AOPA Volume 5 Issue 18

[남가주]

GA News

AOPA PUSHES FOR REMOVAL OF 16 SECURITY TFRs
With the major fighting in Iraq over and the terrorist threat level in the United States reduced, AOPA is once again pushing to have longstanding temporary flight restrictions (TFRs) lifted. While the New York Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) and the downtown Chicago TFR have been rescinded, flight restrictions still plague pilots in 13 states, from Washington on the West Coast to Washington, D.C., in the East. In a letter to James Loy, head of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), AOPA President Phil Boyer said, "AOPA members are asking, Isn't it time for temporary restrictions to be lifted given the reduced threat level, ending of hostilities in Iraq, and phase-out of Operation Liberty Shield?'" AOPA recently conducted a review of the 16 national security TFRs that have been in effect since shortly after the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, and each one has had a local impact on GA operations.

AOPA INTERVENES TO RESCUE TEXAS AIRSHOW
The show will go on this weekend in Temple, Texas, thanks to intercession by AOPA. A visit by President Bush to his Crawford, Texas, ranch–and the corresponding 30-nm-radius TFR–had threatened to shut down the Central Texas Airshow at Draughon-Miller Central Texas Regional Airport (TPL). Airshow coordinators contacted AOPA as soon as they found out about this weekend's TFR; AOPA immediately contacted security officials, applied for a waiver, and offered suggestions for allowing aircraft without transponders to participate in the fly-in and airshow. The response was a cut-out for Draughon-Miller airport. "We're pleased that security officials were willing to work with AOPA and the organizers to allow the cut-out for airshow participants," said Melissa Bailey, AOPA vice president of airspace policy. "Performers will still be able to awe the crowd and perform as they have every year for decades."

GA WINNING PR BATTLE OVER MEIGS FIELD
Nearly a month after Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley destroyed the runway at Merrill C. Meigs Field, the public-relations battle appears to be going general aviation's way as court cases to force the airport's reopening move forward. Rich Karlgaard, publisher of Forbes magazine, took a swipe at Daley in his April 28 column. Under the headline "Mayor Daley's Big Goof," he wrote, "This little jewel of an airport was an asset to Chicago's business community. It would have become more so in the years ahead." Over the weekend, both of Chicago's major daily newspapers–the Chicago Tribune and the Chicago Sun-Times–carried stories about Daley's secret meetings with more than a dozen officials about closing Meigs during the 10 days leading up to the midnight raid. "If there was time for meetings, there was time to inform the public," said AOPA President Phil Boyer. "It's further proof that the mayor found it more expedient to blindside his opponents than to use the democratic process." See AOPA Online.

PROTOTYPE SJ30-2 BUSINESS JET LOST IN CRASH
Investigators are looking into the cause of the April 26 crash of Sino Swearingen's first conforming prototype SJ30-2 business jet. Chief test pilot Carroll Beeler, 59, was alone in the aircraft when it crashed 50 miles north of Del Rio, Texas, the San Antonio Express-News reported. Pilots in a chase aircraft witnessed the fatal accident. Company officials told the newspaper that Beeler was performing a flutter test, pushing the envelope to determine the aircraft's capabilities. The jet is designed to carry six passengers and one pilot. The prototype had flown since November and was performing well, according to previous company statements. A company official said he could not yet comment on how the accident will affect the SJ30-2 development program.

DIAMOND TWINSTAR, SAFIRE JET GET GLASS PANELS
Garmin announced this week that its upcoming G1000 integrated cockpit system will be the standard avionics suite on Diamond Aircraft's DA42 TwinStar piston twin currently under development. The suite combines a pair of high-resolution displays with WAAS-capable GPS, VHF nav/com, and Mode S transponder functions contained within the system. The G1000, which a Garmin spokesman said will be a flexible system, will make its debut at EAA AirVenture at Oshkosh this summer. The TwinStar is an all-composite twin with FADEC-controlled (full authority digital engine control) Thielert turbodiesel-powered engines, with expected North American deliveries to begin in mid-2004. The TwinStar, now flying in Europe, will retail for an estimated $360,000. Also, Avidyne announced that its Entegra avionics suite had been selected as the panel of choice for the $1.3-million, all-metal Safire business jet currently in development.

DOT OFFICIAL TURNS TO AOPA FOR ADS-B ANSWERS
Kenneth Mead, inspector general for the U.S. Department of Transportation, recently requested a briefing from AOPA staff to get answers to his questions about ADS-B, or automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast. ADS-B is a new technology that allows controllers and pilots to see the position of aircraft without using radar. AOPA Senior Vice President of Government and Technical Affairs Andy Cebula and AOPA Director of Advanced Technology Randy Kenagy took an ADS-B simulator to their meeting with Mead to show him the value the system brings to the cockpit. Mead indicated that despite the success of the FAA's own general aviation ADS-B test project, Capstone in Alaska, there is some resistance to implementing the new system. AOPA has been an active participant in the Capstone project. Two AOPA aircraft at the Frederick, Maryland, headquarters are equipped with Capstone avionics as part of the test project.

AVIATION SERVICES IN THE BAHAMAS GET BETTER
The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism is making it easier for pilots to fly into and out of the Bahamas from the United States thanks to a new partnership with the Bahamas Telecommunications Company (Batelco). Pilots now have the ability to directly close their flight plans after landing in the Bahamas, and before heading home pilots can obtain a weather briefing by calling 800/WX-BRIEF or calling the local flight service. And pilots can file an international flight plan and notify U.S. Customs, which is required one hour prior to arrival back to the United States. The first of these phones will be available in Bimini while all ports of entry are expected to be equipped within the next few months. Plans also call for cell phone service–as well as AT&T and MCI calling card service–available throughout the Bahamas, making it more convenient for pilots to get customs clearance.

FIRST FLIGHT CELEBRATION TICKETS NOW AVAILABLE
Heading to the First Flight Centennial Celebration this December in Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina? Tickets are now available for purchase online or by calling 800/973-7327.

For daily news updates, see AOPA Online.

Inside AOPA

AOPA FBO REBATE PROGRAM RECOGNIZES $10 MILLION WOMAN
Carol Hake of Cincinnati, Ohio, is AOPA's "ten million dollar woman." She recently received the 10,000,000th rebate dollar from the AOPA 5% FBO Rebate Program. Under the program, AOPA credit card holders are eligible for a five-percent rebate, up to $250 per year, on qualified purchases made at participating FBOs. Representatives from AOPA and AOPA Certified partner MBNA America, which issues the credit card, met Hake at Clermont County Airport in Batavia, Ohio–home of Sporty's Pilot Shop and not far from Hake's home field, Cincinnati Municipal Airport Lunken Field. Gifts from AOPA and Sporty's–and, from MBNA, a $500 credit on her AOPA credit card--marked the occasion. A pilot since 1990, Hake and her husband Ed enjoy flying their Piper Cherokee Six. For more, see AOPA Online.

AOPA FLY-IN GETS UNDER WAY IN JUNE
General aviation will have a chance to shine on June 7 at the thirteenth annual AOPA Fly-In and Open House at Frederick (Maryland) Municipal Airport. Hundreds of aircraft and thousands of visitors are expected at what has become the largest one-day event of its kind in the nation. "The AOPA Fly-In is an opportunity for our members to meet with association staff members face-to-face, one-on-one, and discuss the issues that are uppermost on their minds," said AOPA President Phil Boyer. "For anyone who loves aviation, whether you're a pilot or not, the Fly-In is a great chance to enjoy the company of other enthusiasts." Boyer will be conducting a seminar about the challenges facing general aviation. There will be many other seminars, product vendors, and aircraft on display, including the AOPA Sweepstakes Waco UPF-7. See AOPA Online and be sure to check out the fly-in procedures before you take off.

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On Capitol Hill

CONGRESSMAN QUESTIONS DISNEY TFRs
An important member of Congress is calling into question the "Mickey Mouse TFRs" (temporary flight restrictions over Disney World in Florida and Disneyland in California). In a letter to Transportation Secretary Norman Mineta, Rep. Ernest Istook (R-Okla.), the new chairman of the House transportation subcommittee, questioned the legitimacy of the TFRs. These TFRs were put in place after some vaguely worded language restricting banner towing operations over certain sporting events was included in the 2003 FAA Appropriations Act. Some lawmakers made it clear to the Department of Transportation and FAA that the "intent of Congress" was to provide for flight restrictions over the Disney theme parks as well. Istook is questioning whether that represented the intent of all members of the conference committee that wrote the language. "AOPA supports Chairman Istook's efforts to review the Disney TFRs," said Andy Cebula, an AOPA senior vice president. "Much as Mayor Daley did to justify destroying Meigs Field in Chicago, others are also using 'national security' as a ruse to place limits on general aviation for reasons that have little to do with terrorist threats."

AOPA Airport Support Network

VOLUNTEER OF THE WEEK–DAVID PARRISH
Last year David Parrish, AOPA Airport Support Network volunteer for Bowman Field in Louisville, Kentucky, surveyed his airport's support group, Friends Of Bowman, to find out what issues they thought needed to be addressed. One of the items that made the list was the difficulty pilots had in seeing the airport's rotating beacon at night. Parrish followed up on this with the Regional Airport Authority and the authority adjusted the beacon's angle. Parrish informally flight checked it and asked other pilots to respond to another survey. Based on these efforts, the airport was able to save the cost of purchasing a new beacon and the pilots who use Bowman are able to better see the beacon. Now he only has about 10 more things to address. To learn more about ASN, visit AOPA Online.

AOPA Sweepstakes Waco Update

SWEEPS WACO ARRIVES HOME
For the first time the AOPA Sweepstakes Waco UPF-7 is at Frederick, Maryland, its temporary home airport, having arrived there from Lakeland, Florida, where it was on display at the Sun 'n Fun EAA Fly-In. The 750-nm flight took 8 hours and 6 minutes of flying time. There wasn't much time for eating along the way, and vending machines provided the menu. Stops included Fernandina Beach, Florida; Orangeburg, South Carolina; and Danville, Virginia, before reaching Frederick. An article on the flight by AOPA Pilot Senior Editor Al Marsh will appear soon in the magazine. You'll learn some valuable tips about open-cockpit flying, like how to keep your gloves from flying overboard.

Quiz Me!

Here's a question asked by an AOPA member last week of our AOPA technical specialists. Test your knowledge.

Question: Why is the FAA seal printed in blue on my pilot certificate but black on my CFI certificate?

Answer: According to the FAA Order 8700.1, General Aviation Operations Inspectors Handbook, Volume 2, Chapter 1, section 10, the FAA has issued the "blue seal" pilot certificate since 1961. The blue seal certificates are issued to applicants who have demonstrated their ability to control an airplane by reference to instruments. While flight instructor certificates have black seals, some are gold if the instructor meets certain standards. The order is available on the FAA's Web site.

Got a technical question for AOPA specialists? Call 800/872-2672 or e-mail to inforequest@aopa.org. Send comments on our Quiz Me! questions to epilot@aopa.org.

Weekend Weather

SOUTHWEST FORECAST
Synopsis: A low pressure area over the eastern Pacific will have occluded/cold front approaching the CA coast on Friday morning, with the front to weaken to a trough by Friday evening. The low pressure area will be over northern CA on Saturday, then into NV and ID by Sunday morning.

Flying Forecast: Showers will move east across CA Friday with the rain showers changing to snow across the Sierras early Saturday. A few MVFR ceilings and showers are expected into southern CA Saturday morning. By 00Z Sunday scattered thunderstorms will develop across UT and western CO with rain showers lingering across lower elevations of central and northern CA. Precipitation ends across CA after 12Z Sunday with scattered light rain showers lingering over the mountains of UT/CO from 12Z Sunday to 00Z Monday.

See the current weather on AOPA Online, provided by Meteorlogix.

What's New At AOPA Online

"Safety Pilot," a monthly column in AOPA Pilot written by AOPA Air Safety Foundation Executive Director Bruce Landsberg, addresses a wide variety of GA safety topics. The Safety Pilot online article archive has been updated–visit this useful resource on AOPA Online soon.

Picture Perfect

Looking for a unique gift for Father's Day? Order high-quality prints from the AOPA Online Gallery. Search the hundreds of fabulous images, select your favorite, and with just a few keystrokes, a beautiful print will be shipped directly to your doorstep! Orders must be placed by May 30 for guaranteed delivery. Of course, you can still download your favorite images to use for wallpaper or send a personalized e-card. For more details, see AOPA Online.

ePilot Calendar

WEEKEND FLYING DESTINATIONS
Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina. The AOPA Wright Brothers Memorial Pilot Facility Grand Opening Fly-in takes place May 10 at the Wright Brothers National Memorial. Parking is very limited at First Flight Airport (FFA)–pilots are requested to land at Dare County Regional Airport (MQI). Free bus service will be provided to the event starting at 7 a.m.; ceremony begins at 12:30 p.m. For more information, visit AOPA Online.

FLYING DESTINATIONS IN CALIFORNIA
Shafter, California. A Warbirds in Action Airshow takes place May 10 at Shafter-Minter Field (MIT). Includes aircraft from early biplanes through the Vietnam era. Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for students, under 6 free. Gates open at 8 a.m. Contact Dean Craun, 661/703-5005, or visit the Web site.

San Diego, California. AOPA President Phil Boyer will present a Pilot Town Meeting at the Radisson Hotel San Diego on May 13. Hear the latest news that affects your flying and meet AOPA's president! For more information, visit AOPA Online.

Van Nuys, California. AOPA President Phil Boyer will present a Pilot Town Meeting at the Airtel Plaza Hotel on May 14. Hear the latest news that affects your flying and meet AOPA's president! For more information, visit AOPA Online.

To submit an event to the calendar, or search all events, visit AOPA Online. For airport details, see AOPA's Airport Directory Online. For comments on calendar items, contact calendar@aopa.org.

ASF FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR REFRESHER CLINICS
(All clinics start at 7:30 a.m.)
The next AOPA Air Safety Foundation Flight Instructor Refresher Clinics are scheduled in Sacramento, California; Albany, New York; and Houston; May 10 and 11. Clinics are also scheduled in Pensacola, Florida, and Baltimore, May 17 and 18. For a complete schedule, see AOPA Online. Can't make it in person? Sign up for the CFI Renewal Online.

ASF PINCH-HITTER GROUND-SCHOOL COURSES
(Pinch-Hitter courses start at 9:30 a.m.)
The next Pinch-Hitter?? Ground School will take place in Columbus, Ohio, June 15. For more Pinch-Hitter courses, see AOPA Online.

ASF SAFETY SEMINARS
AOPA Air Safety Foundation Safety Seminars are scheduled in Scotia, New York, Dublin, Virginia, and New Bern, North Carolina, May 12; Fredericksburg, Virginia, North Syracuse, New York, and Fayetteville, North Carolina, May 13; Henrietta, New York, Danville, Virginia, and Jamestown, North Carolina, May 14; and Hendersonville, North Carolina, Melfa, Virginia, and Cheektowaga, New York, May 15. Topics vary; for complete details, see AOPA Online.