training. It is available in the Air Safety Foundation's online library.

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

Florida. Venice: Venice Municipal Airport is long overdue for runway improvements. The FAA and Florida Department of Transportation agreed, and more than $3.6 million was offered for the project. However, a local anti-airport group tried to garner attention from Sen. Bill Nelson (D-Fla.), who is a friend of GA, with false statements about the purpose for the improvements. Nelson's office sent an inquiry to the FAA Airports District Office (ADO) in Orlando about the proposed project just as the grant was about to be dispersed. The ADO contacted Venice Municipal Airport manager Fred Watts, who worked with AOPA and Airport Support Network volunteer John Yurosko to provide Nelson with facts about the runway improvements. The project is now under way.

Pennsylvania. Pottstown: Pottstown Limerick Airport Support Network volunteer Randy Dotterer recently organized a safety seminar for first responders to teach them how to handle an aircraft-accident rescue mission. About 175 people attended the seminar, which featured special guest speakers, including Mike Busch, Cirrus Design director of safety, and Jim Eyer from the FAA's Allentown Flight Standards District Office. To get the word out to emergency workers, Dotterer sent fliers, obtained the local emergency management office's list of 300 first responders' e-mail addresses, and personally stopped at many firehouses in the Pottstown area. All agreed it was well worth the time and effort.

New Jersey. West Milford: Greenwood Lake Airport Support Network volunteer Steven Wolf reports that the airport manager recently accepted federal grants to pave an extension to the ramp to make room for more tiedown spaces and hangars. As the vice president of the Greenwood Lake Pilots Association, Wolf is focusing on bridging a communication gap between the association and airport management.

Double-Edged Sword

The top two threats to airports today are interrelated: residential encroachment and noise. When developers build homes close to airports, the new residents suddenly find that their homes have great views and surround sound of low-flying aircraft.

Although we hope the public would take an interest in the future neighborhood and learn about its surroundings, such as airports, before purchasing, that is not always the case. Very few municipalities mandate airport disclosure in real estate deeds; therefore, the new neighbors find the airport's presence a rather unpleasant surprise.

If your airport is facing criticism from neighbors, AOPA encourages local airport users and advocates to educate the public about how airports can be good neighbors. Materials such as AOPA's Flying Friendly video, The Guide to Obtaining Community Support for Your Local Airport , and AOPA's Guide to Airport Noise and Compatible Land Use were developed to help members protect their airports. These three resources will help you educate the community on the value of the airport, detail techniques that pilots can use to help reduce noise, and provide you with references to FAA data in an easy-to-read format. The information can help you lobby your local elected officials for better land-use planning to prevent the incompatible development that ultimately could create noise threats to your airport.

For details on how you can promote, protect, and defend your community airport, sign up to be an Airport Support Network volunteer. Visit our Web site.

Volunteer of the Month: R. Scott

Naples Municipal (Florida) Airport Support Network volunteer R. Scott Cameron could be an expert on local politics. He has worked extensively with the Naples mayor and City Council regarding an airport lease renegotiation. Cameron opposed the city's plan to generate more revenue by significantly increasing the lease payment on airport land that was given to the city by the federal government as surplus property.

Cameron and AOPA Florida Regional Representative Nelson Rhodes worked with the FAA's Airports District Office and local airport authority to obtain a letter from an FAA attorney explaining the consequences of revenue diversion. Unfortunately, this did not change the mayor or council's position.

Cameron, a board member of the Greater Naples Chamber of Commerce, accumulated hundreds of signatures on a letter to the mayor and City Council supporting the airport and its importance to Naples as a direct and indirect source of revenue. He also met with the mayor and several council members; the local governing body then moved to drop the renegotiation proposal.