AOPA Action

AOPA Allies Elected to Congress

Many solid supporters of AOPA and general aviation will be serving in Congress next year, as the AOPA Legislative Action Political Action Committee racked up impressive results. Some 86 percent of the candidates backed by AOPALA PAC were elected to the Senate and House.

"The voters returned most of general aviation's friends to Congress," said AOPA President Phil Boyer. "We know that we will once again face difficult issues in the 105th Congress, but we will do so with legislative allies at our side."

In the House, 97 of 112 AOPALA PAC-supported candidates will be taking seats, and 14 of 18 supported candidates will be in the Senate. Among the winners were key legislators such as 1996 Hartranft Award winner Sen. Ted Stevens (R-AK), who is likely to become chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, and Sen. James Inhofe (R-OK), a pilot and AOPA member.

Supported candidates new to the Senate will include Richard Durbin (D-IL), Wayne Allard (R-CO), Pat Roberts (R-KS), Sam Brownback (R-KS), and AOPA member Gordon Smith (R-OR).

The 97 AOPALA PAC-supported winners in the House include many members of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, including the chairman, Rep. Bud Shuster (R-PA), and the ranking Democrat, Rep. James Oberstar (D-MN). Supported members of the House aviation subcommittee include its chairman, John Duncan (R- TN), and ranking Democrat Rep. William Lipinski (D-IL).

AOPALA PAC was particularly successful in backing challengers and candidates for open House seats, with seven of 14 supported candidates winning. "AOPALA PAC's contributions supported replacing some incumbents with people more knowledgeable about aviation," said Boyer. "Five of these new legislators in the House are AOPA members and active general aviation pilots."

New pilot members of Congress will include Leonard Boswell (D-IA), Bob Riley (R-AL), Jim Gibbon (R-NV), Bob Smith (R-OR), and Joe Pitts (R-PA).

Boyer expressed disappointment over the defeat of two longtime friends of aviation, Sen. Larry Pressler of South Dakota and Rep. Jim Lightfoot, who retired from the House to run for the Senate from Iowa. Rep. Lightfoot was awarded AOPA's 1995 Hartranft Award for his legislative leadership on FAA reform. In September he introduced legislation in the House to establish the "Linked Financing" concept for FAA funding reform.

"This was a difficult and unpredictable political year, and we're saddened that a few of our friends aren't returning to Congress," said Boyer. "But our politically active members who participated in the AOPALA PAC helped to support legislators who can represent the interests of general aviation."

The AOPALA Political Action Committee is one of the largest and most effective in the county. The PAC is one of the tools AOPA Legislative Action uses to ensure that general aviation's voice is heard in Congress. AOPALA PAC provides nonpartisan support to federal candidates who have demonstrated an understanding of the importance of general aviation. Most supported candidates are pilots or serve on congressional committees key to general aviation. AOPALA PAC depends on individual donations. It does not receive any funding from AOPA member dues.

New for Renters: AOPA Insurance Agency Nonowned Insurance

The AOPA Insurance Agency is now offering a new, low-cost nonowned aircraft liability insurance policy for pilots flying rented or borrowed aircraft.

"Most renter pilots think that the FBO's insurance protects them. Unfortunately, it usually does not," said Greg Sterling, executive vice president and manager of the AOPA Insurance Agency. "In almost all cases, the pilot can be held liable, not only for injuries and property damage, but for damage to the aircraft, as well. The AOPA Nonowned Liability Policy was designed to provide members who rent or borrow aircraft with the affordable protection they need."

The AOPA Insurance Agency nonowned aircraft insurance policy is now available in 46 states, including California. The policy should be available in all 50 states by the end of the year.

"For as little as $90 a year — little more than the cost of an hour in a 172 — a pilot can obtain nonowned aircraft liability coverage," said Sterling.

The comprehensive liability coverage protects the pilot against common bodily injury and property damage claims arising from use of borrowed or rented aircraft. The policy also covers legal defense costs.

Unlike some policies, the AOPA Insurance Agency nonowned aircraft policy provides full coverage for family members. Other policies frequently contain family "sublimits" that reduce the coverage afforded a spouse and other family members.

Some policies also use per-person sublimits to cap coverage for injury to all persons, exposing the pilot to greater financial risk in the event someone outside the aircraft is hurt. The AOPA Insurance Agency plan offers superior coverage by allowing the pilot to select per-passenger limit options with no sublimits for other individuals.

For more information, call 800/622-2672.

AOPA Urges Legislative Solution to Save Meigs

AOPA has urged Illinois Governor Jim Edgar to support legislative action to save Chicago's Merrill C. Meigs Field airport. AOPA representatives met with Gov. Edgar in Springfield on November 7, along with representatives from the National Business Aircraft Association, Illinois Public Policy Caucus, Illinois Pilots Association, Illinois Public Airports, Friends of Meigs Field, and other organizations.

"While Meigs is closed to flight operations, court-ordered stays have temporarily stopped Chicago from demolishing the airport — through December," said Cindy Highbarger, AOPA director of state legislative affairs. "But since Chicago Mayor Daley is intent on destroying this needed reliever airport, only state legislation can now ensure its future use as an airport."

Governor Edgar told the group that he thought the Meigs issue was potentially "winnable" because the Illinois legislature could be encouraged to take action that would save the airport. Edgar also said that it was important for Illinois pilots to let legislators know immediately how important the airport is to the state and the nation.

AOPA told the governor that it would contact all 13,000 AOPA members in Illinois, asking them to write to their state representatives in support of legislation to take over Meigs Field. AOPA President Phil Boyer will also contact all members of the Illinois legislature.

The city of Chicago closed the lakeside airport on October 1, after the leased land for the airport reverted to the Chicago Park District. AOPA, along with six other plaintiffs and the state of Illinois, have filed suits to prevent Chicago from destroying Meigs and turning the land into a $27-million park. The suits contend (among other points) that Chicago signed "grant agreements" in exchange for federal and state airport funds. Those agreements require the city to operate the airport into the next century.

While hearings proceed on those suits in the U.S. 7th Circuit Court of Appeals and in the Illinois Appellate Court, a state court-ordered stay prevents Chicago from proceeding with demolition of the Meigs runway.

AOPA maintains that Meigs Field is a vital part of the national airport system, serving as a key reliever for overcrowded O'Hare and Midway airports. The federal government and the state of Illinois have worked for more than 20 years to develop — and fund — the Chicago metropolitan area reliever airport system, of which Meigs is an integral part.

In addition, 11 members of Congress have urged FAA Administrator David Hinson to reverse the FAA's decision allowing Chicago to close the airport. Representatives Vernon Ehlers (R-MI) and Bobby L. Rush (D-IL) spearheaded the congressional letter, with help from AOPA Legislative Action. Also signing were representatives Jim Lightfoot (R-IA), Dale Kildee (D-MI), Fred Upton (R-MI), Bart Stupak (D-MI), Ray LaHood (R-IL), Gerald Weller (R-IL), William Clinger (R-PA), Collin Peterson (D-MN), and Mark Souder (R-IN).

The congressmen stated that closing Meigs could compromise safety and would increase delays and reduce capacity at Chicago's remaining airports. They also said that closure would conflict with the agency's longstanding policy of promoting reliever airports in congested areas and would be inconsistent with the FAA's past opposition to closing any airport, including Meigs, that had received federal funds.

New York Governor Nixes State Safety Board Bill

New York Governor George E. Pataki has vetoed a state senate bill that would have created a State Public Transportation Safety Board to investigate accidents involving public transportation, including aviation.

"Last year I disapproved legislation identical to this bill," Pataki said. "As I stated then, the bill would result in needless expenditure of state funds, because the NTSB [and] the FAA...already have jurisdiction and expertise to investigate accidents. To date, nothing has been brought to my attention suggesting that these federal agencies have been remiss."

AOPA Legislative Action had encouraged Pataki to veto the bill.

AOPA Plays Key Role in Industry Revitalization

AOPA members were briefed at AOPA Expo '96 on the industry-wide GA Team 2000 campaign to revitalize general aviation by educating the public on the benefits of general aviation and by promoting increased student starts.

AOPA offered landmark new research and program concepts to the General Aviation Manufacturers Association Piston Engine Aircraft Revitalization Committee (PEARC) in 1995 so that the entire industry could pursue a new campaign to promote general aviation and boost student starts.

AOPA staff worked with GAMA officials to set up GA Team 2000's organizational structure. AOPA General Counsel John S. Yodice and Executive Vice President Diana Roberts garnered nonprofit status for GA Team 2000 and established it as a Maryland corporation.

As GA Team 2000 broadens from its formative stage to wide industry participation, AOPA staff assisting GA Team 2000 will continue to be involved. Senior Vice President Karen Detert will be active in supervising the GA Team 2000 marketing/advertising agency. Senior Vice President Drew Steketee will continue to advise GA Team 2000 on communications and public relations.

AOPA President Phil Boyer remains president of GA Team 2000, working closely with GA Team 2000 Chairman Ed Stimpson of GAMA.

The GA Team 2000 campaign will be launched in the spring of 1997.

GA Team 2000 Names Tinsley Advertising of Miami for New Campaign

General Aviation Team 2000 has announced that Tinsley Advertising of Miami will be the marketing agency for the GA Team 2000 campaign. The agency was presented to GA Team 2000's founding membership at the organization's First Industry Awards Dinner in Washington on September 24.

Tinsley is one of the Southeast's largest agencies, with 83 employees and $70 million in annual billings. Other accounts include Florida Keys tourism and Paramount Pictures.

To be launched in 1997, the GA Team 2000 program will educate the American public on the value of general aviation to the nation, and the value of a pilot certificate to the individual who can enjoy the travel flexibility, personal challenge, and fun of flying.

GA Team 2000 consists of some 47 founding members representing a broad cross section of the general aviation community, from aircraft and avionics manufacturers to trade and membership associations. Its goal is to raise student starts back to nearly 100,000 per year, compared to the current 60,000. Tinsley Senior Vice President Bob Bishopric notes that there are 3 million to 5 million Americans with the means, the time, and the interest to pursue general aviation flying.

The GA Team 2000 board and committees are working with Tinsley to finalize a national campaign, beginning next spring, to reach interested adults through targeted cable TV programing and print media.

AOPA Donates $5,000 to University Aviation Association Scholarship Fund

AOPA has donated $5,000 to the University Aviation Association's scholarship fund. AOPA President Phil Boyer presented the check during UAA's Annual Fall Conference, conducted at AOPA Expo '96 in San Jose, California.

"The future of general aviation depends upon our encouraging more young people to learn to fly and pursue aviation careers," said Boyer. "AOPA is pleased to join with UAA in promoting aviation education."

UAA is the only national organization devoted to collectively representing the interests of 2-year, 4-year, and graduate aviation degree-granting institutions. Through the years, it has played a pivotal role in enhancing collegiate aviation education.

Hero Controller Named ASF Distinguished Pilot of the Year

David A. Littlefield of Federal Way, Washington, has received the 1996 Distinguished Pilot Award from the AOPA Air Safety Foundation.

Littlefield, a CFI, an AOPA member since 1979, and the acting tower chief at Renton, Washington, made national news in March when he, with Renton controllers Cheryl Hoyt and Dave Shuttlerow, talked down a nonpilot passenger after a seaplane pilot collapsed and died at the controls near Seattle's Lake Washington.

At the Expo '96 presentation ceremony, attendees viewed a video reenactment of the event, including the actual tower and aircraft radio transmissions, as Littlefield calmly talked nonpilot Leland Capps to a safe landing.

General Aviation Holiday Cards Offered

AOPA's Air Safety Foundation is pleased to offer again this year a distinctive collection of aviation-theme holiday greeting cards. And, as in past years, all proceeds from sales of these cards go to support ASF's nationally recognized free safety seminars offered to all pilots.

Among this year's holiday card designs are Winter Landing, depicting a de Havilland Beaver on floats, approaching the warm glow of a mountain lake cabin; the whimsical Santa's Flight, with Santa dropping gifts all over town from his red and green biplane; and If Only In My Dreams, a WWII-era scene of the faithful collie at the homestead, patiently awaiting the return of the absent family member. There are 10 designs from which to choose. All designs also feature an air safety message on the back.

A box of 25 cards with envelopes ranges in price from $21 to $24. Personalized imprinting is free when ordering three or more boxes.

The last day to order in time for the holidays is Friday, December 6. For free samples of the 1996 designs or to order, call ASF's toll-free 24-hour-a-day Holiday Card Hotline at 800/308-4285. Orders may be charged to major credit cards, or purchasers can be billed.

AOPA's vice president for regional affairs, Bill Dunn, will be the AOPA Online conference guest in the Online on CompuServe program scheduled for Tuesday evening, December 10. Dunn will be addressing "The Meigs Mess: What Went Wrong" and fielding questions about AOPA's efforts to protect endangered airports such as Atlantic City's Bader Field, Denver's Centennial Airport, and San Jose's Reid-Hillview.

The conference will be in Room 1 of the AOPA Online Forum from 9 to 10 p.m. Eastern time. To join the conference and ask questions, type GO AOPA and enter the members-only forum, then click on "Conference."

'Most Dangerous Game' Safety Seminar Debuts at AOPA Expo '96

The AOPA Air Safety Foundation has created a new safety seminar called "The Most Dangerous Game" to teach pilots the dangers of maneuvering flight.

"More accident sequences begin while maneuvering and in the traffic pattern than in any other phase of flight," said Bruce Landsberg, ASF executive director. "More than one third of all fatal accidents in single-engine fixed-gear aircraft involve low- level maneuvering, and 54 percent of all accidents occur during takeoff or landing."

While the subject is deadly serious, the seminar takes a humorous look at maneuvering flight, bungled landing approaches, and inattentive pilots. Using ASF's acclaimed interactive media format, attendees take part in a "play-by-play" video review of pilots engaging in various kinds of maneuvering flight, the most dangerous "game" pilots play.

The video shows the audience a developing accident situation. Then, guided by the seminar presenter, attendees discuss strategies and tactics to increase pilot skills and reduce the chances of putting the aircraft in harm's way.

"The Most Dangerous Game" is part of the Air Safety Foundation's series of free aviation safety seminars conducted in more than 200 locations across the United States each year. For more information on ASF seminars, call 800/872-2672.

New Name, More info Highlight AOPA'S Airport Directory

The 1997 edition of AOPA's popular airport guide is now available with a new name and expanded listings.

" AOPA's Airport Directory is the new name that more accurately reflects the book's role as the pilot and FBO flight planning guide," said Machteld Smith, director of the publication. "Our thirty-sixth edition lists more than 7,200 public and private- use landing facilities and is the most comprehensive guide available to facilities and services," she said.

All airport listings include vital information such as runway length, width, surface, lighting, and alignment. Obstructions, nonstandard traffic patterns, extensive flight training activities, and other important safety items are categorized and highlighted in boldface type.

The directory provides complete locator information for each airport, including bearing and distance from nearby radio navigation aids, as well as latitude/longitude references. An airport diagram is included for airports with instrument approaches.

Formerly named AOPA's Aviation USA, AOPA's Airport Directory offers pilots a complete catalog of airport features and services, with listings for more than 4,900 fixed-base operators and more than 30,000 listings for hotels, restaurants, rental cars, and taxis. FBO listings include hours of operation, telephone and fax numbers, and E-mail addresses. Other valuable information includes brand and type of fuel offered. Expanded FBO listings now feature easy-to-read boldface headings and improved layout.

AOPA's Airport Directory is free to AOPA members who select this benefit on their membership application or renewal form. Members may purchase additional copies of AOPA's Airport Directory for $24.95 from Sporty's Pilot Shop (Catalog Item M600A), Clermont County Airport, Batavia, Ohio 45103. The nonmember price is $34.95. Call 800/SPORTYS to order.

AOPA Selects MBNA America for Air Power Loan Program

AOPA has selected MBNA America Bank as the new lender for the AOPA Air Power Loan Program, an AOPA Certified program developed to help to make aircraft ownership more affordable. The program offers members secured loans and flexible payment terms for financing aircraft purchases. Loan amounts start as low as $10,000 and feature a choice of competitive fixed or variable annual percentage rates. AOPA members receive rates at least three-quarters of a point lower than nonmembers.

For account holders who take an initial loan amount of at least $20,000, MBNA will pay the individual's annual AOPA membership dues for the term of the loan. MBNA makes all AOPA Air Power Loan decisions within 48 hours of receipt of a completed application. A free preapproval feature is available to allow up to 60 days to finalize a purchase.

All current AOPA Air Power Loan accounts will be serviced and maintained by MBNA. The terms and conditions of these accounts will remain the same. Questions should be directed to an AOPA Air Power Loan Program representative.

AOPA Air Power Loan Program representatives are available at 800/62-PLANE (800/627-5263), priority code AAAM, Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Eastern time and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday.

This financial service complements the existing AOPA Certified financial programs operated by MBNA, including AOPA Flight Funds, the AOPA GoldReserve Program, the AOPA Credit Card Program, and the AOPA GoldPortfolio Deposit Program.

For every dollar financed through the AOPA Air Power Loan Program, MBNA makes a contribution to AOPA.

AOPA-Sponsored Goldportfolio Deposits Surpass $100 Million

AOPA has been a sponsor of the MBNA America GoldPortfolio Deposit program since 1991. On August 13, 1996, total AOPA member deposits surpassed the $100 million mark. To commemorate this impressive event, MBNA has donated $1,000 to the AOPA Air Safety Foundation in the name of Ronald M. Ashkenazy of Tucson, Arizona. He is the lucky depositor who brought AOPA over the top. He will also receive $1,000 in the form of a 12-month GoldCertificate CD.

AOPA-sponsored GoldPortfolio consists of two products: the GoldSavers Money Market Account and the GoldCertificate CD — both with FDIC insurance of up to $100,000 per depositor. AOPA members receive special interest rates that are even higher than MBNA's already aggressively priced deposit accounts offered to the public. And, for every member dollar on deposit, MBNA makes a contribution to AOPA, which helps to keep GA strong and dues low.

MBNA Investor Services representatives are available at 800/900-6653, ext. 6257, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Saturday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Eastern time).

AOPA Expo '96: Record Attendance and Renewed Support for GA Airports

A record 9,068 people attended AOPA Expo '96 in San Jose, California, surpassing 8,921 last year in Atlantic City, New Jersey. A record 427 exhibitors and 65 static display aircraft drew thousands of pilots, their families, and friends to three days of informative sessions and educational seminars.

Expo '96 was dedicated to support for general aviation airports. AOPA President Phil Boyer told attendees that preserving airports would be "AOPA's most important work over the next decade."

On Expo opening day, San Jose Mayor Susan Hammer pledged her city's support for Reid-Hillview Airport. "Along with the Chamber of Commerce, the city is fighting to keep [Santa Clara] County from closing this important asset," Mayor Hammer said. "We understand the many, many contributions general aviation makes [as]...an integral part of the nation's air transportation system."

FAA Administrator David Hinson promised that the agency would back Reid- Hillview Airport and all other general aviation airports. "We're very interested in Reid-Hillview, and we're very interested in assuring that airport operators follow their agreements with the federal government," said Hinson. "The FAA will aggressively support continued operation of airports consistent with federal law," Hinson pledged. "Airports are hard to build and very hard to replace."

AOPA's Expo '96 concluded with an impromptu address from flying legend Bob Hoover, who thanked AOPA for its help in restoring his medical certificate, allowing the "pilot's pilot" to return to flying.

AOPA Expo '97 will take place October 23 through 25, 1997, in Orlando, Florida.

AOPA Members Meet Winner of First New 172 at AOPA Expo '96

Attendees at the Expo '96 Opening Luncheon applauded the good fortune of Sharon L. Hauser, winner of the First New Cessna 172, the grand prize in last year's AOPA Sweepstakes. Hauser appeared in person to accept a set of customized cowl plugs for her new aircraft, which is nearing completion. Hauser, a resident of San Jose, has been a pilot and AOPA member since 1979.

Cessna started building Hauser's aircraft, N172FN, on July 10 at its new factory in Independence, Kansas. The first new production 172 should be delivered to Hauser at San Jose's Reid-Hillview Airport in January.

The winner of this year's AOPA Sweeps '96 grand prize, the first new Cessna 182 off the Cessna production line, will be drawn at random and announced in January 1997. And for the first time, AOPA's 1996 sweepstakes will also award additional prizes, including a first prize Bendix/King avionics suite worth more than $15,000, and four second prize GPS receivers.

Pilots Treat San Jose Kids to Night at Theme Park

AOPA treated some 100 San Jose youngsters and their families to a night at the Great America Theme Park in San Jose. AOPA donated the tickets to the Eastridge Little League, which plays on Reid-Hillview Airport property in East San Jose. The Reid- Hillview Airport Association sponsors the Eastridge Dodgers.

"We wanted to give local families a chance to mingle with pilots and their families to share some of our excitement about flying," said AOPA President Phil Boyer.