AOPA Action

Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-Texas) has replaced Sen. Trent Lott (R-Miss.) as ranking member on the Commerce aviation subcommittee. And that adds an interesting new wrinkle to the FAA funding battle and the question of user fees.

That's because Lott and Sen. John D. Rockefeller (D-W.Va.), are the authors of S.1300, the Senate's FAA funding bill that includes a $25-per-flight user fee on all turbine-powered flights in controlled airspace. While Lott sponsored user fees, Hutchison voted for the Nelson-Sununu amendment that would have removed fees from the bill. (The amendment failed by only one vote.) The Senate was scheduled to return to work on the bill on January 22. Meanwhile, Congress extended the previous FAA budget until February 29.

No criminal penalties for accidental TFR violations

If you inadvertently run into a temporary flight restriction (TFR), you could still be escorted from the area by a military aircraft and face FAA certificate action, but you won't face criminal penalties.

Because of a change in wording of security notams, AOPA had feared that the FAA would seek criminal penalties against anyone who violated a TFR--even if the incursion was accidental--and called on the FAA to clarify its intentions.

FAA Acting Administrator Bobby Sturgell has set the record straight. In a letter to AOPA President Phil Boyer, Sturgell wrote, "I want to reassure you that pilots who commit inadvertent violations of TFRs protecting security airspace are not subject to criminal charges and fines under 49 U.S.C. 46307. The FAA will refer to the Department of Justice for criminal prosecution only TFR violations of National Defense Airspace that involve knowing or willful conduct."

One-stop shopping that rewards you and GA

Take a virtual trip to the WorldPoints Mall where you can earn valuable rewards points and support general aviation while shopping at more than 200 top-name retailers. Simply use your AOPA WorldPoints Rewards credit card to automatically earn up to 10 points for every qualifying dollar you spend. Then redeem those points for cash, merchandise, airline travel, Celebrity cruises, or VIP experiences. As an added bonus, AOPA earns valuable revenue for every purchase you make, at no cost to you. "Every time you use your card, you also generate revenue for your association," explained AOPA President Phil Boyer. "That money is one important reason dues have remained at $39 for over a decade, even as we have added benefits and services to make your flying safer, more fun, and more affordable." Don't already carry the card? Apply today to earn rewards for you and general aviation.

ASF updates airspace flash cards

The AOPA Air Safety Foundation's airspace flash cards have always been a fun, easy way to learn about the national airspace system. And now that the cards have been updated with the latest airspace changes--including the modified Washington, D.C., Air Defense Identification Zone, and the new "speed ring" that surrounds it--it's a great time to give them a look.

The flash cards include a summary of all the important facts you need to know--operating rules and characteristics, pilot/aircraft requirements, and more.

To aid study partners, the cards also include pertinent questions for discussion. And, of course, they cover the full range of security-related airspace: TFRs, FRZ, NSAs, prohibited areas, and the like.

Download the free cards, or request a printed copy by calling 800/USA-AOPA.

Hey students! ASF offers paid summer internship

Looking for a rewarding way to spend the summer? The AOPA Air Safety Foundation internship is an excellent opportunity to gain real-world experience while getting a leg up on an aviation career. In addition to hourly pay, ASF provides a stipend to cover the costs of moving, housing, and/or maintaining flight proficiency. Visit AOPA Online. The application deadline is March 17.