AOPA Action

If 415,000 passionate, vocal AOPA members, and strong associations can make a difference on general aviation issues on Capitol Hill, imagine what a united army of legislators can do to help.

The Senate recently formed the General Aviation Caucus to “work with pilots, aircraft owners, the aviation industry, and relevant government agencies to ensure a safe and vibrant environment exists for GA in our country.” Sens. Mark Begich (D-Alaska) and Mike Johanns (R-Neb.) will co-chair the caucus. The House formed its GA Caucus in April.

“At a time when NextGen is being developed and a long-term FAA funding solution is in question, the House and Senate GA caucuses will be instrumental in carrying our industry’s message,” said Lorraine Howerton, AOPA vice president of legislative affairs. “Their support will add weight to the issues we are advocating for pilots and aircraft owners every day.”

WAM: New technology hits GA

A new surveillance system introduced in Colorado allows air traffic controllers to track aircraft in areas not covered by radar.

The new system, called Wide-Area Multilateration (WAM), requires no new equipment for aircraft and uses a network of relatively small sensors on the ground to pinpoint the location of aircraft in remote, mountainous regions. The sensors send out signals that are received and sent back by aircraft transponders.

Surveillance in nonradar areas can improve the safety and efficiency of flights in the near term while the FAA transitions to satellite-based surveillance in the NextGen air transportation system. AOPA has been involved in many NextGen planning groups and has worked to ensure that aircraft have access to airspace not covered by radar—and can make the best use of existing technologies.

“AOPA advocated strongly for access to nonradar areas in the recent mid-term NextGen task force,” said AOPA Senior Director of Airspace and Modernization Heidi Williams. “By using existing equipment in aircraft, this new system can give pilots access to one of the key capabilities of NextGen starting right away. It is a great transition tool while the FAA puts the infrastructure in place for the next stages of modernization.”

AOPA Medical Services Program offers tools to help pilots extend their flying years

Maintaining good health is a goal shared by all. But for a pilot it’s not just a goal, it’s a necessity. AOPA has developed an exciting new program that will provide all the tools and support necessary for you to take charge of your health—the AOPA Medical Services Program.

This program offers valuable services that can assist you with FAA issues regarding your medical certificate and provide you with a variety of tools to help manage your health. Enrollment in the program will also provide you with support from our medical certification specialists; they are in regular contact with FAA aeromedical reviewers who can help track the progress of your medical certificate application.

With the Comprehensive coverage, AOPA’s medical certification specialists will also offer a thorough review of your complete medical record package before the file is submitted to the FAA. You will also benefit from WorldDoc, a comprehensive health Web site where you’ll find personalized risk assessments, a pharmacy finder, details on specific medical conditions, and detailed information on medications. The program also provides you with access to HealthVault, a secure online medical record storage program that allows you to store your medical records in one convenient place. HealthVault enables you to access and manage your records anytime from anyplace. You can even share your records with your health care providers.

Additionally, you’ll receive a bimonthly pilot health newsletter, written by doctors who are also pilots. Plus, you’ll enjoy a prescription drug discount card offering savings of 15 to 60 percent. Comprehensive enrollment in the AOPA Medical Services Program is only $99 per year and will give you full access to all the benefits and services offered by the program. Other plans are available. Take control of your health.

ASF spotlights aircraft icing

A little ice won’t spoil your flight, right? Think again: A layer of ice no thicker or rougher than a piece of coarse sandpaper can reduce lift by 30 percent and increase drag up to 40 percent. Even aircraft equipped for flight into known icing conditions are significantly affected by ice accumulation on unprotected areas such as antennas, flap hinges, wing struts, and cowlings. Icing danger isn’t during winter months only; ice can form any time an airframe encounters visible moisture in freezing temperatures.

Explore this important topic’s free resources conveniently gathered in one spot on the AOPA Air Safety Foundation’s Web site. Experience a chilling reenactment of an actual airframe icing accident. It will make you a believer fast. Then take topic-related award-winning courses and challenge your knowledge with ASF quizzes, including one on wing contamination. Recognize icing’s danger and evaluate your options before your next flight.

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