'Huge Victory' Saves Airport Grant Assurances, Bader and Richards-Gebauer Airports
Following intense efforts by AOPA Legislative Action, on October 7, a House-Senate conference committee rejected a precedent-setting airport closure amendment in the FAA funding bill.
"This is a huge victory," said AOPA President Phil Boyer. "Defeating this amendment was extraordinarily important to the future of general aviation airports in the United States."
The amendment would have permitted closure of downtown Bader Field in Atlantic City, New Jersey, and Richards-Gebaur Memorial Airport south of Kansas City, Missouri — despite federal grant assurance agreements. The amendment was sponsored by senators Christopher (Kit) Bond (R-MO) and Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ).
"If the precedent were established that airport sponsors could escape grant assurances at the whim of an individual legislator, many more communities would come running to Congress for permission to close their airports," Boyer said. "Congress shouldn't be in the business of breaking binding legal agreements."
In the law establishing the Airport and Airway Trust Fund, Congress decreed that receiving a user-funded airport grant requires that airport sponsors keep the airport open and available to all types, kinds, and classes of aeronautical use. These grant assurances usually specify that the airport must continue to operate for the subsequent 20 years.
"Pilots everywhere owe House Appropriations transportation subcommittee Chairman Frank Wolf a debt of gratitude," said Boyer. "He really stood up for all of aviation, and for the nation's valuable airport infrastructure."
FAA Funding Bill Proves User Fees Not Needed, Sends Administration a Message
AOPA Legislative Action says that the fiscal year 1998 FAA funding bill proves that user fees are unnecessary. The bill provides $9.07 billion for all FAA activities in fiscal year 1998 — nine percent more than last year, and $666 million more than the administration's request.
"Congress has put the lie to administration claims that the FAA needs user fees to meet its funding needs," said AOPA Legislative Action President Phil Boyer. "Lawmakers have proven once again that, when it comes to critical FAA programs, Congress can and will provide all necessary funds through existing aviation taxes."
AOPA Legislative Action had argued that the FAA needs better management and leadership, not more money, and that the administration's push for user fees was a waste of resources and a distraction for the FAA staff. Congress agreed. Included in the funding bill is a provision that explicitly forbids the FAA from acting on its own to charge, or even study, unauthorized user fees.
"We thank Congress, and specifically House Appropriations transportation subcommittee Chairman Frank Wolf and Senate Appropriations transportation subcommittee Chairman Richard Shelby, for their hard work in support of the aviation industry and aviation safety," Boyer said.
Full Throttle on WAAS, AOPA Legislative Action Tells Congress
The FAA should proceed full throttle with the Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS) to improve the accuracy and reliability of GPS for pilots, AOPA Legislative Action President Phil Boyer told the House aviation subcommittee in October.
WAAS will allow most airports to obtain precision approach capability at a much smaller cost and will eventually replace thousands of land-based navigation aids, providing equipment savings to aircraft owners and the FAA alike.
"Delays in the WAAS program could prove fatal to saving the aviation industry millions of dollars," Boyer said. "Please do not discontinue or slow down this program."
He called on the FAA to abandon the antiquated "highways in the sky" philosophy and to develop streamlined, automated methods of designing and certifying new approaches, including use of private contractors.
AOPA Legislative Action also questioned the FAA's assertion that GPS/WAAS will be a "stand-alone" system soon, and objected to decommissioning of ground-based navaids — especially loran — until GPS/WAAS proved its full capability. It also urged Congress to view GPS/WAAS as a national resource, with shared use and funding by marine, auto, rail, and recreational users, as well as aviators.
AOPA, FAA Cooperation Saves Thousands of Aircraft Owners $150 Each
In mid-October AOPA enlisted the help of the FAA's Seattle Aircraft Certification Office to help save owners of small Lycoming and Continental engines a collective $750,000 on a carburetor airworthiness directive.
"Several members alerted us to a 'timing' problem with the proposal for a new Precision Airmotive two-piece carburetor venturi AD [NPRM 97-ANE-16] that would supersede the original 1993 AD 93-18-03," said Rodney Martz, AOPA manager of technical operations (right). "We worked out an alternate means of compliance to help owners avoid having to spend $150 just because they were caught in a bureaucratic timing snafu."
The original AD required an annual inspection of Precision Airmotive Corporation carburetors for a loose primary venturi, which could lead to engine stoppage. The AD gave owners four years to replace the two-piece venturi with a one-piece design; the four years ended on October 29.
However, service reports showed that the new one-piece venturi caused rough running in some engines, and even some cases of power loss leading to forced landings. The new NPRM would supersede the 1993 AD and allow the option of continued annual inspections of two-piece venturis. The owner may still opt to install the one-piece venturi, although a new fuel nozzle may be required for some carburetors.
The bureaucratic snafu results from the fact that the new proposal won't become effective until some time after expiration of the 1993 AD on October 29, leaving owners stuck with the required replacement.
Under the "alternate means of compliance" procedure, aircraft owners can comply with the new inspection procedure before it becomes official — whenever that may be — avoiding the expense of replacing the old venturi. AOPA estimates that some 3,000 to 5,000 aircraft owners can take advantage of this alternative.
Procedures for the alternative are available to AOPA members on the AOPA Web site.
AOPA Urges FAA to Reduce Burden of Hartzell AD
Calling the cost to owners "truly staggering," AOPA has asked the FAA to examine all possible ways to reduce the impact of the August 27 airworthiness directive on Hartzell steel-hub propellers.
"It's one of the most expensive ADs to come along in a very long time," said AOPA Director of Aviation Standards Doug Macnair in comments filed on October 24. "Many aircraft affected by this AD will be grounded or relegated to be mere collectors' items unless the FAA revises this AD."
The complicated AD requires inspection for cracks of Hartzell steel-hub blade shanks, clamps, and hubs, and for corrosion in the blade bore. The type of Hartzell props affected are typically used on some of the oldest and least expensive aircraft in the GA fleet, making the cost of compliance — reported by AOPA members as a minimum of $3,800 — a disproportionate burden. AOPA estimates that compliance will raise hourly aircraft operating costs by at least 25 percent.
AOPA technical specialists confirmed the need for the AD, based on a large number of reported cracks or failures of the blade shanks and clamps. Nevertheless, AOPA argued that there was little evidence supporting calendar-time repetitive inspections. AOPA also suggested that the inspection for bore corrosion be changed to a one-time inspection with follow-up inspections at prop overhaul, and recommended that the FAAand Hartzell work toward a terminating action that would exempt owners from the costly repetitive inspections.
"We strongly urge the FAA and Hartzell to carefully examine all possible means of reducing the burden," said Macnair. He cited an analysis showing less stress on Hartzell props used on geared engines in Twin Bonanzas, findings that could allow longer compliance times (see " Pilot Briefing," p. 31, for information regarding new parts from Hartzell to comply with the AD).
Macnair also decried the absence of economic impact data accompanying the AD. "It's the FAA's responsibility to publicly justify its actions, even in matters affecting safety," he said.
AOPA Calls for Changes in Proposed West Texas MOA
AOPA has called for changes to the proposed Bronco Military Operations Areas (MOAs) over western Texas, saying that expansion of special-use airspace there would have an adverse impact on VFR pilots.
"The terrain beneath this proposed airspace is hostile," said AOPA Director of Airspace and System Standards Melissa K. Bailey. VFR pilots avoiding the MOA would be forced to fly at low altitudes, often in severe low-level turbulence that exists over the West Texas plains. In addition, the proposed MOA overlies some 14 airports.
Regulations allow VFR pilots to transit MOA without restriction, but Bailey pointed out that "what's legal isn't always safe. AOPA believes that it is necessary to look beyond the 'letter of the law' when establishing MOA airspace."
The MOA would be charted as "active" between 7 a.m. and 8 p.m. local time, Monday through Friday, even though the military would actually use the airspace for only a fraction of that time. And because the FAA does not have an effective real-time MOA notification system, pilots have to assume that the airspace is always active.
"The FAA should consider raising the ceiling of the MOAs rather than lowering the floor into airspace that general aviation needs most," said Bailey.
AOPA Goes on TV as John Denver Tragedy Turns to Controversy Over Medicals
AOPA President Phil Boyer appeared on NBC's Today show on October 15 to head off public concern about pilot medical certification in the wake of the John Denver crash in California.
In a live interview from Washington with Today host Matt Lauer in New York, Boyer said that pilots are held to a much higher standard than operators of ground vehicles.
Holding up his own airman and medical certificates, Boyer described pilot training and testing, and explained FAA medical certification requirements. He also displayed the medical history form that pilots must complete and sign, and noted that any alcohol- or drug-related action must be reported to the FAA.
When NBC's Lauer asked if a pilot has to present airman and medical certificates before flying, Boyer drew the analogy that drivers don't have to show a license every time they drive. He then contrasted that with times when airman credentials are checked, including FAA ramp checks and insurance company requirements.
Lauer then asked if such an "honor system" was adequate.
"Very much so," Boyer replied. "This really is an honor system that works. Pilots are a very special breed of people, and they want to uphold the creed among themselves."
At the conclusion of the interview, Boyer publicly expressed AOPA's sympathies to Denver's family and friends in order to emphasize the tragedy of his death, and not the controversy over his medical status.
Denver had been an AOPA member since 1968.
AOPA Action in the States
California passed legislation allowing inter-county airport land use commissions; AOPA had supported. Legislation also passed allowing the state motor vehicle fuel tax to rise if federal taxes are reduced or eliminated; AOPA had opposed.
Maryland reached an agreement with AOPA, users, and other governmental agencies supporting a new airport in Kent County, on the state's Eastern Shore. Wildlife considerations in the area had threatened plans for the new airport.
Massachusetts is considering House Bill 4932 to protect airport approaches from obstructions; AOPA supports.
New York passed legislation authorizing funding for navaids at some GA airports; AOPA had supported.
Texas capital Austin could become a one-airport town if the owners of Austin Executive Airport proceed with plans to close that field. AOPA is working for support from the FAA and the city. The threat comes on the heels of the hard-fought battle to save Austin Mueller.
Wisconsin zoning legislation that would have prohibited local restrictions on tower heights near airports died in the state senate; AOPA had opposed.
Wyoming's Devils Tower National Monument was ruled "no hazard" by the FAA for the proposed Hulett, Wyoming, airport, seven miles from the monument. Historic preservation groups had opposed the airport, but AOPA supported the FAA and Hulett Airport Advisory Board in the decision.
ICAO Aircraft Designators Now Required for International Operations
Pilots planning international flights must now use International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aircraft designators when filing flight plans. Among aircraft affected are models made by Beech, Cessna, Mooney, and Piper.
"Foreign countries stopped accepting flight plans without the proper ICAO aircraft designator on November 6," explained AOPA Technical Researcher Randy Kenagy. "FSS personnel are manually translating designators to the ICAO standard now, but pilots will eventually have to learn the ICAO designator for their aircraft."
At least initially, the requirement for ICAO designator affects only international flights, including those to Canada, Mexico, or the Bahamas.
Nearly 15,000 popular single-engine and light twin- engine aircraft in the United States have designators different from the ICAO standard — including the Cessna 140, 172RG, P337 and 401A and B models; all Mooney models; the Piper J-2, J-5, PA-28R, PA-32R, PA-34-200T; and the Beechcraft T-34C turbine version and the H-18 twin.
A complete list of the ICAO aircraft designators is available to AOPA members on the AOPA Web site ( www.aopa.org/whatsnew/inaoacdes.html).
New 20-Year Financing Makes Owning Aircraft Even More Affordable
Several new features make the AOPA Aircraft Financing Program a better bargain than ever for AOPA members. Enhancements include repayment periods as long as 20 years, lower down payments, and elimination of a maximum loan amount.
"It makes ours one of the most competitive and affordable financing packages in the industry," said Andrew Horelick, senior vice president of AOPA. "These new features mean even more people can now qualify to purchase their own aircraft, a dream of every AOPA member."
The new features are available only to AOPA members through the AOPA Aircraft Financing Program provided by MBNA America. In addition to lower monthly payments possible under a 20-year loan term, required down payments have been reduced and a previous loan limit of $1 million has been eliminated.
MBNA also lowered rates by as much as one-half percent.
The AOPA Aircraft Financing Program is also the only loan program with no up-front fees for members versus as much as $250 per loan required by some competitors. AOPA members may also apply for an additional reserve line of credit for refurbishment, maintenance, and other aviation-related expenses.
MBNA America pays annual AOPA membership dues for the entire term of the loan when the loan amount is $20,000 or greater.
AOPA members can prequalify or apply for an aircraft loan by telephone. To do so, or for more information on the AOPA Aircraft Financing Program, call MBNA at 800/62-PLANE (800/627-5263).
AOPA Announces Long-Term Care Insurance
[ Note: This program is no longer available.]
An agreement with a leading long-term care group, signed at AOPA Expo '97, will help AOPA members to plan for potentially devastating costs of extended care necessitated by accident or illness.
The AOPA Long-Term Care Insurance Program, administered by Long Term Care Group, Inc., will be available in 1998.
"What are your chances of needing long-term care? How long might you need it? And most importantly, how much will it cost and how will you pay for it?" asked AOPA President Phil Boyer. "The vast majority of our members have no coverage, and many asked if we could help, so we did."
Hartford Life Insurance Company, one of America's largest and most trusted insurance companies, was selected to underwrite the program, which is specifically designed for AOPA members, spouses, parents, and parents-in-law.
"And because this is an AOPA Certified program, it's just one more way for AOPA to keep your dues low and general aviation strong," said Boyer.
For more information, call 888/343-5824.
Give AOPA Membership This Holiday Season for an Extra Chance to Win the Ultimate Arrow
Do something special this year for general aviation and for your friends or relatives who are pilots or are planning on starting flight training: give them an AOPA membership. Use the form in AOPA Pilot, and be sure to note your name and AOPA number for an extra chance to win AOPA's 1997 Sweepstakes Grand Prize Ultimate Arrow. (Sweepstakes deadline is December 31, 1997. See ad for rules.) You or your new AOPA member friend or relative could be flying AOPA's Ultimate Arrow in January.
AOPA's Airport Directory in the Mail
AOPA members who requested AOPA's Airport Directory when they renewed should find the completely updated 1998 edition in their mailboxes by mid-December. Members on Automatic Annual Renewal receive copies automatically.
AIR SAFETY FOUNDATION
New ASF Safety Advisors Available
The AOPA Air Safety Foundation has published two new Safety Advisors, one on airframe ice and the other on use of personal computer-based aviation training devices.
The Aircraft Icing Safety Advisor reveals that almost half of 637 icing-weather accidents studied were caused by ice accumulating on the airframe, either in flight or on the ground prior to flight. (The other half involved carburetor icing.) Aircraft Icing dissects accident statistics; discusses icing's causes, tailplane icing, and deicing and anti-icing equipment; and provides strategies and tactics for surviving an encounter with ice.
Aircraft Icing was made possible by a grant from BFGoodrich. Editorial assistance was provided by Captain Robert N. Buck, retired chief pilot for TWA and author of the book Weather Flying.
Personal computer aviation training devices (PCATDs) are the focus of the second new Safety Advisor. The FAA approved PCATDs this year after several years of ASF research showing the value of the devices. The PCATD Safety Advisor examines advantages and disadvantages of PC-based simulator training and includes a sample curriculum. A review of PCATD software now available lists computer compatibility requirements.
Jeppesen provided funding for the PCATD Safety Advisor.
Safety Advisors are available from the Air Safety Foundation for $1 each. Specify the Advisor topics you want, and mail to the AOPA Air Safety Foundation, 421 Aviation Way, Frederick, Maryland 21701. Safety Advisors are also available on the ASF Web site ( www.aopa.org/asf/).
ASF Pursues GPS Operational Safety
The Air Safety Foundation is coordinating an industry-wide effort to help pilots avoid mistakes in programming GPS units during critical phases of flight.
At an FAA-sponsored meeting in November, representatives of GPS manufacturers, pilot groups, and the FAA considered ways to ease the GPS "button-pushing" burden on pilots.
Research done by both the FAA and the ASF has shown that differences in operation among various GPS models often leave pilots confused and distracted during times of high workload, such as during IFR approaches.
Landsberg Chairs FAA Group to Study Runway Incursions
ASF Executive Director Bruce Landsberg has been named chairman of a special FAA subcommittee on runway incursions.
Incursions have increased recently and often involve light general aviation aircraft.
Landsberg's committee includes representatives of major and regional airlines, corporate aviation, airports, air traffic control, the NTSB, and the FAA. The committee will review recent studies and recommend to the FAA some measures to decrease the number of incursions. A report is expected by late winter.
Latest Auction Item Delivered by Comanche
A handsome $1,880 Auguste Reymond Swiss Chronograph is now up for bid on the AOPA Air Safety Foundation Silent Auction ( www.aopa.org/asf/).
The chronograph was donated by North American Auguste Reymond importer Bert Yuttal, AOPA 398010, who delivered it in his Piper Comanche to ASF headquarters from his Texas base.
The handmade chronograph features a 25-jewel Valjoux 7750 movement, a sterling silver case, sapphire crystals with exhibition back (movement visible); and it is water resistant to three atmospheres. Bidding is in $50 increments above the minimum $1,000 bid.
To date, Yuttal has donated more than $3,000 worth of chronographs for the Silent Auction.
