AOPA pushes FAA for more useful notices
The FAA has rescinded a sweeping notam regarding the reliability of Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) surveillance and traffic collision avoidance system (TCAS) after AOPA raised concerns about the ambiguous language, short notice, and month-long duration. It also issued new notams that provided greater detail and shortened the time periods of concern from a month to, in some cases, hours. The new notams also clarify the nature of the potential reliability issues and which systems could be affected.
“We appreciate the FAA’s willingness to step back from the original notam, which was causing considerable alarm for pilots, and work with us to provide more accurate and useful data to the aviation community,” said Rune Duke, AOPA director of air traffic and airspace.
The original notam, issued September 1, announced that, from September 2 through October 1, both ADS-B surveillance and TCAS could be unreliable in Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, and airspace extending approximately 200 nautical miles offshore, as a result of military exercises in the area. The wording of the notam led many pilots to believe that traffic information might not be available. But a new notam valid on September 5 and 6 made it clear that during the affected hours, ADS-B might be “less sensitive” than usual and that only 1090 MHz ADS-B systems would be affected. Another notam valid for several hours on September 9 provided a specific radius and altitudes of concern. According to the new notams, the military activity would not generate false TCAS targets and pilots should treat traffic or resolution advisories as valid. “This is the kind of solid information pilots need to make informed decisions when they’re planning and conducting flights,” said Duke.
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A change in FAA policy now makes replacing vacuum-driven attitude indicators with electrically driven models a minor alteration. —AOPA Online
Third class medical reform update
67 U.S. senators are now co-sponsors of the Pilot’s Bill of Rights 2 (reform third class medical and provide legal protections for pilots facing FAA enforcement actions).
“This is certainly significant progress but it does not mean we are done,” said Jim Coon, AOPA senior vice president of government affairs. “Having more than 60 co-sponsors can help ensure that if PBR2 makes it to the floor, there are enough votes to stop a filibuster and keep the process moving.” There are 67 Senate and 136 House co-sponsors in support of third class medical reform.
Baker on the move
AOPA President Mark Baker travels more than 60 percent of his time, visiting airports and aviation enthusiasts throughout the country.
LAST MONTH
October 7—NextGen Conference,Memphis
October 9-11—AOPA Fly-In, Tullahoma, Tennessee
October 15—Wichita Aero Club, Kansas
October 19-21—GA in Cuba
October 23—General Aviation Manufacturers Association meeting, Key West, Florida
THIS MONTH
November 9—High School Leadership Alliance, Lakeland, Florida
November 17-19—National BusinessAviation Association, Las Vegas
September 12, 2015
“It was great to be part of the Triple Tree Aerodrome Fly-In. There’s no better way to spend a weekend than at an event like this where we can celebrate and share general aviation. Whether you’re new to GA or you’ve been flying for many years, seeing thesehistoric aircraft take to the sky is a thrill that bringsthe past alive.”
Action in the States
Alaska Region
AOPA Alaska Regional Manager Tom George worked with the Secret Service, TSA, and the FAA to minimize the impact of the president’s visit in September. With the Alaska Airmen’s Association and others, AOPA got allowance for seaplanes to use the Lake Hood seaplane base in Anchorage. George attended a conference on unmanned aircraft systems hosted by the University of Alaska in Fairbanks. AOPA encourages the FAA and UAS operators to provide pilots with information about UAS operations to allow pilots to coordinate with UAS operators when needed.
Northwest Mountain Region
AOPA is working with the FAA to help pilots who fly in Salem, Oregon, after an expansion of Class D airspace around McNary Field Airport. AOPA asked for cutouts to allow operations at nearby Christmas tree farms. AOPA Director of State Government Affairs Jared Esselman discussed GA at the National Conference of State Legislatures in Seattle, Washington. At the Democratic Governors Association policy summit in Aspen, Colorado, Esselman met with Gov. John Hickenlooper and Montana Gov. Steve Bullock.
Western Pacific Region
California Sen. Jean Fuller, a longtime general aviation supporter, is in the influential position of Senate Republican leader. An aircraft owner, pilot, and AOPA member for more than 30 years, Fuller has sponsored numerous pieces of GA-friendly legislation. As founder of the California Aviation Caucus, she has helped grow support for GA in the state. AOPA Ambassador Kay Sundaram presented a new seminar on flying clubs at McClellan-Palomar and Fullerton Municipal airports.
Central Southwest Region
According to the Louisiana Airports Economic Impact Study released this year, GA airports contribute $967 million a year to the state’s economy and generate payrolls of $297 million, distributed among 9,307 jobs. In Oklahoma, AOPA worked with state lawmakers to create permanent rules on meteorological evaluation towers to help protect pilots flying at low altitudes from hitting the towers, which often were unmarked and difficult to see.
Great Lakes Region
AOPA Great Lakes Regional Manager Bryan Budds spoke in support of Michigan H.B.4727, which requires that meteorological evaluation towers be marked and registered with the state’s tall structure database. AOPA met with legislative leaders from Indiana to discuss AOPA initiatives and ways to strengthen the state’s airport system. AOPA met with airport community members from Illinois, Wisconsin, and Minnesota on ways to strengthen airport offerings, increase community involvement, and grow the economic impact of their airports.
Southern Region
Pilots in Florida learned how to fly more for less thanks to a “Maximum Fun, Minimum Cost: How to Form and Operate a Successful Flying Club” seminar, presented by AOPA Ambassador Jamie Beckett at Vero Beach Municipal Airport. The friendly, casual atmosphere gave pilots a chance to ask questions, share ideas, and make contacts with other interested aviators in their area. AOPA Southern Regional Manager Steve Hedges spoke at the Kentucky Aviation Association meeting, delivering an update on third class medical reform and FAA reauthorization.
Eastern Region
In New Hampshire, Eastern Regional Manager Sean Collins took part in a public hearing regarding seaplane access to the Bellamy River, opposing a petition seeking to prohibit seaplane access to a section of the river in Dover. He is taking part in a series of conversations with the Connecticut Airport Authority as it seeks ways to boost the economic impact of the state’s GA airports. In Maine, AOPA is working with officials from Bar Harbor Airport who are concerned about a marine aquaculture proposal that could create a wildlife hazard.
GA airports contribute $967 million a year to Louisiana’s economy and generate payrolls of $297 million.
