AOPA Action

For the latest on AOPA's advocacy efforts for pilots, visit AOPA Online.

ASF brings you 'Ask ATC' opportunity

If you've wanted to ask air traffic controllers a question and did not know where to begin, the AOPA Air Safety Foundation has paved the way. Ask ATC, developed by ASF and the National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA), offers you a first-hand glimpse into ATC's workings and protocol. Use the Internet to interact directly with ATC before your next flight. Maybe you wonder about what would happen if you are on a solo cross-country flight and your microphone gets stuck? If your question hasn't already been answered, you can post it directly to the controllers.

Remember, ATC wants to help you. And controllers will be of great assistance if you've got a problem and are not sure how to handle it. If you think it might be an emergency, say so. The reassuring voice at the other side of the mic will provide priority handling and immediate assistance such as diverting you to a closer airport. Search this handy knowledge base of ATC-related questions and answers to lift the curtain on things you wanted to ask, but were afraid to. Here's how it works:

• Visit the Web site.
• Check the list of available topics to see already-answered questions.
• Don't see your question? Just e-mail ASF using the provided Web form.

ATC's answer to your question will be posted on the same Web site.

NACO finalizes new chart distribution method

The FAA's National Aeronautical Charting Office (NACO) is changing the way it distributes aeronautical charts, effective October 1, to meet budget goals. AOPA staff worked to ensure that the changes would have a minimal effect on chart availability and pricing.

Under the new plan, a business will need to have annual chart sales of $5,000, not the current $500, to remain a chart agent and purchase charts directly from the FAA. However, smaller outlets are now permitted to purchase charts from the larger agents and resell them to pilots. Pilots should see little difference in prices.

Businesses that are interested in selling charts and anticipate meeting the minimum sales requirement can contact NACO by phone (800-638-8972) or e-mail. Businesses that do not anticipate meeting the minimum but would like to sell charts will be able to obtain a list of agents they can work with from NACO this fall. More information on the new chart agent model is available on NACO's Web site.

Landsberg to advise on weather issues

AOPA Air Safety Foundation President Bruce Landsberg has been chosen to participate in a working group to advise the government on how to transform the way weather information is managed and applied in the Next-Gen air transportation system. He is collaborating with the FAA, NTSB, and National Weather Service on weather issues facing general aviation pilots.

"We need timely, accurate, and cost-effective technology to improve the GA weather safety record," Landsberg said. "Super high-tech systems that no one can afford, are exceptionally complex to implement, and serve only a few won't help the vast majority of GA pilots."

AOPA partners with Enterprise

AOPA is pleased to announce that it has partnered with Enterprise Rent-A-Car. Providing service to more FBOs and airports that service general aviation than any other rental car company, Enterprise and its slogan of "From Your Wings to Our Wheels" are well known to general aviation pilots, making the partnership a natural fit.

AOPA members receive a 5-percent discount off Enterprise's everyday low rates, courteous and personalized customer service, and free enrollment in Enterprise Plus, a program that offers faster reservations and rentals. And a portion of each rental will be returned to AOPA, where it will support advocacy efforts to maintain the freedom, safety, and affordability of general aviation.

Visit Enterprise's Web site designed specifically for AOPA members to reserve your car today or call 866-315-9155 and mention discount code AOPAP9.