ATTENTION LOS ANGELES-AREA PILOTS: AOPA President Phil Boyer will present a Pilot Town Meeting near you next week. During this free, interactive multimedia presentation, hear the latest news that affects your flying and meet AOPA's president. The meeting will take place May 14 at the Airtel Plaza Hotel in Van Nuys. For complete details, see AOPA Online.
GA News
GA SECURITY ADVISORY INCLUDES GENERALIZATIONS
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issued an "Advisory to General Aviation" asking pilots to be alert for suspicious activities at GA airports. A Transportation Security Administration representative told AOPA that while no new airspace restrictions are anticipated, information from the Terrorist Threat Integration Center made the advisory necessary. The advisory sites "recent reliable reports" indicating that al Qaida is planning an aerial suicide attack against the U.S. consulate in Karachi, Pakistan. Although no information was provided about any threats in the United States, pilots are asked to report all unusual activities at airports. "AOPA fully supports heightened vigilance and has shown this commitment through the AOPA Airport Watch Program," said AOPA President Phil Boyer. "However, we're very concerned about the sweeping generalizations in the DHS advisory that aren't necessarily accurate." For example, the advisory states that a GA aircraft "loaded with explosives is the equivalent of a medium-sized truck bomb." The typical general aviation aircraft can only carry several hundred pounds. Suspicious activity should be reported using the toll free Airport Watch hotline at 866/GA-SECURE.
FAA ELIMINATES ONE OF 16 'PERMANENT' TFRs
The FAA rescinded one of the 16 "permanent" security-related temporary flight restrictions (TFRs) that AOPA had been pushing to eliminate. The TFR around Whiteman Air Force Base in Knob Noster, Missouri, is canceled. AOPA President Phil Boyer recently sent a letter to the Transportation Security Administration saying, "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?'"
CONGRESS ALSO QUESTIONING TFRs
Members of Congress grilled Secretary of Transportation Norman Mineta earlier this week at a hearing about removing airspace restrictions around Washington, D.C., and restoring normal operations to Maryland's "DC-3" airports. Rep. Steny Hoyer (D-Md.), House Democratic whip and senior member of the Maryland House delegation, led the charge. Hoyer reminded Mineta that general aviation in Washington, D.C. area is still suffering under restrictions that have been lifted elsewhere. "Chicago, Boston, and New York all have had their restrictions lifted," Hoyer said. "General aviation airports located in the Washington suburbs, specifically College Park Airport, Potomac Air Field, and Hyde Field, are being uniquely and adversely impacted by security-related procedures and protocols. These airports have experienced devastating financial and economic losses." During the hearing, Secretary Mineta responded that security decisions are now outside of DOT and in the hands of the Transportation Security Administration, the Department of Homeland Security, and the National Security Council. Because of that, Mineta anticipated very little change to the air restrictions surrounding Washington, but he did suggest the possibility of a DOT buy-out of the three airports.
TSA MAKES SMALL CONCESSION ON PILOT INSECURITY RULES
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has offered a small but significant concession to address AOPA's concerns about "due process" under the "pilot insecurity rules." In a letter to AOPA (click here to download), the agency's chief counsel, Francine Kerner, wrote, "We are aware of the need for an avenue of administrative appeal outside of TSA. Accordingly, TSA is exploring the possibility of providing for a final appeal review level at the Department of Homeland Security." AOPA President Phil Boyer said the move was only a first step. "We still believe that a pilot whose certificate is revoked for security reasons should be able to seek an independent review by someone outside the homeland security organization," he said.
FAA TACKLES MISLEADING AIRCRAFT PARTS STATEMENTS
The FAA wants to broaden its ability to take action against anyone who makes false or misleading statements regarding the airworthiness of aircraft products, parts, and materials. Existing laws and regulations already cover repair stations, mechanics, and aircraft owners and operators, but a proposed rule would expand the FAA's authority to those not directly regulated, such as distributors and brokers. "Most suppliers are law-abiding citizens who take certification and safety very seriously to meet the needs of the diverse general aviation fleet," said Melissa Bailey, an AOPA vice president. "AOPA is reviewing this proposal to make sure it doesn't have the unintended effect of driving out those in the business of supplying these parts to the industry or any adverse effects on individual aircraft owners." Comments on the proposal are due to the FAA no later than August 4.
DELTAHAWK DIESEL ENGINE FLIES
In Racine, Wisconsin, last weekend, the DeltaHawk diesel engine flew for the first time, installed in a Velocity RG and piloted by a company engineer. The 160-horsepower, liquid-cooled V-4 engine was fueled by Jet-A, and the aircraft reached an altitude of 5,500 feet and an airspeed of 140 knots during the 38-minute flight. The engine, developed first for the experimental market, is slated for delivery in the first quarter of 2004 for an estimated price of $20,000. The company plans to pursue FAA certification immediately following the development of the experimental version. The turbocharged engine weighs roughly 335 pounds installed and is predicted to consume about 40 gallons of Jet-A over a 1,000-nm route versus about 57 gallons of avgas for a comparable 160-hp engine. For more, see the Web site.
GA AIRCRAFT SHIPMENTS DECLINE
The General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) says first-quarter shipments of GA aircraft fell 16.4 percent compared to the same period last year. Actual numbers show that the total decreased from 531 last year to 444 this year. First quarter billings were down $1.87 billion. GAMA President Ed Bolen said the decline was not anticipated. The only segment that was able to hold its own was single-engine piston aircraft, where first quarter shipments remained stable. Turboprops dropped from 46 for the first quarter of 2002 to 31 this year.
MONTANA GROUP HOSTS AUCTION FOR BACKCOUNTRY AIRSTRIPS
Looking for a great way to support Montana's backcountry airstrips? The Montana Pilots' Association is hosting an online auction from May 11 through May 17. Offered are items ranging from a ride in an Extra 300 to a Bozeman getaway. All proceeds will go toward maintaining and preserving the airstrips. To preview the auction, see the Web site.
JEPPESEN CHIEF RETIRES
Horst A. Bergmann, chairman and CEO of Jeppesen, has retired after more than 40 years with the company. Under Bergmann's watch the company significantly broadened its portfolio of products and services. He more than doubled the number of employees and completed 10 acquisitions. Bergmann is succeeded by Mark Van Tine, who previously served as managing director of Jeppesen DataPlan; executive vice president of flight information development, printing and distribution; and also as chief information officer.
LONGTIME COLUMNIST DIES FROM CANCER
A long time columnist for AOPA Pilot magazine and noted aviation historian died April 27 after a lengthy battle with cancer. Peter M. Bowers was 84. Born in San Francisco, Bowers wrote hundreds of columns, magazine and newspaper articles, and books. His monthly column appeared in Pilot from 1962 to 1984. He also wrote the popular "Wings & Things" for GANews, setting a record of 786 columns since it began in 1972. Bowers also accumulated one of the largest collections of aviation photographs in the country; unfortunately, a large part of it was lost in a fire several years ago. Bowers is survived by his wife, Alice, stepdaughter Allison Berghmans, and son David Rice Bowers.
NEW HONEYWELL SYSTEM SEEKS TO IMPROVE RUNWAY SAFETY
Honeywell is offering a new system called RAAS (Runway Awareness and Advisory System) aimed at preventing runway incursions. RAAS is a software upgrade to the Honeywell enhanced ground proximity warning system that is scheduled to be available this summer. The $15,000 upgrade takes advantage of the detailed airport database in the EGPWS and advises a pilot using voice annunciation when he is approaching a runway, either on the ground or from the air, and when he is on a runway. When approaching from the air, the system reminds the pilot of the available runway if the runway is less than the minimum length preset by the pilot. Upon landing, the system calls out distance remaining in 1,000-foot increments on the runway once the airplane passes the runway midpoint. For taxiing in very low conditions, the system will warn when the airplane is within 100 feet of the end of the runway. To prevent takeoffs from taxiways, the system will alert the pilot once airspeed reaches a certain point when the airplane is not on a runway.
AIRCRAFT DISPLAY FOR HAZARDS DEVELOPED
Ryan International has developed a display dedicated solely to showing hazards, based on the theory that today's glass cockpit screens are becoming overloaded with information, making immediate threats hard to analyze. Called the Multi-Hazard Display, its objective is to put all information on a single screen, according to Bruce Bunevich, vice president of sales and marketing. The Multi-Hazard Display is designed for use with the Ryan 9900BX Traffic Advisory System. The Columbus, Ohio, firm is working with the manufacturers of other hazard detection avionics to display their weather and terrain information as well. The display is designed to show up to three types of hazard information at one time using multiview-mode technology. The display lists for $7,990. Certification is expected in May with shipments of the first units set for July. Initial certification will cover only traffic information, with other hazards to be added later.
For daily news updates, see AOPA Online.
Inside AOPA
AOPA FLY-IN JUST FOUR WEEKS AWAY
On Saturday, June 7, AOPA will host its thirteenth annual Fly-In and Open House, the largest one-day event of its kind in the nation. Last year 895 aircraft jammed the infield at Frederick Municipal Airport (FDK) in Frederick, Maryland, home of AOPA's headquarters. An estimated 8,000 people attended. The AOPA Centennial of Flight Sweepstakes aircraft, a fully restored 1940 Waco UPF-7, will headline an aircraft static display. Visitors will have the opportunity to tour the AOPA headquarters building, browse through displays from dozens of vendors, and attend a variety of seminars, including one hosted by AOPA President Phil Boyer on the changing airspace environment. Activities begin at 8:30 a.m. Arrival procedures and driving directions are available on AOPA Online.
AOPA JOINS TSA EFFORT ON AIRPORT SECURITY
AOPA has accepted an invitation–after laying out a few expectations–from the Transportation Security Administration to participate in a working group with other general aviation associations to develop security guidelines for general aviation airports. "We do not agree that regulating general aviation airports is the answer, and we do not want these guidelines to become mandatory for a general aviation airport to qualify for federal funding," said Andy Cebula, an AOPA senior vice president at a recent TSA and industry meeting in Washington, D.C. The first meeting of the group will be May 21.
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On Capitol Hill
AOPA-BACKED PROVISIONS INCLUDED IN SENATE BILL
The Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee has approved an FAA reauthorization bill that includes several AOPA-backed provisions. The bill would provide nearly $3.5 billion for airport improvements next year, with $100-million increases in each of the next two years. A reauthorization bill is a multiyear spending plan. The Senate version lays out the FAA's three-year priorities for operations, airport improvement, air traffic control modernization, and research. "The bill approved by the Senate committee addresses several of our concerns, including continued funding for airport improvements and a separate fund for security enhancements so that, for instance, new baggage screening machines aren't paid for out of the same account as, say, general aviation runway resurfacing," said Andy Cebula, an AOPA senior vice president.
Quiz Me!
Here's a question asked by an AOPA member last week of our AOPA technical specialists. Test your knowledge.
Question: What does it mean when I hear the phrase "braking action advisories are in effect" on an ATIS report?
Answer: When it's available, ATC furnishes pilots with the information regarding the quality of braking action on traffic movement areas at an airport. The quality of braking action is described by the terms "good," "fair," "poor," and "nil." When tower controllers have received runway braking action reports which include the terms "poor" or "nil" or whenever weather conditions are conducive to deteriorating or changing runway braking conditions, the tower will include the statement "braking action advisories are in effect" on the ATIS broadcast. During the time that these advisories are in effect, ATC will issue the latest report for the runway in use to each arriving and departing aircraft. For information, see Chapter 4, paragraph 4-3-8 of the Aeronautical Information Manual.
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.
Picture Perfect
Looking for a unique gift for Father's Day? Order high-quality prints from the AOPA Online Gallery. Search the hundreds of images, select your favorite, and with just a few keystrokes, a 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.
What's New At AOPA Online
NEVER AGAIN ONLINE
An encounter with a deer on the runway turns a quiet evening flight into a test of skill. See the latest original "Never Again Online," titled "Deer Incursion," exclusively on AOPA Online.
Weekend Weather
SOUTHWEST FORECAST
Synopsis: Low pressure over southern UT at 12Z Friday will have a cold front extending into northwest AZ/far southern CA. This front will spread eastward into NM by Friday night and east of the region on Saturday. An upper level trough will continue to affect CA/NV on Friday, then shift out of the area for Saturday and Sunday.
Flying Forecast: MVFR/IFR conditions will occur in areas of rain and elevation-dependent snow over CA, NV, and UT on Friday, then diminishing by Friday evening. Mainly dry and VFR elsewhere.
See the current weather on AOPA Online, provided by Meteorlogix.
ePilot Calendar
WEEKEND FLYING DESTINATIONS
Kewanee, Illinois. The Midwest Aeronca Fest Fly-in takes place May 16 through 18 at Kewanee Municipal Airport (EZI). On-field camping, motels available, food all weekend with a hog roast Saturday night, tailwheel flying, and other events. Contact Jody Wittmeyer, 309/852-2594, or visit the Web site.
Lumberton, North Carolina. A Celebration of Flight, part of World Flight 2003, takes place May 17 and 18 at Lumberton Municipal Airport (LBT). Airshow, fly-in, and static displays. Contact Lee Hester, 910/739-6480, or visit the Web site.
Slaton, Texas. The South Plains Airshow takes place May 17 at Slaton Municipal Airport (F49). Sponsored by Texas Air Museum, Caprock Chapter. Contact Randy, 806/632-0063, or visit the Web site.
FLYING DESTINATIONS IN CALIFORNIA
Columbia, California. The Gathering of Luscombes 2003 takes place May 16 through 18 at Columbia Airport (O22). Aircraft judging, spot landing, and flour bombing competitions. Sponsored by the Continental Luscombe Association. Contact Jim or Patti Sani, 559/888-2745, or visit the Web site.
San Diego, California. The 2003 Lindbergh Award Event takes place May 16 at the San Diego Aerospace Museum. The Lindbergh Foundation will honor Harrison Ford and Jim Fowler, naturalist and former host of Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom, with its honorary 2003 Lindbergh Awards. Astronaut Sally Ride will accept the first-ever Anne Morrow Lindbergh Award. Contact Dacia Durham, 763/576-1596, or visit the Web site.
Chino, California. The Planes of Fame Airshow 2003 takes place May 17 and 18 at Chino Airport (CNO). Show will include biplanes, classics, warbirds, helicopters, vintage jets, and modern combat aircraft. Gates open at 8 a.m. daily. Contact 909/597-3722, or visit the Web site.
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 Pensacola, Florida, and Baltimore, May 17 and 18. Clinics are also scheduled in Phoenix, Minneapolis, and Austin, Texas, June 7 and 8. 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 Spruce Pine, North Carolina, May 16; Hartford, Connecticut, and Spruce Pine, North Carolina, May 17; Warwick, Rhode Island, and New York, New York, May 19; Upton, New York, and Billerica, Massachusetts, May 20; Portsmouth, New Hampshire, and Poughkeepsie, New York, May 21; and Parsippany, New Jersey, May 22. Topics vary; for complete details, see AOPA Online.