The House passed its FAA funding bill (H.R.2881) in September. But the Senate has yet to resolve differences between its two funding bills--S.1300, which includes a $25-per-flight user fee, and S.2345, which has no user fees. The previous FAA authorization legislation, which allowed the government to assess aviation taxes and authorized the FAA to spend money, expired on September 30, 2007. Since then, the FAA has continued running on a series of temporary extensions.
ASF launches comprehensive new airspace course
Pop quiz: Is it legal to overfly Class C airspace without a transponder? Are you required to contact ATC before entering a terminal radar service area?
If you answered yes to either question (or even if you didn't), we hope you'll set aside some time to enhance your airspace knowledge with the AOPA Air Safety Foundation's newest interactive online course: Know Before You Go: Navigating Today's Airspace. The fun, free course uses 3-D animation to help you visualize and understand all the different types of airspace. Interactive flight planning exercises and matching games test your knowledge, while practical tips scattered throughout the program offer real-world advice on operating in the airspace system.
The course takes approximately 60 to 90 minutes to complete, but your progress is automatically saved, so there's no need to finish in one sitting.
AOPA wants runway safety to be 'national priority'
Runway safety took center stage recently as Congress asked industry leaders and government officials to address the increasing number of runway incursions. AOPA President Phil Boyer testified at a February hearing before the House aviation subcommittee and called on the FAA to make runway safety a national priority. Shortly before the hearing, the FAA recommended that all airline pilots take the online Runway Safety course for air carrier pilots, created by the AOPA Air Safety Foundation in conjunction with the Air Line Pilots Association. Many airlines are now requiring their pilots to take the course. The Runway Safety course for GA pilots was launched in 2003 and was so well received that the FAA and ALPA later asked the foundation for a commercial pilot version.
Canada's ELT mandate sparks concern among U.S. pilots
As of February 1, 2009, satellites will stop monitoring 121.5 MHz, one of the emergency frequencies on which emergency locator transmitters (ELTs) installed in most aircraft transmit. This has sparked concern in the aviation industry and has caused Transport Canada to propose a rule requiring aircraft flying in Canada to be equipped with a 406-MHz ELT. The FAA has not given AOPA any indication that it will mandate a switch to the 406-MHz ELT. "The FAA has the right approach--let pilots equip their aircraft with the ELT that best meets their flying needs," said Rob Hackman, AOPA senior director of regulatory affairs. Air traffic control, the military, and pilots will continue to monitor 121.5 MHz. "AOPA will propose options to Transport Canada to allow U.S.-registered aircraft flying in Canada to be exempt from the rule," Hackman said.
Take advantage of lower aircraft financing rates
The AOPA Aircraft Finance Program has lowered interest rates in several loan segments to make aircraft ownership more affordable. AOPA Aircraft Financing can expedite your aircraft purchase with an easy application process and a quick credit decision. From light sport aircraft to VLJs or any aircraft in between, make the AOPA Aircraft Finance Program your choice for financing. With 10 years of experience, Bank of America is the preferred lender for AOPA and supports general aviation.
Call 800/62-PLANE today and speak to one of our financing experts or apply online. We also pay your AOPA membership dues on loan amounts more than $20,000.
